Where to Start with Painting: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Starting your painting journey can feel overwhelming with so many choices available. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the right medium and gather the essential supplies to begin creating beautiful artwork.
Choosing Your Perfect Painting Medium
The first step is selecting a medium that matches your painting style and preferences:
Choose Acrylics if you want:
- Quick-drying paint (dries within 30 minutes)
- Easy cleanup with water
- Vibrant, permanent colours
- Versatility across different surfaces
- Budget-friendly option for beginners
Choose Oils if you want:
- Extended working time for blending
- Rich, traditional painting techniques
- Smooth colour transitions
- Professional gallery-quality results
- Classical painting methods
Choose Watercolours if you want:
- Transparent, luminous effects
- Portable painting setup
- Delicate, flowing techniques
- Quick studies and sketches
- Minimal equipment requirements
Essential Materials for Each Medium
Acrylic Painting Supplies
- Paints: Basic colour set (titanium white, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, black)
- Brushes: Synthetic brushes in various sizes (rounds and flats)
- Surfaces: Stretched canvas, canvas boards, or acrylic paper
- Palette: Disposable paper palette or glass palette
- Medium: Acrylic medium for texture or slow-drying
- Extras: Water containers, paper towels, easel (optional)
Oil Painting Supplies
- Paints: Artist-quality oil paint starter set
- Brushes: Natural bristle brushes (hog hair recommended)
- Surfaces: Primed canvas or canvas boards
- Palette: Glass or wooden palette
- Solvents: Turpentine or odourless mineral spirits
- Medium: Linseed oil or painting medium
- Extras: Palette knife, rags, easel
Watercolour Painting Supplies
- Paints: Student or artist-quality watercolour set
- Brushes: Natural hair brushes (sable preferred)
- Paper: Cold-pressed watercolour paper (300gsm minimum)
- Palette: Ceramic or enamel mixing palette
- Accessories: Natural sponges, masking tape
- Extras: Water containers, spray bottle, watercolour mediums
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need gesso?
For acrylics and oils on canvas, gesso creates the ideal painting surface by sealing the canvas and providing tooth for paint adhesion. Pre-primed canvases already have gesso applied, but you can add extra coats for smoother coverage. Watercolour paper doesn't require gesso.
What's the best surface for beginners?
Canvas boards offer an affordable way to practice, whilst stretched canvases provide a professional feel. Watercolour artists should invest in quality paper as it significantly affects paint behaviour.
How many colours do I need to start?
A limited palette of 6-8 colours teaches colour mixing fundamentals and prevents overwhelming choices. You can create virtually any colour from primary colours plus white and black.
Ready to Start Painting?
Visit Art Shed Brisbane for expert advice and quality supplies to begin your artistic journey. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the perfect materials for your chosen medium and skill level.
Remember, the best medium is the one that excites you most. Start with basic supplies, practice regularly, and gradually expand your materials as your skills develop. Every professional artist started exactly where you are now.