Welcome to the Painting hub! Whether you’re just opening a fresh set of brushes or you’ve been at it for years, this page gives you clear, bite‑size advice you can use right now. We’ve pulled together the most useful ideas from our articles, so you can find the right tip without scrolling forever.
First off, pick a medium that feels right. Oil, watercolor, acrylic, or mixed media each have their own rhythm. Don’t worry about choosing the “perfect” one – try a few and see which one lets you work fastest.
Getting the right tools saves time and frustration. For oil painting, a small bottle of linseed oil and a set of quality brushes (hog or synthetic) are enough to start. Our guide on "Is Linseed Oil Necessary for Oil Painting?" breaks down why you might want it and when you can skip it.
If watercolors are your thing, grab a paper that’s at least 140 lb weight, a couple of good brushes, and a limited palette of a few colors. The "Watercolor Painting for Beginners: What to Buy First" article lists the exact brands that give the best results without breaking the bank.
Portrait painters often ask about base colors. Using a warm undertone as a base can make skin look more alive. Check out "Understanding the Base Color Techniques in Portrait Painting" for a quick rundown.
Landscape artists benefit from a simple composition sketch before adding color. Our piece "Mastering Landscape Paintings: What to Paint First" shows you how to decide which elements go first, keeping the scene balanced.
Want softer transitions in oil? Try the "blur edges" trick from "How to Blur Oil Painting Edges: Easy Techniques for Soft Transitions" – gently feather the paint with a clean, slightly damp brush before it dries.
Struggling with abstract ideas? The "How to Begin Abstract Painting" article walks you through picking a color scheme, setting a mood, and avoiding common newbie mistakes.
Portrait artists often wonder about color choices. "Best Colors for Captivating Portraits" explains how cool blues can pull focus to the eyes, while warm reds add depth to cheekbones.
For a little art history inspiration, see how Van Gogh used watercolor in "Did Van Gogh Use Watercolors?" and try replicating his brushwork for a fresh twist on your own work.
Finally, remember to keep practicing. Even a 15‑minute daily sketch sharpens your eye and builds muscle memory. Combine these quick tips with the deeper guides linked above, and you’ll see steady improvement in no time.
Got a specific question? Dive into the articles listed below – each one is written for real artists, not just theory. Happy painting!
Alta prima is a direct oil painting technique where artists complete a piece in one session using wet-on-wet brushwork. It captures light and movement with bold, spontaneous strokes and is favored by plein air and portrait painters.
Explore why people paint portraits, from status and memory to self‑expression and modern branding, with history, motivations, tips, and FAQs.
Explore the three primary types of landscape art-idealized, realistic, and abstract-through definitions, key artists, techniques, and practical tips for creators.
Discover easy first oil painting ideas, essential materials, and three beginner techniques that guarantee a successful start. Follow step-by-step guides and avoid common mistakes.
Discover the easiest watercolor subjects for beginners, learn simple techniques, and get a quick supply checklist to start painting confidently.
Explore realistic portrait pricing, from entry‑level prints to high‑end oil commissions, and learn how to set, sell, and boost the value of your artwork.
Learn the exact steps, materials, and techniques to make your oil paintings pop with lasting color and depth, from pigment choices to glazing, impasto, and varnishing.
Explore the 2024 estimated worth of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, how insurers calculate its value, and how it compares to the world's most expensive paintings.
Learn why Van Gogh's Starry Night is in the public domain, how copyright terms work, and what you can legally do with the iconic painting.
Want buttery smooth blends in your oil paintings? Learn clever ways to blur edges, avoid harsh lines, and get those dreamy, professional soft transitions.
Curious about watercolor painting but not sure what to buy? This guide breaks down the must-have items for beginners, keeping it straightforward and budget-friendly. Find out which paints and brushes actually matter, what paper makes a difference, and which extras help your artwork shine. Get real tips learned from experience, not fluffy internet lists. Make your first trip to the art store count.
Portrait painting can look tough, especially when you want a face to resemble a real person. This article breaks down just how tricky it really is, why some struggle, and what makes it easier. You'll get real advice, beginner-friendly tips, and fun facts about how even famous artists have wrestled with faces. We've got the low-down on skills, practice hacks, and what matters most for better portraits. If you're curious whether anyone can get good at portrait painting, this will give you the real scoop.