Tips for Beginning Artists by Bob Ransley

Overview

So you want to be a painter? Well, here are some simple tips form someone who has been at it a long time, but has not forgotten those early days. Hopefully, they will be a help to you.

Just get started

If you don't go get what you need to get started NOW, you certainly won't finish your first painting any time soon.

Go buy some "stuff" - but be conservative

If you are not careful, you will purchase things that will never be used. Get less expensive things to begin (you can always move up).

Decide on the place where you will paint

Have plenty of light - artificial or natural - otherwise you are painting in the dark. That sound silly, but lots of folks try it. Have adequate space.

Pick a subject matter

It really doesn't really matter what, but stay with it long enough to determine if you are any good at it.Make it something that appeals to you or you will most likely never like the end result.

Use the light

It is every artist's best friend.Use the shadows. they are every artist's next best friend.

Don't be afraid of mistakes

Even great artists have a pile of things they threw away, or should have.Discards or mistakes don't represent failure.They represent failed attempts at getting better.