Picture this – your hands gripping the bristles of a paintbrush, hovering over a blank canvas ready to create your next masterpiece. Many of us feel too intimidated to pick up a brush and dip it in paint but it doesn’t have to be so daunting. With the right confidence and technique, anyone can learn how to draw in paint. And this step-by-step guide will help you get started.
First, let’s focus on the basics. Choose the type of paint you want to use and make sure you have the right tools like canvas, paint, a palette, and a brush. Consider the size and shape of the canvas, so your painting won’t look cramped when the painting is done. For a more immersive experience, create an atmosphere fit for a creative session – light some candles, pick an inspiring playlist, and try to clear your mind of all distracting thoughts. That way, you can craft an arresting masterpiece with ease.
Once you have properly assembled your supplies and ambiance, you can start drawing your subject. Before putting something on the canvas, consider the space and tell yourself “what is the space asking for?” It’s essential to let yourself be open to the possibilities a painting can bring, be it abstract, figurative, objective, or a mix of everything.
When painting, use your emotions as your guide. Do you want your painting to be light and airy, somber and moody, or dark and mysterious? Contemplate this as you apply your base paint, keeping in mind that there’s no such thing as mistakes, only beautiful accidents. And whatever does come out of your brush— whether it’s a smudge or an eye-catching curve—consider it a necessary step towards creating something special.
Much like life itself, when painting you try something and if it doesn’t get the results you want, you try again until the image looks just right. Who knows, it might even turn out to be amazing! Give yourself plenty of space to experiment with different ways to create your image while being mindful of the elements in the painting: direction, texture, color, form, and dimension. It’s also OK to take breaks when you need a second opinion to check whether the painting looks balanced – though in the end you have to trust yourself and your artistic vision.
Once you‘re done, take a step back and evaluate. Admire your creation and check for errors and asymmetry. Then spend some more time to add those little details— a streak of black against a yellow background, some glossy glimmer to share the light, or orange strokes with a hint of purple. You’re the artist, so it’s your call.
Now take your painting to the next level by combining the various elements together. Focus on the outlines and use the shapes you’ve created to guide the way. Layer on paint, create some softness by blending colors, add more shades of the same color for greater depth — the possibilities are practically endless.
And, last but not least, let every pipe of your brush stroke be a sign of emotion.As much as you want to make an artistic impression, it’s also important to let your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences flow into the painting, because that’s the stuff that make artwork so meaningful.
Now you know the basics for how to draw in paint. Don’t be afraid to pick up a brush and just go for it. Paint is a creative outlet meant to be explored, so don’t let anyone or anything hold you back. As long as you are patient, confident, and put your heart and soul into it, you can turn each brush stroke into a work of art.
