Essential Tools and Tips for Beginners to Start Painting

Starting your journey in painting can seem daunting, with a wide array of brushes, paints, and other tools available. But it doesn't have to be. In this article, we will explore the minimal equipment you need and the creative freedom you can find beyond traditional art supplies.

Discovering Your Passion Through Experimentation

Instead of diving straight into expensive and complex traditional art supplies, you can begin by experimenting with what nature provides. Find a paving stone or slate, and expose it to the sun. Then, drizzle water onto the surface. Try drawing with your fingers, various sticks, or even brush-like tools made from feathers or a house cat's tail. The beauty of this process lies in your reaction to the marks you create. This activity can either ignite your passion or reveal that painting might not be for you.

Non-traditional Art Supplies

If you are still intrigued, you can transition to water-based paints like finger paints or liquid graphite. This approach allows you to explore the essence of painting without the commitment to expensive supplies. These materials are not only inexpensive but also accessible, making them perfect for experimenting with different techniques.

Deconstructing the Painting Process

Exploring the minimal tools helps break down the painting process into its most basic components. By deconstructing and reconstructing these components, you can gain a fresh perspective on what painting truly is. This approach encourages a hands-on, experimental approach rather than being constrained by traditional methods or prior artistic training.

Building Your Essential Art Supplies

Once you've discovered your passion and are ready to invest more time and resources, here's a recommended "skeleton kit" for beginners:

Oil Paints: Start with five basic tubes: cadmium red, cadmium yellow medium, titanium white, and ultramarine blue. You might also include burnt umber for added depth. Brushes: Choose a round brush with a 5-10mm diameter ferrule and a flat or bright brush with 1-2cm bristles. Quality and price are often correlated, so aim for good quality tools. Palette: Use a piece of thick glass, at least 20 x 30 cm, as your palette. Cover the back with white latex house paint to make it workable. Brush Stainer and Storage: Keep a jar or vase to hold your brushes and a tin of turpentine or mineral spirits (mineral spirits are cheaper at hardware stores) for cleaning. Cleaning Tools: Gather a set of rags for cleaning brushes and preparing the palette. Supports: While an easel isn't necessary, if you choose to use one, opt for a sturdy, non-slip model. Wooden easels with a ratcheting mast are ideal.

Working with Thicker Surfaces

Canvas boards, while tempting, are not recommended. They are thinly primed canvases on cardboard and often warp or become unsightly. Instead, opt for a quality canvas or a rigid surface like a board primed with gesso.

Online Resale Opportunities

If you find that you've developed a genuine love for painting, consider visiting online marketplaces or community ads to find discounted or free oil painting supplies. Art-making can be a high-turnover hobby, and many artists discard or sell their used materials.

By starting with these basics, you can explore the vast world of painting without overwhelming yourself with extensive and expensive supplies. Remember, the joy of painting lies in the process, not just the end result. Happy painting!