About PaintingLearn More

"Painting" refers to both the action of painting and the finished artwork. Painting is the process of applying paint, or a substance of colored pigments suspended in a binder, to a physical surface called a support. The painter uses brushstrokes or marks to create an image on the support's surface, yielding an artwork called a painting. Types of supports for painting include canvas, paper, wooden boards, walls, vellum, glass, or virtually any surface where paint can adhere. Painting media come in many different types. Some are more well-known, like acrylic, watercolor, pastels, and oil painting, while other painting media may be less popular, like tempera, fresco, gouache, encaustic, or spray paint. The many different styles of painting range from photo-realism to impressionism to pure abstraction. Each of these styles can be used to create a limitless array of subjects like landscape, portraits, emotion, still-life, or allegory.

The best way to start learning painting is not to be afraid to experiment and try it. Begin by choosing a medium, such as watercolor, and then assemble a basic painting kit of paints, brushes, and a painting surface like canvas or paper. If you feel intimidated choosing a particular medium, then start by learning about the different types of paint to choose from. You may decide to try oil painting because it's the most traditional form of painting. Or, perhaps you'll decide to start with watercolor as it requires the least amount of art supplies. Whatever path you take, Udemy's painting courses can help you along the way.

Every type of painting has a different learning curve, but you could grasp the basics of one medium quickly. However, to truly learn painting, you must continually practice essential techniques. These techniques include brushstrokes, composition, light, color, and a strong grasp of using your art materials. As you continue your artistic journey, you can incorporate additional skills like perspective, anatomy, tonal value, and color theory. No matter your skill level, be patient with yourself. Whether it's finally mixing that perfect green hue or trying to create your first portrait painting, every new skill you achieve is worth celebrating. Learning to paint is a path of self-discovery that will unfold throughout your life. Some techniques and media will come easier than others, but you can eventually achieve your artistic goals with ample practice.