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One of the most often used
comments I get from people who watch as I create a painting is "I
can't draw a straight line". It's a well kept secret, of course, but
many, and I do mean many, artists can't draw one either. I
confess, have been painting for more than 20 years, I can't draw a
straight line either. I use a ruler.
If you've been bitten with the urge to create the best
place to start is in your own home. Get some paper and any old
pencil and start drawing objects in your house. Pick your favorite object
and draw it once a day for a month. Keep each days work and at the end of
the month pull out your first attempt and compare it to your last.
You will be amazed at how much you have progressed.
With a little confidence you are ready to move on.
You might want to purchase a how to book on drawing. One of the best books
on drawing today is Betty Edwards book, "Drawing
on the Right Side of the Brain" Another must for the new
artist is reading art magazines. A great one for beginners is "The
Artists Magazine". It's full of how to articles and step-by-step
instructions.
Most cities have recreation centers that teach ongoing
classes in watercolor and acrylics. Adult education at Technical colleges
sometimes have evening classes, great for beginners.
There are a lot of books written on the subject of art.
How to books are aimed at all levels of art instruction. They can teach
you all about the materials and techniques you will need to complete a painting.
Suggested titles include: for watercolor "Watercolors-Materials
& Techniques" by Jose' M. Parramon and
Watercolor
for the Serious Beginner
by Mary Wyhte
for acrylic The
Beginner's Guide Acrylics : A Complete Step-By-Step Guide to Techniques
and Materials (The Beginner's Guide Series)
by Angela Gair
For more recommended book titles on painting techniques
visit our Art Book Store.
Titles are selected because the books content and instructional value well
out weigh the price.
Once you sign up for a class you will probably take a
trip to an art store. Don't let the prices of fine art materials stop you.
You can mail order anything you need. Some of the best mail order
catalogues used by professional artists include, Dick
Blick, Art Express, Cheap
Joes' Art Stuff, Daniel Smith call 1-800-426-6740 for catalogue.
Another great place to jump start your painting is at an
art workshop. You will find advertisements for workshops in many art
magazines such as "The Artists Magazine" and "Artists"
and "Watercolor Magic" One of the best run workshops in the
nation not advertised is the Springmaid
Beach Watermedia Workshops held twice a year in Myrtle Beach SC.
If you have never been to an art workshop you will want to check out
our Special Report- How to get the most
out of your Workshop Experience
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