History of Indian art

 

Rome was not built in a day, and nor did the paintings we see today. Everything has a whole lot of evolution behind it and so do Indian paintings. There has been a tremendous shift in Indian paintings. From the themes of the paintings to the source of colour abstraction and the material on which these are painted, everything has gone through an evolution. buy paintings online India.

Though we are still under a rock when it comes to pinning to the exact point of the beginning of mankind, we do have a rough estimate thanks to the archaeological extractions. And the one thing that has been found prominent and persistent throughout the evolution and history of mankind till date are paintings.

Without further ado, let us get onto the evolution and history of paintings along with nearing mankind.

ANCIENT PERIOD

Rock Art –

The oldest known existence of paintings is the rock art in caves. These cave arts have been around for more than 10,000 years and depicted the life of the cavemen. Bhimbetka cave paintings are an example.

Murals –

Just as history repeats itself, murals seem to have made a comeback too. Murals are paintings made directly on the wall or ceiling rather than being hanged.

Talking about the history of murals, we can see its traces as early as 2nd century BC and have continued till the 10th century AD. Over 20 locations all over India boast of this art form and are mainly rock-cut chambers and natural caves.

Ajanta and Ellora caves, Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter, Armamalai Cave, Sittanavasal Cave, and Bagh Cave are the clear depicters of the evolution and history of murals.

Mainly religious themes of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism have been depicted through these murals.

MIDDLE KINGDOMS & LATE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

Eastern Indian Painting –

The 10th century East India saw the development of miniature painting that depicted Buddhist divinities as well as scenes from the life and journey of Lord Buddha.

These are called miniature paintings because they have been painted on palm tree leaves (around 2.25 – 3 inches) and their wooden base. Though the styles diminished from our country by the end of 12th century AD, we still have some valued possessions depicted this art from such as Kalachakra Tantra, Karandavyuha, Pancharaksa, and Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita.

Western Indian Painting –

Similar to Eastern Indian Paintings, Western India also saw the rise of the Miniature paintings. These paintings are full of vivid colours which were manually derived from fruits, vegetables, indigo, conch shells, and precious and semi-precious metals. These paintings create an awe among its viewers because of their intricate brushwork.

However, while miniature art disappeared from East India in the 12th century AD, it came to Western Himalayas around the 17th century AD.

Most of these paintings are in sync with Indian manuscripts, Sanskrit and folk literature, and mythological scripts.

Earlier painted on palm tree leaves called ‘Taadpatra’, they gradually shifted to paper. The most common features are side faced humans, big eyes, sharp nose, long hair, traditional outfits, Lord Krishna as blue and rest humans as white or brown, and depiction of nature.

The most well-known painter of Western Indian Paintings is Vaachhak.

EARLY MODERN PERIOD

Mughal Period –

Mughal period saw the rise of incredible painters, paintings, and painting styles. Mughal paintings have a unique blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. Between the 16th and 19th century, the Mughal Empire paved the way for painters and other fine artists to bloom.

Influenced by Persian Miniature paintings, Mughal paintings inspired Deccan, Pahari, and Rajput styles of painting.

Mughals wanted the world to remember them and thus took their artists to all the expeditions, hunts, missions, marriages, religious tours, and even Durban meetings.

Mughal paintings came to an end with the reign of Aurangzeb, who has no liking for any sort of fine arts.

Deccan, Jaunpur, and Malwa Schools of Painting –

16th century saw the rise of a few more styles of paintings such as manuscript illustration, Lodi Khuladar, as well as miniature style. Tariff-i-Hussain Shahi is the earliest surviving paintings found as manuscript illustrations.

Similarly, the manuscript of Nujum-ul-Ulum has about 400 Indian miniature paintings depicted in it.

Rajput Painting –

The 18th century saw the rise of another style of painting called Rajput Painting in the royal courts of Rajputana. Though each Rajput kingdom had a distinct style, some similar and consistent features can be found throughout. For instance, the depiction of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Lord Krishna’s life instances, humans, and extravagant landscapes.

Though you will find the maximum paintings to be miniature, murals have also been found running through the palaces, Havelis, and inner chambers of the royalty.

Mysore Painting –

Hindu mythology is the central theme of this South Indian form of painting – Mysore painting. Even now, people give Mysore paintings as gifts to one another during the festive time.

Tanjore Painting –

The entire South Indian town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu is said to be the native of Tanjore painting. Tanjore paintings have been in existence since the 9th century AD when Chola rulers dominated that part of the country.

The themes are mainly related to Hindu mythology consisting of bright colours and special attention to details.

Pahari Painting –

From Jammu to Almora and Garhwal, through Himachal Pradesh, Pahari Painting flourished from 17th century to 19th century AD.

Madhubani Painting –

The Mithila region of Bihar practised and aced a painting style which they called Madhubani painting. The major themes were Hindu mythology along with scenes of social events such as marriages and scenes of the royal court.

These paintings do not leave any black room on the canvas as everything is filled with flowers, leaves, animals, birds, and other intricate and geometric designs.

BRITISH COLONIAL PERIOD

Early Modern Indian Painting –

India finally saw the face of formal art schools – Government College of Fine Arts, Madras in 1850, Government College of Art & Craft, Calcutta in 1854, and Sir J.J. School of Art, Bombay in 1857.

Raja Ravi Varma is considered to be the pioneer of modern Indian paintings due to his extensive use of easel painting and oil paints. Though he drew on Western traditions, his subjects were mostly Indian mythological such as Hindu deities as well as episodes from the Puranas and Epics.

Bengal School of Art

During the British Raj in India during the early 20th century, an influential style of art called Bengal School of art flourished. The main reason for the flaming of this art was to step against the academic arts promoted by the British art schools and Raja Ravi Varma.

Bengal school of art was associated with Indian Nationalism.

POST INDEPENDENCE & CONTEMPORARY ART

After Independence, India saw the rise of many art schools throughout the country. These art schools were well equipped with advanced tools and trending technology which gave Indians a chance to showcase their talent with the aid of the latest findings.

As for contemporary art, abstract art is the new go-to for artists in India. However, the painting industry has so many varied names and styles, that it is almost impossible to point to one style Indians call their own.

Today, we are living in a country where taking inspiration from the gone era is as important as coming up with new and latest ideas. 

 

9 most famous painters in the world history

 Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Not only did Leonardo da Vinci experiment with mediums, but he also innovated different ways of creating striking compositions. In fact, his signature triangular composition is still used today and is widely considered one of the most visually pleasing painting layouts. He was also an early advocate of studying anatomical models to perfect his art, something that was illegal at the time.

Although legendary for paintings like Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, da Vinci's artistic output was relatively small; only 17 surviving works can be attributed to him.

Vincent van Gosh (1853-1890)

Though he is seen today as one of the most influential painters in Western art, Vincent van Gogh was not commercially successful during his lifetime. Since the early 20th century, however, his masterful paintings have been prized for their expressive emotion. Filled with dramatic brushstrokes and bold color, the Post-Impressionist painter's artwork is a roadmap to modern art.

Claude Monet (1840-1926)

From bringing his easel out of the studio and into the environment to his landmark studies of time and light, Claude Monet is perhaps the most beloved of all Impressionist painters. In fact, his painting Impression, Sunrise is credited with launching the entire art movement, and his series of water lilies is a part of his lasting legacy with over 250 iterations of the subject.

Pablo Pisacco (1881-1973)

In an 80-year career that moves through multiple styles and over 20,000 works, Pablo Picasso is undoubtedly one of the most recognized names in Western art. His role in launching Cubism would be enough to cement his status in the history books, but Picasso did much more. He is recognized for showing how Classical art can be mastered—and then manipulated—to become something new, fresh, and modern.

Rembrandt ( 1606-1669)

Rembrandt van Rijn is so famous that even today we call this Dutch master by his first name. Painting everything from genre scenes to landscapes to great historical and mythological paintings, Rembrandt was the dominant force in Dutch art for much of the 17th century. Not only did he create some of the most significant group portraits of the Dutch Golden Age but he also left behind about 80 self-portraits in the form of paintings, etchings, and drawings.

Michelangelo (1475-1564)

While Michelangelo may have viewed himself as a sculptor, his placement on this list shows his true genius. Though relatively few Michelangelo paintings survive, those that do are considered some of the best in the world. His ability to quickly master fresco painting and take it to new heights is evident in both the Sistine Chapel Ceiling and The Last Judgment, which continue to inspire artists today.

Paul cezzane (1839-1906)

Leading Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne has enjoyed a lasting legacy thanks to his innovative approach to perspective, vivid color palette, and use of painterly brushstrokes that were meticulously arranged into geometric forms. In fact, his preference for breaking down forms and using bold tones has often led him to be called a precursor to Cubism.

Raphael (1483-1520)

Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, best known simply as Raphael (1482–1520), is held today as a master of form and composition. Although he died at just 37 years old, the Italian architect and painter left behind a vast body of work. He is primarily known for his Madonna paintings, including his vivid Madonna in the Grass, as well as his large-scale mural, The School of Athens, which celebrates philosophy.

Frida Kahlo(1907-1954)

Her highly intimate series of self-portraits and the embracement of her cultural heritage are just some of the things that make Frida Kahlo one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. Today she has become a pop culture icon, but this shouldn't overshadow her great skill as a painter and her innovations in bringing Mexican culture to a wider audience. Her deeply personal self-portraits also point to a new direction for modern artists, where art was about expressing inner emotion rather than attempting to please a collector or patron.

5 Different types of color

Choosing a paint to use can be overwhelming at times due to the various types out there.

Get the finish you want by using the right paint for your next project. Some paints are more durable than others or completely change the look of the piece.

Depending on what you are creating, the right paint choice can be extremely significant to the final success of your masterpiece.

These 5 paint types are different in style and properties but can make a big impact on your next art project.

Acrylic 

Acrylic paints are extremely versatile, and ideal for fine brushwork, glazing, staining, water media techniques and many more.

This smooth and light paint has excellent pigment quality, color strength, and durability.

The acrylic paint can be applied to almost any stable surface like watercolor paper or canvas. It is quick-drying and can be purchased in a variety of forms, like a tube or small ink-bottle varying in viscosity.

Oil

Oil-based paint is very durable and provides a glossy-looking finish. Brushstrokes fill themselves into a smooth, rich varnish. Oil-based paint has long-lasting coverage and blends well with others.

This paint dries slowly which works in a painter’s advantage since the artist can develop the painting gradually, making changes to the work along the way.

Don’t forget about water mixable oil paints. Water mixable oil paint is oil paint with an added emulsifier. This type of paint is water mixable, not water-based. This paint possesses elasticity and is diluted thinly when more water is added.

Watercolor 

Watercolor is a translucent paint containing pigment and a binder, typically gum-arabic. The gum-arabic holds the paint together and ensures the paint will not flake.

The paint has color pigment suspended in water until the water dries and stains the surface. The paint brushes with fluidity and transparency and dries fairly quickly.

Gouache

Gouache is a water-soluble and opaque paint so the white of the paper surface does not show through.

It is a tad chalkier than traditional watercolor and absorbs light rather than reflects it. The paint is diluted with water, but possesses a strong colored pigment.

This unique paint dries darker and a little of it goes a long way and takes time to dry which means it can be workable for hours or even days after application.

Encaustic 

Encaustic is a wax-based paint with a strong color pigment. A versatile paint choice, encaustic has no solvents added and is impervious to moisture.

It is highly durable and best used on a firm, absorbent surface. Artists can use a heat source and metal tools to begin working with this hot liquid wax known as encaustic.

Paint shapers and palette knives work amazing with encaustic paint. Get yours today! 

When it comes to choosing paint, select a paint based on the style and finish. There are a variety of unique paint types to select from with varying methods of application and viscosities.

These paint types are guaranteed to be a premier choice for your art project. With each paint supplying a unique look for you, the possibilities are endless. Try one of these 5 different paint types on your next project.

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4 ways to improve your art.

Isn’t it one of the most frustrating things to have an idea in your mind without being able to bring it to life? A great idea is rarely enough, you must be able to put it into practice.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, many designers, artists, and illustrators strive to improve their drawing and sketching skills. So we have compiled a surefire list of five tips that will help you to improve your drawing skills right away.

Remember, no matter what your goal is, you must draw more regularly to improve. Learn how to get into a good habit and use these strategies to start improving your drawing skills.

1. Try a daily drawing challenge

To kick things off, try a daily drawing challenge for a week, a month, or even longer. You may want to get a sketchbook to keep with you at all times, in case you find yourself suddenly inspired by your surroundings. Some new supplies may also motivate you to get into a good drawing rhythm.

Practice sketching everyday objects while keeping your goals in mind. If your goal is to learn to draw realistically, try drawing a toothbrush with hyper-realistic details. Your skills will improve day after day, then you can start drawing more complicated subjects.

2. Go back to basics with shapes

You probably learned how to draw shapes during your first few art classes and, once perfected, moved on from this practice as your skills developed. But almost everything you will ever draw like an artist can be made from shapes.

In order to better understand how they should execute a move, professional athletes often look at its components. To practice a difficult progression, musicians break it down into separate sections, then string them together. The same concept applies to drawing.

Start by practicing the shapes, and move on to what the shapes will create.

3. Spend time looking for inspiration

If you’re in an art class or studying something you don’t usually draw, or browsing Dribbble for inspiration, stepping outside your comfort zone is always a good idea. Remember, if you’re not failing, you’re not learning.

Maybe you’ll find inspiration through an online drawing class, or YouTube tutorial.

4. Create repeating patterns

In addition to starting with the basics (shapes), designing repeating patterns like icons, symbols, or other combinations of shapes can be a great exercise to practice your skills. Try using only circles, or creating a pattern with a variety of components.

9 Art galleries of India

Art has the power to engage the soul and display emotions that can't be said or written. India has been blessed with brilliant artists and art forms. Since ancient times, art sculptures and paintings have been an innate part of the Indian culture. In modern times, there are some art galleries in India which preserve the old age art creations as well as provide a platform to upcoming artists to showcase their talent and also promote the importance of art in India. Below mentioned are some of the most significant art galleries in India:

1. Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata

Established in 1933, the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata is one of the most significant art galleries in India. Various famous paintings by eminent Indian and foreign artists are displayed here. Some of the famous paintings include 'Girl with a pitcher' and 'A Winter's Evening' by Rabindra Nath Tagore. Works of artists like Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, M.F.Hussain, etc, are also showcased at the academy.

2. The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh

Sculptures are also on display apart from paintings at this prominent museum located in Chandigarh. Started for the public in 1968, the museum features different sections for sculpture, architecture and art paintings. The best sections of the museum consist of sections for Indian miniature paintings, contemporary art, portraits, etc. 

3. Indian Museum, Kolkata

Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is known for preserving the heritage artworks of India. The museum is divided into six sections and the art gallery of the museum is divided into 4 sections which feature Mughal Painting Gallery, Bengal Painting Gallery, Decorative Art and Textile Gallery along with South East Asian Gallery.

4. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

Established in 1952, Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai is owned by a private organization and has paintings of almost all famous Indian artists from Jamini Roy to Arpita Singh. Artists from India and abroad line up to get their work exhibited at this gallery. It is a must visit for art lovers as you will get to see some of the finest art creations of the world at this gallery.

5. National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore

One of the newer art galleries in India, the National Gallery of Modern Art was inaugurated in 2009 in Bangalore. Currently, the art gallery houses more than 500 paintings from both traditional and modern genres. Paintings on display are works of honourable artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Jamini Roy, etc. The paintings are sorted and displayed according to time periods, artists and school of art.

6. National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi is an initiative by the government of India. Established in 1954, the gallery features a collection of over 14,000 paintings by artists from India and abroad. Paintings in this wide assortment include works of Raja Ravi Varma, Tagore brothers, Jamini Roy etc. It is one of the finest Art Galleries in India.

7. National Museum, New Delhi

The National Museum in New Delhi has been operating since 1949 and is unbeatable when it comes to the collection of art paintings. The art gallery here features the biggest collection of miniature paintings in the country. Paintings by modern artists along with Mughal, Deccan, Rajasthan, Sikh and Kashmiri artists are showcased here. The artworks here range from the time periods of 10th to 20th century.

8. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Victoria Memorial was launched for the public in the year 1921. The gallery sports different sections for Indian and foreign paintings, Calcutta Gallery, Royal Gallery, Indian paintings, miniatures, etc, being some of those. The Royal Gallery is dedicated to paintings of Queen Victoria. The collection of western paintings includes paintings from the likes of Charles D'oyly, Johann Zoffany, William Hadges, William Simpson, etc.

9. Aakriti Art Gallery

Aakriti Art gallery has evolved as one of the prominent modern Art Galleries in India. The gallery operates from two centres, one in Kolkata and one in New Delhi. Traditional paintings, sculptures, printmaking, video art and installations are on display here. Art lovers have the option to buy modern and contemporary art paintings from an online art shop too. The gallery has reinforced the Gen-next exhibitions which deliver modern art and reaches to the young crowd of India.

Be it contemporary fine art, figurative or abstract paintings or sculptures, mixed media, oil on canvas or etching, art galleries in India work towards the integration of artist's community and making the cultural heritage of India .

Why we attract towards Art?

Why are we drawn to art? 

Why does it make us feel a certain way? Art tells a story that can be interpreted in many different ways by different people.  Everyone has a different point of view of the world, and that is why art can create an experience in one image.

First, art is the barometer that measures levels of cultural sophistication. Throughout human existence, we have learned about cultural accomplishments from the cultural artifacts left behind. Many of these artifacts have left behind permanent marks on the planet.

 Consider the construction of Stonehenge, the Greek Parthenon, the Roman Colosseum, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, gothic cathedrals,  Meso-American pyramids, the Taj Mahal and even, the Statue of Liberty. Each of these iconic structures also is a piece of art that communicates important messages about the time, place and context in which the structure was created.

In addition to providing commentary about the larger culture, art makes life more manageable, tolerable and enjoyable. One may not think about more utilitarian items and places as “art,” but they do contribute to one’s aesthetic experience. 

Think about the iPhone, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, Call of Duty: Black Ops, floor rugs, royal processions, Gucci’s Spring line, Versace furniture, Ducati motorcycles, Land Rovers, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, Calvin Klein, Calatrava bridges, sunglasses, military uniforms, Star Wars, Rolling Stone Magazine covers and the Transformers. 

Now, remove any element founded in creativity, art and design, and all that remains are piles of materials that require human imagination and visual thinking. Art forces humans to look beyond that which is necessary to survive and leads people to create for the sake of expression and meaning.

Art makes you think about life

In one photo, painting, drawing, or sculpture, you can paint an image of your own life.  The beauty of a piece of art makes you reflect your life at that point in time. The setting of the scene is important as well because it can transport you to that place and create a story. A piece of art can be very emotional. It can make you feel sadness, happiness, anger, empathy, desire, and connection.

It’s a universal language interpreted individually

The artist may have created the art for one purpose, but the viewer may also interpret it differently.  There are no words to describe the story behind it.  If the art lasts long, the artist may reveal the reasons, but usually it’s up to the viewer. For example, a simple painting of a dog could mean so many things for the viewer, especially for someone who’s pet recently passed away.

Caricature Art gives you a laugh

Caricature art is unique in that it is done quickly.  It’s a cartoon-like portrait of a person, which can be very amusing and funny.  People are drawn to this because the piece portrays and exaggerated expression of the subject.  They are fun and unique, and they capture people’s emotions in a different light.

Types of paint brush

 If you are a newbie to the world of painting then, first of all, we would like to welcome you to this wonderful world of art. This art of painting is like a magic where you will be able to explore the world beyond imagination and get to play with colors you might have never even seen before.

 And to make this magic possible you will need a magic wand. What this magic wand is? You guessed it right! I am talking about the paint brush you will need while filling that canvas with your creativity. So let’s find out more about these Different Types of Paint Brushes and learn about their Names and their Use.

Different Types of Paint Brushes

The painting brushes come in varying sizes and shapes with different bristles. Each of these is used for different purposes and gives details to the painting in their own unique ways. Choosing the painting brush depends upon what kind of details and strokes you want in your painting.

 1. Wash Brush

An acrylic wash brush is the biggest of the lot with a square end and medium to long hairs. It is ideal for varnishing because it gives the maximum coverage smoothly and quickly what with it being thicker than any other brushes. It gives nice bold strokes and its edge can be used to create fine lines, straight edges, and stripes.

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2. Angled Brush

As the name suggests the angled brush has an angled or slanted tip. This is the reason why it is also known as the slanted brush. Some might even call it shader due to its flexibility when it comes to filling small areas to bigger ones without any effort. It is a perfect brush for curved strokes and filling corners.

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3. Flat Brush

Think of flat brush as the mini version of the wash brush. Where the wash brush has bristles with slightly round edges and is very thick, the flat brush is not so much. The flat brush is perfect to use when you want a lot of paint coverage and the surface you are working on is small for a wash brush. Not to mention that this brush will allow you to maneuver it more easily.

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4. Fan Brush

A fan brush looks exactly like the name suggests – a fan. It is flat and has spread hairs and is an ideal choice when you are planning to paint nature elements and landscapes. It can even be used for blending backgrounds or adding subtle highlights to darker areas

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 You can pick a fan brush with natural hairs which are great for smoothing, blending and feathering or else opt for synthetic hairs for interesting textural effects and leaves on trees.

5. Round Brush

Imagine you holding a pencil and that is what you will feel while holding a round brush. It gives you more control over the flow of paint with it being narrower than any other brushes. The round brush can mainly be of two different types. One is the simple round brush with a sharp point which allows you to paint fine lines and details with it. 

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The other round brush will be narrower even than the round brush with a more sharply pointed tip. It is excellent to get fine lines and details in delicate areas.

6. Liner Brush

If you think no other brush can be thinner than a round brush then you are so very wrong. A liner brush, also known as rigger brush, is a thin brush with very long bristles. The tip of this brush can be flat or square and if it is angled then it is called a sword brush. When you want to create very fine and thin lines, this is the brush that you will need to pick.

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 Since the brush has a very small tip, it is often used to write out letters and numbers. Artists mostly use this brush to sign their work. And believe it or not, but this extremely thin brush can hold a great deal of fluid paint.

7. Filbert Brush

A filbert brush is a type of flat brush which has medium to long hairs that come to a rounded point or an oval-shaped end. It gives a lovely thin line when used on its side and paints broad brushstrokes when used flat. It is a hybrid of round and flat brushes and has both of their best features – it can give details to your work as the round brushes and cover more space like the flat brush. 

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With its variety of marks, the filbert brush has become the favorite of many artists, especially the figurative painters.

How to start your painting career?

 The desire to paint is widely held among people of all ages and professions, but many never act on the urge. Some people avoid painting because of insecurity or misguided notions about what the art form entails. 

Some think that painting requires innate talent or expensive instruction, and worry that they aren’t creative enough to paint something beautiful. Other people simply don’t know how to begin.

 Daunted by the vast selection of brushes, paints, and media on the shelves of art stores, they retreat, feeling that painting is too complicated to grasp on their own.

Yet learning to paint doesn’t need to be intimidating, and it doesn’t require talent, in-person lessons, or great expense. All you need to teach yourself to paint is a few materials, targeted practice, and the right frame of mind.

Buy a few quality supplies

Paints come in both artist (also called “professional”) quality and student quality, with significant price differences between the two. Choose artist quality for the best results. While it’s logical to think that student paint will be adequate for learning, it may impede your growth. 

The low pigment load and added fillers in student paint make it difficult to achieve bright, clean colors, and you may be discouraged by the murky paintings you create.

To get started, all you’ll need is a primary color palette—red, yellow, and blue paint tubes. Add a tube of white if you’re working in an opaque medium, such as oil, acrylic, or gouache. With these colors, you can learn to mix a version of every other color that you need: greens, purples, oranges, browns, greys, and blacks. 

Using a limited number of pigments will allow you to focus on paint application, rather than continually hunting for the perfect tube of color as you paint.

In terms of brushes, a small selection of four or five options in various shapes and sizes will be enough to begin painting. You’ll quickly learn which brushes you prefer, and you can stock up on those in the future.

 For now, focus on experimenting and discovering the marks that each type of brush can make. You can learn more about brush types in this article.

Get an overview of the painting process

Over the centuries, painters have worked out efficient systems for starting and developing paintings, and you can access that knowledge through how-to books and free online videos. Look for titles that suit your interests, such as “paint like the Impressionists” or “how to paint people.”

 You’ll discover that there are a few basic ways that artists start a painting, such as by making a drawing and filling it in with color; creating a tonal underpainting; or starting from flat patches of color. 

By working from the demonstrations in books or videos, you will become familiar with basic painting processes and gain the confidence to tackle a subject of your own.

Paint from life, not photos

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Painting from real objects is a great way to learn for two reasons. First, it forces you to interpret the three-dimensionality of what you’re seeing on a two-dimensional canvas. Photo references are already flat, so copying them requires much less problem-solving, and you’ll learn less as a result.

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Discover your personal preferences

Set up a small still-life of one or two objects and attempt to paint it using approaches you learned from videos and books. Notice which method feels most comfortable to you. This will allow you to personalize your learning and focus your efforts on that technique in future paintings.

Set goals for each painting

Once you feel competent at mixing and applying paint, begin to evaluate your paintings for individual elements, such as color, composition, edges, and paint quality. You’ll probably find some weaknesses in each, but pick one issue that bothers you the most—maybe your colors feel too muted, or your paint is too thinly applied.

 Make it your goal to improve this aspect in your next few paintings. You should ignore the other problems as you do this; remind yourself that you can address them, one at a time, in the future. Breaking the complexity of painting into manageable parts will help you learn without becoming overwhelmed.