Inspired? Then Paint!

The other day I was asked how I select my art materials and I am, as you can imagine, like a kid in a candy shop when I am at my art warehouse shop! Painting is one of the most popular hobbies in the UK, enjoyed by people of all ages and  if you are thinking of reigniting your artistic side but don’t know where to start, then this blog is for you!

If it has been years since you picked up a paintbrush but have been inspired to do so again, read on and I will tell you the do’s and don’ts of selecting your art materials without being overwhelmed by what is on offer!

Painting Mediums

Watercolour – The most popular painting medium for artists and the medium I first learnt on! This medium is so special as you can create very bold colours followed by the very softest of tints. You can purchase watercolours in tubes or in small blocks, I prefer the blocks as you can create the depth of colour on the brush by how much you swirl!!

My Watercolours

Aged 10, my first watercolour painting

Gouache – This is another form of watercolour but it is opaque rather than transparent in nature. Primarily available in tubes, this comes in a huge range of colours and is used by illustrators and artists’ alike.

Oil Paints – Oils have a firm texture and can be applied in a number of ways with a number of mediums that can alter the drying time length of the sheen of the finished painting. Solvent based mediums, such as turpentine thin the paint and must be used to clean brushes.

If you have not used oils before then there are a range of water-based oil paints which are great for beginners (far easier to clean than the real-deal and you wont be in danger of fumigating yourself whilst creating).

Acrylic Paints – My personal favourite were developed in the 1950’s. When wet they are water-soluble, when dry they are waterproof. They are very versatile and easy to use.  Acrylics are readily available in a range of colours and also have fab metallic, pearlescent and fluorescent colours. All the colours mix well and can be applied to literlally any surface!

These are my white, grey and black colours in the Golden Range

Many mediums are available to alter the paint by adding texture, gloss and matt effects as well as a whole library of other fascinating effects. You will have lots of fun experimenting!!

You can get student quality paints which are great for starting out - Daler Rowney do a great range of colours.  - here is a photo of my lovely Golden Paints. 

My wonderful Da Vinci Brushes

The world of brushes – Brushes can be bewildering! I have spent over £100 on 1 brush before (The one on the left!) The quality of them varies and it is always good to have a good brush collection.

As a general rule of thumb, for watercolour you would use a soft brush (such as nylon and sable) and oil paints would use a hard brush (such as hog) and of course, you guessed it – acrylics can use both.

Round brushes – carry a lot of paint – use for detail and broad areas of colour.

Flat brushes – excellent for laying down flat, even areas or washes.

Fan brush – great for blending colours and creating cloud effects.

I hope that explains the basics to you, if you would like to know anymore then please message me. 

I would also love to see some of your work. Please share your art with me? 

Be Inspired J