To master any form of art, you have to start from the basics. And painting is one such art where you can’t simply jump to painting without knowing anything about it. Does that make you feel intimidated? Well, don’t be. Since you are just beginning, you can make mistakes and that is how you will learn. And what is great is that you don’t need to spend a penny for taking these lessons either. These Easy Step-by-Step Painting Tutorials for Beginners will help you at every step.

From the colors to the canvas, from brushes to the tools, you have to learn about everything if you are planning to create a masterpiece of your own. And the most important thing is the technique. Every artist has his own special technique which they use to create their masterpieces. And now that you are ready to dip that brush into paint, it’s time for you to learn some of these techniques and styles which will affect your artistic journey in a great way.

Easy Step-by-Step Painting Tutorials for Beginners

Underpainting

Believe it or not, but not all masterpieces began from painting directly on that blank white canvas.  The underpainting is the first layer of paint applied to a canvas that will not just act as a base for other layers of paint but will also act as an outline of the painting. It gives you a good head start with some built-in contrast and tonal values. You can start by applying a single transparent color evenly to the entire canvas or paint the canvas with a single color and map out the darker and lighter areas.

Sgraffito

A painting is created by not just painting colors but also by scratching off the coat of paint. Sgraffito is a technique which involves removing the paint to reveal the underpainting and thus gives your painting a soft edge. When you are depicting grass or hair, this is the technique that will come in handy. You can use a knife for this or the end of your brush.

Drip Painting

As the name suggests, the drip painting technique involves the color being dripped or poured on to the canvas. It sounds easy but it is not. But you don’t need to be Jackson Pollock to create unique paintings. Just begin with liquid acrylics and make sure that you have runny paints available by your side.

Scumbling

Another name for the scumbling technique is – dry brush technique. In this painting technique, a thin layer of paint is applied over an existing layer with a dry brush and loose hand so that the bits of the lower layer could be visible. The technique allows the painting to have more depth and exquisite color variation.

Glazing

Glazing is a technique in which a transparent, thin or darker paint layer is applied over dry paint. The technique is especially used to intensify the shadows and modulate color. The paints used for this process must be transparent in nature and can be applied to the entire painting or some parts of it.

Washing

Washing is another technique which is similar to scumbling and glazing. Like the above two techniques washing also involves applying a thin layer of paint which creates an overall tone. But unlike the other two wash needs to be applied in the early stages of painting. To create a wash, generally thinner or turpentine is used.  

Stippling

The stippling technique involves making tiny dots using paint on the canvas to create the picture. The pattern you create with these little dots gives you the idea of the image and allows you to achieve beautiful variations of color. Any type of stiff brush would do for this technique.

Dabbing

In this technique, you have to do just what it sounds like – dabbing the paint onto the surface. You will need a sponge or a paper towel to dab the paint. It gives the painting a unique texture. The dabbing technique is especially used to paint motion. For instance, you can use this technique to show a scarf swaying in the icy breeze.

Splattering

Splattering technique sounds fun and wild. That is because it really is. But it is also harder than it looks and things definitely get messy. You can use an old toothbrush or paintbrushes with stiff bristles to splatter the paint on the surface. The end result will be a beautiful abstract painting with your name on it.

Use of Mediums

Mediums are fluids that you can add to your paint to modulate its consistency, drying time and texture. If you are using acrylics then you can use mediums which will make the paint matte or gloss. Choosing the medium can be fun as it gives you the chance to explore the different paints and their finish.

You won’t be able to master the art of painting at the very first try. But keep your patience as stocked up as the paint and blank canvases. Part of the fun is learning the art and exploring your options. And when you are painting, there is no limit to your imagination.