Do I need a lot of paint to get started?

No way. For a long time I just used primary colors--red, yellow, blue, plus white and black. You can make a lot of colors with just those. There are even some student grade paints that actually give great results. That said, there are some magic colors that you just cannot make yourself!

Go for the basics, and build from there. Get artist paint--not "craft" paints. You need decent quality so there's enough pigment (color), and binder (stuff to make it stick to the canvas). 

What about brushes? How do I know which ones to get?

Lots of people have questions about what brushes to buy and what they are for. I created a GUIDE TO BRUSHES to answer all your questions as best I can. I've come to love Trekkel's brushes. Their website is https://www.trekell.com/

What are glazes, and what are they used for?

Painting with glazes means that you are using multiple transparent layers rather than solid opague color. The word "glaze" just means the clear medium (called glazing medium) that gets mixed into colored paints. 

The reason to use glazes is to build up more complex, interesting colors and create dimensionality and realism.

Glazes are something I'm covering in some upcoming lessons with my Lesson Testers. If you want a free lesson in exchange for feedback, click the button below!

Is it hard to learn about mixing colors?

The trick I've learned about how to make colors that you see, is to do just that...really look and SEE what's there. If you take time to see what color something really is, it usually turns out to  be 2, 3 or more colors. Try and identify them all. Then start to try and match the main color. After that, add more of the additional colors you see, and your color palette will start to emerge.

Do I need to buy lots of canvases to practice on?

That's something I used to do, until I realized that I should be using canvas paper instead! It comes in a tablet like a sketch pad, and is kind of like a mix of paper and fabric with a bit of a plastic-y feel too--with a gesso coating. It's all ready to go, but you can also add a layer of your own to change the surface a bit.

How can I get ideas about what to paint?

The best way I've found is to keep a running notebook/sketchbook of things you saw/ thought/felt that made an impression. Get something that you plan to fill up fast--don't save it! You can add colors to play with palettes, and sketch in paint, pen, pencil or charcoal to get rough ideas started. Then when you are in the mood to paint, mine that sketchbook! If you add stuff in a lot, you'll be surprised what a resource it turns out to be.

Is it better to paint in natural light?

That's not something I concern myself with since I tend to paint mostly at night when I have more free time. Just make sure and experiment with different light bulbs--I avoid "soft white" because they look yellow-y. Have your room as evenly lit is possible, and aim a task light or two on your canvas so you can see the details really well. Also, be sure to look at your work in natural light to see if your light bulbs are noticeably changing the colors. If so, change those bulbs!

What do I need in my kit, if I'm just getting started?

Paints (see above answer), brushes (download my Guide to Brushes), canvas paper to practice on, a sketchbook (to fill up soon!), and a few other things like...glazing medium (I love Golden Satin Finish Glazing Medium), gesso (I love Liquitex's liquid gesso, and Golden's gesso). You'll also need a container for brush water, some non-linting rags to wipe off excess paint from your brushes, and a palette to paint mix on. There's lots more fun stuff, but that's the basics!