Are you interested in learning how to paint, with oils? The truth of the matter is that many people feel it is imperative to head out and sign up for expensive classes, but this isn't necessarily a requirement. There are plenty of different ways to learn the skills of the trade, until you're able to develop your very own technique and style. Below, you will discover some of the best ways to learn how to paint.
Art School
There are many colleges and universities, which offer classes for would be artists, but these classes are generally expensive and time consuming. On the other hand, they may not offer the specific things that you're looking for. While they might offer classes for realism and such, they might not touch upon impressionism or abstract art. Still, this can be a good way to get your start, if you're got the money to cover the tuition.
Books
On the other hand, there are many books, which can provide you with quite a bit of information about painting. There are books for beginners and such, which can provide you with a good start. On the other hand, you will also want to consider checking out more specific books, which are geared towards a specific type of painting. For instance, Kevin MacPherson's Fill your Oil Paintings with Light & Color is a perfect book for those, who are striving to learn how to paint in an impressionistic style.
Online Sites and Forums
With the addition of the Internet, there are plenty of different resource websites, which can offer plenty of helpful information for striving artists. There are many forums, as well. WetCanvas is a wonderful forum, where you can ask questions and receive answers from very successful and talented artists from around the world. With a quick Google search, you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for.
Experiment and Combination of the Above
I learned how to paint in this manner. I bought some cheaper oil paints and cheap canvas and began experimenting. Obviously, my first works were dreadful, but I read books and used the Internet to pick up techniques and methods for improving. Eventually, you will get better and will have a much likely chance to develop your own style, since you weren't guided through the entire process, by a teacher or professor. Of course, everyone has their own preference and it is wise to get a feel for each.
Art School
There are many colleges and universities, which offer classes for would be artists, but these classes are generally expensive and time consuming. On the other hand, they may not offer the specific things that you're looking for. While they might offer classes for realism and such, they might not touch upon impressionism or abstract art. Still, this can be a good way to get your start, if you're got the money to cover the tuition.
Books
On the other hand, there are many books, which can provide you with quite a bit of information about painting. There are books for beginners and such, which can provide you with a good start. On the other hand, you will also want to consider checking out more specific books, which are geared towards a specific type of painting. For instance, Kevin MacPherson's Fill your Oil Paintings with Light & Color is a perfect book for those, who are striving to learn how to paint in an impressionistic style.
Online Sites and Forums
With the addition of the Internet, there are plenty of different resource websites, which can offer plenty of helpful information for striving artists. There are many forums, as well. WetCanvas is a wonderful forum, where you can ask questions and receive answers from very successful and talented artists from around the world. With a quick Google search, you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for.
Experiment and Combination of the Above
I learned how to paint in this manner. I bought some cheaper oil paints and cheap canvas and began experimenting. Obviously, my first works were dreadful, but I read books and used the Internet to pick up techniques and methods for improving. Eventually, you will get better and will have a much likely chance to develop your own style, since you weren't guided through the entire process, by a teacher or professor. Of course, everyone has their own preference and it is wise to get a feel for each.