How To Draw And Paint?

Where do i get started on learning how to paint? and does being able to draw means u can paint?

• hi, when i was younger i knew i could draw, i started drawing faces when i was 12, but i never had any training, and then went to medical school and sort of put all of my hobbies aside for some time, now i have this time and i'd really like to learn how to paint, i feel a bit lost and don't know where to start, so where should i start? keeping in mind that i have a very tight budget :(

• Answer:

  Being able to draw and being able to paint are so, so different. I'm an art student, so I can draw really, really well, but I still struggle with painting a lot. But if you want to start painting, all you really need is some brushes, (different kinds depending on the paint you wish to use), some paint (acrylic, gouache or watercolour would be fine, but I would say to try acrylics), a palette, and some canvas boards or watercolour paper. You need more things if you want to use oil paints, so I don't think they would be great for an absolute beginner. Start out by just experimenting with the paint, try to get a feel for it, really. Draw with the brush, and paint in layers. Mix colours, and use different textures. Once you're used to using the paint, find something you want to paint a picture of - it could be an object you can put in front of you, a person who is willing to model for you, or a scene in a photograph, just to give you some ideas. Remember that you shouldn't have to draw it with pencil, just thin paint and a brush, and to layer up the paint as you go - don't try to smooth the paint out too much. Hope I've helped, and good luck.