Helpful notes for beginners

I have been teaching beginners for some years now, and they all have different needs, but many issues come up time and time again. This page is not about the nuts and bolts of painting; it is about answering the real fears and anxieties that people have when starting art classes or learning to paint. I hope it helps you.

Here are some of the questions and comments I hear most frequently from beginners:


"I have barely picked up a pencil since school, what if I am no good?"

You need to give yourself time. Nothing is learnt quickly, least of all painting and drawing. Allow yourself to make mistakes, they are necessary, and have fun. Laughter is the best antidote to making a mess of your work. Understand that improvement is not a straight line to your goal; it is a series of ups and downs. Art is not like typing or cycling. There never comes a day when you can ‘do it’. It is a journey. Artists are always learning, even professional ones.


"I am worried that the other people in the class will be really good, and may laugh at my attempts"

This is the biggest fear for beginners, and it is always unfounded. Everyone in the class (including the tutor) was a beginner once, and will want to help you by sharing their knowledge. Art is such a broad church that comparison with others is pointless. Some people can draw well, others are better with colour. Some love abstract brush marks, others botanical accuracy. Focus on finding your own style and preferences, on personal improvement and learning.


"But aren’t some people just naturally gifted at art?"

It is true that some people are gifted at art, just as some are gifted in other areas of life. But just because it doesn’t come quite as easily doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

A true story: I struggled with driving, failing my test three times in my early 20’s. I gave up, decided I just couldn’t do it. Over time it became the family joke, my confidence diminished further. 10 years passed, I walked everywhere. Then something happened, I needed to drive. I found myself in a difficult position. I was a single parent, and one who needed to be able to transport not only a child (and friends) but heavy paintings about. I decided to try again, picking a teacher who was friendly but chatted rather a lot; I failed my test a fourth time. I changed instructors. Surprisingly this new instructor seemed to think I just needed a few lessons, he believed in me and assured me I was nearly there. He was firm but strict, he gave me the real help and techniques I needed. I gave it one last shot. Fifth time lucky, I passed! I have been happily driving about in my little pink Corsa for 7 years now.

Just because you are not Jenson Button does not mean you can’t drive a car.
Just because you are not Nicole Kidman does not mean you can’t star in the local amateur dramatics society play.
Just because you are not Gordon Ramsey does not mean you can’t be a great cook.

I have never taught anyone who didn’t learn, and gradually improve. We are all gifted at something; the other stuff must be worked at. If you want to learn to paint, find someone to teach you and get on with it!


"I think I have left it too late; I am probably too old now…"

My oldest student came to me via a community arts project in a residential home; she was 87 and had never painted. Now 94 she is frail but still paints regularly. In between crocheting garments for her great grand children she produces watercolours of local views and flowers, turning some of them into cards and presents. She shows her work in some of the local exhibitions. It is a hobby which fills her with pleasure, and gives her a connection to many people in the community. Any other excuses?


"I am never going to be that good, is it worth learning to paint?"

Firstly you will never know how good you are going to be until you do it.
Secondly there are many reasons for painting, apart from the result. Painting is hugely relaxing, which can be beneficial to health. Life can be hectic and stressful. Painting makes you sit still and appreciate the things you barely notice normally. It gives you a resource that you can call on during times of convalescing or temporary disability. Painting also gives you a real insight into the world around you. Just like the seriously ill patient who recovers, you will suddenly notice colours and shapes you never looked at before.


"I get so frustrated in the class; I want to do well, but always seem to mess up."

Art seems to be unlike learning anything else. If you went to learn computer maintenance, flower arranging or pottery class with no prior knowledge whatsoever you would not expect to be very good. But from day one in an art class, students expect perfection from themselves. Please understand that failing is part of the process of learning absolutely anything. It is the failures that teach us what not to do next time. It is important to change your view of success. Ask yourself at the end of a class not: ‘Is it perfect?’ but: ‘Did I learn something useful today?’


"Some of the subjects in my class look really hard, I can’t do any of those things, how will I manage?"

In a mixed ability class, it is necessary to also cater for people who have been attending for years. This does not mean the subjects are unsuitable for beginners. If you can’t paint a bowl of fruit, perhaps you could just start with sketching an apple. Ask the tutor how to start, and if they can demonstrate new techniques. There is no such thing as an ‘easy’ subject, and trying something that is outside your comfort zone can bring surprising results. If you never take risks you never improve. Resolve to just ‘have a go’. The worst that can happen is you ruin a piece of paper, and there is always more paper.


"When I go into the art shop there is just so much stuff, and the staff aren’t very helpful. I don’t understand what I need to buy for art classes."

Firstly remember that it is just a shop, and your money is as good as anyone’s. The staff should not expect you to know all about materials if you are just starting out. Whilst I have met some lovely art shop staff, it is also the case that lots of them come from that planet where they get doctors receptionists and school secretaries… Explain the type of class you are going to, and ask for recommendations, if they patronise you, leave. To ensure success, ask your tutor for a list of materials needed, rather than just wandering in and randomly wasting money. Don't be afraid to use the following phrases: "I don't understand" "I don't know what this is for" "Please could you help me choose?"


"I try my best in the class, but never seem to improve, and the teacher makes me feel inadequate."

Just as there are good and bad dentists, there are good and bad art teachers. Perhaps for whatever reason the class just does not suit you, try a different teacher, a different medium; don’t give up!

Some things to look for in an art class:

*A nicely comfortable temperature, with good light. (Think about this before taking an evening class, the older you are the harder you will find working in bad light.)

*A good atmosphere, friendly students.

*An interesting range of techniques/subjects/media, including real objects not always just photographs.

*A teacher who is gives constructive criticism, in a positive way and offers real techniques to help you improve. Avoid teachers who want you to paint 'just like them' or who just offer vague encouragement. You are paying money and should expect professional tuition.

*A class that enables you to progress at your own speed, and find your own style and direction, with encouragement and help.


"Art equipment is expensive, how can I avoid wasting money?"

Here are some tips on money saving:

* Mail order by internet will usually be cheaper than a shop. Try these companies: Ken Bromley, Jacksons, Great Art, SAA.
*Watercolour paper is far cheaper purchased in loose sheets than in a pad.
* If you are ok at DIY, a drawing board can be easily made. With a jigsaw, cut a piece of mdf or ply (thickness between 4 and 8mm) to slightly larger dimensions than your paper. If the edges are rough put gummed tape (available from stationers) round the edge.
* Don’t buy much until you have been to a class or two. You will soon get to know what you need (and what you don’t.)
* Don’t buy expensive paper or sable brushes when you are starting out, you will make lots of mistakes.
* Sets of paint are not generally good value, as they often contain lurid colours that are not much used. All art suppliers sell individual colours and boxes. Find out what you need, make your own set. If you want to put your money somewhere, buy the best paint you can afford, you don’t need many colours, and there is a huge difference in the result you will get.
* Unless the world has run out of jam jars since I last looked, you don’t need a special water container.
* A cheap plastic palette or old white plate will suffice for paint mixing.
* Some of the best painting equipment can be found at home: Rags or kitchen paper for wiping your brush. Cotton wool, stiff (kids) brushes and cotton buds for removing paint. Old toothbrushes for splattering and making interesting marks.
Masking tape, Craft knives and scissors are always useful.
* A plastic tool or fishing box is just as good as a special artist’s box.


"I enjoy painting but my family/partner/friends always criticise my efforts."

What can I say, everyone’s an art critic. It’s a safe occupation, since art is subjective anyhow and even the world’s most successful artists are regularly hated by someone. Remember: Van Gogh never sold a single painting; he gave a few away, sometimes bartering for rent and food. The people he gave the paintings to were embarrassed by them, one man used his to cover damp patches on the walls. Now they are worth millions. If you enjoy painting don’t let other people’s comments stop you. People often do not realise how hurtful they are. And sometimes it’s jealousy, because you are brave enough to try something new and they are not. Remember, you can't shut them up but listening is optional.

If all else fails use my fail safe come-back:
“Oh, well perhaps you could show me how it’s done then?”(Hand over paint brush, watch them make themselves scarce.)


A final thought…

“I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” (Pablo Picasso)