How-To Guides about Painting Tips

This watercolor tutorial shows beginners how to paint a realistic eye. This video has been sped up 8 times.

I usually do step-by-step drawing tutorials, but I found drybrush technique to be fascinating and possibly superior to pencil drawing. Pencils are limited tools because they can only be applied with a point of some sort (with the exception of a graphite stick), while paintbrushes allow artists to think in terms of shapes instead of lines. If you look around the room that you are currently in, I guarantee you that you will not see anything that resembles an edge that a pencil gives you; the...

This video begins with an unfolded painter's canvas unfolded on a table and a frame which will be used to stretch and mend the canvas. The canvas needs to be laid beneath the wooden frame. The canvas must then be stretched over the sides of the wooden frame and then stapled into place. After the canvas has been stretched and stapled over the wooden frame you can pull the corners to tighten the canvas fabric. After the canvas is being stretched within the frame you must let it sit until it...

This video begins by showing what a folding painting canvas looks like and what the final stretched canvas should look like. The first step shown is to make sure the bars are measured and marked with a simple A and B for easy measurement recall. After a wood frame is added over the canvas you must fold the material over the back of the wood and nail in place. Once the canvas is nailed to the frame you must add A, B, C and D markings to continue proper alignment procedure. The last step shown is...

In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a cabbage rose using the one stroke technique. Start out by mixing together white and red with your paint brush. After this, add yellow to the tip of the brush and paint it onto the paper using your hand to move the brush gently up and down. Do this in a circle to make several petals into one single flower. Then, paint on petals around the inside petals to create a larger flower. Add in additional color to the center of the flower to make it pop out more....

In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a pomegranate. First, paint the circle for the pomegranate. After this, shade the right side with a dark red and the rest with a lighter shade of red. From here, add in a medium red all over the pomegranate and then add another shade over that. From here, start to layer on more additional colors of red to the pomegranate to make it appear more realistic. When finished, paint on the background with whites and grays that are mixed together. Add white to the...

In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a red rose. First, you will add some red paint to your brush and paint along lines of a rose outline. Use an angled brush so you can get a better accuracy while you are painting. After this, continue to paint around the petals until you reach the entire area of the rose. Then, paint the inside of the rose. You will then mix the red together with darker colors and whites to add depth to the flower on the paper. Once finished, you will have a gorgeous red...

In this video, we learn how to use watercolor pencil techniques. The rendering process is similar to those with graphite. You will use strokes, giving them different lengths and colors to create texture. You can do crosshatching on the paper so everything is darker and you are hiding the white. Burnishing is when you lay down dark colors to the surface of the paper and work more colors in, the white will work as a blender. The end result will be a very smooth finish with a slightly waxy feel....

In this tutorial, we learn how to use a round brush for multi-colored scroll work. First, dampen your brush and grab some bright colors. Take and lay the brush into one color at first. Then, turn the brush over and pick up another color. Now, you will push down and lift the brush up as you are twisting around. Next, reload the brush and do the same process over again. Use more of certain colors, then you will have gorgeous mixes of different colors. You can also add in another color at the tip...

In this video, we learn how to paint pansies flowers with Marjorie Harris. Start out by using a purple color to paint the petals with a small angled brush. Then, move your brush in an up and down motion to create the petals. You can also use different colors with your brush to make the middle of the flower more appealing. Then, use black on a pointed brush to create lines in the middle of the flower petal. From here, you will be able to paint on the stem of the flower green to create a...

In this video, Linnea Rose teaches us how to paint in a Norwegian folk style called "rosemaling". With this, you will double load your brush and do the strokes in the correct way. To double load your brush, first dip one corner into a color, then dip another color into the other color. After this, stroke again in between the two colors. Next, go to your canvas and simply stroke a looped shake on the paper. Firmly press down with your brush and as your curve around you lift it up to the chisel...

In this tutorial, we learn how to make and arrange a painting palette. First, you will need to buy a large palette that can handle a lot of different colors on it. Now, use the sides to add in the different colors that you are going to use. Use the middle of the palette to mix up colors while you are painting or doing different crafts. You can also use a large paper plate to make a paint palette if you don't have a palette nearby. Anything that is flat with a lot of room on it will work, so get...

You can paint just about anything you want in Chinese watercolor painting, but whether you're sketching out a fish or a crocodile, there exists a basic array of brushstrokes that you will use for any object.

If you're a beginner to Chinese watercolor painter then you do have to do a little research and practice before you actually let your paintbrush hit the canvas. From using the right paint to the right brush, every single thing you employ for your art matters in the ultimate creation.

Put down the paintbrush and the easel, you don't need them anymore. At least, if you're wanting to create some cool marble-like art pieces. In lieu of the normal painting supplies, grab some shaving cream and some food coloring and you can create some awesome marbleized artworks. See how!

The chrysanthemum is a beautiful Chinese flower which often appears in artwork to represent autumn and the spirit of survival. Follow along with this this tutorial and learn how to add this seasonal subject matter to your next Chinese still life painting.

The concept of the Dragon Vein - the ridge of a mountain range - is an important one for Chinese landscape painters. Using a brush made with chicken feathers, this tutorial shows you how to apply a dragon vein to your own landscape art.

In this video, we learn how to pain orchid flowers with watercolor paints. Start out by using a light lilac color on the petals. Use a thin brush to push the colors around on the picture so you have slight shading around the different petals. Use a darker purple color in the middle of the flower. Then, use a yellow color in the very middle. Add in a green leaf and stem on the bottom of the flower. Use a paper towel to smudge any excess moisture or water off of the flower to make it more...

In this video, we learn how to build a pochade box for outdoor painting. This box will hold two wet panels in the back and help you hold other things you need to carry. You will need a medium sized box first, then you will need to cut the back and sides of the top to make slits where you can place in the panels. After this, you will create a barrier for the middle that has two slits in the bottom of it where you can slide it. On the bottom of the box you will have a hold where you can thread it...

Have you ever screwed up a painting before? Beyond repair? Well, it might be able to be saved after all, at least, thanks to these tips from Merrill Kazanjian.

In this video, we learn how to make an easy $20 DIY art easel with Patrick Lawrence. Each side should be about 6' tall, and make sure you screw it into the wall when you are finished. First, you will hold these together with a carriage bolt that slides up and down the two pieces of wood. At the top, screw the screws into the wall and at the bottom, bolt it up the same way as in the middle using a wing nut and a big washer. That's all there is to making an easel yourself, saving you tons of...

In this video, we learn how to build a canvas frame stretcher. First, you will need to choose lumber that is the size you want your stretcher to be. After you do this, use a hammer and nails to connect all of the pieces of wood together so you have a square shape. You will need to hammer in a lot of nails so the frame stays in place. Use a saw if you need to cut any points down or make it smaller than you have it. When you are done, screw any additional nails into the frame and make sure...

In this video, we learn how to use different brush types and colors in water coloring. While you are creating a painting, you will notice that you need to use different types of brushes to create different effects on your canvas. There is nothing wrong with this! You can use many different strokes and brush sizes to achieve what you want on your painting. Pay attention to what stage of the painting you are in, as this will help you decide what types of brushes to use, depending on the style you...

In this tutorial, we learn how to stretch the perfect canvas. First, measure the canvas. After this, center the canvas and make sure there are no wrinkles. Then cut the canvas and staple it to the frame. This will take several minutes, and you will work your way from the inside to the outer corners. After you are finished stapling hide the folds on all of the corners with the stapler gun. When you are finished with this step, you will be done and ready to paint on your new canvas! These steps...

In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a leaf tree with oil paints. First, paint light green on the leaves using a blank canvas. After this, add in a dark green color to make the stems and the middle of the leaf. Use different greens to draw the leaf out towards where the tree would be. You can blend in darker parts to make highlights, then use white to make a shine on the leaf. If you make a mistake, don't worry. Just use paints to make something change on the leaf and make it unique and all...

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to draw with colored pencils. Begin by sketching out the shape to now how it will fit. Then sketch in the placement and angle of the main features. Now add more loose detail to the main features. Use an eraser to gently remove the heavy pencil marks, leaving out the faint outline. Using a brown pencil, begin lightly sketching the form. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in art and drawing, and would like to learn how to draw with...

In this tutorial, we learn how to understand artist tools for painting. The first tool is plastic, which can be use for great textures on the painting. Cheap brushes are great for painting in big spaces and fan brushes are great for painting wider widths. A badger hair brush will be best for painting tails on canvas and different types of papers. A synthetic brush is very easy to clean and perfect for oil or acrylic paint. A hair dryer is a tool that is great to speed up the drying time of...

When Halloween comes around it's easy to give in to the rampant orange and black decor paraded at every drugstore and mass retailer. But if you truly want a unique decoration for the spooky holiday, consider watching this tutorial to learn how to make a glow-in-the-dark portrait.

It's no secret, artists are broke. That's why they're referred to as "starving artists". One day these artists will achieve unimaginable success, but for most of their lives, they'll be struggling to survive… struggling to keep their vision alive. That's why they need to work cheap. And that's why they stretch their own canvases, not buy pre-made ones or have the hobby shop do it. If you're a starving artist, save a few bucks, hone your carpentry skills, and stretch your own canvas.

In Chinese watercolor paiting, static subjects like cherry blossoms and peach trees never go out of fashion because they represent the teeming life and beauty of nature that most Chinese watercolor artists enjoy representing.

Chinese calligraphy is amongst the most beautiful but also most difficult word art forms in the world, and practitioners spend years honing their skills, even devoting their entire lives to daily practice.

This series is the basic training you need to get up and running with Photoshop, so that you can be a better digital painter. Knowing how to use all the tools and options that pertain to digital painting, photomanipulation, and photo editing will save you lots of time, so it's worth learning the basics first.

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to paint sand. Users will need a palette knife and paint brush. The colors needed for the sand are: iron oxide, pure white, burnt umber and burnt salmon. Collect all 4 colors on the palette knife and apply it lightly onto the canvas. If it is too dark, add some more white paint. Then use a paint brush to smooth out the edges and blend the sand together. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in art and painting, and would like to learn...

Teaching your kids to paint with watercolors is a great way to help them learn their colors. Watercolor paints are fantastic because they are less messy and last a long time. In this clip, learn how to save some money and make your very own watercolors at home with common household items. Have fun!

Many artists are loyal to one particular medium, even within the general artistic field of painting. Some prefer oil paints, some oil pastels, some illustration markers, some color pencils. This video demonstrates how to combine these four popular media in one work to create a wonderfully detailed, colorful portrait. Broaden your horizons and use all of the tools available to improve your art.