How do I choose paint stuff?

[brushstrokes84]

I want to paint. How do I choose the right stuff? I'm not even sure whether I want to use watercolours or oils or whatever? I'm not sure if certain brands are better or what other kit I need.

Thank you

Windsor and Newton are one of the best. Really not sure how to advise further as you haven't committed to a type. What type of paintings do you like? Do you have a subject matter in mind? Your local college may do night classes? Might help you decide. How are your drawing skills?

Go to a class and have a play. Once you find your medium then explore the options.

All the artists I know get them from the range.

"the range" - is this a brand?

i quite like modern art

do top artists pay more money for their squirty tubes of paint than etry-level types?

i like lichtenstein, picasso, magritte, dali, kandinsky, miro

I think once you find a brand you like, you stick with it. You know how it works, the feel of it. I wouldn't be surprised if price had nothing to do with it.
I wonder if you could to go to the shop chain The Works and see what they have. Have a good look at all the types. You may even find you like creating with poster paint or pastels. There is a paint that works as like an oil paint but can be used like a watercolour. Course for the life of me I can't remember the brand. I will be back if I remember.

perhaps there are other art msgbrds i could post up on like this? or is this the only one and/or would it be the same people responding?

Ghost ...do you mean Acrylic paints?

brushstrokes ....if you're just beginning then tubes of acrylic paints from Book depot, the Works, or the range are fine. The paint tubes are called Boldmere paints and are really versatile, and value for money (I get mine from The Works) . I use them for a variety of things ranging from my students using them to painting prep' drawings out, to mixing with other media.

If you're not sure what you want to use, then buy the cheapest of each type of paint, and have a play. You don't have to buy expensive canvas either. Home bargains sell them VERY cheaply. Failing that, you can even paint on cardboard or even bits of wood board if you have any lying around the house....for Picasso, Lowery and others etc did this !

Ps - The Range, Book Depot, and The Works are all shops that the paints can be bought from.....don't think I explained that fully in my pp.

I think 'there a The Works' near me...

Do the pros have their tubes encrusted in diamonds and covered in gold lame - or is it just the same stuff really?

There are various qualities of paints relating to the pigments in them. However, for starting out the ones I've mentioned are just fine, they're a student quality. ..... and nope....no encrusted diamonds and gold lame on mine

There are various qualities of paints relating to the pigments in them - still a matter of taste though?

Of course, it's up to you. But I've always found the ones I've mentioned absolutely fine for beginners.

Just go for it and enjoy it.

I have some reeves ( acrylics) which are fine.

Also try some pencils. I have three boxes which I love. Pastels, watercolour and inktense ( watercolour), all by Derwent. And they are much cheaper on eBay.

Thanks Arty course it is My memory is shocking these days.