Can I learn to paint)

[sandwiches77]

Last time I did any painting I was at primary school! I do not possess any creative genes, so has always put me off, but I quite fancy having a go, do you need natural talent?

Of course you can learn. Painting is about 1% natural talent and 99% persistence and skill (i.e. learned!)

I enjoy art and am good at drawing and painting. But I always cringe when people say 'you're so talented!' when I produce a decent piece.

The reason I can draw/paint well is because I work hard at it and it has been learned over many many hours/ years, with dedication - just like an athlete. You wouldn't say someone who earned an olympic gold was 'talented' - you'd say 'they must have worked hard for that!'

It's the same with drawing/painting.

You can have a natural inclination for it, but that only goes so far. You can apply yourself and learn to see, just as you can learn any other skill.

Just to add to my previous post, I recommend learning to see/ draw first if you want to paint well.

The best order to learn is -

1. See
2. Draw
3. Paint!

If you go straight from zero to painting, you are basically skipping a couple of steps. Some people are fine with that, but you're making it a bit harder for yourself because you're dealing with a lot more new concepts at the same time!

You're trying to learn to see, but rather than just a simple pen/ pencil, you're also trying to learn about paint, and colour, all at the same time. Pencils make it simpler, and are a better starting point.

That is why so many people say they can't paint - because they can't draw or see/ look propelry, and they're trying to do it all at once, it's too much and they give up. You won't be able to paint well straight away because there are prerequisites :)

So I recommend picking up a pencil first and maybe going to a couple of drawing/ life drawing classes if there are any in your area, as a starting point! Build up to paint :)

Yes you can definitely learn to paint though natural talent will speed up the process.
I suggest you get some cheap stuff from the Works and just play around and experiment to begin with. Don't aim for a masterpiece just enjoy yourself.
Then if you enjoy it get some better quality materials (cheap brushes especially will let you down ) and look into Youtube videos, books etc.
Painting is definitely something that improves with regular practice so keep at it, and Good luck!

Ooh thanks for that... what is it about painting that makes you feel so intimated 🤨

I watch Katie Jobling tutorials on YouTube. I've produced some stuff which is recognisable and I really thought I had zero talent.

Thanks Northernsoullover will check out her YouTube

When you say "paint" what sort of pictures are you envisioning?

Self-portraits and abstract canvases can be two different ends of the painting spectrum.

frozendaisy fruit, flowers, animals