Beginner's Guide to Art: Everything You Need to Start Painting

Feeling that creative itch but not sure where to begin? It can be overwhelming to stand in front of all those brushes, paints, and canvases on offer. Here at Föndurlist, we believe art should be accessible to everyone. Here's a simple list of what you actually need to get started — without overcomplicating things.

1. Choose Your Medium: Acrylics, Watercolours, or Oils?

For most beginners, we recommend acrylic paint. It dries quickly, is water-soluble (easy to clean up!), and you can paint over mistakes straight away. If you're looking for something more delicate that takes up less space, watercolours are wonderful for a sketchbook.

2. The Starter Kit: Quality Over Quantity

You don't need 50 different colours to get started. We recommend investing in a good set of basic colours:

• Primary colours: Red, yellow, blue, black, and a large tube of white (you'll use the most of this one!).
• Brushes: Three sizes will take you a long way — one wide, flat brush for large areas, one medium, and one fine brush for details.
• Surface: Start with a good sketchbook or canvas paper before moving on to pricier stretched canvases.

3. Why Does Paper Matter?

One of the most common beginner mistakes is using paper that's too thin. If you use watercolours on regular drawing paper, it will buckle and warp. Make sure your paper is at least 200–300 gsm for painting.

4. A Tip from the Pros: Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Art is about the process, not just the end result. The best pieces often come after many attempts. Here at Föndurlist, we're always happy to offer advice through our chat or by email if you're unsure what to choose.