Painting on canvas for beginners: how to get started?

Painting on canvas has been highly valued for centuries! Whether it's exploring artistic movements like impressionism, cubism, or experimenting with various painting techniques, it allows artists to express themselves freely and create unique and personal works of art.

If you are starting with canvas painting, it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the techniques, accessories available, and the variety of artistic styles. Where to start? What tools do I need? With a few tips and a bit of patience, you can quickly start creating works of art that you will be proud of!

Canvas painting: A bit of history

The use of canvas as a painting support dates back to around the 13th century, when artists began experimenting with this new medium. Canvas gained popularity during the Renaissance, a period when artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Jan Van Eyck began creating masterpieces on canvas. Since then, many iconic artists, like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Monet, have left their mark on Art History with their now famous works.

The best type of painting for beginners

Painting on canvas is an exciting and rewarding experience for beginner artists. However, it is essential to choose the right medium to facilitate learning and mastering the basic techniques. Acrylic paint is most often recommended for beginners, as it dries quickly and is easy to work with. It also offers a wide variety of colours and textures and can be diluted with water to create effects similar to those of oil paint or gouache.

Oil paint, on the other hand, is traditionally used on canvas due to its rich colours and slow drying time, which allows artists to work on a piece for extended periods. But it requires the use of specific solvents and mediums, which can make its use more complex for beginners. Therefore, we recommend that beginner artists choose to experiment with oil painting once they have gained some experience with acrylic paint.

Gouache is a water-based paint that offers a matte and opaque finish. However, it is less popular than oil or acrylic paints due to its less luminous appearance and consistency, which can be more challenging to work with for beginners.

For each of the above-mentioned mediums, and as a beginner, it is essential to become comfortable with the basics before moving on to more complicated approaches. You should also think about the composition of your drawing. It will play an important role in your artwork, and canvas painting is no exception.

Regardless, practice is necessary for honing your canvas painting talents and developing a distinct style. Experiment with different styles, colours, and subjects to find out what thrills and inspires you.

Easy canvas painting ideas for beginners

Figured'Art paint by numbers kits are an excellent way for beginners to explore ideas and get acquainted with acrylic painting on canvas. Say goodbye to hours spent choosing the right brush, shades of colours, and defining the composition of your artwork. The kits include everything you need to start painting: a pre-printed canvas with numbers corresponding to different paint colours, as well as brushes and paints necessary to complete the piece. Our various models will help familiarise yourself with various artistic styles, painting techniques, textures, and ideas for the representation of volumes and light.

Painting by numbers is a simple and enjoyable technique that provides multiple benefits for novice painters looking for ideas. The easy guidelines and step-by-step directions encourage and help to overcome the unease of starting to paint from scratch. The numbered sections show exactly where to apply each colour, making the process much easier for beginners. You'll also learn how to control your brush and accurately apply paint to the canvas, which will aid you later in more intricate and personal painting projects.

But above all, you will gain confidence in yourself and your ability to create an aesthetically pleasing and coherent artwork. Completing a project will give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when you see the final result of your efforts. You will have spent a relaxing and enjoyable time, as you will have focused on the creative process without worrying about planning or designing the artwork. Many people find that following the instructions of a paint-by-number kit is a soothing and meditative way to unwind and relax, while exploring new ideas.

Do you want to become the next Leonardo da Vinci or Monet? We definitely cannot guarantee you fame, but a moment of fulfillment and relaxation while working on your painting skills and discovering new ideas! Get started now!