So You Think You Want to Paint

A small sampling of my painting tools

On occasion I have been honored to have a friend or follower ask if I could teach them to paint in watercolor or to teach them to paint like I do. I have been fortunate to be able to share my experience of 25+ years of painting with a few select students. My skill set is at a certain level because I researched and learned from the best in my area. If you are interested in leaning about art and painting you too can find a wealth of resources in your area that will build your skills and turn an interest into a rewarding hobby with a legacy for your family and friends, or perhaps a full-time or part-time career.

I recommend above all to find a reliable teacher or class where you can learn in person with the guidance of an instructor.  Art in all its forms is a series of techniques, a bit of chemistry and science combined with a creative instinct. But above all you need to know what the tools are, what they can do, and yes, some of the rules.

I illustrated here how to mix colors from 3 pigments 

One of my students exploring the 3 basic watercolor pigments -- working it is the only way to learn

Painting on site, Leu Gardens, Orlando FL

I was painting and drawing as a child but never had the luxury of guided instruction until my 40's when I found a local continuing education art school in my community and a wonderful teacher who taught me the correct way to use watercolor.









That was over 25 years ago and the basics I learned in her classes have carried me through the mediums of oil, acrylic, pastel and basic drawing.

Painting outdoors at Polasek Gardens, Winter Park, FL

You can find reasonably priced classes that are geared to beginners at local craft and hobby stores, adult community centers, and sometimes 4-year and community colleges.  Check out the local art groups and art organizations -- many have classes given by members and they often bring in top teaching talent from around the world. But start out with the basics before you put out hundreds of dollars for a three or five day intense workshop.

Painting and drawing technique books in my library

Once you learn some technique you can explore your local library -- many have superb collections of how to art books and books on famous artists and museums. It is remarkable how much you can learn and absorb by constantly looking at art, all forms of art.

Artist biographies and art history are a big part of my library

I have a large collection of art technique books artist biographies, and art collection books that I have purchased over decades. I still refer to them for methods and ways to work around a problem.
You also an score some great finds in used book stores, thrift shops and book sales at libraries and antique stores.






I believe in not buying too many art supplies but buying only the best quality.  As you are learning your craft you can use student grade supplies but I recommend you upgrade to better, professional quality materials shortly after you master some technique. These materials may be pricier but they will give you the results you want.  You don't need much -- only the best basics. Large box art and craft stores are a help with their weekly coupons and online suppliers like Jerry's Artarama, Blick, and Cheap Joes are my favorite go-to places for the best quality art items online -- and they run great sales.

Some of the professional watercolor pigments I use faithfully

Best for last but only to be used once you've had experience with a live class or instructor, is, of course the Internet and YouTube.  Forums, discussions, artists' websites, art supply manufacturers, so many options are out there once you start digging. Not everyone is well known and some are better than others but you will find artists are very generous and very open to sharing their knowledge online. Below are some of the artists I have followed, liked and recommend on YouTube for beginning and intermediate painters:


Angela Fehr Watercolour
Angela lives in beautiful Canada and has a marvelous way of teaching that is easy to follow and very fresh.  She works hard on presenting materials that let you learn but allows your own personal style to show through.


Bob Ross
So many of us have a love for Bob even if you are not a painter or an artist. He makes painting in oil look easy and approachable so anyone can do it. But you will also pick up a few tricks for him for lots of other things besides how to paint "...happy little clouds..." He's perfect after a stressful day in or out of the studio.

Jerry Yarnell
Jerry is so talented and such an accomplished acrylic painter. I really like his clear instruction and how he condenses and simplifies techniques.

Florent Farges
A very talented French oil painter with some great videos explaining oil painting in an easy-going, refreshing manner with a hint of a very charming French accent. His portrait work is truly remarkable.

Schaefer Art
You must learn to draw before you learn to paint, whether you do realistic, impressionistic or abstract painting. This channel is packed with very good instruction on the art of drawing.

Stefan Baumann
Stefan is an accomplished oil painter and one of the best teachers around. He generously records sessions from his classes not only on oil painting but the nuts and bolts of making good art, using proper tools, best techniques and how to stay focused on your work.

The Artist Network
Great quick videos on wide range of subjects and genres.

Your art should only be about what you want it to be, so remember to choose what feels best to you. But if you are serious and want a level of results you need to have some instruction. You should enjoy the process, welcome the challenges of painting and savor a job well done. Learning how to to work with the remarkable tools available to you as an artist can only add to your technical education and open you up to your passion for painting.  You will not regret it.

In the future I hope to post some tips and techniques on watercolor painting in my blog or on YouTube. I work and exhibit on a regular basis and I do have my share of bad paintings in addition to the great ones. The best journey is not the completed piece, but the process it took to get there.
I'm in the studio most days of the week and happily post my process on Instagram--good days and sometimes the more challenging days, too:
Krys Pettit Artwork

You can see some examples of my art on my website:
Krys Pettit Artist