First painting class - supply list

What do you need for your first painting class?

I have been teaching beginners how to paint since 1989. Nothing is more exciting than the enthusiasm of new painters! I want to nurture their budding artistic talents and try to guide their growth as artists and help them to go their own way.

The question I am often asked is "What do I need for my first class?" This question is a very important one too, because the right teacher and supplies can make a big difference in your success as a decorative painter.

TEACHER
The most important thing for your first class is your teacher. You will want to look around for a teacher that has experience in teaching, who is patient and who loves to paint. He or she should teach you all about brush care, surface preparation, basic brush strokes, basic painting techniques, and allow you to feel free to experiment in your artwork. You should never be told "You're not doing that right", there should only "Please, let me show you again".

SUPPLIES
A good teacher should not make you go out and spend $100's of dollars on supplies. Yes, you will spend more in the beginning, but every new hobby or craft will require some basic supplies to get you started. So here is a basic list of supplies that will help you get stared and not break your budget. 1. Good Quality Brushes - Your brushes are the most important tool of decorative painting. Look for high quality brushes whether you will be painting with acrylics, oils or watercolors. Ask your teacher or painting shop owner what brand of brushes she/he recommends. Don't always rely on the brush knowledge of sales clerks in the big craft stores, they may not know. I don't know how many times I have helped out new painters in selecting brushes while I was shopping at a large store.

My experience is with acrylic painting, so here are the brushes I would recommend to get started with. There are several brushes available - flat, round, liner - and these come in many sizes, lengths and bristle content. Flat brushes have the ferrule (metal part of brush that holds the bristles) pressed flat, and round and liner brushes the ferrule is round.

Brushes for acrylics:
I recommend bristles that are made out of synthetic hair. They hold their shapes very well and are great for stroke work. Make sure that the bristles are not bent or curled. Here are the sizes I recommend for those of you just starting out.
#12 or #10 flat - You will use these for basecoating and for floating.
#4 flat - for basecoating in smaller areas.
#5 and #2 round - for stroke work and other detail work.
#4 filbert - for leaves, flower petals and comma strokes.
#10/0 liner - for linework.
Stippler brush - these are round brushes that have stiff bristles or you can use old scruffy brushes as well.

Needed supplies:
220 and/or 400 grit sandpaper - for smoothing rough surfaces.
graphite or white chalk transfer paper - can make your own if you are on a really tight budget. palette - you can use paper palettes, a tile, Formica, wax paper, deli paper any surface that will allow you to put your paint on and use it for blending and mixing.
tracing paper - to trace your pattern.
stylus - for transferring designs and for painting dots.
water container - an old margarine tub will do nicely.
pencil - for taking notes.
paper towels or old cloth towel.
all purpose sealer
varnish - waterbased for acrylics, oil based for oils
plain bar soap - to clean brushes. (beginner lesson on brush cleaning)
paint (if it is not supplied by the teacher)

Optional supplies:
Brush Stroke Basics practice sheets - to learn and practice the basic brush strokes. I developed these sheets so my students could practice at home. (click here to order)
Pop Your Top bottle opener - save your nails! (click here to order)
1/2 inch or 3/4 inch flat brush - for basecoating and floating large projects.
extender - to extend the drying time of paint.
mop brush - used for softening and blending.
brush cleaner
palette knife - for mixing paint.
chalk pencil - for free handing pattern on project.
baby wipes - for wiping up little mistakes.
wet palette - to keep mixed colors moist for the next time you paint.

In summary, the most important things you will need for a solid painting foundation are, a great teacher and good quality brushes, and the rest will fall into place. Also, please remember that there are good painting days and not so good painting days. Keep trying and keep practicing. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher to show you a stroke or technique over again. You are paying her/him to teach you, and never be afraid to ask for help.

I wish you great beginnings and even greater success.

All the Best!!! Melinda Frewin

Melinda's On-Line Beginner Lessons - Click Here!!!

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