Learn to paint without going to art school - self taught painter tips

[@mssusanmarie]

I'm an old woman just starting to paint. Thank you. You're a wonderful teacher. I needed to hear all of this.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear you are getting into painting. I hope you find these tips helpful as you learn. It takes time, but it is so rewarding!

[@Blick_Art]

Results speak for themselves- you are obviously getting great results with self-directed art education! We love that you shared resources to help others find their way!

[@christinakentart]

Thank you so much, Blick! 😍 Love your store, you guys have the best supplies!!

[@Blick_Art]

@@christinakentart Thank you!

[@deannfrey3469]

Truly some of the best advice out there. An acrylic instructor group that I greatly admire have said these exact same things. This is a great concise list.

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, glad you think so!

[@kantamana1]

To learn to find good subjects to paint, it can help to do some photography in a clear day, focusing on capturing interesting light. It helped me overcoming a mental block, as I felt there was nothing interesting to paint.

[@christinakentart]

I love that! When I’m feeling blocked I will often go on a walk around my neighborhood, if it’s a clear day like you say, I can usually find some interesting light and shadow shapes :)

[@taliaelkarif9035]

I love this video because for the last 9 months i have been doing all of these and its so nice to hear that this is a good direction!! Sometimes i get doubts. Thank you for this!

[@christinakentart]

I’m so glad! Keep going!!

[@aishan218]

Hello Christina, I discovered your channel through Michael Chamberlain. I am so glad I subscribed as you are extremely talented. Your technique, the vibrancy of your colours, and your ability to portray beauty from everyday scenes make you an outstanding artist. Moreover, your videos are high quality and enjoyable, I look forward to seeing where your career (both in painting and on KZbin) take you. I wish you the best and thank you for sharing your art with us.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Aisha! 🥰

[@pclira82]

This was immensely helpful! Thank you for sharing! As a beginner painter and a quilter I find this advice applies to all fields of art.

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, so glad you found it helpful!

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

I find a lot of local artist give lessons which are a great way of improving your art.

[@christinakentart]

Yeah, learning from other artists through workshops is another great way to improve your skills!

[@coletteolah6378]

Thank you so much. Everything you said resonates with me and confirms what I was starting to doubt. 😊

[@udayrajhanagi]

This is such a relief. Your content is original so beautiful! Thank you. Please dont stop.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! ❤️

[@jekalambert9412]

Finding a community of artists has been the one thing that motivates me the most to keep going. I live in an isolated area but I belong to an online Meetup group that meets once a month. There's a prompt every month and we share what we've created. Sometimes the prompt doesn't resonate but if I push through, my work is often stretched to the point where I grow as an artist. Making the artwork encourages me to experiment with new ideas and techniques. Knowing there's going to be an art share provides an incentive to finish works because I have to finish my artworks before the meeting. Without a deadline, I'd procrastinate and not do anything. I also find it really inspiring to see the works from other artists and to hear about their interpretation of the prompt and the techniques they used. I lived in the Bay Area for more than 40 years. There's a vibrant art community and so many opportunities to see art and to meet other artists. I really miss that. All of your recommendations are really great ways to learn. Thanks.

[@literaryvan6143]

I would love to join the group. Could you please share?

[@lisalangford6437]

Great video- thank you. It was the kick up the bum I needed. Especially appreciated what you said about quantity. So often I will look at a finished work in a gallery and feel that level of expertise is so out of reach to me but forget that the artist had no doubt spend hundreds of hours honing their skills. Thanks. 😊

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! I'm so glad the video gave you that push. You're right-it's easy to forget that every artist puts in countless hours honing their skills. Keep going, and trust the process! 😊

[@Koggelxander]

Hey I'm also a Kent! Such an awesome surname. Well met! Thanks for the video. Lots of valuable information. ☺

[@christinakentart]

Haha yes! Good to meet you! And thank you :)

[@janellewarneminde1515]

great advice. i’m starting making art again in my 6th decade. luving it but feeling overwhelmed thanks for the break down ❤

[@christinakentart]

You got this!! Step by step :)

[@pipemma1893]

Gonna have to watch this a few more times. Thanks for the push, and in the right direction. PS I love lists 😊

[@christinakentart]

Wonderful, happy painting to you!

[@lisafroment856]

You’re a very good artist from what I’ve seen here. I love the advice you’ve given

[@christinakentart]

Thank you!

[@bobs98]

Your advice for newer artists is both instructive and inspiring. As a viewer, I feel you take a personal interest in our progress as aspiring painters. I am a retired teacher and I know that really makes a difference to students. Thank you so much! I really like the colors and treatment of light in your paintings.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! And I’m glad to hear it comes across that way :) I often imagine I’m speaking to my younger self, thinking of what she needed to hear. And please let me know if there are particular topics/questions I should discuss on future videos!

[@InkNSap]

Love this video! Do you have a video on your contemporary influences? 😊

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! I haven't made a video on that yet, but you can see some of them in my sketchbook tours, since sometimes I study contemporary artists by doing thumbnail copies of their work. Here's a recent tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ravHc4qllqx7ia8si=tXBoVgG_a1Gewqdy Off the top of my head, some of my favorites are Carlos San Millan, Catherine Kehoe, Ben Aronson, Nicolas Uribe, Zoe Frank, and Mia Bergeron :)

[@harrichandasingh5802]

Great presentation , thank you

[@christinakentart]

Glad you liked it!

[@kayleendunlap3793]

Thank you...one of the most valuable videos on painting I've watched! 👍

[@christinakentart]

Thank you, I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@shaminderk]

Thank you for your great advice Christina. I’m definitely going to follow these tips. Thanks again.

[@christinakentart]

So glad you found it helpful! :)

[@JeffCole]

This is great advice. Also I love your work.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful :)

[@milusehakenova5647]

Wow! So helpful! 🙏You have such a point with explaining details in those little battles that are going in my head before every painting session. I exactly needed to hear this! Thank you❤

[@christinakentart]

Thanks, I’m so glad you found it helpful! Happy painting :)

[@origamitaco6782]

Thanks for this video--I think these are great tips! I've been playing with Acrylics for years, but always trying to create a masterpiece (and failing) instead of practicing and learning. I love your artwork. Found you on Instagram and came to KZbin to learn what kind of sketchbooks you use, which you referenced in one of your other videos (at least for that sketchbook, you used the Moleskine Art Watercolor type).

[@christinakentart]

I know exactly how you feel! I spent years trying to make masterpieces, and it was so paralyzing! Let me know if you try out these tips and have success. And thanks for the kind words! :)

[@rosalinkrieger3352]

Thanks for this message and tips. I have found abstract artists but I can't replicate their work because I don't know how they create intricate, layered works with streams or patches of overlaying colors, a popular style these days.

[@christinakentart]

Glad you liked the video! That’s a great question, it can be difficult to replicate an artist’s process just by looking at their work. In these cases, I try to see if the artist offers workshops, but it isn’t always the case.

[@johnreskusich2324]

Thank you. Great video.

[@Calm02]

Great video! very helpful

[@christinakentart]

Thanks, so glad you found it helpful!

[@Poniella81]

What a great, encouraging video. Thank you.

[@christinakentart]

So glad you found it encouraging! Happy painting :)

[@eldeval1]

Thank you Christina for this wonderful bunch of excellent tips. I was already convinced since this is the way I have been approaching my art learning for three years now. But indeed, your advice is precious and extremely useful. I am 62, and it has always been a hurting feeling not to go to art school when I was 18, due to parents authoritative behavior (yet fine art schools in France are close to free), so now I am involved in catching up with time 😊🙏 Thank you!

[@christinakentart]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I'm really glad to hear that the tips resonated with you. It’s never too late to follow your passion, and the dedication you're putting into your art journey is truly inspiring. Catching up with time through creating art sounds like such a beautiful process. Wishing you continued joy and growth in your learning-keep going! 😊🙏

[@preetimaheshwari9018]

Thanks for sharing your valuable insight!

[@christinakentart]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Happy painting!

[@marypartridge5154]

Yes I took up painting here in the isolated bush in Queensland Australia five years ago. I took them to my local art shop to be framed. And I was embarrassed to even show my work to her. She invited me to enter the Regional Art Prize and can you believe it that I won the prize two years in a row. And I had no art friends no internet just my vivid imagination. And I can tell you that I think the main thing in art like music is not technique its composition. And I believe like music its a gift and some people just have it whilst others just dont. But sure you have to nuture this gift. And you can learn all the stuff but ultimately you have to be original and unique to make it big in art. The best thing is to do it to please yourself. I think abstract art and mixed media art seems to all follow the same old boring technique. And one looks much the same as the next. I also dont recommend using photographs to paint. This really stifles the imagination. I won the art prize because the judges were tired of art being copied from photographs that all have the same look. Art today because we have photography has to be so much more.

[@christinakentart]

I completely agree with you on the importance of originality and being true to yourself in art. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@TamboArtwork]

I like your video style. Excellent well thought out information from start to finish. Thank you.

[@christinakentart]

Thanks, so glad you liked it!

[@717379]

Quantity over quality is so counterintuitive, but it is such an important concept! 👍

[@christinakentart]

It really is!

[@kimberleebrooks-trakis9563]

You are very smart, great advice. I wish I was half as good as you are. I think I will take you up on your advice. I have done a few because I liked the art they created, but I did not go into it with his attitude. Love it.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! I’m glad the advice resonated with you. It’s all about mindset, so I’m excited to hear you’ll give it a try. Happy painting!

[@milusehakenova5647]

Díky!

[@christinakentart]

Děkuju!

[@Gentlesoul11]

Thank u so much. Im learning to paint by myself as a healing method❤ your tips are really helpful.

[@christinakentart]

Amazing!! So glad you found the tips helpful. Happy painting :)

[@cheetooreo6636]

Thank you so much! I really needed this advice & inspiration!

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, happy painting! :)

[@recreepy]

• Truly outstanding-great job!🐫🐫🐫🐫🐫

[@christinakentart]

Thank you!

[@Carol-ny2pp]

Really encouraging and helpful, thanks

[@christinakentart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Calm02]

7:13 heard the same story about a photography class!

[@julieyoung8259]

Great video, helpful and informative!

[@christinakentart]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@aricar325]

Wonderful, practical advice. Thank you for this insightful and helpful video :)

[@christinakentart]

So glad you found it helpful! Happy painting 😃

[@devernepersonal3636]

I love that you recommend screenshotting. i think a lot of people would not consider that. I also love the idea of copying contemporaries too. sooo many artists say that is a no no and i always think they are silly for saying that. I am so glad to hear someone say that it is okay. Question though, Do you know of any websites where you can easily search styles of paintings or eras to find tons of painters quickly. I don't feel deeply connected to the art world in that way of knowing the history. I just watch Art Explained on KZbin. Yeah i need to get in the brush miles and put in the effort. the crazy thing is i can get tons of ideas, but just not be inspired because i know my abilities are currently small. 12:47 omg girl you are talking to me, because that is the issue i had in 2020 - 2022 the inspiration came heavy and i didnt have the skill. This is inspiring. I am glad i kept a record of my ideas. Again, thank you for your videos.

[@christinakentart]

Exactly! There are so many art “rules” I used to follow until I realized they were not working for me. In terms of searching by style, I don’t know of a site that works that way. I find most of the artists I like through Instagram, and the algorithm often recommends me artists with similar styles. And I often go to art museums as well.

[@sammmenzies134]

Christina, you mention, and show your little pocket sketch book and you recommend using it for practicing master copies. I'm wondering if you paint with oils in your books? or do you use acrylics for this practice? Thanks so much for your fab channel. I'm loving your content.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! For the sketchbook painting, I use acrylic gouache. It’s great for sketching because it dries quickly and can paint directly onto the paper without priming it first.

[@photographedemode]

Brillant advice, thank you

[@christinakentart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debtfreeis4me2]

Ty ty ty for all of your tips and tricks I’ve always wanted to learn to paint and or draw and think I could if I could muster up my confidence

[@christinakentart]

You totally can! Like any skill it is difficult at first and takes time, but if you keep at it you will improve. I hope you take the first step!

[@annmarie3520]

Very well put video. A lot of great advice!👍🏻❤️

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, glad you liked it!

[@Catbooks]

I'm also self-taught, although I started decades ago, and agree without doubt there's been no better time in history than now to be a self-taught artist. Back then, there were books on how to paint, and books on various artists, and that was it. I still have no interest in doing master paintings, which isn't to say I can't see value in doing them. I like the idea of using them to connect to and learn from other artists, past or present, it just doesn't interest me. I've already found my own style, or voice, if you will, and that's what interests me most, along with developing my skills to the point where I can paint my ideas or whatever is in front of me and moves me, and it satisfies me. If it also moves and satisfies others, that's icing on the cake.

[@christinakentart]

That’s great to hear, keep it up! ❤️

[@ExpressYourselfLearning]

Just brilliant! I think your tips are wonderful! What a great video Cristina. Exactly what I wanted to hear. I am going to put your tips into practice and also have a closer look at your work. Your paintings have a deep feel to them. Quite moving actually. I always thought copying other artists was discouraged but actually it is such a helpful idea! Of course students copied the masters! I have a few mixed media artists whom I follow and they do ethereal figures in imaginative naturescapes, so I am going to study their work and do a lot of small drawings and paintings of things that interest me in nature and also practice figure drawing. My current chosen mediums are ink, coloured pencil and watercolours. Thank you very much!!! X

[@christinakentart]

So glad you found it helpful! Good luck on your art journey :)

[@anaester4516]

this was so helpful! thank you so much!

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, happy painting!

[@bilaljanart]

Lovely talk stay blessed ❤

[@christinakentart]

Thank you!

[@thedmcexperiment1518]

These were really great tips! Thank you

[@christinakentart]

Glad you found them helpful! :)

[@j.patrickbowman3701]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@christinakentart]

Glad you found it helpful! :)

[@philmecup]

Great video, thanks!

[@christinakentart]

Glad you liked it! Happy painting :)

[@wcwindom56]

I watched you do a plain air with Michael Chamberlain. Question though... where can you find large copies of master paintings to work from online?

[@christinakentart]

That was a fun painting session :) Regarding master copies, I’m not sure, I usually do small master copies, so I don’t need the image to be high-res. I can generally work with what I find on google images.

[@Audion]

Learning to SEE is to painting what learning to hear is to music.

[@annekarts8451]

True that

[@annekarts8451]

Great video, Christina! You don’t mention anything new, but it’s always good to be reminded about the basic practices that will help us get better. Keep up the good work!

[@annekarts8451]

BTW love the picture in the background 😍

[@christinakentart]

I completely agree!

[@christinakentart]

@@annekarts8451 thanks Annek! :)

[@sharonlovesart4985]

Wow---I would have never guessed that you are self taught---just wow.

[@christinakentart]

oh thank you! :)

[@ShawnAllen-v2x]

The story of a pottery class comes from Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland

[@christinakentart]

Thank you for the reference!

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

This video just came up in my KZbin feed. You look adorable with bangs! I absolutely love your small paintings. So happy to see some of these after following you for some time and seeing more of your large works. Great tips, too!!!

[@christinakentart]

Thank you Madison! :)

[@deejaytori]

Thank you--this is so inspiring and informative! Question: do you use acrylics for those small sketchbook paintings?

[@christinakentart]

So glad you liked it! I use acrylic gouache for my small sketches :)

[@deejaytori]

@@christinakentart Thanks for this information! I've work with regular gouache, but have never tried the acrylic type. Will have to look into it.

[@warmteacosy]

There's one caveat to creating more work more often, and that is quality. The time and/or energy given to each work has to be great enough to allow for improvement. For example, if I was to create a thousand paintings and complete each one in only 30 minutes I'd soon find that I don't have enough time for genuine improvement. I'd be just spinning my wheels, so to speak, and churning out inferior pieces. More work is definitely good, 👍 but it still has to be created with enough time and care that allows for advancement in skill. 🙂

[@christinakentart]

Great point! It’s important to find a balance.

[@christinakentart]

Great point! It’s important to find a balance.

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

Thank you

[@stuffireveal]

Thank you for making vdo 🥰

[@ciarakenny-xx1jy]

thank you, this video really helped and inspired me :)

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, happy painting! 😃🙌

[@makerous]

great advice

[@veronicab_art]

Great video and tips to be applied! Personally I haven’t chosed yet which medium I want to use the more (oil, acrylics, gouache, watercolor, markers). What would be your advice ? Should I discover each medium for a short but intense period of time and then make my decision…thank you in advance

[@christinakentart]

So glad you liked the video! Choosing a medium is such an exciting time. I think your intuition about studying each for a short intense period (e.g. 3-6 months?) is a good idea. Then you can pick one to focus on and master. That being said, you don't have to stick with the same medium forever! I love oil painting, but I also draw and paint with acrylic gouache often in my sketchbook.

[@veronicab_art]

Thank you so much for your reply 🙏🏻 I indeed like a couple of mediums and I don’t want to choose just one. But in order to see the progress in my art I thought I must avoid to do for example “one painting in oil today and tomorrow to switch to watercolor”, as I won’t have the time to understand that medium and get better at it. I’m glad I found your KZbin channel this week 😊 Your videos are so insightful and helpful. Keep it up 💪🏻

[@Carol-ny2pp]

Are you able to sell your master copies?

[@christinakentart]

Good question! Usually I do them just for myself, but occasionally I sell them, if it's a copy of an old painting that isn't under copyright. I usually title the work "Study of... (original painting name)" so that it is clear that it is a master copy.

[@OilPainting101-u1n]

Super cute

[@mariamagalhaes6200]

Well done honey.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you!

[@mia.monada4367]

Hi Christina, thank you for the tips that you mentioned! Definitely will use some. I wonder if you can give me an advice. I’m just starting to learn to paint and don’t really know some fundamentals of sketching and colours. Do you think it’s worth starting to learn the basics with some courses from online schools or artists, or already begin with trying to copy what I see and keep practicing and then return to fundamentals? Would be very grateful for your advice on this ❤

[@christinakentart]

For sure! I'm so glad to hear you are starting to learn to paint. Online courses can be great. When I was first learning, I didn't have the money for courses, so I just did self-study. But now I do a mix of online courses, workshops with artists, and self-study. If you feel drawn to an online course, I say go for it! Personally, I've enjoyed courses through New Master's Academy, the Winslow Art Center, and the Kara Bullock Art School.

[@sereenaassih1816]

How long was it between starting a consistent art practice and offering your work for sale?

[@christinakentart]

Great question! I grew up drawing and painting consistently, but almost stopped completely during college and graduate school, before picking it up again in 2020. So when I started painting again in 2020, I began selling my paintings after just a few months, but I was leaning on years of experience I had already built up. However, I saw other artists who started painting for the first time in 2020, were painting each day, and began selling their work just a year or two later.

[@sereenaassih1816]

@@christinakentart Thank you

[@HerbertLin-y2l]

do we need permission to copy??

[@christinakentart]

Not if you are doing it for your own personal study. If you plan to share it on social media, it is nice to ask permission of the original artist (if they are alive).

[@seanfaherty]

As a 54 year old who just recently started painting close to what I’m going for, let me tell you - Art school would have been quicker

[@elipotter369]

I know people who did 3-5 years at a top art school & then had to learn painting techniques after they left. Art school gives you structured hours, some basics in drawing if you're lucky, lots of hours of practice, a little bit of feedback (often involving tearing you down so you can learn to "handle it'), access to other (competitive) people, studio space and some equipment. After that, you're entirely on your own with no space to work, no money or job, limited equipment, and no business skills and no practice at self motivation to put in hours.

[@stephenhanger2521]

Bright Girl.

[@gregpolutanovich1774]

The real masters are born with a natural talent

[@mayaboban]

❤

[@sharafunnissapv4825]

Can self taught art get money if we take it as a career..dear?

[@christinakentart]

Yes, it’s possible! I earn money from selling my work at galleries and online. I still work a part-time job to help pay my rent, but I expect to be able to quit next year and live solely off my art income. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m making it work. However everyone’s situation is different, and for some people it might be easier or more difficult to make a career from art.

[@valentinantunezjr]

🇨🇦

[@Audion]

👍🎨🖌️🖼️

[@baulsmahoney]

The biggest advantage is forcing yourself to dedicate the time, which you don’t need school for

[@christinakentart]

So true!

[@jennak.8541]

awesome list of tips! I think the cherry I top would have been a few artist you follow on Instagram. thanks for the video!

[@MA-P1978]

Unless you go to an art student’s league which teachers art classes, you will probably learn nothing from university! I was in Denver’s students league and was told by two different students with MFA degrees they learned nothing about making art from their time in university.

[@christinakentart]

I've never heard of an art student's league, that's a great tip!

[@Autorange888]

Start with making separate drawings, it is the foundation of painting.

[@Hyberlol]

My 1st tip is NEVER paint by copying someone else's work. ALWAYS paint or draw from real life.

[@018anita]

@Hyberlol That’s wonderful and very helpful, but I was confused on how to actually express the brushes of paint, how to actually apply the color, that’s why it helps a lot to learn how others artist do it. What are their formulas. The amazing part is that you develop your own.

[@valentinantunezjr]

L-e-a-r-n-T-o-P-a-i-n-t-

[@colleenmckenney6500]

Art schools used to be more reasonably priced

[@williameiffert494]

copy! everybody copies, even contemporary artists like Damien Hurst do it

[@Mark-q5o6x]

i like you, this is not an insult. What you describe is good - it is NOT however being self taught! You are just being taught from a source other than art school. Once you see your first art video, you can no longer be called self taught. Self taught means just that - you are taught by yourself and NOTHING else, no books, no internet, no nonacademic classes.

[@christinakentart]

You are absolutely right! So often people ask me “did you go to art school, or are you self-taught”? It seems to be a shorthand for indicating one didn’t go to art school, but that doesn’t mean that we didn’t have teachers anyway! I have certainly benefited from learning from so many artists.

[@daleksummers3155]

Who goes to art school? Not necessary. i know some professional artists and not one went to art school. Idk it was a thing...

[@valentinantunezjr]

...-w-

[@craigshannon6011]

Most of the greatest artists throughout history never went to any art school, It does have its advantages but being all taught the same style for me takes away uniqueness.

[@christinakentart]

Great point!

[@moomoomagee]

That's not true

[@PhilippaBeale]

There weren’t art schools until the mid 19th century

[@ExplorewithSarahlouise]

I think the point is you need to learn some foundational skills to then break the rules. I don’t think you have to do that at school there is so much online now that I think the resources are there

[@bagobeans]

That's not true. Many great artists went to an art school. The only difference now is because of social media. She even says "copy other artists!"

[@mevlidasofic9131]

❤