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!

[@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.

[@sharonlovesart4985]

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

[@christinakentart]

oh thank you! :)

[@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

[@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!

[@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! 🥰

[@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! :)

[@jeremy0488]

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

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! ❤️

[@JeffCole]

This is great advice. Also I love your work.

[@christinakentart]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful :)

[@stuffireveal]

Thank you for making vdo 🥰

[@aricar325]

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

[@christinakentart]

So glad you found it helpful! Happy painting 😃

[@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

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

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!

[@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! :)

[@j.patrickbowman3701]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@christinakentart]

Glad you found it helpful! :)

[@makerous]

great advice

[@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!

[@anaester4516]

this was so helpful! thank you so much!

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, happy painting!

[@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 :)

[@ciarakenny-xx1jy]

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

[@christinakentart]

Awesome, happy painting! 😃🙌

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@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! ❤️

[@ChillART77]

Thank you for your great advice. I am looking for a community of young artists.😊

[@christinakentart]

You're welcome! You may find my video on finding an art community helpful as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGHHf6WHlL-niaMsi=uGCTPiPl1jwqG9fk

[@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.

[@valentinantunezjr]

🇨🇦

[@Audion]

👍🎨🖌️🖼️

[@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.

[@veronicabutnaru4017]

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.

[@veronicabutnaru4017]

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 💪🏻

[@miamerlin3018]

Hi Christina, I am a fellow painter and I love your work and the way you share about it. Do you have another job to support yourself now or when you were learning?

[@christinakentart]

Hi Mia! Thank you, so glad you like the work! I’m working towards making art full time, but for now I have a day job. I didn’t want to stifle my creativity by forcing it to make money for me right away. For me, painting is not only fun, but also a spiritual practice, and so I am allowing the business side to grow organically. What about you, do you have a day job, or paint full time?

[@lilymerlin9874]

@@christinakentart I don't paint full time, not even half time really :) I've been teaching art at the college level for over 20 years and that takes most of my time/energy. Teaching is very meaningful but it takes a lot out of you! It is a spiritual practice, and you seem to be doing the business side in a way that is very authentic. I'm from another generation and I appreciate your creative use of the tools you have to make it happen on your terms. I got some help learning how to paint from school, but there are many things I was not taught that I have had to seek out on my own. When I found your work and shared it with my best friend in SF who is now commissioning you! Was inspired by your fruit paintings to make one of my own @miamerlin :0)

[@christinakentart]

@@lilymerlin9874 that makes a lot of sense! I hope with time you can shift more of your time towards painting (assuming that is what you’d like!). It is definitely a journey. And thanks for recommending me to your friends! I am working on the commission now and am so excited about it 😃

[@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

[@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]

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

[@valentinantunezjr]

...-w-