Learning art is primarily a matter of doing it, but there are methods of instruction available to help the aspiring artist. Whether you are an art instructor looking for a lesson plan for students or you are teaching yourself, choosing a structured method of learning is the key to a successful education in art.
Basic Tools and Materials
Learn the basic tools and materials available. Art encompasses such an array of media and techniques, so understanding everything about every tool and material is not practical. A beginner's guide is an excellent way to get an overview of the art world. You can find many beginning art books at a book or hobby store, as well as excellent online sources see resources.
Artistic Media
Some artists enjoy using a variety of media, while others prefer a specialty, such as sketching, painting or working with clay. The medium an artist chooses may be something she can do well, or she may simply prefer the medium. An introduction to art and its various media can be found in beginning art books or even online at one of the many websites devoted to learning art.
Begin with the Sketch
Regardless of the medium, sketching is one of the basic skills most artists use. Some are better than others, but at least a little basic sketching ability is needed to pursue most forms of visual artistic expression. There are several websites that specialize in teaching beginners sketch, such as drawingCoach.com.
Explore Other Media
A lot of artists begin by sketching, then move on to experiment with various painting methods. Get a beginning book on oil painting or acrylic painting techniques from your local hobby shop. You can also take an online introductory course. The best way to learn another medium is to just jump right in and paint something.
