I know it might sound cheesy, but I really believe that everyone should have some sort of art practice in their routine. Personally, art has changed my life and given me so much as a person, and I’ve learned so much about myself through the process of creating art. I joke that if I act like I believe your life depends on it, it’s because it does. I also love that art has connected me to so many incredible people like YOU, so if you are new to my world let me just start by saying a sincere welcome. As you get started with art for beginners, I do share a lot of art tutorials and information here on my blog, but make sure to follow me over on Instagram to see more of my work and daily thoughts and practices in action.

Don’t be afraid to experiment!

When you’re looking to start an art hobby as a beginner, it can be tempting to choose just one thing—like watercolor—and go all in. After all, focusing on a single medium seems like the quickest way to get good at it, right? 

While there’s value in that kind of dedication, I also want to encourage you to experiment and explore a variety of artistic avenues. I know that this might be kind of unconventional advice (that’s kind of what you get around here!), but try sketching one day, then dive into watercolor the next, and hey – try acrylics or pastels after that.

Each medium offers unique experiences and lessons that can enhance your overall artistic skills and broaden your creative perspective, regardless of if you “stick to them”. After all, if you poke around my site you’ll see it’s pretty clear that watercolor has captured my heart but I still make an effort to try new things (and enjoy the process of being a beginner again!). 

Grab some beginner-friendly art tools

I know I just told you to experiment with different mediums, so if you’re hesitant to buy a bunch of new tools, I get it. However, the quickest way to get better at something is to use the right tools (scouts honor!). You don’t need to splurge on the best of the best of everything, either. 

I personally use tools for my watercolor paintings that are high-quality but still relatively budget-friendly so don’t think that every single thing you need will break the bank! You can shop all of my favorites here if you’d like! You can also check around your local art studio for classes or open art nights if you want to experiment there first. 

Learn some basic techniques as you play

This might surprise you, but while I do definitely encourage you to get in there and get your canvas dirty by playing and trying things, I also think it’s well worth taking a step back to learn some fundamental techniques. I feel like this is some hidden secret in the art world: the better you know the fundamentals, the more you will enjoy the play. When you’re a beginner starting at a blank canvas, it can be hard to know exactly what you should do. The last thing I want is for you to try to start, get stuck, and feel like you can’t keep going because you aren’t sure what to do next. Learning the fundamentals is the fastest way to get good (and it’s more fun as you get good!).

Want to learn the basics from me?

Quick moment for a shameless pitch here: My signature course, The Art Within, is opening up this summer (2024) and if you know you want to explore art this year, I would love to invite you to get on the waitlist. It’s like art school without the cost. Not only will I teach you fundamentals like how to sketch anything, color theory, the rule of thirds, drawing 3D shapes, and so much more, I’ve also designed the course to have you feeling CONFIDENT the next time you pick up a brush and the process and principles that go into finding YOUR unique style as an artist. This isn’t one of those courses where I teach you how to become a clone of me (that’d be cool though).   

In the meantime…

A Few Of My Favorite Art Tutorials on Youtube

Like I said, I think it’s important to experiment! If you’re not sure where to get started, here are a few of my favorites!

1. How to Sketch a Human Figure

In this tutorial, I show you how to sketch (and then paint!) fun and simple human figures. I’ve often heard that people can be one of the hardest things to draw but they don’t have to be!

2. How to Paint Fall Watercolor Trees

I love this tutorial because I use a mix of watercolor and also ink for the details. If you’re looking for a step-by-step beginner-friendly watercolor tutorial, this one is a great place to start! 

3. The BEST Watercolor Practice to Improve Quickly

I know if you’re like me, you know it takes time to get good but it still feels hard to wait. In this video, I walk you through 4 different paintings that will teach you the foundations of watercolor (in a fun way). 

Creating your first art projects

As you set out to create your first art projects, make sure to focus first on having fun. It’s easy to feel disappointed when things don’t turn out perfectly right from the start, but remember, that discerning eye of yours—spotting when something isn’t quite right—is actually one of the things that will help you grow into a great artist. Embrace the learning process and let yourself enjoy each moment of creativity. Art offers so many benefits beyond just the finished product; it’s a way to relax, express yourself, and find joy in the simple act of creating. So, let go of the pressure to be perfect, and dive into your art with an open heart and a playful spirit. 

Get on the Waitlist for The Art Within

Like I mentioned above, if you want to join a 1000+ artists, get better at the fundamentals of art (without the high cost of art school), and find practical steps that will help YOU find your way as an artist, I would love to invite you to get on the waitlist for The Art Within. While the course is currently getting a little bit of a facelift, I can promise you that it will be worth the wait, and I would love to see you inside (starting summer 2024)!