Starting a New Project: My Journey to Discovering the Joy of Painting
Have you ever felt like you needed a new challenge in your life? Something to keep your mind and hands busy, and to give you a sense of accomplishment? I certainly have, and that’s why I decided to start a new project: painting.
As someone who has never been particularly artistic, the idea of painting was both exciting and intimidating. But I was determined to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. In this post, I’ll share my journey to discovering the joy of painting, and offer some tips for anyone else who is thinking about starting a new project.
Choosing a Project: Why I Chose Painting
When it comes to choosing a new project, there are countless options to consider. Some people might choose to take up a new sport or hobby, while others might decide to learn a new language or start a business. For me, painting was appealing for a few reasons:
– It’s a creative outlet: As someone who spends most of their day working on a computer, I was craving a way to express myself that didn’t involve screens or keyboards.
– It’s a challenge: Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve never been particularly artistic. The idea of trying to create something beautiful with just a few colors and a canvas was both exciting and intimidating.
– It’s a form of self-care: There’s something meditative and calming about painting. It allows me to slow down and focus on something other than the stresses of everyday life.
Getting Started: Supplies and Resources
Once I had decided on painting as my new project, the next step was to gather the necessary supplies and resources. Here are some of the things I invested in:
– Paints: I opted for acrylic paints, as they are versatile and easy to work with. I bought a set of basic colors to start with, and have since added a few more shades to my collection.
– Brushes: There are countless types of brushes out there, but I started with a few basic sizes and shapes (flat, round, and angled).
– Canvas: I bought a few different sizes of canvas, so that I could experiment with different compositions and techniques.
– Easel: While not strictly necessary, I found that having an easel made it easier to paint for longer periods of time without getting a crick in my neck.
– Instructional resources: As a beginner, I knew I needed some guidance. I bought a few books on painting techniques, and also turned to YouTube for tutorials and inspiration.
Tips for Starting a New Project
Whether you’re thinking about taking up painting or trying something else entirely, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Start small: Don’t try to tackle a huge project right off the bat. Start with something manageable and work your way up.
– Embrace imperfection: It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re first starting out and your work doesn’t look like a masterpiece. Remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and that imperfection is part of the process.
– Set goals: Give yourself something to work towards, whether it’s finishing a painting in a certain amount of time or trying out a new technique.
– Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Whether it’s asking a friend for feedback on your work or seeking out resources online, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
My Experience with Painting
Since starting my painting project, I’ve discovered a newfound love for creativity and self-expression. While my paintings may not be museum-worthy, I’m proud of what I’ve created and excited to see where this new hobby takes me.
If you’re thinking about starting a new project, I encourage you to give it a try. Whether it’s painting, writing, or something entirely different, there’s something incredibly rewarding about taking on a new challenge and seeing what you’re capable of. Who knows? You might just discover a new passion in the process.
