StepByStep Index

Painting by Numbers
A look at what Painting by Numbers involves, and why I think it's a helpful technique for beginners.

How to Deal with Criticism About Your Art
Harsh, uncalled for criticism of your art can be devastating. Here are some tips on how to deal with unwelcome and unrequested criticism.

Painting Techniques: Sgraffito
What is sgraffito and how do you use this painting technique?

How to Hold a Paint Palette
If you hold a paint palette correctly it's far less tiring on your arm and hand.

Painting with a Knife Rather than a Brush
An introduction to using a painting knife rather than a brush, including selecting a suitable painting knife and tips on painting with a knife.

How to Paint in an Expressive or Painterly Style
Find out what it means to paint in an expressive or painterly style, and how to do it.

How to Decide What Paint to Use
Want to start painting but not sure what paint to use? Here's help on deciding how to choose between the most popular types of paint used.

How to Read the Label on a Tube of Paint
Find out what the 'small print' on a paint tube label means.

Myths About Being an Artist
There are a lot of false beliefs about what it takes to be an artist. Starting with the belief that talent is essential... it's not.

How to Hold an Art Paint Brush
Have you ever given any thought to the way you hold a paint brush? Did you know that there's more than one way to hold it? Find out more here.

7 Steps to a Successful Painting
An explanation of the seven steps to a successful painting, by Canadian artist Brian Simons. Though this method of painting may seem quite simple and unsophisticated, it works.

Painting Basic Shapes: A Sphere
The sphere is one of the basic shapes that creates the illusion of reality in a painting. Find out how to paint a sphere, not just a flat circle.

Negative Space in a Painting
An explanation of what negative space in a painting is, how and why to use it, and why it's so useful.

5 Ways to Ruin an Art Paint Brush
If you look after it well, a paint brush can last a long time, but it's very easy to ruin it too...

Sketching for Painting: Is there a Right or a Wrong Way?
Sketching -- Is there a Right or a Wrong Way?

Painting Glass
What color is glass, and how do you paint it? There's no simple answer as glass is influenced by what's around it. You need to observe very carefully.