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Arts & crafts

How to start your next painting or drawing: 3 beginner techniques you can learn today!

15 Feb 2022 | Written by The Joy Club

Do you have a craving to get stuck into something creative? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at painting or drawing, but didn’t know where to start. Well, look no further! In this blog, we share three different styles of art to get your started. Whether you’re interested in Modernist art, Dada art, or Pop art, we have you covered! So grab your paints and brushes and let’s get started.

 

Modernist Art, Dada Art and Pop Art

These three styles are a great introduction into painting and drawing. Here’s what you need to know about each style of art…

 

Modernist art

Modernism is an art style that emerged in the early 20th century. It is characterised by a rejection of traditional forms, such as realism and naturalism, in favour of abstract or non-objective art. Modernist art includes many different styles and mediums including painting, sculpture, installation works and performance pieces.

To get started with Modernist, we recommend trying out a simple abstract painting. You can use any colour or combination of colours you like, and there is no wrong way to do it! 

The following video is a good introduction to Modernist art: First Steps in Abstract Painting / Art with Adele.

 

Dada Art

An offshoot of modernism, Dada art emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the horrors of World War I. Dada artists sought to create art that was nonsensical and provocative, often using absurdist techniques and materials. Some of the most famous Dada artists include Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray.

To get started with Dada art, we recommend trying out a simple collage. You can use any materials you like, but we suggest sticking to basic shapes and colours for your first attempt. 

Check out this tutorial for a guide to creating your own Dada piece of art: Art Workshop: Hannah Höch Dada artist.

 

Pop Art

Pop art is an art style that emerged in the 1950s, characterised by bright colours and bold lines. The subject matter of pop art is often mundane objects taken from everyday life (such as soup cans or comic book characters). Some of the most famous pop artists include Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Here’s a great tutorial to get you started with pop art: Let’s make POP art like Roy Lichtenstein!

 

What materials will you need to start painting or drawing?

Once you have decided on a type of art and style, it’s time to gather your materials! Gather these items before starting the tutorial so that you are ready for each step. You don’t want to waste any time painting. Some common supplies used in painting or drawing include: paper, pencils/pens, paintbrushes, and paint.

Pastels

Pastels are a type of chalk that is used for drawing and painting. They come in many different colours, and can be blended to create new shades. To get started with pastels, we recommend trying out a simple still life drawing.

Collage

Collage is the art of sticking pieces of paper (or other materials) together to create a new image. It is often used for abstract or mixed media art. To get started with collage, we recommend trying out a simple mixed media piece.

Watercolour

Watercolours are paints that are diluted with water before being applied to paper. They come in many different colours, and can be blended to create new shades. To get started with watercolour, we recommend trying out a simple painting of flowers or other objects from nature.

Charcoal drawing

Charcoal is a type of soft black carbon that can be used to create drawings on paper or canvas. It can be applied in layers to darken areas and erased by rubbing it off with an eraser. To get started with charcoal drawing, we recommend trying out a simple portrait drawing.

 

Summary

Getting into the visual arts can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Learning distinct styles is both a great way to improve your skills while also immersing yourself in the culture and history of the art world. If you want some extra guidance in learning these skills you may want to consider joining a class. At The Joy Club, we host art making classes, guiding members through how to create their own stylised piece of work, and art lectures on different periods of art history. So, if you want to immerse yourself and learn some fun new skills, why not explore what The Joy Club has to offer?

Interested? Click here to find out more and sign up for free today!