Time to Paint

Finally it's time to get cracking on actually painting. This part is really straightforward. All you have to do here is think of this just like paint-by-numbers. Why not even add the numbers if it helps? Now just use your photo as a reference for the colors and add them to the canvas.

When it comes to which type of paint to use, any acrylic or water-based paint will do nicely. I'd stay away from oil paint simply because this is a flat painting that requires no blending therefore oils aren't needed. Plus, oil paint takes forever to dry.

In order to match the colors, print your photo in the highest quality as a reference, bring it with you to an art supply or craft store and pick up the paints that match the colors in your photo. Honestly all you need is a medium body acrylic. Liquitex medium body acrylics work great. They're soft and very manageable, perfect for first time painters.

If you're a purist and want to mix your own colors just be sure to get yourself all the basic colors.

• Black: Ivory Black
• White: Titanium White
• Yellow: Cadmium Yellow
• Blue: Ultramarine Blue
• Red: Napthol Crimson or Cadmium Red

One type of paint I would stay away from is the Liquitex Basics series. These colors are really diluted and mixing them together never comes out as a true color.

When it comes to paint brushes, you really only need one brush. A medium to small round-tip brush works awesome. I'm a fan of Grumbacher Sable brushes but it's totally up to you.

Well then, finish up your painting. Keep in mind you don't have to be perfect. One, it's a painting not a photo and two; paintings are viewed from a distance so little mistakes won't matter. Lastly, I have one last trick up my sleeve for a finishing detail.