Intro to Painting
About this free Intro to Painting course
Intro to Painting is a free, comprehensive painting guide for beginners and intermediate artists. It begins by defining painting and discussing the right attitude toward art. It then teaches the fundamentals, such as color theory, perspective, background composition, and lighting, before walking through a painting session from setup to cleanup.
Students explore rendering techniques and styles from Realism and Surrealism to Abstract and Pop Art. They also compare oils, acrylics, gouache, and watercolors and learn how to choose brushes and shop for supplies on a budget.
Who this course is for
The course is written for beginners and intermediate artists, especially students in grades 6 through 12. No prior painting experience is required. Any paint you have on hand is fine to start with.
Course outline
- What is painting? Defining painting and building a healthy attitude toward art and practice.
- Fundamentals. Color theory, perspective, and background composition.
- Rendering and styles. Lighting principles and art styles including Realism, Surrealism, Abstract, and Pop Art.
- Finding inspiration. Real-life sources, websites, and learning from other artists.
- Materials. Oils, acrylics, gouache, and watercolors compared, plus paint brushes, other tools, and brands to buy.
- The painting process. Paint and brush setup, warm-ups, making your painting, and cleanup.
What you'll learn
- Apply color theory to mix and choose harmonious colors
- Use perspective and composition to arrange a painting
- Render light and shadow convincingly
- Choose the right paint and brushes for a project
- Set up, complete, and clean up a painting session
How long it takes
Plan on about 5 hours to work through the lessons, plus as much painting practice as you like. Most students spread it over a few weekends.
Frequently asked questions about Intro to Painting
Is Intro to Painting really free?
Yes. Intro to Painting is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
Which paint is best for beginners?
Acrylics are usually the easiest place to start: they're affordable, dry quickly, clean up with water, and are forgiving of mistakes. The course compares all four paint types so you can choose what fits your style and budget.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Intro to Painting materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the Intro to Painting materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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