Rules I’ve learned During my Painting II class, my professor always chanted these essential rules to make us into better painters, and some of these I picked up on my own. These rules I carry with me whenever I paint. Use at least three brushes at a time, never just one or two. Showing that you use a variety makes you a better artist. Stand far back from the canvas and paint. Being too close to makes you miss the bigger picture. Keep your brushes soaking and your water clean. Do not grip your paintbrush to the near end, keep it in the middle for more control. Take time for yourself and walk around. Talk to other artists and get second opinions. A bad comment is just one voice and one person. It doesn’t mean your work sucks. If you need to sit, sit up straight. Paint with paint. Don’t draw with paint. Surround yourself with good art. Always mix your colors; there is no such thing as pure white or pure black. Don’t just mix with what is on the pallet but blend onto the painting itself. Always lay your colors out and in order when you paint. Excellent painters continuously draw. Even the smallest sketches make a positive impact.
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