When you start painting you will make all kinds of mistakes. That is just part of the journey.
Making mistakes is not an issue in painting, provided you are able to identify the mistakes and learn from them. The problem when you are a beginner is that you will not be able to see most of the mistakes you make. You may be able to tell that something is off in your painting, but you will struggle to narrow down on what that problem actually is.
In this post, I will go through some of the most common mistakes made by beginners and what you can do about those mistakes.
Inappropriate Edges
An edge in painting marks a transition from one element to another. There are a few different types of edges:
A hard edge means there is a very crisp transition between the two shapes.
A soft edge has some kind of gradation between the shapes. So the transition is smooth.
A lost edge is one where the edge is so soft that you can barely see it or it does not exist (but you know an edge is there due to the context of the painting). This usually occurs when there are two shapes next to each other which have the same color.
Here is an example I used in my post about painting more realistically:
The interesting thing about edges is that they can give so much information about the subject. In the example above, the hard edge provides the most information and indicates the building is close in perspective and separate from the background.
The soft edge suggests there is a change in plane at the top of the building which is receiving more direct light, but not so much that the edge is hard.
The soft edge indicates the side of the building is not receiving any direct light.
Most beginners will make all the edges either too hard or too soft.
If you make all the edges too hard, then your painting may not appear natural. It is not necessarily a bad thing to use all hard edges as it could produce some interesting stylistic results, but you need to be aware of the impact of using hard edges. If you want to see some hard edges in action, check out Edgar Payne's landscape paintings.
If you make all your edges too soft, then everything in your painting will appear out of focus. Again, if that is what you are going for then it is not an issue. Many of the impressionists painted with all soft edges to produce these very ethereal paintings.
The other issue is using inappropriate edges, like a hard edge which should be soft, or a soft edge which should be lost. As noted above, the edges in a painting give a lot of information about the subject, so it is important that you get them mostly correct. And I say correct in a very loose sense. There is usually no one way to do things in painting, so correct just means that it works within the context of your painting and it helps you communicate what you want to say.
Poor Subject Selection
Poor subject selection is a mistake you could make before you even pick up your brush. Sometimes, a subject will not make a great painting no matter how well you paint it.
You should paint something which you are actually inspired and excited to paint. You should be able to envision yourself creating a great painting from the subject.
Below is a reference photo of Brisbane which is technically a decent composition. But, I am not inspired to paint this. I am not able to go into details why. It just does not inspire me - there is no X factor.
On the other hand, I can see a great painting from this reference photo. I think it is because of the interesting light in the background.
I spend a considerable amount of time deciding what to paint. I find that if I start a painting with no vision in mind, then rarely does that painting turn out well. Sometimes there are happy accidents, but only rarely.
However, this needs to be balanced with making sure I am actually painting enough. So I do not want to be too selective, otherwise I would never start a painting.
I like to keep a large folder of all my reference photos so if I am ever lacking for inspiration, I can go through the photos to see if anything can spark my inspiration.
Incorrect Shadows
Many people focus on highlights rather than shadows when starting out. Highlights do seem more interesting after all.
But the shadows actually provide you with much greater opportunity to create the illusion of light rather than the highlights. The shadows should really do most of the work and the highlights are just there as accents.
Shadows indicate the direction, intensity and temperature of the light. This is a lot of information so it is important that you properly understand how shadows work.
The good news is that light and shadow are much more predictable than color and composition, which are more subjective by nature. When you shine a light on an object, you can reliably predict the outcome of the shadow, provided you know what kind of light it is. This is great for us artists as so many other aspects of painting are subjective to some extent.
Being good at color or composition is largely based on who is actually judging. For example, some may look at the great impressionist paintings and see a stunning display of vibrant color, whilst others may see a jarring mess.
But being good at light and shadow is not subjective. You either understand it or you don't.
Here are some of the most common problems I see with shadows:
- Relying on black for shadows. You have so much color available to you. Black should be the last alternative.
- Ignoring the shadows altogether. Nothing looks more unnatural than an object with a missing shadow.
- Using the wrong temperature for the shadow. As a general rule, cool light will produce warm shadows and vice versa.
- Not accounting for reflected light (light bouncing back into the shadow).
Still lifes are a great way to learn more about how light and shadow work.
Trying To Paint Too Many Values
Value refers to how light or dark something is on a scale of pure white to pure black. It is widely considered to be the most important aspect for achieving a quality of realism in your paintings.
Most of the time, the subject will not be organized into a neat value structure, unless you set up your own still life. You will usually need to do a bit of work to simplify the value structure to make it more manageable and cohesive.
I will use my reference photo below as an example. There are two ways to look at the reference photo for a painting.
I could see every change in value no matter how small or insignificant. This is how normal people would look at the scene.
Or, if I were to think as an artist, then I would break the subject down into large values masses and ignore all the noise. When I actually painted this scene I broke the scene down into groups and then kept all the values within those groups around the same.
Stopping Too Early Or Too Late
Knowing when to put down the brush is one of the most challenging aspects of painting. If you stop too early, then your painting may appear incomplete. If you stop too late, then your painting may appear overworked.
I like to call a painting finished once I have reached a stage where nothing of significance is missing or needs to be changed. At this stage, I am must be confident that any additional work would only distract from the overall feel of the painting.
It can be difficult to judge when this time occurs. I personally will just ask myself this:
“... will this next brush stroke add any more value to my painting?”
If the answer is a solid no, then I will stop painting. At this stage, I am confident that any further work will not add anything to the overall appeal of the painting.
Also, I try not to paint with a fear of messing things up. If I see opportunities to improve the painting, I will take those opportunities, even if it means risking the current state of the painting. Taking the safe approach is a sure way of having many average paintings.
Using Too Much Color
By color, I am just referring to highly saturated (vivid) colors. When starting out in painting, many people try to cram as much color into the painting as possible. They think of the stunning displays of color by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh and try to achieve a similar result.
If you use too many saturated colors then the most likely result will be a painting which is jarring and uncomfortable to look at.
A vast majority of the colors you see in nature are not vivid colors. Rather, most of the colors you see are low-intensity versions. The image below demonstrates a range from vivid at the top, weak in the middle and finally neutral gray at the bottom. Rarely would you need to use the colors at the top.
Of course, there are times to use highly saturated colors. Like when you need to paint the vivid red of a rose, or when you are just going for that kind of style (like in Monet's painting above and many of van Gogh's). But most of the time, you will need to dull the colors down for your painting to some extent.
The dull colors should do most of the work in your paintings and the vivid colors can be used as accents.
To reduce the saturation of your colors, you could either:
- Add white (which would also make the color lighter)
- Add black (which would also make the color darker)
- Add gray
- Add the complement of the color (for example, to reduce the saturation of a vivid red, you could add green)
Overusing White
Overusing white is a particularly common problem for beginners. In many cases, I see white straight from the tube being used for all highlights, which appears very unnatural and not part of the subject.
This problem can be easily solved by learning how white works and some basic understanding of color mixing.
When you add white to a color, it increases the value and reduces the saturation of the color. Once the white is added, it is very difficult to get the richness of the color back.
You need to be very careful with getting white in your darks. Even just a touch of white could make your darks lose that rich and full appearance.
You do not need to rely on white to lighten your colors. In many cases, it makes more sense to use yellow to lighten your colors. Yellow is a relatively light color. Just be aware that adding yellow will also shift the hue.
Very rarely should you use pure white as a highlight. It will usually look out of place. Instead, you should use weak versions of colors. In the painting below, even the brightest part of the sun is not pure white but rather a very tinted yellow. In fact, pure white is not used at all in this painting.
Even when you are actually painting a white local color on a subject, you will probably not need to use white straight from the tube. Instead, you should rely on grays and weak colors. In the painting below, notice how little white is actually used for the white dress. But it still appears white.
Summary
I hope you have found this post useful. Have you made any of these mistakes in the past? Or are there any other mistakes you find yourself frequently making? Please let me know in the comments.
Also, I will just say that a mistake is only really a mistake if you do not learn from it. Do not paint with a fear of making mistakes, as they will happen. Just try to only make the same mistake once.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope you learned something new! If you found the post useful, please share. Also, don't forget to subscribe and get my free Painting For Beginners Guide and read my about page if you want to learn more about my story.
Want more painting tips? Come join me in the Painting Academy.
Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
Michelle says
Very helpful post, I like it and learn a lot of paintings, thank you Dan!
JennieOlls says
Thank you Dan, I have made just about all of these mistakes. I find this very helpful.
Dan Scott says
No problem thanks Jennie! Dan
Amy Therrien says
This was a great read and I’m feeling really good about my pickyness. It’s good to be objective! You learn from mistakes.
Rennie Pieterman says
Thank you! Very helpful.
vincent Browne says
Greetings Dan, I think I have made some of your mentioned mistakes, one at present, a portrait of a child. the eyes are too close and too small. How do I correct it without mixing in the original colors? This is an oil painting. Thank you Vincent
Dan Scott says
Hi Vincent, sorry for my delay. If you make a mistake with your drawing, then that tends to be difficult to fix, especially if the paint has dried. If you are working wet on wet, then you might be able to adjust the drawing. That is just one of the challenges of painting. Dan
Dan Scott says
No problem thanks Michelle! Dan
Isabel Dyer says
Thank you, I’ll certainly look out for edges now, and highlights/shadows, interesting article. I need more drawing practice, and I’m learning not to add too much white, which has caused some expensive mistakes. Trying to get more fluid and realistic paintings.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Isabel! Dan
Liz Blair says
i used to love using white but now i’ve changed my mind thanks Dan
Robyn Watt says
Oh Dan…this is great information. I’m new to your site and wish i’d found you years ago.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.
Love Rob
Jerry B says
Great stuff, Dan!! Especially about weighing each stroke before you put it on the canvas. I’ve gotten in the habit of adding strokes randomly when the painting doesn’t look right. Your suggestion to step back and get more insight before applying more paint haphazardly
LYN Johnson says
Oh my goodness I so agree. Thankyou Dan for this information. I knew about edges but never knew their specific use. Everyone tells you about them and how to produce them but not why they were used in a particular place.
Cheers, Lyn.
Dan Scott says
No problem Lyn, happy to have helped. Thanks, Dan
Ercsn says
Hello Dan.. been very busy with my job at school.i found your post really very very useful and very professionally prepared..i made a lot of those mistakes in the past…. you have güven evert one of these individual problems and mistakes and the subject matters that should be taken care of..wow!.it is a very effective summary of years and years experience and academic education and training.i am a watercolorist.. my difficulties stem from the medium itself..firstly watercokour is the.mist difficult medium to work with..the amount.of water ,paint, gravity,the degree of tilt you use while painting.. choising the right colour and muting it ir knowing how to mute and when to use colours vividly..there is a huge bundle of problems…and sometimes the fact that we can not persevere..and you should keep trying and trying keep painting and painting .. thank you very much for all the information yiu have given..really useful and valuable..it might ve frustrating when you do not have a painting teacher or a more experienced eye
Dan Scott says
Thanks Ercsn! Glad to help. Dan
Lu says
This was very helpful. Especially about the color white.
Dan Scott says
Glad to hear Lu! Thanks, Dan
Maureen Beck says
I have made many of these mistakes. This was really helpful!
Dan Scott says
Happy to hear this was helpful to you Maureen! Thanks, Dan
jilly smallwood says
Very helpful and clearly explained – really gives you something to work on. All aspects really useful.
Look forward to reading more. Thankyou.
Dan Scott says
Great to hear this Jilly! More to come. Dan
Kate Cavanaugh says
Thank you Dan, Each one of these insights I can see will benefit my projects. So helpful and I will apply today!
Dan Scott says
That is great Kate! Keep up the good work. Thanks, Dan
Paul John Stanley says
Good day Dan i have and still do some times make all of these mistakes probably because i have never been told how not to. I just struggled on and thought it was my lack of experience so thanks for that big big help for me. Regards Paul Stanley in the U.K.
Dan Scott says
Glad the post has helped you out Paul! Keep up the good work. Dan
Raymond says
Great intro
Patrice Osullivan says
Thanks. Dan Very helpful I will start painting again soon ,Interesting about the white and dark lots to Learn. Thanks Patrice
Dan Scott says
All the best with your next painting Patrice! Thanks, Dan
Prabhu Kumar says
Respected Dan,
Good Morning,
I wish to God for your good health.
I read your valuable tips for realistic painting, which are wonderful and very much guidable for a new learner like me.
Although I am not a professional , but I have an interest for painting, now when I received your guidance for these techniques I really feel proud, and lots of thanks for yourself for this kindness.
I will try my best to keep in mind these techniques in future and always remains in hope for your valuable suggestions and Guidance’s in this regard in future to achieve and paint the perfect paintings.
Thanks again,
With regard
“Prabhu”
Haryana ( India)
Heba says
Thank you for these tips , but each one of them can be a seperate lesson to fully comprehent so , if u made video tutorials that helps us avoid these mistakes by practising , i think it would be great .. thank u again
Dan Scott says
Thanks Heba. I do have video tutorials in my courses which go deeper into certain topics.
Dan
Penelope Williams says
Thanks for your blog. Very useful &informative I really get about being inspired by a subject before one paints it
Hope Morrow Glidden says
ALWAYS GREAT IMFO. Thank You for Sharing…
jerry says
Thank you very much mate!
All this teachings are very helpful!
If you can look at my paintings and give some criticise will be so much more better.
If you do that , will you charge any money?
Dan Scott says
Hi Jerry
Thanks for your comment.
At the moment I don’t offer critiques. Most of my time goes into creating these posts and other products which can reach more people. But, I might consider it in the future when I have more time!
Thanks
Dan
phyllis o petruzzi says
Thank you so much for the tips on painting I have been painting for a few years now and I feel there is much more to learn. This article been so helpful. Thank you
Chetna Vora says
Loved your article on painting. Very few people write something which is actually useful
Barbara says
Really enjoyed the ‘value’ discussion. I looked at the reference photo, liked it and mentally started laying it out in my mind to paint. Then I saw the way you handled the values and had to totally rethink my dark placement. Reading why you used the value/colors you did made perfect sense. I have gotten in the habit of putting very dark values in, like this photo on the left, when a bit lighter allowed some detail and still captured the feeling of the photo.
Thank you!! Great info!
Pat says
Wow…thank you…I’m a newby and didn’t even know these were mistake I could make…now I’m aware.
Hali says
very clear explanation of common mistakes. thanks!
Johann Bull says
Thank you Dan! Yes I have made these mistakes and I am slowly learning from them. I found your instructions very helpful! Regards Jo
Viveca Dahlen says
Very good post this. viveca Dahlen
Dan Scott says
Thanks Viveca! Dan
Claudia says
Great article, thank you!
Dan Scott says
Thanks Claudia
Antonis says
Dear Dan,
Thank you very much for your valuable painting instructions.
I have made the mistake with the white colour many times.
Now I will stop. Not the painting but making the mistake.
Thanks again.
Dan Scott says
No problem thanks Antonis!
Peter says
I am guilty in the use of my whites. Thanks for re-directing my vision in this respect.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Peter, Dan
laurelle says
Very helpful reminders, Dan. I am very guilty of using too many saturated colors and I’m trying to tone it down. Good advice about the values and showing the example in your painting of keeping the same values not too far apart. Otherwise the viewer’s eyes will be bouncing around looking for a focal point.
Thank you, Dan!!
Dan Scott says
Thanks Laurelle!
Janine gray says
Thank you. Yes i v done most with out realizing.
On another note i have painted 2 beautiful scenerys and was told i didn’t have enough paint on canvas. I tryed to add more.
But recked it so painted over it.
I use acrylic. Thank you.
Kind regards janine
Dan Scott says
Thanks Janine
victoria cullen says
Wonderful tips!! Thank you so much for the energy you put into these posts. It truly is appreciated.
Dan Scott says
My pleasure Victoria! Dan
Shirley says
Certainly covers many mistakes I have made. getting enough paint onto canvas can be an issue for me at times.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Shirley!
Eseta Sherman says
I make ALL of the mistakes listed. Especially the use of white and of vivid colours. Thank you!
Dan Scott says
Thanks Eseta! Glad to help. Dan
Mike Palmer says
Excellent post Dan. I had similar issues in respect of hard, soft and hidden edges on a painting I did a while ago of the church square in Los Cristianos, Tenerife but overcame it and the painting came out well.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Mike!
Peggy says
I enjoy reading your emails, and will try to focus on your suggestions and learn more about composing a painting. Thank you for sharing.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Peggy, Dan
JOAN SPECKING says
Thank you so much, Dan, this is very helpful! I do all of these things I think…and have a fear of messing up which keeps me from trying to fix things – so I don’t finish the painting.
Dan Scott says
No problem thanks Joan!
Judy says
Really enjoyed reading this, packed with vital information, put together in a refreshing and easy to understand way.
Thanks Dan
Dan Scott says
Thanks Judy! Glad to read that. Dan
Linda LINDSEY says
I enjoyed your article very much. It helped to answer several questions for me. Thanks for posting it.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Linda!
Joy says
Thanks Dan.
Very helpful especially with light and dark, viewing work from a distance and different angles and colour mixing.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Joy!
Judith Rostron says
I enjoy reading your suggestions. Although I have been painting acrylic, mixed media and pastel for many years, I’m relatively new to watercolour and very new to oils so I find your suggestions very helpful because I have never analysed my previous paintings so thoroughly and I think they will help
Dan Scott says
Thanks Judith! Glad to hear.
Razor says
Thanks Dan good post. I am quit new at this venture, so my mistakes are many. But I believe I am learning. Mistakes are a good teacher..
Dan Scott says
Thanks Ray! Dan
Mary says
I loved reading about colors. Not using pure white etc.
my funniest mistake was as a real beginner, painting a cottage in the woods with the creek. It actually tuned out good, till some years later, I happened to count the light sources.. there were six!!!!!
Dan Scott says
Thanks Mary, that sounds like a hard subject to paint with so many light sources! Dan
Sheila says
Hi just started to paint over a sketch and found this was just what I needed thanks
Dan Scott says
Great thanks Sheila!
Jenny Coole says
Thanks Dan I found this very helpful especially about not using white I do tend to over use it a lot. I will try not to do that in future.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Jenny
Tom says
I’ve been painting a total of two months. It’s fun and eye opening. I expecially enjoyed your comments about using white. Your teaching is good reading.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Tom glad to hear. Dan
Marina Micu says
Interesting lessons. in few phrases explained the essence of every aspect to be taken into account.
Thank you
Dan Scott says
Thanks Marina
Susan says
Absolutely excellent tutorial! I am a new artist with natural talent but making some of these mistakes. I also appreciate your specific detail with out overwhelming “artist talk”.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Susan! I try to keep away from “art talk”. I makes everything unreadable.. Dan
Toni says
Great tips! Another mistake I think is very common for beginners as Ive done it many Xs is you shouldnt have anything in your painting that draws the eye straight to it unless of course its your focal point… you want the viewer to take the painting in as a whole and not draw the eye to one spot. Am I making any sense not sure here! Lets say you are painting a cat and you accidentally highlight the tail… the eye will look at the tail first and thats not what you obv are going for… anyways excellent post and you are a much better tutor than I!!!
Dan Scott says
Thanks for sharing Toni!
Abeer Hassan says
Thank you very much Dan , I paint 4 years ago and am only an amateur but I learn from people like you, all your tips are very useful especially the edges point which I never consider,thank you again 🙂
Dan Scott says
Thanks Abeer. Glad to hear 🙂 Dan
Margaret Knightly says
You are a great teacher! Edges & values are both things I have trouble with.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Margaret! Appreciate it.
Martha Dale says
Thanks for the great tutorials, I find myself undecided about where my shadows should be. This will help tremendously.
Frixos says
Thanks for an excellent post. I’ ve been painting for 9 years now. Sure I still make
a lot of mistakes but my biggest difficulty
is to find a good subject.
Kimberly Thibodeaux says
Thank you for the wonderful tips. The first things that I changed on my current painting were the edges, most needing more sharpness. The tip about too much white made me wonder if you could see me painting somehow when you wrote it, lol. BIG differences with little changes are amazing. Thanks again!
Linda Jackson says
Yes I have made many of the mistakes, correcting them was the difficul part. Using pure white my biggest mustake. Valuable pointers, thanks
Deborah says
Thank You for sharing these most valuable tips. It is wonderful to read and very informative. The best part was getting to read this without being charged! Seems like most everyone wants to make money these days, so they don’t share anything without a price.
Thank You again for sharing these valuable tips.
Stan Quick says
I am self taught as a painter. Worst student I have ever had! Thank you for taking over.
Suzanna says
Stan, I relate to this! Great messages from Dan, I’m learning a lot.
Keith Hall says
Well done Dan, more than useful instruction.
Jane McCarthy says
An art teacher at a prep school where I worked suggested using Payne’s gray for shadows; adding the gray to the ground/background color to add some depth and easily get shadows in paintings. Another teacher at the same school suggested putting a very watery and light lavender shade in amongst trees for the “negative” parts of forests. That helped too. Thank you for your great pointers.
Shelly says
It was a vetlry helpful post and great information.
Pat says
What do you think about starting a painting with a “color” painted as a background, partly so no white from the canvas will ever show through?
Lyn says
A lot of watercolourists start with a wash from top to bottom as background and build from there. Not sure about other mediums though.
Kristy says
This lesson was supper helpful. I have been painting for years and have taken many different art classes yet no one has ever broken it down in such an easy and applicable way.
Suzanna says
Great advice, thanks Dan. Great to have these areas defined, with sensible explanations.
Mariana says
Your exposure is very useful for me, thank you Dan! I still have problems with shadows and the edges, but I will try to be more attentive! Thanks again for your support! Have a nice evening!
Yossefa says
Thank u so much Dan.i really appreciate your willing to share tips from your experience as an artist,with a ‘simple’ beginners..
The post is very helpful to me,especially regarding shadows.
Irena says
Thank you for very good lections
I’ve been doing the mistakes you describe. A lot of them. Two very characteristic of all I aware:
– When painting sunflowers in a glass vase, I painted water with too much white. It’s getting out of the picture and it bothers me.
– In the beginning, I painted sharp edges everywhere. I made a lot of pictures before I found out that they were disturbing,
And my big mistake – the biggest one: I am not painting every day. I must improve all.
Ohlvia says
I will definitely continue to read your posts – you give some very valuable tips. One of the problems I have the most problem with is creating THIN lines. It seems no matter how small a brush I use, any lines I paint will be too wide. Any ideas? Do you think I may have too “heavy a hand”? Thanks!
MY Lee says
Thank you for your kind and great help.
MY
Dan Scott says
My pleasure thanks MY
Jackie says
So happy I found your site. You can paint and teach….SCORE! Thanks, I am looking forward to learning more from you
Dan Scott says
Haha thanks Jackie! Dan
Ananda says
Thank you very much. These are the best practical tips I have received and will put into use immediately. I am ‘guilty’ of using too much direct whites in my painting.
Dan Scott says
Glad to hear thanks! Dan
woraluck rattikarnchalakorn says
The post is very useful for me . I ‘m a beginner painting .I used to use a little white color in my painting .
Thank you so much .
Esme says
Thank you for this great post. It is easily read and understand, with great examples. It has helped me to make sense of things I’ve read in books but didn’t really understand. Have learnt a lot from reading it.
Patti says
I am using straight white way too often! Thanks for the advice re: shadows v. highlights. Being a beginner, I also appreciated the advice about when to put the brush down.
Marivone Lier says
Thanks for sharing, Dan. This last post gave me new perspectives when I have my brush on hand. Love the exemples you showed about edges. I have always a mistake when paint a lake, the water always seems to be uphill, any suggestion how I can correct the luck of perspective on it?
Thank you!
Nance says
I just found out about using yellow to soften and lighten. I didn’t know about all the edges now I’m going back and checking my previous “bad” painting s.
Doms Pagliawan says
Nice discussion, Dan. Truly for beginners like me hehehe. Thanks a lot.
Dan Scott says
No problem Doms. Thanks, Dan
Leatha Lorentzen says
Of course I also make these same mistakes thanks for this email. What is the cost of subscribing?
Dan Scott says
Hi Leatha.
Thanks for your comment, glad this post helped!
The cost to subscribe is free. I also send out a lot of free content each week plus there are paid courses available should you wish to dive a little deeper.
Let me know if you want details on these and I can email you privately.
Thanks again, Dan.
Jerry says
Dan, I’ve just started painting for a year with acrylics as a hobby since I retired and enjoy it immensely. I just read my first of your posts. It is certainly packed with great hints. I really like the idea of using yellow instead of white to lighten a color and how cool light will create warm shadows and vice versa. So much information in this letter. Can’t wait to go thru it again and incorporate some of the ideas into my painting. Thank you so much.
Dan Scott says
No problem at all Jerry, glad to be helping! Thanks, Dan
Michelle says
Thanks, Dan. Great post. I am working on a still life as a study to refresh myself on some of the basics of painting and I have made the hard, soft, lost edge mistake. The instructor pointed out some hard edges that needed to be blended and dry brushed to give the object its shape and create a soft edge instead.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Michelle! Dan
Marilyn A. Parker says
This was so interesting and helpful! I could relate to so much and look forward do more help from you! Thank you
Dan Scott says
That’s great to hear Marilyn. Thanks, Dan.
JOANN says
Your e-mail was very helpful, and I learned that I have been making a lot of mistakes. I hit all seven of them! Looking forward to becoming a better painter with your help.
Dan Scott says
Look forward to be helping you Joann, Thanks Dan.
JerryB says
So true on your comments. So much of what I learn is “trial and error”. As I look at my earlier paintings I clearly see now so many things I could have done or not done. I liked your recommendation to make each brush stroke count or have a purpose. So often I catch myself painting away and not being mindful of why I am adding this or that stroke. That’s when I look at the subject picture carefully and make sure I’m trying to paint that and not some idea in my head.
Dan Scott says
Good work Jerry, Thanks. Dan
S. Vittal Rao says
Yes, your post really useful. I used to make mistake as you pointed, to paint taking white straight from tube. Your guidance helped me a lot. Thanks Dan
Dan Scott says
Happy to hear, Thanks Dan.
Lily Amirtham says
Very useful and very well explained. Section on ‘ Shadows’ and ‘ Values’ for me are very useful.
I will read the entire lesson again. Thanks Dan.
Dan Scott says
Thank you Lily, great to hear! Keep up the good work. Dan
Warwick H. Grace says
Thank you. Some points certainly were ‘to the point!’ As I teach a couple of seniors’ classes I hope you don’t mind my sharing your insights. And I will promote your site.
Dan Scott says
No problem at all Warwick, go for it! Thanks, Dan
Ann says
I have been taking lessons for about twelve years in acrylic, oil, and water color.
The class is usually about getting the paint on the canvas or paper since there is a time limit.
You are making me so smart and wise in my painting talent.
Thank you,
Ann
Dan Scott says
That’s great to hear Ann. Just happy to be helping, Dan
Kimberley Cardow says
Thanks i am very great full for your wise words,
Kimberley
Dan Scott says
No problem Kimberley! Thanks, Dan
Gerhardus says
Dan, thank you for reminding and illustrating those mistakes beginners often make. I am guilty as charged.
More practice and better decisions before starting will help. And you explain everything quite clearly. Please keep up the good work. Best wishes
Dan Scott says
Thank you for your kind words! More to come, Dan.
Kk says
Sooo helpful thank you. Started painting in Nov so will try to incorporate all your points
My hardest part is mixing colours to get the one I need. I paint dogs faces/neck on stones and find the tans and fur colour tricky to achieve
Painting fine lines on small stones is hard to manage too
Really really appreciate your help. V generous of you!
Dan Scott says
Thanks, no problem at all!
Dan
Christine Ware says
Thank you so much for your writing, “A Beginner’s Guide To Painting”! I painted my first painting when I was 15, in art class. I won 2nd place in the exhibit, but I HATED it! It lacked the 3D depth that I was struggling for. Anyway, I started to paint again (now, almost 40 years later). I am learning so much, so fast, but it’s been on my own. I am now working on a painting that I started a couple of years ago, but I didn’t know that you should gesso your canvas. The paint was soaking through the canvas. Well, I might be nuts, but I applied gesso OVER the existing paint. I’ve restarted the painting and have made some “mistakes” but I “fix” them. I’m not afraid to paint over paint. I hope to learn MUCH more, now that I have subscribed. Mixing colors, learning the Moore method (not real fond of it…yet), buying quality products, etc. I am so excited to finish my sunset over the ocean!!
Dan Scott says
Thanks Christine, just happy to be helping you. Good luck with finishing your sunset painting, Dan.
Rich Kurylo says
Dan I’ve made all these mistakes too. Especially when I started to paint again. I have built in forgeters. Thanks for reminding me. Just the other day I used straight white on a still water scene that looked so awful. I waited for the paint to dry (acrylic) to try to fix it,
thanks again – Rich
Dan Scott says
No problem Rich, Thanks! Dan
Tania praxmarer says
Very interesting article, I have started a beach and sunset painting and l am struggling with the white in the waves, l beleive it’s to bright, do you have any suggestions?
Dan Scott says
Hi Tania, sorry for my delay. White from the tube should probably be reserved for just the brightest highlights on the wave. Otherwise, try weak versions of colors.
Cheers, Dan
Dave Graham says
Dan,
I use multimedia which seldom involves me using a brush. Because of that I wasn’t sure if these tips would be appropriate for me. After reading your info. I realized that everything you mentioned would work for me as well.
The white garment, using little or no white, really made an impression on me.
Thanks to you I can now see what I’m doing with new eyes.
Best Dave Graham
Dan Scott says
Thanks Dave, happy to help! Dan
Louisa Valenzuela says
A good refresher. My last teacher imprinted on us to never use white. Scared us to death. Also he said I use too much color. I kept trying to tone it down. Not sure how successful I’ve been. I do love color, could be my fate. I’ve done only watercolor. I’ve invested a lot in it and this is what I want to do. This is a hobby for me. I want to do it well, not for sale. Your information is great. Muchas Gracias.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Louisa! Dan
Adriana Gutierrez says
Thank you very much. I love reading your posts and learning from you, simple accurate and easy to follow.
Keep up with the good work
Dan Scott says
Glad to hear you are enjoying the posts Adriana! Thanks, Dan
MARY NAUSADIS says
Thanks for the info, Dan…..hopefully I can remember these hints when I am painting. I find that I often overdo…….when I make a stroke that looks particularly good, I look for other places to put it and then I’ve gone way overboard. I have a hard time controlling myself from doing that.
Soft and hard edges are under control for me……saturation is half way under control……I have to really think about cool and warm colors and that the shadows should be just the opposite……color mixing is a challenge for me, but I’m learning. I’m anxious for whatever help you can give me.
Mary
Dan Scott says
No problem Mary. Thanks Dan
Robert Miller says
I am another one who made the majority of these mistakes. Thanks for the help.
Dan Scott says
No problem at all Robert! Thanks, Dan
Barbara says
Great tips, thanks Dan. Just finished a painting from a demo we were given at our art group. Pleased with end result, until I looked at it more closely, snow scene, winter, but the trees in the background have green foliage!! Will definitely have to correct it. You are teaching me to be critical and look at my paintings carefully
Dan Scott says
Happy to be helping you out Barbara! Feel free to send me through a photo of your recent painting privately. Dan
jesús says
Salud. Llevo poco tiempo con esto de pintar y creo que ya he cometido todos los errores posibles. Espero corregirlos pronto. Necesito un consejo sobre la luz natural y la eléctrica cuando pintas a diferentes horas del día sobre el mismo cuadro. Gracias por todo.
Dan Scott says
Hi there. I will translate for the rest of us.
“Health. I have been painting for a short time and I think I have already made all the possible mistakes. I hope to correct them soon. I need some advice on natural and electric light when you paint at different times of the day on the same painting. Thanks for everything.”
This post might help you out in terms of lighting: https://drawpaintacademy.com/art-studio-lighting/
Thanks! Dan
Teresa Popovitch says
Hi Dan,
You explain everything in such an understanding way. I’m going to read this article a few times and remember all of these important tips when I paint. Thank you so much! Teresa
Dan Scott says
Thanks Teresa! Happy to help. Dan
JimJ says
I have been painting most of my life but am always looking to learn. This post settled some things in my mind about edges, etc. I find that I unconsciencely correct some of the problems you mention as I go along – as if my painting muse has just spoken to me. Keep up the great posts, they help a lot.
Dan Scott says
Happy to be helping you out Jim! Will do. Thanks, Dan
Louis Serge LORQUET says
Am in my 80s & painting as an hobby going on 6 yrs , great help from your guidance, bought books ,DVDs
Etc. but your advices are the best in comparison , so far. Many thanks
Dan Scott says
Thanks for your kind words Louis! Dan
Mikael says
Great tips, thanks Dan.I am using too much white.Cold color’s warm shadow was new for me.
Dan Scott says
Happy to help Mikael! Thanks, Dan
Peggy M says
Thanks! I’ve only been painting a year, and thanks to a great teacher have improved a lot in that time. But your info here is helpfuland I take it to heart and will definitely share it. I’m glad to see someone true to his word in wanting to help novice painters!
Dan Scott says
Glad to hear Peggy! Just happy to help. Thanks, Dan
Ritina says
Hey Dan
Well the tip about not useing Pure White directly from the tube for highlights was really helpful as that’s exactly what I used to do till date. As you say it looks unnatural. But the funny thing is I never realised it looked unnatural till I just read it in today’s tip.
Thanks a lot Dan
Regards
Ritina
Dan Scott says
I am happy this post has helped you Ritina! Keep up the good work. Thanks, Dan
Julie says
Hi Dan,
I’m a new subscriber, thanks for these fantastic tips, much appreciated!
Best Regards
Julie
Dan Scott says
No problem at all Julie! Hope they all help you out. Thanks, Dan
Sis McCarty says
I am an amateur. I make many errors. Your information is so helpful. I feel at times I try too hard and tend to over-do. Thank you for your help. I hope to find you on the net more often.
Dan Scott says
Keep practicing Sis! Happy the information is helping you. Dan
Eileen Price says
Hi,
Thank you for the informative piece. I did a painting today and had an issue with my dark colours…. and realised… I added white…? Now I can fix it ?
You are an amazing artist!
Greetings from South Africa ?
Dan Scott says
Good work Eileen! Thanks, Dan
Deb says
Yes, I have made all of these mistakes. Thanks for the help.
Dan Scott says
No problem Deb! Keep practicing. Thanks, Dan
Archie Thompson says
Thank you Dan, I have found this article very helpful and like so many others I have been using to much white
Dan Scott says
No problem Archie. Dan
Rosanna Morales says
I am sure I make all these mistakes, mostly not stopping when I should do.
Your article is very helpful
Dan Scott says
Happy to have helped Rosanna! Thanks
MidgeKelly12 says
I can see that I’m working my way through these errors. I’ve only started painting a lot this year and am taking colour mixing seriously now. It’s fascinating.
Nicely written and presented example on edges, thanks, that’s very useful.
Suzanne says
Dan,
Helpful, informative and excellent jumping off place for me to use before teaching watercolors to others. You simplify each mistake with concrete models of what to do or avoid doing. Thank you! I often find that when a watercolor lacks the shadows and too much vibrant color usage my students or I pick up a permanent, fine-tip marker and create a watercolor and ink image. I love that you remind us to choose subject matter and images that we are passionate about painting. This is essential to my work.
Keep sharing, thank you. May I link this to my site.
deji jacob says
Deji jacob. says thank you Dan scott for sharing your knowledge about practical painting.
you are gifted painter, bless you.
Dan Scott says
Hi Suzanne
Yes that is fine, no problem at all.
Thanks
Dan
Eila de Rohan says
Please tell me which coloured ‘stains’ on canvas suit land & seascapes rather than the weird white stuff sometimes advised to enable alterations more easily – Is the smudgy rust coloured one illustrated a good allrounder? Also I am about to embark on 11 ! such ‘scapes’ where lots of atmospheric mist will be involved! for a special local Art’s Festival in Dorset by mid-June! (thanks to your ‘oil’tips I feel NOW is the time to start despite being a ‘carer’ & having to move house! within next couple of months but I have atleast prepared all the pictures with sketches etc. like Turner /Constable etc. did but was procrastinating in fear of starting such a large project I am Eila /Raoul’s wife- He does not paint but I share his e-mail.My passion for painting most things is unrelenting and consuming so hopefully this ‘ll compensate me as I begin -Please let me know the answers to my 2 queries A.S.A.P! Eila de Rohan
Dan Scott says
Hi Eila
I think any earth tone is great for staining the canvas (raw umber, burnt umber or even yellow ochre). It just provides a more level playing field to paint over.
Thanks!
Dan
Rob Donaldson says
Hi Dan,
I’m just starting and your tips will be very useful. One that applies to me and probably to many others is not to start painting until one feels inspired to do so. A second one is knowing when to stop painting.
Thank you for making the effort to teach the beginners,
Rob from Howick, SA
Hazel Temple says
Very helpful, I think I’ve encountered all these problems but mastered most except when to stop painting…..
Diane Seaman says
This has been very helpful, thank you so much Dan.
How often do you send emails like this one?
You mentioned other emails that might be available?
Dan Scott says
Hi Diane
Thanks for your comment.
I try to put out articles a few times a week. Feel free to scroll through all the other articles on my website. I also send out regular emails giving helpful tips, if you are subscribed to Draw Paint Academy.
Thanks
Dan
Cathy McCashin says
Hi Dan
Thanks so much! I just read 7 mistakes and found it so helpful. Looking forward to applying it to my painting!
You have a gift for teaching which I appreciate. I’ve been looking for this sort of information. I’m glad I found you.
Cathy
Paul says
Thanks Dan – very helpful thank you. Very interested in any insights on the juxtaposition of colors from various points on the color wheel and what impact that has in terms of warmth, coolness, tone etc.
Greatly appreciated my first “lesson”
Paul, Washington DC
nicola hodgson says
An excellent summary of common mistakes – I have the urge to tattoo them on myself somewhere as I still seem to make them in my enthusiasm for one of the elements you mention.
Arvind Kapoor says
Thanks Dan
You have addressed all the problems that I am facing. It’s a great help to me
Arvind
Deborah Reardon says
What a great write up, very thorough. I’ve made all those mistakes. I do not paint realism except an occasional still life – which has to be set up to identify shadows correctly. My designs start when I have an initial line idea. Also I have to be in the flow for it to work out. I’m learning and experimenting with color which I think it rather complicated. I’m self taught. I’ve used oils, acrylics, watercolor, but I prefer pastels.
I appreciate your sharing your experience. It is very helpful.
Adrienne says
Thank you! I often forget to put in the more subtle shadows and generally use a mix of ultra blue and burnt sienna to create the shades. I had been painting with a group of plein air painters and realise that we often are in “poor subject” areas so had lost my focus and found that painting from photos at home more rewarding. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your valuable knowledge.
Aino says
Hello there! Found your site a while back and I have to say it is one of the best reads out there on this topic. Very practical, down to earth and useful and interesting posts. Well done and keep it up!
Daniela says
Thanks Dan,
these points helped me in understanding some of my mistakes. Very usefull.
Maria Guadalupe Tidwell says
As a beginner I found this most interesting and useful. I especially noted the use of yellow instead stark white. More natural. Thanks.
Kay Murch says
Hi Dan
Thank you, you are inspiring me to get the brushes out again. I am a new painter & I’m sure this will get me going again.
Many thanks
Kay
Tammy Verge says
This really made me think about my use of white on its own. So many great things to learn here. I’m looking forward to reading more?
Juanita garza says
Very useful information. Thank you so much!
Barb Leonard says
This helped me a lot. Thank you! I have a mountain picture I painted a few months ago and it just doesn’t look right to me. I think it is because I have a considerable amount of pure white in it with clouds and highlights on the mountains. Thank you!!
Teri says
I am so happy I’ve found you. Now I know why my second (ever) landscape painting just isn’t working, and I can go in and fix it (once it’s dry).
This is a valuable resource and I appreciate it very much.
Kausy says
I have just started out to paint so haven’t done enough painting to make all the mistakes..!!!
Reading this has been very helpful to avoid them ..Thanks
Meeta says
Excellent post
Very helpful
Thank you so much
Tabatha says
Thank you! I seem to have difficulty getting edges the way I want. This was very helpful!
irl says
Very well written Dan, I look forward to receiving your articles. The subject matter is always on point and relevant. Even the most seasoned artist can benefit from your insights (definitely not me!) We could all use a refresher course or at least reminders of the right questions we should be asking ourselves before calling any work done.
Ekta mall says
Thankyou so much for this. I was really doing that type of mistake . now i understood but not completely.
I will follow that rules.
Thanks.
Barbara says
Thank you Dan, My biggest mistake is trying to make too many values, but I regognice them all.
Nina says
Thanks Dan lots of good information!
Nina says
Thanks Dan !
Camden A Coberly II says
Thank you Mr. Scott. I’m a retired USAF pilot of the Vietnam era. I’ve never done oil painting in my life
however, I’ve started taking some lessons and am interested in starting. I’ve been doing this now for about 6 months. I’ve completed 4 paintings, but have started about 6 more that I just can’t complete.
The lessons are not formal. It is merely a supervised location with a dozen women who have been painting for 15-25 years. The elderly woman who is the “teacher” is a highly experienced artist, makes suggestions. She is very helpful, but not that instructive. Your article is the most helpful that I’ve read.
I’m a 78 year old “wanna be” oil painter.
Very
aira says
thank you again sir. Dan i hope ypu you never be tired for teaching us
Mary Worley says
This was very helpful and yes I see where I make those mistakes. Thank you for posting this.
Noreen Gallagher says
Thank you Dan for this informative post. Yes there is so much to learn. I wonder IF I can be successful in selling my art even if I do not draw. Colour is my thing. I’m trying to step up and reach a new level in impressionism. I use acrylics mostly but possibly introducing watercolour for variety. Also is it necessary to produce big canvases for sale or do small ones sell just as well?.