What Artistic Medium Should You Try?

A misconception about oil painting is that it's the hardest. That is the opposite of the truth! Oil paint is very forgiving, because it takes a long time to dry. That means that if you make a mistake, you can correct it more easily. For instance, if you accidentally paint 'outside the lines,' you can literally push the paint back over most of the time. Oil painting also feels rich and soothing, because the paint is so creamy. It's a relaxing experience. The patience for it comes in during the waiting time if you have to wait for a section to dry--but it's worth it!

Watercolor offers instant gratification in some cases, but it also calls for self-confidence. You can 'erase' on some paper, and there are cheats (like masking fluid) to help you along, but there will be times that you'll have to accept that what's down on the paper will be what's on the paper. Good thing you're easygoing! Watercolor is rewarding and beautiful, and doesn't take six months to dry!

You like things bold, and you have an easygoing nature that can handle quick-drying acrylics. It's also one of the most economical mediums, so you can practice to your heart's content until you learn all you want to learn!

Pastels are perfect for those that want to sit back and let the art carry them away to a land of no stress. They're portable, so you can play with them on the couch, at the park, or even in bed. When you're starting out, it's like playing with grown-up crayons, but as you progress, you'll be able to execute images that will be almost indistinguishable from detailed paintings. Pastels are a journey--one that's perfect for you!

You want to get to the heart of things without the distraction of color, materials, or cumbersome equipment. Laying things out in black and white is just your style--it shows the true nature of things. Charcoal is perfect for you!

Forget the separation that a brush or pencil puts between your mind and the image--you want to be directly connected to your art. You want a near-living version of what you see in your mind. If you aren't confident enough to invest in real clay just yet, your local art store, or even mega-mart, has low-cost alternatives to get you started!