Painting can be a wonderful way to relax and release your creative juices. There are many different forms of painting which can take many years to master. Painting is not for everyone and you don't necessarily have to be great at it to enjoy yourself. It can be a private hobby that no one sees or it may be a hobby in which you wish to show everyone what you have created. There are many considerations to keep in mind if you wish to take up painting.

Supplies - First you must determine which form of painting you wish to begin. There are many different styles to choose from:

• Oil painting
• Water color
• Acrylic

Brushes - Brushes are needed with most styles of painting. Brushes can be made from a variety of fibers to create different effects. Brushes can be made of everything from hog's bristles to miniver, which is squirrel fur. Using a brush of hog's fur will work best for bolder strokes and the squirrel fur may be used for finer details. There are many options to choose from and it all depends on the style and look you are wishing to achieve.

Oil Painting - Oil painting is the process of painting with pigments that are bound with drying oil. Oil paints are known for there high gloss finish. You may use different kinds of oil paintings in the same piece for different effects. The most popular surface to paint on with oil based paint is canvas. To get started with oil painting, you need your brushes of choice, a stretched piece of canvas, oil paint colors and your imagination. The canvas chosen for oil painting is usually stretched across wooden beams, like a hallow picture frame. This will keep the canvas tight to ensure beautiful pictures.

Water Color - Water color painting is the process of painting with a material (paint) that is water soluble. The most common form of material watercolors are used on is paper. To start your process of water color painting, you need the paper of your choice, appropriate brushes for your desired effect, water colors and your creative mind.

Acrylic Painting - Acrylic paint is a fast drying paint which contains pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paints can be diluted with water for desired effects; however, become water resistant when dry. When acrylic paint is dry, depending how much water was used to dilute, the paint can have similar effects as oil painting. When choosing a material to paint on with this style of painting you may go with either paper or canvas - again, it depends how much water is used in the diluting process. The more water used in the diluting process the lighter the material to paint on may be used. To get started with acrylic paints, you need the proper material to paint on, proper brushes for your desired effect and the appropriate colors you wish to use in your art piece.

Painting is a wonderful way to get your creative juices flowing. Starting off with these simple facts and suggestions will ensure beautiful paintings and a wonderful time!