You don't need to invest in high-end painting supplies to dabble in the hobby. Start with a few basic tools, including paint, paintbrushes and paper or a few inexpensive canvases. Watercolor and acrylic are two popular paint options. If you try watercolor paint, choose watercolor paper so it holds up without warping. You can also pick up a paint palette to mix colors if you want. If you become more serious about painting, you can invest in higher-quality materials or buy an easel to make painting a little easier.
Don't be afraid to dip into the paints as soon as you get home. There's no right or wrong when it comes to painting. Getting a feel for the supplies is a good way to get started. Try different sizes of paintbrushes, mix together colors and try various strokes to see how they look.
One of the great things about living in a senior living community like Bethesda Gardens Frisco is access to the many classes and activities offered. Residents of the community will find lots of creative classes, including painting classes. This is an easy way to get started with painting when you have no experience. Plus, you can meet new people and socialize with other residents you already know.
If you're not a resident of Bethesda Gardens Frisco yet or you want to expand your options, check for other local painting classes. Community senior centers often schedule arts and crafts classes, which could include painting. Art studios, art supply stores and art museums might host various painting classes for adults.
You don't have to be overly tech savvy to find painting help online. YouTube has lots of tutorials on all types of creative projects, including different methods of painting. Look for beginner tutorials and simple projects you can replicate at home. You can also search for specific types of projects, such as watercolor landscapes or acrylic still-life paintings, based on what you like.
When you start something new, it's common to be excited at first, but that excitement can fall off quickly if you don't have a plan in place. Making painting a part of your routine helps you develop skills and continue with your new hobby. Set up a small corner of your assisted living apartment where you keep your art supplies and can paint when you want. Add painting to your daily schedule so you get in the habit of doing it. Maybe you start your day with a little painting or pull out your supplies after you eat lunch as an afternoon activity. It can become something you look forward to doing each day.
Painting inspiration is all around you, from the view outside your window to the things you read in your favorite books. Spend time in nature if you're interested in painting flowers, trees and landscapes. You might take photos for reference or pick up a few fallen leaves to paint when you get back to your apartment. You might also find inspiration while you're reading your Bible or participating in Bible study. Write down ideas when they strike and reference your list when you're ready to sit down with your paintbrush.
Inviting your friends to join you on your painting adventure can make your new hobby more enjoyable. Grab a few extra supplies and invite a few friends over to your apartment to paint together. You can pull up a tutorial online that everyone does together or let everyone do their own thing. Between brushstrokes, you can share fun stories and catch up with your friends.
You can also share your new-found love of painting with your grandchildren. If they live locally, invite them over for a painting party. You can still bond over painting with grandchildren who live far away. Send them a care package with some basic paint supplies. Then, start a video chat with them and paint together via the platform.
Most people aren't naturals when they first start painting. Even Bob Ross had his happy little accidents when things didn't turn out how he planned. Go into your new painting hobby with the goal of trying something new and having fun. Your artwork might not turn out how you envision it, but it can still be a beautiful piece you should be proud of creating. Stick with the hobby to improve your skills and learn to love the process.
