Get your site now How to Start a Painting From your Painting Guide Step-by step instructions for starting a painting and maintaining your interest as the work progresses from sketch to final painting. Look at your subject from several different angles to find the most interesting viewpoint. If you re planning a still life, rearrange individual items until you re satisfied that you have an interesting composition. The center of interest should be obvious and well-positioned . Avoid placing the focal point in the middle of the painting, either vertically or horizontally, except for formal compositions.
Unequal distances add interest.
Start with the basic shapes of your subjects, ensuring that the proportions and relationships are correct before gradually adding detail. The image may be vague or a complete roadmap of your final painting but planning at this stage will impact the success of your painting. Double check your drawing before you begin painting. Check angles, distances and proportions. One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to check for mistakes is to look at your drawing in a mirror.