Ready to Paint Like a Pro? Week 2.
Learning to paint like a pro in 2025 has never been more exciting. With innovative tools, resources, and techniques at your fingertips, creating stunning artwork is more accessible than ever. If you’re following along with our painting series, welcome to Week 2! This week, we’ll focus on two essential steps: preparing your canvas and setting up your palette. These fundamental skills will elevate your work and set you on the path to painting like a pro.
If you missed week 1, click HERE
Step 1: Preparing Your Canvas
Before you start painting like a pro, your canvas needs to be ready to bring your vision to life. Here’s how to set up your canvas for success:
1. Choose the Right Canvas
In 2025, artists have a wide range of canvas options, from traditional cotton and linen to eco-friendly and synthetic alternatives. For beginners, pre-stretched cotton canvases are an excellent choice as they’re affordable and versatile. If you’re looking for more texture and durability, consider linen canvases. Click HERE to see stretched canvases.
2. Tone Your Canvas
Toning a canvas is all about covering up the white of the canvas so it doesn’t show through if as your paint dries and the water evaporates, and paint doesn’t get into every little crevice. You don’t really see it while the paint is wet, but it’s possible to see white showing through as it dries. Your viewers eye will be drawn to those white spots and not where you want them to look.
The tone you put on a canvas should be some type of neutral. It will not be seen because you will be painting on top of it. I demonstrate toning a canvas at the 4:14 mark in the video.
You can draw on a white canvas or a toned canvas, but I prefer a toned canvas. I use soft vine charcoal to draw with because it can be easily washed off if you need to make corrections. You can spray with water and wipe off with a paper towel and start over.
3. Secure Your Canvas
To avoid movement while painting, secure your canvas on an easel or a flat surface. Adjustable easels are great for ergonomic comfort and allow you to work from different angles.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Palette
A well-organized palette is the key to achieving vibrant and harmonious colors in your artwork. Follow these tips to set up your palette like a pro:
1. Select Your Paints
To learn to paint in acrylics a student grade paint is the most economical way to go. Start with primary colors (red, blue, yellow), white, and black. You can mix these to create a wide range of hues.
2. Arrange Your Colors Strategically
Organize your paints in a way that makes mixing intuitive. A common method is to arrange colors in a color wheel order around the edge of your palette. This setup helps you visualize how colors interact and prevents accidental mixing. I also recommend setting up your palette the same way each time.
Setting up your palette is at the 10:15 mark in the video.
3. Use the Right Palette
In 2025, there are innovative palette options to suit every artist’s needs. For acrylics, stay-wet palettes keep paints moist for longer. A beginner can easily start painting on a foam plate or on a piece of freezer paper taped down so it doesn’t curl up.
4. Mix Colors Thoughtfully
When mixing colors, start with small amounts to avoid waste. Use a palette knife for precise blending and cleaner results. Experiment with tints, tones, and shades to find the perfect colors for your artwork.
5. Keep It Clean
I have what is called a messy palette. When I’m done with a painting session I put the lid back on my painting box after spraying the paint and the mixing surface with water. I don’t clean off my palette until it can no longer be used. But that’s just me. My palette box gets cleaned out once a month or so. Paint will mold in the box if not opened up and used every few days or so.
Pro Tips for Success
- Plan Ahead: Before starting, visualize your painting and prepare all the materials you’ll need. This saves time and keeps you focused.
- Experiment Freely: Don’t be afraid to try different canvas textures and color combinations. Every experiment adds to your skill set.
- Invest in Quality Tools: While budget-friendly options are great for beginners, investing in high-quality paints, brushes, and canvases will make a noticeable difference in your results.
- Stay Organized: Keep your workspace tidy and your materials within easy reach to maintain a smooth workflow.
Why These Steps Matter
Learning to paint is as much about preparation as it is about applying paint to canvas. By taking the time to properly prepare your canvas and organize your palette, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding and enjoyable painting experience. These steps help you:
- Avoid Frustration: A primed canvas and organized palette reduce technical issues that can derail your creativity.
- Achieve Better Results: Proper preparation leads to smoother application, vibrant colors, and professional-looking artwork.
- Build Confidence: Mastering these basics gives you the confidence to tackle more complex techniques and projects.
Your Week 2 Challenge
This week, set up your canvas and palette using the tips above. Share your progress on social media with the hashtag #PaintLikeAPro2025 and connect with fellow artists in the community. Show off your setup and let us know how these steps improved your workflow!
Next week, we’ll dive into underpainting a landscape. With acrylic paint you can layer the paint til your hearts content and underpainting is the first step.
Ready to take the next step in your painting journey? Make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss next weeks lesson where we start the actual painting.
Get my FREE painting bundle by signing up below. Print it out and keep with your art notebook for future reference.
Resources
Click HERE for products I use and love,