Skip to content
1200+ 5 Star Google Ratings ★★★★★
1200+ 5 Star Google Ratings ★★★★★

Art Techniques for Beginners

Learning art is more than buying the right supplies—it’s about mastering foundational techniques that unlock creative freedom. Whether you’re holding a pencil, a brush, or a palette knife for the first time, the basics matter. At The Sydney Art Store, we support beginners not just with quality materials, but with guidance on how to use them. In this guide, you’ll discover essential techniques that every beginner artist should learn to build skill and confidence.

ART SPECTRUM PAPER ART SPECTRUM A3 (297x420mm) Art Spectrum Toned Grey Journal 250gsm

Drawing Techniques: Shading, Line Work, and Blending

Drawing is the backbone of most visual arts. Start with:

  • Hatching and cross-hatching for texture and depth
  • Stippling for controlled tonal build-up
  • Blending with tortillons or tissue for smooth gradients
  • Contour drawing to train hand-eye coordination

Use a range of pencils (HB–6B) and a quality sketchbook with enough tooth to hold graphite well. Erasing is part of the process—learn to use it creatively.

Painting Techniques: Acrylic and Watercolour Basics

Painting Techniques: Acrylic and Watercolour Basics

Start with flat washes and dry brush for acrylics, or wet-on-wet and glazing in watercolor. Practice:

  • Color mixing on palette before applying
  • Layering to build transparency and depth
  • Using gessoed surfaces for smoother flow
  • Controlling water ratios to avoid blooms and streaks in watercolor

Sydney Art Store carries student-friendly paints that still behave like professional mediums, making them ideal for learning technique.

TINTORETTO TINTORETTO Tintoretto 7917 Janet Pulcho Set

Composition and Planning: Don’t Skip the Sketch

Before jumping into a final piece, sketch your layout. Master:

  • Rule of thirds to guide focal points
  • Thumbnail sketching to test ideas
  • Value studies in monochrome to map contrast
  • Basic perspective to suggest depth and dimension

Planning your work may sound tedious, but it’s key to avoiding frustration—and builds the discipline that leads to better results over time.

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare