https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:55:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby/page/2#post-1733279 Wed, 28 Sep 2016 16:48:29 +0000 Aziraphale 1733279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you! Your paintings are great. I agree that painting is a fun way to play. Unfortunately I can't help much when it comes to acrylics. I'm mostly a watercolour, ink, and digital gal. But what I do know is that they dry super fast, so while you don't have the unlimited blending options you get with oils, you <i>do</i> get is the ability to paint over things you don't like. (Ink and watercolour are not particularly forgiving in this way!). You can build up dimension by layering colours, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>My advice to beginning painters in general would be to stick to no more than three colours, and mix what you need. Try not to use too much black. Pay attention to where the light is coming from -- a single light source makes things easier. Draw and paint from life whenever you can. :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby/page/2#post-1733095 Wed, 28 Sep 2016 04:38:19 +0000 catgirl 1733095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Columbine, I've been doing that exact thing to avoid getting overwhelmed! I choose a few colors and then kind of muddle around with them (like the dog - black, white, cobalt, pink). Fashion definitely helps. Wonderful suggestions and advice from everyone - now I want to see more art! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby/page/2#post-1732988 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 22:33:11 +0000 deb 1732988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My only advice for acrylics is to build up layers slowley. I have been too impatient in the past and adding more paint to not completely dry/set previous layers leaDS to cracks and splitting in your work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732977 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 22:12:10 +0000 columbine(erin) 1732977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh I really like your newest painting. I see you don't need help understanding perspective. It's a really soothing piece, beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732975 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 22:09:57 +0000 columbine(erin) 1732975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read this yesterday and didn't have a chance to reply. </p> <p>My favorite thing to do with acrylics really is to prepare my colors, thinking about three or four on some aspect of my subject, and gently drag the paintbrush through many of them, three or four times, every couple of strokes. I just like the depth that this adds. There's usually not one solid color on my paintbrush. </p> <p>Here's a lion I'm working on for a project. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732758 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:56:05 +0000 Helen11 1732758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many talented people here. &nbsp;I like all your paintings, Una. &nbsp;I've been intrigued by a current Australian TV show where the host, Anh Do, paints a portrait of his guest while interviewing them. &nbsp;He uses an enormous canvas and applies thick layers of paint with cake decorating tools!<br />Have fun with your painting, and do show us some more. </p> <p>ETA link to the show:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/anh-dos-brush-with-fame/">http://www.abc.net.au/tv/progr.....with-fame/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732721 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 05:52:58 +0000 rachylou 1732721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quite wonderful! Glorious water and sky. Takes you straight in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732720 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 05:32:46 +0000 catgirl 1732720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's the one I did Sunday from a painting I saw on Pinterest! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732717 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 04:56:18 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1732717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it! I do especiallly love the dog. I have done a lot with acrylics, but I have no idea what I'm doing. My stuff is usually pretty abstract and I end up getting my hands and paper towels into the paint more than brushes. I am intrigued by oils but the smell worries me and I am just uncertain over all about how to do it. I'm enjoying the advice from everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732682 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:10:51 +0000 anne 1732682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I have no advice at all, but just wanted to say I'm so impressed by your paintings and at the level of skill and advice shown in this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732420 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 17:18:19 +0000 Anonymous 1732420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, you have grasped my aesthetic:&nbsp; put a bird on it, and call it a day!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732418 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 17:09:25 +0000 catgirl 1732418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the mosaic! Put A Bird On It? And the idea of reusing old paintings is brilliant! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732399 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 16:22:28 +0000 Anonymous 1732399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your paintings, they show joy and a playful spirit.&nbsp; The dog portrait really has personality, too!&nbsp; Isn't it fun to express yourself artistically?&nbsp; I took a mosaic class recently, and just got lost in it.&nbsp; (The bird looks like it's wearing giant yellow boots, but it's supposed to be a flower.&nbsp; Oh well, I'll just call it "Bird Wearing Wellies", I guess!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732387 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 15:13:44 +0000 Traci 1732387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This isn't the best picture of the painting, but this is one I painted on top of a thrift store buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732380 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 15:02:21 +0000 texstyle 1732380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have done a lot of painting in the past but lately I mostly use watercolor with very saturated, colorful abstract designs that hint at landscapes and floral but are not realistic in any traditional sense. I have used acrylic but I go back to watercolor because I love the "flowing" method of painting so much. It does take patience to let layers dry before being able to add more depth. I also like that I can take a small watercolor "kit" with me on the go.</p> <p>Daniel Smith used to have some good tutorials but there are wonderful books too - it just depends on your interest, realism vs. abstract for example.</p> <p>I took a number of classes and did everything from life drawing to multi-media to plein air landscape.&nbsp; I even participated in a few shows.</p> <p>One of the first classes I took was collage and watercolor. We used varoius art papers (rice paper with embedded natural leaves, fibers, etc.). We used a transparent acrylic medium for glue. I loved that class and it really got me going. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732374 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 14:55:13 +0000 viva 1732374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these, Una. So fantastic. I'm not sure if I like one more than the other -- the pup is great in a strong graphic way, but i love how your trees are sort of wistful. You are exhibiting some real range. It will be fun to see how far you can take this.</p> <p>I started my graphic memoir project this weekend and it's amazing - it's really beginning to turn into something interesting. Therapeutic but also challenging in some good ways.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732311 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:11:17 +0000 Traci 1732311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love to paint, although I haven't in a while.</p> <p>- Nice brushes, yes!<br />- Michaels and Dick Blick sell multipacks of canvases. &nbsp;We stock up around the holidays.<br />-I keep an eye out for huge canvases at rummage sales and thrift stores. &nbsp;Sometimes for $5 you can buy an ugly, framed piece. &nbsp;Gesso over the painting and you've got a wonderful huge canvas to work on. &nbsp;I have even skipped the gesso step and painted right on top before, using the textures and forms of the existing painting, but changing up the color scheme completely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732305 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 11:54:33 +0000 JamC 1732305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice paintings Una! Agreeing that painting is therapeutic and relaxing. My 86 year old Dad started painting with acrylics when he retired (no training). Over the past 10 years, I have spent many afternoons painting with him; he needs me to get out the materials and clean up now. I love the act of putting the paint on the canvas. I have no training or skill but do enjoy creating my own paintings. I haven't progressed past the copying pictures or other paintings yet...but that's okay! I love the advice above to add layers of paint, try different techniques with the same subject, keep expectations low, and just enjoy the process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732288 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 10:29:27 +0000 Chris987 1732288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know about "no skills, training or talent"...your feel for&nbsp;perspective, composition, color are pretty awesome for someone with no background. Also they have a great feeling about them which in some ways is the hardest thing to do.&nbsp;I took a few art classes in college as a theater major but can't remember much so no advice on the mechanics of paint etc. Keep it up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732225 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 03:31:58 +0000 catgirl 1732225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, all you painters - let's see some of your work! Love the advice... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732214 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 02:33:34 +0000 kerlyn 1732214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great, Una! &nbsp;I love what Gaylene said about relaxing into it and just enjoying it. &nbsp;I also love acrylics and have never had the interest in oils. &nbsp;I find a lot of freedom in that!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732207 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 02:19:20 +0000 Gaylene 1732207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, I just started dabbling in acrylics and watercolours as well. I figured it was about time to add my contributions to the Bad Art Collective. ;)</p> <p>I've taken a few classes, watched some videos, and bought a couple of "get started" books. I keep my expectations low so my enthusiasm stays high. I've found I love mixing my own colours and enjoy working on larger canvases. Probably the best part of my dabbling is that it has made me even more appreciative of how hard it is to do what appears deceptively easy to a novice eye. I truly think more people would grab a brush if they knew how much fun it can be to not worry about producing "art" and to just relax into being an enthusiastic novice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732190 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 01:53:15 +0000 rebekahphoto 1732190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>these are great! love the pup. I agree with rachylou, layers of paint build up the depth well. you might try some clear acrylic gel medium (gloss or matte) which you mix with your paint to add body and transparency, like a glaze. its very fun! you can layer over previous paint</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732187 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 01:41:50 +0000 Janet 1732187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh fun! Actually they are quite nice. I don't know if I would do as well. I haven't painted since high school. I have considered taking a class just for fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732184 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 01:19:39 +0000 annagybe 1732184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dog reminds me of a local mural artist, henry.<br /> <a href="http://www.ryanhenryward.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ryanhenryward.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732182 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 01:13:44 +0000 Suz 1732182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no advice but I love these! They have personality and dynamism and humour.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732179 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 01:00:50 +0000 doubleh 1732179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with SandyG. &nbsp;These are great- though I suspect you are attracted to the medium bc you already have an instinct for color, line, proportion, etc. &nbsp;</p> <p>I sometimes like to use take the same subject matter and repeat using different techniques- watered down acrylics, thick putty knife application, non-realistic colors, black/white, etc...the pup seems a great subject for technique exploring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732171 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:42:11 +0000 SandyG 1732171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE ACRYLIC PAINTS even though my artist friends sneer at them and heavily suggest oils. I'm impatient, self-taught and love color. My best suggestion is to watch color theory/mixing tutorials and learn to mix your colors, which lends verve and artistry to your darks and blacks. This alone gives a unifying, painterly look to whatever you do. It's worth the time and effort! Keep track of where the light is coming from. Good brushes are worth the money, too. Add wine -- we do this with friends in class -- and have tons of fun "Fear no easel" is our motto.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732098 Sun, 25 Sep 2016 22:34:07 +0000 Peri 1732098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really love the dog picture...fun and bold and colorful! Love the colors in the trees one too!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/art-as-a-therapeutic-hobby#post-1732074 Sun, 25 Sep 2016 21:06:52 +0000 JAileen 1732074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I took a community education drawing class and learned a lot. But I don't know anything about paint. I did learn that doing a picture takes time, even with pencil. Hours even. I love the dog picture. </p>