My name is Judy and I have been in the decorative painting business for close to 30 years in both selling and teaching and I would love to share  a little of what I have learned with you.  As I have always told my students, everyone can learn to paint to a certain level.  Some students will discover they have a real talent and make a business out of  it and others will do it for the love of creating that unique gift for family and friends and for home decorating.  Either way you will get hooked.

Start with some on the many books and videos on the market,  Donna Dewberry has some wonderful videos that are strictly for beginners and you will advance from them rather quickly. She does have some great supply kits as most everything you need will be in one package.   In my opinion Donna Parella has the best videos on the market,  very easy to follow.  You can sometimes find them on ebay or her web site at parellaarts.com.  Also some great books on the market.  Check for Priscilla Hauser, and Ros Stalcup. You can do a google search on any of the artist and get loads of information.

Next,  Take a class from any artist you have available in your area,  Even if  you are not impressed with the work from the teacher you will learn something.  Some times a person will not be such a great artist but will be a great teacher and sometimes it is  just the opposite.  Take every class you have the opportunity to  take.  You will learn a little from each teacher and as you go forward you will incorporate all of this into your own style.

And the most important of all is to practice, practice, practice. You can put your paint on styrofoam plates and practicing on paper is ok but you don't get the same effect as on other surfaces, wood metal and etc.  Paper will soak up a lot of paint.  Get some write on acetate from your office supply store.  It is clear and you can lay it over the actual practice page in a book and it will wipe clean with a damp towel.    It is very important to invest in good brushes.  Buy a few to start.  flats in sizes 4 and 10 are good starters.  an angle brush in size 1/2 and a good liner.  Supplies can be found at artistclub.com..    They have most everything you need and very good prices.  Paints come in many brands and most are about the same quality,  Do stay away from apple barrell paints,  they are cheeper but don't have the pigment you need.

I will be writing other guides on preparation and finish so check in often and drop me an email if you have a question,  I will be more than happy to share with you.

some sites you may want to visit are:  gransgarden.  and priscillahauser.

also visit my ebay store and my me page.