Winter activity: Painting

It looks like we’re in for a long winter, with extremely cold temperatures in several places. Many of us are already realizing that we just don’t want to go out in that. But what shall we do to occupy ourselves while we’re at home?

I don’t know how it started, but painting has become the favorite activity in my neighborhood this winter. Each day, new photos of “works of art” are sent around via cell phones as the idea spreads.

I decided to join in. Between the internet and home deliveries, we have access to everything we need without going out.

My first step was to do a YouTube search for painting lessons. Right at the top was “Beginner’s Guide to Painting,” and I was off and running.

On YouTube it’s possible to narrow down the search results to the subjects you’re most interested in learning to paint. Whether it’s sunsets, flowers, mountains, snow scenes, cats, dogs, lakes, vintage cars or beaches, if it can be painted, there’s a tutorial for it. The topics can be further broken down by watercolor and acrylic painting.

There are even videos that outline what supplies you need.

Some suggestions, if you’d like to paint:

• Unless you have a store near you that will ship or deliver supplies to you, look online for the big names such as Michaels, Joann and Hobby Lobby as places to start.

• You need paint and water, and something to paint on, such as paper or canvas panels, plus a selection of brushes. Add in a small plastic palette for mixing colors.

• Look for beginner kits that have a selection of a dozen or so small tubes of acrylic paint colors or a dozen watercolors in a metal tray.

• If you fear you have no real talent for painting, I invite you to explore acrylic squeegee painting on YouTube. That technique can make anyone an artist.