How to Choose Art Supplies and Frames for Your First Painting

When you feel like trying to paint, what is the first thing you worry about? "How do I paint?" "What should I use to paint?" — all sorts of questions come up.

What you need and what you prepare change depending on what kind of picture you paint and what materials you use. And once you've painted, you might worry again about what to do next.

Please do put your finished picture in a frame and display it in your room. When you do, the picture you painted suddenly becomes a close and important presence. But then a new worry arises: how do you choose a frame?

In this article, I'll explain how to choose the art supplies and frames that people puzzle over when painting.

How to Choose Your Art Supplies

When you decide to try painting, the first thing you think about is probably "What kind of picture shall I paint?" And then, "What materials should I use to paint it?"

Even said in a single word, "art supplies" come in many kinds — paints, colored pencils, paper, canvas, brushes. If you're going to paint, I recommend using materials that perfectly match your own image. For a casual purchase, stores like Tokyu Hands, Loft, and large stationery shops also carry art supplies.

But precisely because it's your first time painting, I'd like you to visit a specialty art-supply store. At such a store, countless materials are packed onto the shelves, the variety is rich, and just looking is fun. The staff will also consult with you when you're choosing materials that suit the picture you want to paint. Do take a peek into an art-supply store.

"The paint you choose changes the mood of the picture"

The paint you use changes depending on the image of the picture you want to paint. Different paint means a different mood for the picture.

If you want to paint something with weight and depth, oil paint is recommended. If you want a picture with a design-like coloring, acrylic paint is good. If you'd like a soft, airy mood, watercolor is easy to express with. There are many other paints as well.

Do take a look at all sorts of paints at the store.

"What you paint on changes the expression"

What you paint on also matters when you paint.

Painting on a single sheet of paper, or using a book-like sketchbook, is one way — recommended for sketching, drawing with colored pencils, or painting with watercolors.

Meanwhile, canvases with cloth stretched over a wooden frame, or board canvases with cloth over a board, are suited to oil and acrylic painting. Depending on the texture of the paper or canvas, the way you express your picture changes greatly.

Enjoying that is one of the pleasures of painting.

"Enjoy the texture of the brush"

To paint, you need tools for drawing, such as brushes. For sketching alone you draw with a pencil or pen, but when applying color you'll often use a brush.

There are many kinds of brushes, too. Do try the various brushes sold at art-supply stores. The feel is completely different, and the expressiveness of your picture changes as well. The texture of the brush also changes depending on the type of tip. By enjoying that texture, you may be able to paint an interesting picture.

"Try a wide range of materials"

Art supplies aren't only the ones mentioned above; there are many other kinds. There are grounds for changing the texture of paper and canvas, and additives you mix in to change the texture of the paint.

Combining paint with colored pencils and the like is also fun to do. The materials for painting really are wide-ranging, with all sorts to choose from. Do try them out and paint a picture that matches your image.

Consulting the store staff is also recommended. They'll surely answer your questions.

How to Choose a Frame

Once your painting is complete, you put it in a frame and display it. A frame is not only for decoration but also protects the picture. If you display your own painting in your own room, just seeing it every day makes you happy.

But if you're wondering how to put your own painting into a frame, do consult an expert. Surprisingly, many places will help you with getting a picture into a frame.

Variety shops in town, such as Tokyu Hands and Loft, sometimes have a dedicated frame corner. Consulting a local frame specialty shop is also recommended. Art-supply stores often have a frame section as well.

Recently there are also shops that consult on frames online. Discussing frames there is convenient too.

"Decide the image of your frame with a framing consultation"

Once you've decided to buy a frame, take your own picture to a shop that handles frames.

You could just measure the size and buy a matching frame at the shop, but if you bring the picture in, they'll suggest various frames that suit it. If you have an image in mind of the kind of frame you'd like, you can convey that too. They'll surely choose a frame that matches your image and your picture.

"The frame differs by the genre of the picture, too"

What is your picture painted on? With a thick canvas or board canvas versus thin paper, the frame used for framing differs. The frame is determined by the thickness and size of what goes inside. By choosing the best frame, you can display your picture beautifully.

Some frames also have patterns, and their colors vary widely. Choosing a frame close to the coloring of your own picture is one approach.

If you consult the frame-shop staff and have them choose, they might pick a frame beyond your own imagination.

"Be sure to add a mat to your frame"

If you've painted using a thin material like paper, you put a mat board into the frame. A mat board is a colored board that fills the space between the frame and the picture. It also serves to adjust the sense of size between the picture and the frame, but if the mat board and the picture's coloring match perfectly, the picture really stands out.

Whether there's a mat board or not greatly changes the mood of the picture. Do choose a mat board along with the frame, and finish it into lovely framing.

In Summary

There are many ways to choose art supplies and frames when you first start painting. First, picture in your mind what kind of work you want to paint, and choose materials that can express it. And once that picture is finished, choose a frame that suits it perfectly.

It's often hard to choose on your own. And there are materials and frames you simply don't know about.

I recommend going to a specialty store for art supplies and frames and consulting about all sorts of things. They'll surely tell you which materials suit the picture you want to paint, and choose a frame that shows your picture off to best advantage.

That way, the picture you painted is sure to become a wonderful piece.