A beginner's guide to: Visual arts

art, painting, drawing, visual creativity, artistic expression

Visual arts allow you to express your ideas, emotions and perspectives through creative forms like painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. It’s also about looking at and appreciating other people’s art.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Feeling artsy? Set aside some time to create something.

  2. Decide on a medium you'd like to try out or revisit.

  3. Gather the gear you'll need.

  4. Find a comfortable space, set up your supplies, and get to it.

  5. When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

What is visual arts?

Ever felt the urge to express yourself in new and exciting ways? Visual arts might be your perfect outlet! Whether it’s painting, drawing, photography or sculpture, visual arts offer a chance to explore your creativity and share your unique perspective with the world. You don’t need to be a professional to enjoy it – just a willingness to experiment and have fun!

Engaging in visual arts can leave you feeling more connected to your thoughts and emotions, while the process itself is both challenging and fulfilling. It could also be that you take some time to watch others creating art or enjoy their finished works at galleries or exhibits. Ready to pick up a brush or camera? Let’s dive into the world of visual arts!

Why visual arts is good for you

Incorporating visual arts into your routine promotes relaxation, fosters self-expression and enhances mental clarity – making it an ideal activity to add to your daily life.

Stress relief

Emotional well-being

Boosts mood

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

Self-awareness

Self well-being

Cognitive benefits

Intellectual well-being

People who love visual arts

Bob Ross

Person

Lady Gaga

Person

Eric Cantona

Sports

David Bromley documentary

Movie

Real people's experiences

Starting visual arts? Read this first

The creative urge is biting, we know you’re keen to start getting some paint colours on that canvas. Before you dive in, there are a few more details that could really elevate this visual arts experience for you. Read on!

Common styles

There are many ways to explore creative outlets, from hands-on mediums like painting and sculpture to photography and appreciating art at galleries and museums.

Painting and drawing

Sculpture

Photography

Viewing art at a gallery or museum

What you might experience

🤔

"Where do I even start?"

😊

"I’m enjoying this more than I thought!"

😬

"This is interesting, it's not quite what I had in mind!"

😌

"This is more fun than I expected."

😊

"I made this!"

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to try visual arts?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

What you need to know about visual arts

Let's compare three different ways to start visual arts for the first time: self-led using online guides, in a group (IRL) and 1:1 with an Instructor (online or IRL).

Compare

Recommendation for first-timer

Availability

Average cost per session

Special equipment required

Potential for socialisation & community

Safety & skill building

Space or privacy required

Ease of scheduling

Setup time

Active practice time

Unexpected advantages

Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia

Leonardo da Vinci was ambidextrous and it was rumoured that he could write with one hand while drawing with the other.

Did you know: The Mona Lisa was once stolen from the Louvre in 1911 and remained missing for two years.

Salvador Dalí designed the Chupa Chups logo in 1969, making it one of the earliest artist-designed brands.

Vincent van Gogh is rumoured to only have sold one known painting during his lifetime, titled "The Red Vineyard.”

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4 facts

Popular memes

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14 memes

Academic research we rate

Does Coloring Reduce Anxiety? Comparing the Psychological and Psychophysiological Benefits of Coloring Versus Drawing

Turturro, N., & Drake, J. E. (2020). Does Coloring Reduce Anxiety? Comparing the Psychological and Psychophysiological Benefits of Coloring Versus Drawing. Empirical Studies of the Arts, 40(1), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/0276237420923290

Task preparation as a mnemonic: The benefits of drawing (and not drawing)

Wammes, J. D., Roberts, B. R. T., & Fernandes, M. A. (2018). Task preparation as a mnemonic: The benefits of drawing (and not drawing). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 25(6), 2365–2372. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-018-1477-y

A Comparison of the Positive Effects of Structured and Nonstructured Art Activities

Cross, G., & Brown, P. M. (2019). A Comparison of the Positive Effects of Structured and Nonstructured Art Activities. Art Therapy, 36(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2019.1564642

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7 research pieces

Introduction guides from around the web

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