Here are some tips that could help you get started.

First off do you want to try watercolors, oils, acrylics or pastels ?

You might start out with sketching, as I did. Then I decided to work with

pastels (colored chalks).

They are a bit messy but so are the other mediums

until you get used to them. Using pastels, one can use paper although

nowadays there are special pastelboards available in a variety of colors.

Once you have tried your hand on paper, I would recommend trying the

pastelboards. As you will find out, pastel pictures need to be protected.

There are sprays available that can be used to stop the pastel pictures from

smearing. I never used them but preferred to get non-glare glass to use when framing.

Most of my pictures are landscapes and what I have learned is that one

tends to be a lot more observant of the nature around you and to try

capturing it. Whenever possible take color photos especially of clouds.

Remember the sky is not always blue !

Have fun and only try painting when you are in the mood.

Courtesy of Teresa Stelting