Painting Websites That I Visit

Every painter needs inspiration. Some find it within themselves; some in the work of others. In today's world of technological advancement, painting websites are a wonderful way to look at other artists' work and take inspiration from it. And if you are not an artist at all, but simply an admirer, these sites are a fine way to go searching for art. Here are some of my personal favourites.

Oil Painters of America

A site wholly devoted to oil painting. You will find a huge store of tips and tricks for improving your skills, a large gallery of paintings by different artists to use as inspiration, tutorials, and an active blog where you can see what painters like you are talking about. Visit oilpaintersofamerica.com →

Live Painting Lessons

A site offering free video tutorials for anyone who wants to paint better. There is a blog, and you can ask for critiques of your own paintings and receive free advice. The gallery holds many works by professional painters — and the best part is the painting challenge and demonstration. Visit livepaintinglessons.com →

Watercolor Painting

If you want to learn the basics of watercolour, this is the site to go to. You will find step-by-step tutorials for free, and you can choose your level — basic, advanced I or advanced II — as well as a wealth of watercolour ideas for your own paintings. The teachers are award-winning painters, and the site adds new videos regularly. It is the best resource for people who would rather not learn in a school and prefer to work at their own pace. Visit watercolorpainting.com →

Half of learning to paint is watching how somebody else already solved the exact problem in front of you.

International Society of Acrylic Painters

The site holds a huge collection of acrylic paintings under its Exhibitions section. You can even submit your own artwork and take part in their exhibitions — a great way to show your work to the world and, perhaps, win a substantial prize. Visit isap-online.wildapricot.org →

Bill Martin's Guide to Oil Painting

Launched by the world-renowned artist Bill Martin, who passed away in 2008, this site offers tutorials in the art of oil painting. Bill Martin's lessons are all here and are invaluable for anyone just starting out with oils. You will also find a gallery of his work and a list of the basic materials needed for oil painting — and there is one oil-painting exercise everyone should try. Visit guidetooilpainting.com →

Audrey Kawasaki

Audrey Kawasaki is a Los Angeles-based painter widely known for her portraits of young women. Her website offers a glimpse of her beautiful work — paintings, doodles and other portraits — and you can even shop there if a piece catches your eye. The paintings go on sale every so often, and you must keep watch, because the stock is limited and sells out fast. Visit audrey-kawasaki.com →