Digital Guide - How to Begin Oil Painting

My First-Hour Process for Starting a Painting with Confidence
By Diane Hawley

The beginning of a painting can feel like the most intimidating moment for many artists. A blank canvas carries pressure — every mark feels important, and the fear of making mistakes can make it difficult to even begin.

In How I Begin an Oil Painting, artist Diane Hawley shares the calm, practical process she uses to start every painting with clarity and confidence.

This beautifully written guide walks through the first hour of the painting process — the stage where structure, light, and composition are established. Rather than focusing on early details, Diane explains how to build a strong foundation that allows the rest of the painting to develop naturally.

Inside the guide, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare a canvas and why toned grounds make painting easier
• How to simplify complex subjects into clear shapes of light and shadow
• Why establishing values is more important than color in the early stages
• How to keep the early paint application loose and flexible
• How to avoid muddy color and keep mixtures clean
• Common early mistakes many painters make — and how to avoid them

Written in Diane’s thoughtful and encouraging voice, this guide is not a rigid set of rules, but a reliable starting framework that helps remove the uncertainty of the blank canvas.

Whether you are a beginner learning oil painting or an experienced artist looking to refine your process, this guide will help you approach the beginning of a painting with clarity, confidence, and calm focus.

Format: Digital download
Author: Diane Hawley
Best for: Oil painters, art students, and artists seeking a clearer starting process