Starting a painting class in Lausanne is a promise you make to yourself. It's the beginning of an adventure, whether you're an adult seeking a new form of expression or a parent wanting to cultivate your children's creativity. But before the first brushstroke in the studio, there's a step that can feel as daunting as it is exciting: choosing your supplies. A good learning journey begins with tools that inspire, not hinder.
Starting a painting class in Lausanne is a promise you make to yourself. It's the beginning of an adventure, whether you're an adult seeking a new form of expression or a parent wanting to cultivate your children's creativity. But before the first brushstroke in the studio, there's a step that can feel as daunting as it is exciting: choosing your supplies. A good learning journey begins with tools that inspire, not hinder. This guide is your ally. Together, we'll demystify the world of art supplies so you can learn the basic techniques and approach your first artistic creation with joy and peace of mind.
Acrylic Painting: The Beginner's Ideal Companion
For a first painting class, acrylic is almost always the number one recommendation, and for a simple reason: it's generous. Easy to use, fast-drying, and cleans up with water, it forgives hesitation and encourages experimentation. It’s the perfect medium for a beginner, whether for adults or children. The basic supplies for acrylic painting are simple and accessible. A set of primary colors (red, yellow, blue), along with black and white, is more than enough. This intentionally limited palette is a fantastic lesson: it invites you to learn the magic of mixing, a key skill in all the arts. Add to that an assortment of synthetic brushes in various sizes and supports like canvas boards or thick paper. There you have it—your personal studio is ready for practice. This technique is a fantastic foundation for your journey in art.
The beauty of acrylic lies in its incredible versatility. When thinned, it can flirt with the lightness of watercolor; applied in thick layers, it can evoke the rich texture of oil painting. It's an open door to greater artistic expression, often favored in contemporary illustration. Learning this technique is an ideal springboard for any budding artist. A teacher will know how to guide you through the nuances of this flexible paint, making your first art experience in Lausanne deeply rewarding.
Oil Painting: A Dialogue with Art History
Oil painting is steeped in history and prestige. It's the technique of the old masters, renowned for its depth of color and its slow drying time that offers the luxury of time. While it may seem intimidating to a beginner, many adults choose to start their artistic learning with this dialogue with tradition. The initial supplies require a bit more attention. Opt for a student-grade set of oil paints, natural bristle brushes (which are more robust), and stretched canvases. The main difference lies in the use of mediums and solvents; for your practice in the studio, choose modern, odorless, and non-toxic versions. A palette knife will quickly become an ally, both for mixing the material and for sculpting the paint—a technique that adds a unique expressive force to your work. The art of oil painting is a school of patience, but the experience is unparalleled.
The extended drying time is actually a pedagogical advantage, allowing you to return to your work and modify it over several sessions. This encourages a more thoughtful approach to creation. In an art class in Lausanne, a seasoned teacher will reveal the secrets of this method, from the initial sketch to the final touch. It's a demanding artistic training that offers deep satisfaction and a tangible connection to the history of the arts.
Watercolor: The Dance of Water and Pigments
Watercolor is pure visual poetry, the medium of transparency and spontaneity. Unlike acrylic or oil, this painting technique blossoms in lightness, layering luminous veils of color. It's a wonderful choice for lovers of drawing and illustration, which it beautifully enhances. The supplies for watercolor are minimalist, but each element is crucial. Your most important partner is the paper: choose a block of watercolor paper of at least 300g/m² so it can handle water without buckling. A pan set is perfect for a beginner. Finally, a few soft-bristled brushes with good water retention will be the instruments of this dance. Learning watercolor is a wonderful exercise in letting go, ideal for unleashing one's artistic expression.
This technique is also fabulous for children, thanks to its playful nature and easy cleanup. For adults, it's a gateway to an almost meditative creativity. Every watercolor class is a new experience, a dialogue with the unexpected. A good teacher will teach you to anticipate the behavior of water, a key skill for anyone wishing to learn this delicate form of art. Many artists in Lausanne use it to capture the changing light of Lake Geneva.
Drawing Supplies: The Foundations of Your Artistic Universe
No painting can truly flourish without the solid foundations of drawing. Even before thinking about colors, learning to draw is the bedrock of all artistic creation. For a beginner, the supplies are thankfully simple and affordable. Your sketchbook is your portable studio, a secret garden for experimenting without fear of judgment. A simple set of graphite pencils (HB for lines, 2B for details, 6B for shadows) opens up the world of values. A kneaded eraser, gentle on the paper, will become your best friend. To enrich your palette of techniques, charcoal offers raw expressiveness and dry pastel a tactile introduction to color. Every drawing class in Lausanne will remind you of the importance of this practice. It is essential work to train your artist's eye and strengthen your ability to compose. It is the first chapter of any serious artistic training within an art school.
Budget and Tips: How Much to Invest in Your Art Supplies in Lausanne? (in CHF)
One of the first barriers to artistic practice is often the question of budget. Rest assured: you don't need to break the bank to get started with painting or drawing in Lausanne. For a beginner, the secret is to aim for "student grade" quality, which offers a perfect balance between performance and price. A starting budget for a complete kit typically ranges between 80 CHF and 150 CHF, depending on the technique. Expect to spend around 90 CHF for an introductory acrylic painting set. For watercolor, where paper is key, plan for around 100 CHF. Oil painting will be slightly more expensive, around 120 CHF. Drawing supplies remain the most economical, often under 60 CHF. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from your future teacher. This initial investment will last you for many art sessions, making the cost very reasonable. Special kits for beginners are also an excellent way to get started.
Where to Find Your Art Supplies in Lausanne?
The city of Lausanne is a fantastic playground for artists seeking their supplies. For a wide selection and expert advice, specialized fine arts stores are true treasures. There you'll find passionate staff, often artists themselves, who can offer personalized advice on the supplies suited to your class and your level, whether you're an absolute beginner or more advanced. These shops are ideal for adults looking for specific supplies for all techniques, from acrylic painting to charcoal. For children, or for a first drawing or painting kit, the large stationery shops and some department stores in Lausanne also have well-stocked art sections. These places are perfect for finding the essentials and starting your artistic practice without delay.
The Role of Your Artistic Training: A Precious Guide
Enrolling in a class at an art school in Lausanne is undoubtedly the best shortcut to a successful start. The teacher, or prof, is much more than an instructor; they are a guide. From the very first sessions, they will provide a precise list of the necessary supplies, perfectly adapted to the techniques that will be explored. This saves you from unnecessary purchases and ensures that all participants in the workshop have an equal chance of success. Teachers, with their experience, know how to recommend the best value-for-money products for every level, from beginner to intermediate. This guidance is invaluable: it frees your mind and strengthens your ability to focus on what's essential: your creation and your artistic expression. A structured training program, whether through weekly classes or an intensive camp during the holidays (an ideal formula like the Lausanne Holiday Camps), is a real accelerator. This is the philosophy at the heart of a good art school: ensuring that every child or adult feels guided. The approach of recognized establishments is to guarantee comprehensive support, which is essential for a good learning experience.