Painting Art: Unleash Your Creativity

Experience the joy and endless freedom that lies in the heart of painting art.

A world full of possibilities comes with each stroke of color. A blank canvas is waiting to come alive with your stories, emotions and creativity.

Take a journey into the wonderful world of art by Carol May, as you explore this fascinating domain step by step.

the art by carol may

Welcome to the exhilarating realm of art by Carol May where striking landscapes, lively hummingbirds, vibrant butterflies, visions and dreams come to life with strokes of oil and watercolor.

Each brushstroke pays homage to nature's glory, quiet nuances and the wonders of this world.

The beauty of art resides in sharing these with the world.

The teaching tutorials share the techniques and the joy of painting. Original paintings and reproductions share a slice of imaginative wonder.

Let the passion of painting brighten your living space with a touch of timeless elegance.

Click to explore fine art for your home


Art Prints by Carol May

explore fine art for your home


Art Prints

Painting Art: An Open Invitation

Whether you're a novice or an experienced artist, this comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need to begin your artistic adventure.

From understanding the basics and practicing the tutorials, to choosing your mediums and setting up your home studio, everything is here at your fingertips.

Everyone can learn to paint.

Some people have a God-given talent for painting while others like Beethoven, have a musical gift. We can learn the piano by starting with the basics and then practice.

It works the same with painting. Learn the basics of good art and refine your painting skills by painting the tutorials.  

Then use the same methods for painting your own individual artistic creations.

Fundamentals of Painting Art

Artists use the basics of art to design and paint their creations.

Forty years of experience has taught me what makes a good painting. It's a joy sharing knowledge with aspiring artists.

Country Barns (below) has been privileged to win two Best of Show awards.

I enjoyed painting these barns, art by Carol MayAward-winning "Country Barns"

What makes award-winning paintings?

Country Barns was painted with the principles of good art. Composition, values, creating a focal point and the judicious use of color create successful paintings.

Values in art

Values make impactful paintings

Artists color wheel

The color wheel is the artist's favorite tool.

Focal points in art

A focal point draws in the viewers.

Art composition

Good composition is easy to learn!

Tips on how to paint good artwork

Hands-on Painting Tutorials

Practice painting the step-by-step tutorials on the PRACTICE PAINTING tab. They explain the materials, what colors to use and the detailed painting steps from start to finish.

You can paint the tutorials and then use the same steps to paint your own favorite subjects.

What's the best painting medium to begin painting?

oil painting: these pages may be used for acrylics

The answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Oil Painting

You can Paint a Hummingbird with oil or acrylic paints.

Painting with a Limited Palette is a good practice for mixing and using colors.

Nav-beginners-oil-painting

Getting started with oil painting.

Nav-how-to-paint-a-wave

Painting waves is not hard, it's fun.

Nav-Roses

Paint a red rose or a multicolored one.

Nav-Paint-a-Waterfall

Add a waterfall to your landscapes.


watercolor: The more we paint, the better we get!

It's a joy sharing my painting secrets. Glean from the step-by-step explanations and learn while you're painting.


Beginning Watercolor: Find answers about watercolor before you start painting.

Paint a pretty Angelfish with Watercolors Step by Step.

Pouring Watercolors: Paint colorful Koi with this fun watercolor technique.

what else do we need to know about painting art?

Before you begin painting, get the answers to twenty common questions people often ask about painting.

You may wonder: Is painting expensive? What's are the minimum supplies we need to start painting? How long does it take oil paint to dry? and much more...

We all need our own art space. What are some ideas for setting up our home studio?

What is the absolute fastest way to learn to paint?

What is glazing and scumbling? What about alla prima, frisket, the difference between a flat and bright brush? Find the language used by today's painting artists in the Glossary of Art Terms.

Unleashing Your Creativity

Artists are inspired by our environment, emotions and fellow artists. We discover potential paintings in the beauty of everyday objects, memories, dreams, landscapes and beyond.

Get more for ideas for your next painting.

Where do artists get ideas for their next painting?Landscapes always make great paintings!

my Inspirations

The beautiful flowers, hummingbirds and butterflies are my favorite painting subjects. How could we not paint them?

If I'm not in the studio painting, more than likely you'll find me in the garden. It's a joy planting and growing flowers to attract the butterflies and hummingbirds.

Butterflies and birds, especially hummingbirds are two of my favorite painting subjects.

You can paint butterfly art.

There 5 pages of how to paint butterfly art.

There are various reasons why people take up painting art.

We all have various reasons why we paint.

What types of hummingbird do we see?

You can paint this hummer with watercolors.

Stepping into the world of painting art is an enriching journey full of creativity, joy and endless possibilities. The possibilities are as unlimited as your imagination!

Immerse yourself in the joy of painting!