I was an artist for about ten years before becoming a computer guy, doing oil paintings from life. I would highly suggest you take a class. There's a lot of ba

I was an artist for about ten years before becoming a computer guy, doing oil paintings from life. I would highly suggest you take a class. There's a lot of basic tech stuff you need to learn (how to mix paints, wash brushes, prepare canvases) and after that come the rudiments of drawing and color. I would compare it to learning to play an instrument. You want to pick up the violin and just express your emotions in music after a busy day, but to get there you need some initial help about where to put your fingers, advice from a teacher who knows the kind of pitfalls beginners fall into, and a lot of practice that can sometimes be frustrating. But when you get there, it's very rewarding and enjoyable. Good luck to you! EDIT: it's also helpful to have initial instruction so you can navigate the thicket of art supplies. They can get very expensive and the wrong ones, or inappropriate ones for your level of expertise, will make painting a misery.