Learning how to paint can be as easy as buying our very own canvas, paint and a set of brushes then sitting down (or standing up) and just letting loose.  But formal learning requires a student to have a teacher, which requires lessons and going to art class.  These days, going to school to learn how to paint may not be necessary, especially since there are a lot of DVD video courses that show beginners how to paint like a pro. It would be good to read a learn and master painting review to get a good idea of which DVD courses are recommended by plenty of painting beginners out there so that you know which would work best for you.