Are you new to face painting? Welcome to a fun adventure that provides a little bit of simple joy to everyone! Even people who don't want to have their own faces painted get a kick out of seeing the artwork on the faces of those who do. Not to mention the satisfaction the true artist will get by seeing his work on those in the crowd around him or her.

There's a book called '100 Things for Kids to Make and Do' that has several ideas for costumes and face painting. Most of the time a face painting pattern is not actually something of material substance, but a set of directions and photographs of the steps and finished artwork. It's just easier, I suppose, to think of them as patterns.Many kids crafts books will have at least a small section with a face painting pattern of some sort. The more complicated face patterns will come in handy when you need the step-by-step directions. Good directions will keep it simple, showing individual photos of each layer as it is applied.

Halloween is probably one of the most popular times to paint faces, especially the whole face painting. The choices are wide, including such as: Vampires, clowns, witches, Winnie the Pooh, ghosts, pirates, genies, dinosaurs, bumble bees and bunnies. Many parents just can't resist painting the ever popular Winnie the Pooh. A ghost is low-cost and simple for those who are strapped for cash at Halloween, needing only white paint (maybe a little black circle around each eye if you want a better effect to emphasize the holes.

If you know an art teacher, you could ask him or her for helpful ideas for free face painting patterns. Preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, school librarians, even Sunday school teachers would know what the kids today like in characters. A friend who enjoys painting as a hobby are all good sources to check for ideas. They would have access to books and magazines with pictures that would help prod the imagination.

Try looking at comic books, art drawing books, animal books, toy books and catalogues.If you need small picture patterns for painting on cheeks, there are some great artists you could get inspiration from. Ed Emberly is a great artist of small drawings, silly drawings sure to bring a smile. He provides easy-to-follow step-by-step guides.

An unusual pattern that isn't overused here in the United States is the panda face. It's best when used with a base of white over the whole face, big black spots surrounding the eye area, a black spot covering the end of the nose, black lips, and a black line from the base of the nose to the top lip. Then dot some small black spots over the lip area under each nostril. Add a set of fake ears and you're good to go!

Dr. Seuss is a wonderful author who has colorful characters that are popular. Try drawing your own version of a Cat in the Hat or a Grinch. Don't forget the cartoons that are popular on television. There should be plenty of inspiration there, or in children's movies. You might want to check the comic section of a newspaper.

For supplies you could try a costume and face painting store.