Five Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Painting

All of us artists start with excitement, with brushes in our hands, and a vision in our minds. However, the truth is that painting is not simply about applying colours on a canvas. It is an adventure of discovery and learning and frustration, occasionally. Reflectively, I can say that there existed some handful of things that I would like to know at the time I started painting. These lessons would have conserved time, frustration and perhaps even some wasted canvases. Whether you are a beginner to the world of painting, the following five tips will help you out:

1. Quality Materials Make a Big Difference

When I first started, I grabbed the cheapest paints and brushes I could find. I thought paint was paint but oh, how wrong I was! The vibrancy, texture, and finish of your work depend heavily on the quality of the materials you use. Investing in rich, smooth acrylics and precision pens makes your art come alive.

That’s why I now swear by Drawlish Acrylic Paints for their smooth blending and bold pigments, and Drawlish Paint Pens for fine detailing and highlights. Both are available at Drawlish.com and worth every penny if you want your art to truly shine.

2. Your First Paintings Won’t Be Masterpieces (And That’s Okay!)

I used to get discouraged when my first attempts didn’t look like the stunning art I saw online. The truth is, every brushstroke is practice. Don’t pressure yourself into perfection right away. Your early works are stepping stones to better ones, and they’ll always hold a special place in your journey.

3. Blending Colors Is an Art of Its Own

One of the hardest things I struggled with was mixing and blending colors. I ended up with muddy browns more times than I’d like to admit. The trick is to layer lightly, let paints dry, and use the right brushes. Acrylics like Drawlish Acrylic Paints are especially forgiving because they dry quickly and allow for layering without losing vibrancy.

4. Details Transform a Painting

Sometimes, all a painting needs is that extra spark. Small details, the glimmer in an eye, the texture on fabric, or the shimmer on water make all the difference. This is where Drawlish Paint Pens are game-changers. They allow you to add crisp lines and intricate details without worrying about smudges or uneven strokes.

5. Art Is as Much About Enjoyment as It Is About Skill

In the beginning, I was too focused on results. I wanted a finished painting I could proudly show off. But the joy of painting lies in the process: the messy palettes, the happy accidents, the unexpected color blends. When you stop worrying about “perfect,” you start creating from the heart, and that’s when the magic happens.