How to Paint Your First Canvas (Even If You're Nervous)

Starting your first painting can feel intimidating. Many people come into my classes convinced they “aren’t artistic” or that painting is too hard. But, beginners create paintings they never thought possible — even people who have never held a paintbrush before.

If you've been wanting to try painting but feel nervous, you're not alone. The good news is that getting started is much easier than most people think.

Painting doesn't require talent. It just takes simple steps and a willingness to try. In my studio when you arrive for a class, we do introductions, and try to make everyone feel comfortable; help yourself to tea or coffee. We have a water cooler too. You're welcome to bring a snack too. Gotta have priorities ;-) Anyways, thanks to modern technology, I usually have the design already on your canvas via sublimation ink and my handy dandy heat press. (From my computer I send the tracer to the sub printer, then use the design it prints out by placing it upside down on your canvas and pressing it with a heat press. The ink turns to gas and goes into the fibers of the canvas. That's how I also do tote bags like the pumpkin one last fall and the gnome one I did in December. Then once we start, we do the background first, then the smaller images, basecoating the first layer of paint. We go through the "messy middle", and then move on to add details and shading and highlights. This is a wonderful way to learn to paint because it remove the stress of having to draw the design first. Everyone is always surprised at how good their painting looks. And it always looks better the next morning when you're not up close, right on top of it!

Want to Try a Class?

If you'd like to try painting in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment, although I don't have a lot scheduled right now, our classes are designed especially for new painters. Check out our calendar of events or Facebook page events.

Beginners are always welcome.

What Beginners Really Need

One of the biggest surprises for new painters is how little you actually need to get started.

Simple supplies work best.

You only need:

Canvas or something to paint on (an artist I knew used the inside of cereal boxes!) Basic brushes - A few paint colors - I recommend DecoArt Americana craft paint and for fine art I like Golden, but they're expensive. Hobby Lobby has a paint brand that's not bad, but I don't recommend Apple Barrel, except for basic colors like black and white because it's watery compared to the others. I've never tried the Dollar Tree paints. Water cup Paper towels or I use an old wash cloth or hand towel A palette to put your paint on (I save the wax bags from cereal boxes - they work great!)

You do not need expensive supplies or fancy tools.

In fact, beginners often do better with fewer choices.

Keeping things simple helps you focus on learning instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Start with Simple Paintings

Your first painting should be simple.

Look for paintings with:

Large shapes

Simple backgrounds

Only a few colors

Minimal details

Big objects are easier to paint than tiny ones.

Soft backgrounds are easier than busy scenes.

Simple paintings help you build confidence quickly.

This is exactly how our classes are designed — beginner-friendly from start to finish.

Helpful Beginner Tips

If you're in one of my classes, I will walk you through the process step-by-step! Start with the background first.

Paint large areas before small details.

Let layers dry before adding highlights.

Don't worry about perfect brush strokes.

Paintings usually look messy halfway through. That is completely normal. One time I heard it called the "Messy Middle", and I have used that phrase ever since; it is definitely the messy middle. Never judge your painting until you've added the final details. It makes all the difference.

Just trust the process and keep going. You'll surprise yourself!

Why Tracing Helps Beginners

Many beginners worry that tracing means they are “cheating.” Amazingly, Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Georgia O'Keefe (1887-1986), Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), and Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) used projector-type methods (even in the 1600's!) to project their images to canvas. Tracing is actually one of the best ways to learn painting; you can transfer your design with carbon paper or several other simple methods.

It allows you to focus on painting instead of worrying about drawing.

Even professional artists transfer drawings onto their surfaces before painting.

In painting classes, tracing helps students succeed and enjoy the experience.

The goal is learning to paint — not struggling with sketching. I have purchased a sublimation printer and heat press, and I frequently use that to transfer designs to canvases; it's so much faster and easier. I have some kits available in the store as well.

A Simple First Painting Idea

A great first painting might include:

A soft sky background

Simple flowers

A small animal

A single tree or a favorite object

The best beginner paintings have clear shapes and relaxed backgrounds.

Simple really is best.

You Can Do This

If your painting doesn't look perfect, that's completely normal.

Every painter starts somewhere.

The goal is to enjoy the process and learn something new.

Some of the best paintings come from happy accidents. (Remember Bob Ross saying that??)

In my classes, beginners are often surprised by what they can create in just a couple of hours.

Painting should feel relaxing, not stressful, and we try to keep it that way.

Happy Painting

Painting is something anyone can learn.

All it takes is a first step.

If you've been thinking about trying it, this is your sign to start.

Happy Painting! 🎨 -Sue