LESSON 1: YES, YOU CAN PAINT
Before we start the Painting Challenge, I want to let you know that I firmly believe everyone can paint.
Yes, I hear it all the time “I’m not good at painting” or “I can’t even draw a stick figure”. It’s OK if you’re one of them. I still have moments of doubts early on within a pet portrait process and I’m a successful painter. My trick is that I always return to my motto ‘simply start‘.
During the Painting Challenge, I’ll give you simple guidance each day so you can playfully move through each subject or prompt and see what comes to life in 20 minutes.
Anyone can paint. You just need to want to sit down and paint. Since you signed up for this challenge, we both know in our hearts that you do. Step 1 complete!
Beginning to paint requires only some paint and a brush, plus a willingness to do it. I honor your eagerness to experience something new, whether you’re diving into something you’ve never done before or returning to the simplicity of playful painting.
LESSON 2: COURAGE OVER COMFORT
In the words of Brené Brown, you can’t be comfortable and brave at the same time. It’s natural to feel awkward and uncomfortable when we try something new.
When you bring out your painting tools and start your painting challenge, you may kick up the dust of self-doubt or feel awkward in the way you’re holding your brush or blending colors.
It’s OK, you’re being brave. You’re trying something new. You’re showing up for yourself. This doesn’t mean that you can’t paint. It simply means you’re human. All is well.
Keep these things in mind:
- Your goal is to playfully paint, find meditative joy, slow down, and find moments of meaning. You’re leaving expectations of creating something pretty or perfect behind. One way I do this is to imagine how a child would paint the subject. It gets me out of my own head and self-judgment.
- Your intention with this challenge is: “I am open to painting and tapping into my creative energies.”
- Get comfortable. I sit cross-legged on my chair in cozy pants. I sometimes light a candle.
- Painting is a practice. Any awkwardness you may feel will fade over time as you grow your confidence. Release whatever comes up and know you can’t fail at this.
Some subjects may be easier or more fun to paint, and that’s great! I just ask you to follow the 22-day program and let me guide you.
LESSON 3: YOUR SUPPLIES DON’T MATTER
I remember feeling a bit lost and not knowing where to begin in a sea of art supplies.
No matter whether you’re a beginner, looking to get back into the swing of things, or just here to paint for fun.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need a lot to start, but here’s the list of suggested supplies*:
- Paint Tubes: I suggest this set with 24 acrylic beginners paint tubes. They are smaller tubes for a friendlier price. Past students have shared regret not having more paint colors for easier blending. I suggest this set with 24 colors but small tubes to stay within your allowance.
- Brushes: You won’t need a lot of different brushes for this challenge, but a good set will get you far. I recommend this set of 6 from Princeton Select.
- Canvas: There are many different types of canvases you can choose from but since you’ll be painting 22 different subjects, I suggest this 24-page paper pad by Canson.
And a few things you probably have at home already:
- jar for holding your water
- a towel or rag to wipe your brush off after cleaning and protecting your clothes
- pencil and a ruler
Check out My Top-Secret List of Acrylic Art Supplies and see what’s calling your name. That’s what your ‘fun money’ is for!
But please know that you can also use what you have on hand – kids crayons, old watercolors, or even used printer paper. While the supplies doesn’t matter for this challenge, great tools makes for a more enjoyable experience.
The one thing you can’t compromise on is your willingness to keep showing up for yourself.
*affiliated links