Confidence in art doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built over time through practice, experimentation, and a willingness to learn. When you develop core skills like color theory, composition, and brushwork, you start to trust your own abilities. Each painting becomes less about fear and more about excitement!
I’ve curated five simple yet powerful tips to help you strengthen those foundational skills, so you can approach your canvas with enthusiasm rather than hesitation.
Paint Smaller
Big canvases are impressive—and fun—but if you’re just starting out or looking to speed up your progress, painting smaller can be a game-changer. Working on a more modest surface means you spend less time on each piece, letting you create more paintings overall. Each painting is a chance to tackle challenges, apply techniques, and learn from mistakes. The more paintings you make, the faster you’ll improve.
Paint More
There’s no substitute for painting a lot. The more frequently you paint, the quicker you’ll see progress. Every time you pick up a brush, you’re experimenting with colors and figuring out what works (and what doesn’t). Every little bit counts—just a brief painting session can build your skills more than you’d expect.
Use a Bigger Brush
It may sound counterintuitive, but using a larger brush can have a huge impact on how you approach painting. Bigger brushes encourage looser strokes, allowing you to focus on overall shapes and values rather than tiny details. It’s a great way to free up your style and discover new possibilities.
Learn to See
One of the most important skills an artist can develop is the ability to truly see what’s in front of them. It’s not just about looking; it’s about observing colors, values, shapes, and relationships. Whether you’re admiring a stunning sunset or noticing how light falls on everyday objects, training your eyes to pick up on these will transform your art.
Get Some Distance
Standing to paint or simply stepping back from your canvas can make a huge difference. Painting from a distance helps you see your work as a whole instead of getting lost in the details. Larger, more dynamic strokes happen when you’re using your whole body, and you’ll notice how well your piece looks from a few steps away.
Tying It All Together
Building your skills is the first step toward becoming a more confident artist. When you trust your abilities—knowing you can handle color, composition, and brushwork—you’ll approach each piece with excitement instead of fear. These five tips might seem simple, but they’re truly powerful in helping you paint more freely and authentically.
Skill growth is a journey. With each brushstroke, you’re refining your technique, broadening your creative vocabulary, and laying the foundation for a style that’s all your own.
Next Steps to Grow Your Confidence
- Refine Your Unique Style: Download my free Style Guide to dig deeper into defining the look and feel of your art.
- Take It Further with Confident Acrylics: Ready to turn these skills into true painting mastery? Join the Confident Acrylics waitlist for a structured, supportive course that will help you evolve from curious painter to self-assured artist.
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