I remember a student, a vibrant woman in her 70s, telling me it had been six decades since she held a paintbrush. Her initial hesitation quickly melted into pure joy as she rediscovered the magic of creating. This is the kind of transformation I love to witness, and it beautifully illustrates what I often wish every adult knew about embarking on their artistic path.
As an art teacher who has had the privilege of guiding countless adults through their creative journeys, there are a few things I often wish my students knew from day one about learning to paint and draw. It’s not about talent, or even that mythical “straight line,” but about mindset, process, and finding joy in every brushstroke.
Here’s a peek behind the easel at what I’ve learned, and what I hope empowers you on your artistic path:
1. Drop the Judgment: Your Teacher is Your Guide, Not Your Critic
Let’s get this out of the way immediately: I am not here to judge you. Seriously. I don’t care if you don’t know how to draw a straight line, if you’ve never been to an art class before, or if the last time you picked up a paintbrush was 60 years ago (yes, I had a student who told me that!).
You don’t need a fancy studio or expensive materials to begin your beginner art journey either. Simple supplies are all we need to start building those fundamental skills. My role is to teach you. I start at the very beginning, laying foundational skills so that each student, regardless of their starting point, can learn the techniques to succeed as an artist and truly enjoy the process. There’s no “bad” art here, just learning.
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2. Art is a Journey, Not a Sprint to Professional Level
I’ve seen it countless times: a student, just having learned to mix a few basic colors, brings in a complex artwork and asks if they can paint it. While I absolutely admire your ambition, it’s like asking to run a marathon when you’ve just learned to walk!
There’s a gradual progression of art skills that need to be learned. Jumping ahead too quickly is only going to leave you frustrated and feeling defeated. Trust the process. We build layer by layer, skill by skill.
3. Patience is Your Most Important Art Tool
No, I’m not a magician who can magically impart years of skill onto you. Getting better at anything – whether it’s playing an instrument, learning a language, or mastering a new craft – takes time and, crucially, patience in art.
Embrace the slow burn. Each session is a building block, and consistent practice, even small amounts, will yield incredible results over time. You’ll be amazed at your own progress if you just stick with it.
4. Find Joy in the Process (This is Where the Magic Happens!)
Just because it takes patience doesn’t mean it can’t be incredibly enjoyable! In fact, it should be! If you are learning art skills that are appropriate for your current level, you will enjoy the process. You’ll feel stimulated, challenged in a good way, and genuinely proud of your artwork as it develops. That feeling of being “completely in another world when painting,” as I like to say, is something I want you to experience.
5. I’ll Push You Just Enough (Because I Know Your Level)
Sometimes students worry they’re not being challenged enough, or conversely, that they’ll be pushed too hard. Here’s my promise: I can always push you more, but pushing you too far when you’re not ready yet isn’t going to help anyone.
This is something I’ve learned over years of teaching: teach to their level. It often takes a few months, but then students begin to notice things they never observed before. That’s when I can show them more, introduce new techniques, and guide them in what more they can truly achieve with their artwork. Trust that I’m pacing you for optimal growth and that once you have the required skills, you’re going to be able to create artwork in your own style.
6. My Goal? For You to Have Fun and Love What You Create
Ultimately, I want this to be fun for you-art is not scary. That’s why I teach skills through practical, enjoyable projects. I often ask what you’d like to work on or achieve, so that you are creating an artwork you’ll genuinely enjoy bringing to life. There’s truly no point in painting something you don’t like or enjoy. Your passion fuels your progress.
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