Have you ever stared at a blank canvas, ready to paint, but felt completely lost on where to begin? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! It happens to us all, and it’s certainly happened to me a time or two.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, that empty space can feel intimidating. You start to second-guess your creative abilities, and sometimes, it can even stop you from doing the thing you love!

But I’m here to tell you that you can overcome the fear and learn how to paint confidently. I’m going to share my story with you and a few tips I’ve learned along the way, so you can stop letting fear be the boss of your creativity!

I Didn’t Always Know How to Paint Confidently

Let me share a little secret with you: even experienced artists sometimes struggle with that initial blankness.

I’ve been painting door hangers for over 10 years, and I vividly remember feeling that same sense of overwhelm when I first started.

In fact, it goes back much further than when I began painting door hangers. I even skipped art classes in high school because I was convinced I wasn’t artistic! It wasn’t until later that I realized creativity is a journey, not a destination.

One of my biggest breakthroughs came during an art class where we were painting roosters. Even with a pre-sketched outline, I was frozen by indecision.

“Which color first? Where do I even begin?” These thoughts swirled in my head, and I almost gave up. 

Yes, someone who has made a career out of painting and teaches others to do it almost gave up painting!

Thankfully, the teacher guided us step by step, breaking the process down into manageable chunks. When it was simplified that way, and when I allowed myself to slow down and take it step by step, I realized I could do it.

With each brushstroke, my confidence grew, and I was amazed by what I created!

A Roadmap Makes It Easier to Paint Confidently

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: having a roadmap makes all the difference.

Navigating the creative process is much easier when you have a plan. That’s why I try to provide as much guidance as possible in my YouTube tutorials and membership groups.

From pre-designed templates to detailed instructions on color choices and brush techniques, I want to make it as easy as possible for you to get creative — no matter how much experience you’re bringing to the table.

It’s important to me that you see, no matter how long it takes, that you, too, can have fun with painting!

Tips for Painting with Confidence

Maybe you didn’t have an art class that taught you how to build up your skills slowly and steadily, but I’ve got a few tips here that can help you get more comfortable with the creative process.

Tip #1: Start Simple

Start with a simple design. Don’t feel pressured to create a masterpiece right away. Begin with something that feels manageable and allows you to focus on developing your skills. It’s a lot more fun when you take the pressure to be perfect off your shoulders!

Tip #2: Trace Your Design

Using a template and graphite paper can save you a lot of time and frustration, especially if drawing isn’t your strong suit. This way, you can concentrate on the joy of painting without getting bogged down in the initial sketching phase.

Tip #3: Think in Layers

Imagine your painting as a three-dimensional scene. Start with the background and gradually work your way forward, adding details and depth as you go. Painting in layers helps create a more realistic effect while giving you a clear structure for your designs.

Tip #4: Embrace the Messy Middle

Every painting goes through an awkward phase. Don’t get discouraged if your artwork doesn’t look perfect right away. Trust the process and keep experimenting.

Often, those “mistakes” end up adding character and charm to the final piece!

And if you make a mistake, remember — it’s just paint! You can always paint over it and start fresh if something isn’t working.

Tip #5: Give Yourself Grace

Perfectionism is often what keeps us stuck. Focus on enjoying the creative process rather than aiming for a perfect outcome every time. Remember, art is subjective, and there’s beauty in imperfection. It’s all about the journey anyway!

Painting Is a Journey, Not a Race

Most importantly, remember that creating art is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and have fun! The more you paint, the more confident you’ll become. So don’t give up!

Did you find these tips helpful?

Grab your brushes, choose a design that speaks to you, and let your creativity flow! You might be surprised by the amazing things you can create.

Templates That Can Help You Beat the Blank Canvas

Still overwhelmed by that blank canvas? The good news is that we have lots of templates to help you get started over in the shop.

Using a template takes the guesswork out of designing and lets you focus on the fun part — painting!

We’ve got designs for every season, holiday, and occasion you can imagine, from whimsical spring florals to cozy winter scenes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple design or an experienced painter ready for a challenge, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to ditch that blank canvas fear? Explore thousands of door hanger templates here!