Permission to Paint: A beginner's first steps with acrylics

Have you ever stared at a blank canvas and thought, "I have no idea what I'm doing" ? If so, then this space is for you.

I have decided to create a series of monthly blog posts in 2026 entitled Permission to Paint. It is for beginner and hobby acrylic painters---especially those who feel nervous, intimidated, or unsure where to start. The ones who love the idea of painting...but worry about doing it "wrong." (I hear this so much!)

You'll see Permission to Paint woven throughout these posts. But it's more than just a blog series--it's a mindset. This is a cozy corner of the internet where you can give yourself permission to start before you feel ready, because creativity grows best when it feels safe. You don't need talent, fancy supplies, or a plan. Just curiosity. Here, we paint without pressure and give ourselves permission to learn as we go. Here, curiosity meets paint.

My purpose here is to give you gentle encouragement, simple acrylic painting ideas, reassurance when fear or doubt creeps in, and reminders that messy, unfinished, imperfect art still counts. I believe painting should feel inviting---not intimidating, and although I certainly don't know everything about painting with acrylics, I will share what I know in hopes that this will give you confidence and help you become comfortable with using them.

That being said, if you are afraid to start, you are not alone. I hear this all the time:

"What if I mess up? What if I'm not creative? What if I waste paint or supplies? What if I find out I'm not any good?" Here's the truth most people won't tell you: Every painter---yes, even the confident ones---started out scared. Fear doesn't mean you aren't artistic. Fear means you are standing at the edge of something new. And that is a good place to be.

This is January. Its been super cold outside, and many people have been staying inside a lot more because of it. It's a great time to take your first step. No one expects perfection, you're allowed to be rusty, trying counts more than finishing, and messy is normal. It's about experimenting and learning.

Acrylic paint is actually on your side, because it's very forgiving. Paint too dark? Paint over it. Hate the shape? Change it. Colors feel wrong? Layer something new. There are no permanent "mistakes" here. Just layers, experiments, and learning about what you like.

So, seriously, your only job right now is obtain some paint, a couple different brushes, and a surface to paint on. Are you game? I'm hoping so! Here are a couple acrylic paint recommendations to help get you started:

Apple Barrel found at Walmart: Price friendly, a good amount of colors available, but can be thin and watery. At the time of this writing it is $.59 for a 2 oz bottle.

Crafters Collection found at Hobby Lobby: At the time of this writing it is $.50 for a 2 oz bottle, which is less expensive than Apple Barrel, but in my opinion, a much better buy. The paint is thick and has good coverage. It comes in larger bottles too. I prefer it over Apple Barrel, and there are a good amount of colors available.

Michaels has their brand of paint as well, called Craft Smart. I have used it, and it has been fine, but it's been a while since I've used it and I don't know their prices. It does come in large and small bottles, and they often have sales on it and other art supplies. It is ok to use for beginners.

Liquitex Acrylic Paint is found at Michaels and other art supply stores, and comes in tubes. This is another good option, but it's a little more pricey than Craft Smart. I can't quote a price on this, because I haven't used it in a long time either.

DecoArt is a great brand of acrylic paint that comes in a lot of beautiful colors. I do use it as well. Hobby Lobby does not carry it in their store anymore, but I think you can order it on line through them. Michaels carried it the last time I was there, and Walmart has some too in limited colors. DecoArt also has a website and you can order from there as well, and they have sales. But be prepared to pay a little more for this paint---up to $2.00 or more a bottle. (watch for sales)

Personally, I love and prefer Hobby Lobby for most of my art supplies (except when I order online) mainly because I have never bought an inferior product from them. But Michaels is a good option too. It's up to you, your preferences, and budget.

I suggest you buy black, white, red, yellow, and blue. You can create many colors with just these. But go ahead and buy some colors you see and really love, that's ok. I just don't want you to get overwhelmed. I will talk about color mixing in a later post.

All of these stores have stretched canvas, canvas boards, and tear off canvas tablets. They also have a variety of brushes for you to choose from. By the way, even dollar stores now carry canvas and brushes. The canvas I have found there isn't the quality of what I buy at Hobby Lobby, but it's totally fine for a beginner. I have never used dollar store paint or brushes though, so can't comment.

So once you have your supplies, I encourage you to forget trying to create a "real" painting. Just show up and put brush to canvas. Be like a child. Mix colors just to see what happens. Use colors you normally avoid. Paint something abstract, messy, or "ugly" on purpose. Paint for 15 minutes and walk away. Don't stress about it.

You don't have to finish.

You don't have to love it.

You don't have to show anyone.

You just have to start.

You are allowed to be a beginner, be unsure, and paint "badly". Just enjoy the process without results. A blank canvas isn't asking you to prove anything. It's simply inviting you to begin. And January is the perfect time to say yes.

 So if you are able to get some supplies, and pick up a brush and experiment, I'm cheering for you!

See you next month!

God bless,

Vicky