How to Stop Overthinking and Start Painting

If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas, paralysed by the thought of making the first mark, you’re not alone. Overthinking can be one of the biggest obstacles to starting a painting. But what if I told you that imperfection is where creativity truly thrives? Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you loosen up, let go of fear, and start painting with confidence and joy.

1. Ditch the "Perfect Painting" Mindset

One of the main reasons artists hesitate to start is the pressure to create a masterpiece. But here’s the truth: no painting starts perfect, and even the most celebrated artists have had their share of trial and error, without it you can’t progress.

Try this: Set a timer for 15 minutes and commit to creating something quick and messy. Focus on movement and shapes rather than detail. When the timer goes off, evaluate how it feels to simply paint without expectation.

2. Start Small with Warm-Up Exercises

Jumping straight into a big, detailed piece can feel overwhelming. Instead, ease into painting with simple, playful warm-ups to loosen your hand and mindset. Think of these as stretches for your creativity.

Warm-Up Ideas:

• Paint random shapes with a single colour.

• Create a gradient or ombré effect using two colours.

• Experiment with different brush sizes and strokes.

These exercises aren’t about producing a finished piece—they’re about building momentum and confidence.

3. Focus on the Process, Not the Result

When you paint, it’s easy to fixate on the end product. But the joy of painting often lies in the act of creating. Shift your focus to the textures, colours and strokes instead of worrying about how the final piece will look.

Mantra to remember: “Enjoy the journey and the destination will follow.”

4. Break the Blank Canvas Curse

A stark white canvas can feel intimidating, but there’s a simple solution: start by toning your canvas with a wash or ground. Applying a layer of colour to your canvas instantly removes the blankness and sets the tone for your painting.

Penny’s Tip: Use a warm wash, like a soft pink or ochre for landscapes and a cooler wash for pets, to add energy and depth from the get-go. If you intend to leave any of this ground showing in the final piece, you can even spritz some isopropyl alcohol for added texture!

5. Let Go of Overthinking Through Play

When was the last time you painted just for fun? Embrace playfulness by experimenting with techniques or tools you’ve never tried before. Use a sponge, your fingers, or even the edge of a credit card to create patterns and textures. The more playful you are, the less space there is for overthinking. Mark making is just as important as brushstrokes so use this play to experiment and find new ways to lay (or splash!) your paint.

Challenge: Pick three colours at random and create an abstract piece without worrying about form or subject.

6. Embrace Imperfection

Imperfection is where the magic happens! Those unexpected brushstrokes and surprising colour mixes often lead to the most exciting discoveries. Instead of chasing perfection, focus on authenticity. Even if you start with a template or outline, remember—it’s just a guide, not a rulebook. Let yourself colour outside the lines and see where it takes you!

Mindset Shift: A painting doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Each stroke is part of your unique creative voice.

Final Thoughts

Overthinking doesn’t have to hold you back. By embracing imperfection, starting small and focusing on the joy of the process, you’ll find that painting becomes less about pressure and more about self-expression. So grab your brushes, mix up some colours and let go—your next masterpiece is waiting to unfold.

Until next time, Keep splashing colours!
Penny 😊🎨✨