Feeling Overwhelmed by Painting? Here’s How to Simplify
Painting should be fun, right? But let’s be honest—it doesn’t always feel that way. Have you ever sat down to paint and felt completely overwhelmed? You stare at your blank canvas or sketchbook and wonder, How do I start? What do I paint? What colors should I use? How do I make it look good? That’s why learning to simplify your painting process is so important—it can transform those moments of frustration into confident, creative progress.
It’s easy to feel paralyzed when there are so many decisions to make. The more we overthink, the harder it is to start or finish a painting we’re happy with.
That’s why simplifying your painting process is so important. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or have been painting for years, reducing complexity in your art practice can unlock creativity, build confidence, and lead to faster growth. Let’s dive into why this works and how to embrace simplicity to level up your painting process.
Complexity Can Hold You Back
It’s like spinning plates when we try to juggle too many things at once—composition, color, value, brushwork, and more. Sure, you might keep a few spinning, but eventually, one will drop.
The same happens with painting. If you’re trying to think about everything simultaneously, losing focus and feeling frustrated is easy. The result?
• You get stuck and don’t know where to begin.
• You rush into a painting without a plan and get lost halfway through.
• You overwork a piece because you’re trying to fix “mistakes” you didn’t plan for.
The truth is, complexity can be overwhelming—and it’s often unnecessary.
Growth Comes from Small, Manageable Steps
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as an artist is that painting doesn’t have to be complicated. Breaking it into smaller, manageable steps can make the process more enjoyable and effective.
Here’s why simplifying works:
1. It Reduces Overwhelm
When you focus on just one thing at a time—the idea, the color palette, or the values—you’re giving yourself space to think clearly. This reduces mental clutter and makes it easier to move forward.
2. It Builds Confidence
Each small step you complete is a win. When you see progress in manageable chunks, you feel more capable of tackling the next challenge.
3. It Boosts Creativity
Simplifying doesn’t mean your work will be boring or repetitive. It frees your brain to experiment and explore because you’re not bogged down by overthinking.
Breaking the Painting Process into Steps
Let’s talk about how actually to simplify your painting process. Here’s how I break it down into manageable steps:
Step 1: Start with an Idea
Every painting starts with an idea—but it doesn’t have to be a groundbreaking concept!
• Use Prompts: Try painting something simple, like “What’s in your bag?” or “Your favorite snack.”
• Work from References: Use a photo or image as inspiration. This removes the pressure of inventing everything from scratch.
• Make Thumbnails: Sketch 2–3 tiny thumbnails to explore composition and values before jumping into a complete painting.
When you simplify the idea stage, you’re not wasting energy trying to create something “perfect.” You’re giving yourself a clear starting point.
Step 2: Limit Your Color Palette
Choosing colors can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with a limited palette of 3–4 colors plus white. For example:
• Ultramarine blue, vermilion red, yellow ochre, and white.
• Or cyan, magenta, yellow, and white (a primary palette).
By limiting your colors, you’ll focus on mixing and creating harmony instead of getting distracted by too many choices. A limited palette often results in more cohesive and visually pleasing paintings.
Step 3: Focus on Values First
Value is one of the most important elements of a painting—it’s how we understand light, shadow, and depth. If your values aren’t working, the painting won’t feel right, no matter how great the colors are.
Simplify this step by:
• Doing a black-and-white value study before adding color.
• Squinting at your subject to see the lightest and darkest areas.
• Use tools like a value scale or convert your painting to grayscale to check your work.
Step 4: Build Up Gradually
Once your ideas, colors, and values are in place, it’s time to paint! But here’s the key: start simple and build up gradually.
• Begin with Big Shapes: First, Block large areas of color and value.
• Add Details Last: Save fine brushwork and textures for the final stages.
This approach keeps you from getting bogged down in details too early and ensures your painting feels cohesive.
How Simplifying Helps Beginners and Experienced Painters
You might be wondering if simplifying works for everyone. The answer is yes!
For beginners, simplifying removes the intimidation factor. When learning something new, you quickly feel overwhelmed by all the skills you need to master. Simplifying helps you focus on one thing at a time, making the process more approachable and enjoyable.
For experienced painters, simplifying allows you to refine your skills and push your creativity. By stripping away unnecessary complexity, you can focus on what truly matters in your art—values, color harmony, or composition.
Why This Approach Works
Simplifying isn’t about cutting corners or “dumbing down” your art. It’s about working smarter, not harder. By breaking your painting process into smaller steps, you’ll find:
• It’s easier to start (no more staring at a blank canvas).
• It’s easier to stay focused (you know what to work on next).
• It’s easier to finish (no more getting lost halfway through).
Most importantly, you’ll start enjoying painting more—and isn’t that the whole point?
Want to Simplify Your Painting Process Even More?
I dive deeper into this in my course. The Simplified Painting Guide is designed to help you break down the painting process step by step to stop feeling overwhelmed and start creating confidently.
With six modules, 30 exercises, 42 videos, and a 50-page workbook, this course is packed with practical tips and techniques to help you simplify every stage of painting—from finding ideas to finishing with details.
Simplifying your painting process might be the key to unlocking your next creative breakthrough.
Final Thoughts
Growth as an artist doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly. It comes from showing up, simplifying your process, and focusing on what matters.
So, the next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, ask yourself: How can I simplify this? You’ll be amazed at what happens when you let go of the pressure and embrace simplicity.
Let’s start simplifying, one step at a time.
