There’s no single correct order - you can paint in whatever way feels most comfortable. However, many people find one of the following approaches helpful:
- Lightest to darkest colours: A good option for beginners, as lighter colours are easier to correct if you make a mistake. Darker colours are more opaque and can be harder to paint over.
- Top to bottom: Ideal for avoiding smudging, especially if you rest your hand on the canvas while painting.
- Colour by colour: A satisfying method that helps you keep track of which colours you’ve already used and can reduce how often paint pots are opened.
Whichever approach you choose, the most important thing is to paint at your own pace and enjoy the process.
Jan 20, 2026