Step-by-step painting guide

Find Your Style in 7 Days

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

As you settle into your painting space, I invite you to find a comfortable position in front of your easel, perhaps with a cushion to support your back. Hold your favorite brush in hand, ready to embark on a journey of creativity and discovery. This chapter is about finding your unique painting style in just seven days, a process that traditionally unfolds over years. By leveraging the latest in Artificial Intelligence, we can reverse engineer the styles that inspire us, much like AI creates innovative artworks by blending multiple styles. This course is designed for artists of all levels, using any medium, and will guide you through a three-step process to develop your own style. You'll learn how to harness AI, understand the core elements of style—design, color, and texture—and ask the right questions to unlock your creative potential. This scene is rewarding because it offers a structured yet flexible approach to style exploration, allowing you to express your individuality while learning from the masters. As you breathe deeply and let go of daily distractions, focus on the present moment and the exciting journey ahead.

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson
16x18" Acrylic on Canvas
16x18" Acrylic on Canvas

Step 2Physical relaxation

Step 2 — Physical relaxation (video frame from the lesson)

Release Tension from Your Head

Focus on the very top of your head and release any tension you might have there. Allow the relaxation to begin spreading gently.

Guide Relaxation Downward

Slowly move your attention down your head, feeling the relaxation spreading like warm water. Let it flow down your face, neck, and shoulders.

Relax Your Upper Body

Direct the relaxation through your chest and back, allowing any tension to melt away.

Soften Your Lower Body

Guide the relaxation through your stomach, the tops of your legs, and down over your knees.

Complete Relaxation

Let the relaxation continue down through your calves, ankles, feet, and toes until you are completely blissfully relaxed.

Pro tipFocus on each body part individually to ensure complete relaxation.

Summary & key takeaways

Embark on your painting journey by first centering yourself through mindful breathing. Close your eyes and take deep, cleansing breaths to calm your mind and body. As you exhale, let go of any lingering thoughts, allowing them to drift away. This practice sets the stage for a focused and creative painting session.

Once your mind is calm, guide relaxation through your entire body. Start from the top of your head and let the sensation flow down, releasing tension as it moves. This physical relaxation prepares you to engage with your art fully, free from distractions and stress.

With a relaxed mind and body, maintain your focus and creativity by gently redirecting any stray thoughts back to your breath. Breathe in joy and creativity, and as you exhale, imagine your creativity flowing onto the canvas. This mindful approach not only enhances your artistic expression but also makes the painting process a joyful and fulfilling experience.

Points to remember
  • Focus completely on each breath to enhance relaxation.
  • Release tension from the top of your head down to your toes.
  • Concentrate on each body part individually for complete relaxation.
  • Smile at stray thoughts and gently refocus on your breath.
  • Breathe in joy and creativity to enhance your creative flow.
  • Imagine releasing your creativity onto the canvas as you exhale.