Top 5 Art Mistakes Artists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Hey artists! 👋 Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into painting after a break, we’ve all made those facepalm art mistakes. 😅

Today I’m sharing the top 5 mistakes we made when we started and how you can skip them completely. Let’s save you some time, money, and canvas space!

❌ Mistake #1: Picking the Wrong Canvas for Your Medium

What Happens:

You start painting with acrylics on a thin canvas and it warps Or your watercolors bleed awkwardly because the surface wasn’t right.

Fix It:

Choose a pre-primed, medium-grain cotton canvas for acrylics and oils. Avoid using canvas boards for heavy layering, they don’t hold the paint well.

🟢 Pro Tip: Grandink’s pre-primed canvases give you that perfect balance—no warping, no excessive absorption. Great for beginners and pros alike!

❌ Mistake #2: Using Cheap Brushes for Every Detail

What Happens:

You buy one pack of budget brushes and suddenly every brushstroke looks fuzzy or frayed. Detail work becomes frustrating.

Fix It:

Invest in at least one fine liner, a flat brush, and a round tip from a trusted brand. Keep cheap brushes for texture work or background washes.

❌ Mistake #3: Skipping the Sketch or Planning Phase

What Happens:

You jump into painting without a plan, then end up layering over mistakes again and again. Wasted paint, time, and energy!

Fix It:

Start with a loose pencil or charcoal sketch. Or try thumbnail planning quick mini-drawings to map the composition.

🟢 Pro Tip: Use a tabletop easel to angle your view while sketching. Grandink’s Drawing Tabletop Easel is perfect for both sketching and painting—it keeps everything in reach!

❌ Mistake #4: Ignoring Lighting & Workspace Setup

What Happens:

Shadows fall across your art, colors look off, and back pain creeps in from hunching over.

Fix It:

Always work in natural light or use a white LED lamp. Keep your canvas at a proper height not flat on the floor or lap.

🟢 Workspace Hack: Grandink’s adjustable easels help set the right posture and lighting angle whether you’re painting on the table or standing.

❌ Mistake #5: Comparing Your Work Too Soon

What Happens:

You scroll social media and see “perfect” paintings and feel like quitting before you’ve even finished yours.

Fix It:

Stop mid-scroll. Remember: every artist has a messy middle. Focus on your process, not just polished outcomes.

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If you’ve made any of these mistakes—you’re not alone. we all been there too, and that’s how we grow as artists. ✨

Let us know in the comments: which one hit home for you? Or share your own ‘lesson learned’ story below!

🛍️ P.S. If you’re looking to level up your setup, check out the Grandink Easels and Canvases—they seriously changed your art flow.