How do I start painting as a beginner?
It’s usually the first question.
You may have been thinking about painting for a while.
You may feel drawn to it, but unsure where to begin.
There’s a lot of information available — supplies, techniques, tutorials — and it can quickly become overwhelming.
So instead of starting, you pause.
My Experience
I’m Gosia Margie Witko.
I began exploring art as a teenager, working across different materials like batik, encaustic, textiles, and paint.
At the time, I wasn’t following a clear path. I was experimenting, observing, and learning through the process itself.
Later, I spent decades working across design, technology, and consulting, building systems that help people move forward with clarity.
That way of thinking now shapes how I approach painting.
Where Most Beginners Get Stuck
Most people think starting means:
choosing the right materials
learning the right technique
following the right steps
But this often leads to confusion.
You gather supplies.
You try a tutorial.
And still feel unsure what to do next.
Because the real question isn’t just how to start.
It’s how to begin in a way that makes sense to you.
A Simpler Way to Begin
Instead of trying to learn everything at once, start with a question.
Not a technical question.
A simple one.
What happens if I limit my colours?
What happens if I focus only on light and dark?
What happens if I paint without finishing?
This creates a starting point that is clear and manageable.
You begin to explore, rather than perform.
The Studio Approach
This is how I structure my work.
Each month begins with a question connected to a core part of painting.
You explore that question through your own work.
There’s no pressure to get it right.
The focus is on:
starting simply
observing what happens
and continuing from there
The Art Studio Residency
This approach takes place inside The Art Studio Residency.
It’s a private online studio where artists begin, return, and continue their work over time.
There are no fixed starting points.
