Make sure you have enough room to move around and access your supplies easily. 4. Prepare your canvas or paper: If you're using a canvas, you may want to apply a coat of gesso to prime it before painting. If you're using paper, tape it down to a flat surface to prevent it from warping. 5. Start sketching: Use a pencil to lightly sketch your subject on the canvas or paper before you start painting. This will help you plan out your composition and placement of elements. 6. Mix your colors: