I recently finished a painting I had worked on for like 3 years or so.

I learned many things from the experience and believe I must share.

* I learned painting takes a great deal of time. I already admired paintings but I do even more so now.

* You have to be in the mood to paint. Painting is more than an activity; more than even filling a paper, canvas, or paint-by-number with colors! Painting is a feeling; an expression of your soul!

* You must be patient and relaxed but never too relaxed. I feel asleep when I was too relaxed :).

* The painter as any artist is usually the harshest critic of their work. We see all the mishaps no one else can (e.g. a faulty shade, slip of the brush, drop of paint, and misplaced color)

* Painting especially when making your own colors can prove difficult and hard work. I would spend hours trying to make some of the mixes and shades for my painting. I would try 4 times before I got the "right" color.

* Painting can calm the soul and mind. On the other hand, it can have the opposite affect as well. When you get the opposite affect, walk away! You may regret ruining the fruit of your labor if you don't.