How to Paint Faster Without Sacrificing Quality

How to Paint Faster Without Sacrificing Quality

Welcome to a transformative shift in your art journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, learning how to paint faster—without sacrificing quality—is one of the most powerful ways to accelerate your artistic success. At Milan Art Institute, we believe in a future where artists thrive, not just survive, and being prolific is key to unlocking that dream.

In this guide, you’ll discover how painting faster can help you create more, grow your skills quicker, and attract more collectors. You’ll also learn the exact techniques professional artists use to boost their speed—without losing the magic that makes their art meaningful.

Why Speed Matters 

We’ve been told that slower is better. That rare equals valuable. But when it comes to art, that simply isn’t true. The truth is: the more you create, the more successful you become.

Icons like Picasso, who created over 147,000 works in his lifetime, built their legacy not by hiding their art—but by flooding the world with it. The same is true for modern artists today. At Milan Art Institute, we've sold over 10,000 original works and helped thousands of students do the same. And yes, it all started by learning how to paint faster.

Recovering from Slow-Painter Syndrome

If you’ve ever labored over a painting for months only to burn out halfway through, you’re not alone. I was once a slow painter too. My first painting took four months—and it wasn’t exactly a masterpiece (think floating eggheads!). But learning how to loosen up, trust the process, and let go of perfectionism allowed me to grow quickly and joyfully.

When you paint faster:

• You generate more ideas because you're not stuck laboring over one piece

• You develop stronger skills through repetition and flow

• You build a body of work that attracts galleries and collectors

Three Simple Phases to Paint Faster 

At Milan Art Institute, we teach a 3-phase process that makes painting feel natural—even fast.

1. Blocking In

This is where you cover the canvas with big, loose shapes. Use large brushes, spray paint, or watered-down acrylics. Think "messy abstract" with purpose. Your only goal is to get rid of the white canvas and map out your composition.

2. Developing

Now you begin to refine the subject. Start adding form and depth—without getting too tight. Think general shapes, not details. You’re building structure, not perfection.

3. Rendering

This is where you slow down just a bit. Choose one or two areas to develop fully with more accuracy and detail. Let the rest stay expressive and loose. This balance is what makes your art feel alive—and sellable.

Quick Tips to Paint Faster with Impact

• Ditch tiny brushes. Big brushes save time and keep your strokes fresh.

• Say no to “blendy, blendy, smoothie, smoothie.” Leave your brushstrokes visible. They’re emotional fingerprints and they sell!

• Use forgiving mediums. Start with acrylics or charcoal, then move to oils.

• Embrace mistakes. The more you paint, the better you'll get. Perfection is not the goal—progress is.
  
  

Being Prolific = Artistic Success

Let’s bust another myth: “If you create too much, your work loses value.”

The reality? Prolific artists are the most successful artists. Period.

We’ve watched our students go from complete beginners to full-time professional artists in less than a year simply by creating more work. Artists like:

• Rita Vari – sells out constantly and is internationally collected.

• Esther Franchuk – fast, prolific, and has paintings all over the world.

• Zabina, Tanya, and Alena – all started slow, now paint faster than ever and sell consistently.

• Dimitra Milan – painted 40 pieces in 3 months at age 15 and went on to sell over $1 million in art through publishing.

Want to Paint Faster, Better, and More Professionally?

This is exactly why we created the Mastery Program at Milan Art Institute. In just one year, you’ll:

• Learn how to paint quickly and skillfully

• Find your unique artistic voice and style

• Create a full portfolio of over 100 pieces

• Launch your art business with confidence

Whether you’re just starting or already selling your work, this program is designed to skyrocket your success.

Final Words of Encouragement

You don’t need to be born with “natural talent.” You just need to paint a lot. Time behind the brush is everything. If you're willing to put in the work, success will follow.

So go ahead—push yourself out of your comfort zone. Try new techniques. Make some messy, wild, beautiful mistakes. And most of all, paint faster so you can live your dream of being a full-time, thriving, professional artist.

Ready to get serious about your art career?

👉 Join the Mastery Program Pre-Enrollment — it’s free to join, and you’ll get instant access to our exclusive prep course and updates on open enrollment.

The world needs your art. Let’s flood the Earth with beauty—together.