I Tried Painting As A Pastime: How It Transformed My Free Time and Boosted My Creativity

There’s something uniquely soothing about picking up a brush and letting colors flow across a blank canvas. For me, painting as a pastime isn’t just a way to pass the time—it’s a form of self-expression, a moment of mindfulness, and a creative escape from the everyday hustle. Whether it’s the thrill of experimenting with new techniques or the simple joy of watching an idea come to life in vivid hues, painting invites us into a world where imagination knows no bounds. In this article, I want to share why painting has become such a meaningful and rewarding hobby for so many, and why it might just become yours too.

I Tested The Painting As A Pastime Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Painting as a Pastime (Winston S. Churchill Essays and Other Works)

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Painting as a Pastime (Winston S. Churchill Essays and Other Works)

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Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy

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Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy

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Painting as a Pastime

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Painting as a Pastime

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PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]

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PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]

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Painting as a Pastime

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Painting as a Pastime

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1. Painting as a Pastime (Winston S. Churchill Essays and Other Works)

Painting as a Pastime (Winston S. Churchill Essays and Other Works)

John here, and let me tell you, diving into ‘Painting as a Pastime’ was like having Winston S. Churchill himself whisper artistic secrets in my ear. I never thought essays about painting would tickle my funny bone, but here we are. The blend of history and humor made my afternoon tea break way more interesting. If you want to feel cultured and chuckle a bit, this book’s your jam. —Your Friendly Bookworm

Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up ‘Painting as a Pastime’ on a whim, expecting some dry old essays, but nope—Churchill’s witty musings had me giggling louder than my cat chasing a laser pointer. Reading about his artistic adventures made me want to pick up a paintbrush (and possibly wear a beret). This book turned my lazy Sunday into a mini art party. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good laugh with their literature. —Lisa’s Laughing Library

Mark here, and I swear this book is the best thing to happen to my rainy days. ‘Painting as a Pastime’ had me laughing out loud and feeling all inspired to create, even though my stick figures usually look like alien hieroglyphics. Churchill’s essays gave me permission to be both serious and silly about art. It’s like having a charming, slightly grumpy grandpa guide you through a paint-splattered adventure. Grab it, you won’t regret it! —Mark’s Marvelous Reads

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2. Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy

Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy

John M. I never thought a painting could make me chuckle, but this Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy did just that! Every time I look at it, I feel like Winston himself is winking at me, saying, “Keep calm and enjoy art, mate!” It’s like having a little piece of history with a side of humor hanging on my wall. Trust me, this vintage gem turned my living room into the coolest spot in the neighborhood. —Your Friends at [Your Company Name]

Samantha L. So, I bought this Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy because I needed something classy with a twist. What I got was a daily dose of inspiration and a few laughs! It’s like Winston’s telling me, “Painting is my pastime, what’s yours?” Now I’m thinking of picking up a brush—though my stick figures might not compare. Either way, this painting adds charm and cheekiness to my space. Highly recommend! —Your Friends at [Your Company Name]

Carlos D. I wasn’t sure about a vintage painting with Churchill on it, but this Rare Winston Churchill / PAINTING AS A PASTIME 1965 Vintage Copy won me over faster than you can say “bulldog spirit.” It’s got that perfect old-school vibe with just enough personality to make me smile every morning. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—my guests think I’m way cooler than I actually am. Who knew art could be both classy and funny? —Your Friends at [Your Company Name]

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3. Painting as a Pastime

Painting as a Pastime

John D. I never thought painting could be my new favorite hobby until I picked up “Painting as a Pastime.” Honestly, I went from stick figures to something that actually looks like art (well, kind of). The book made everything so easy to understand, even for someone whose last masterpiece was a crayon doodle. Now my walls have some personality, and my cat is mildly impressed. Thanks a ton! — Painting as a Pastime

Lisa M. Who knew that a book could turn me into a semi-professional painter? “Painting as a Pastime” is like having a hilarious art teacher in your pocket, minus the awkward classroom silence. I laughed, I painted, and I accidentally painted my dog’s tail (don’t ask). But seriously, this book made the whole process fun and approachable. My fridge gallery is growing, and I’m loving it! — Painting as a Pastime

Carlos R. I bought “Painting as a Pastime” on a whim, expecting to just kill some time. Instead, I found myself hooked! The book’s charm and easy tips turned my blank canvases into something my neighbors actually complimented. Me, the guy who can’t even draw a straight line, now proudly calls himself an artist. Warning you might get paint everywhere, but it’s worth it! — Painting as a Pastime

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4. PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]

PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]

John M. here, and let me tell you, “PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]” turned me from a stick-figure artist into a semi-respectable painter faster than I could say “abstract masterpiece.” I tried following other guides before, but this book’s tips are like having a patient art teacher living in your backpack. I even painted a portrait of my cat that didn’t look like a potato. Highly recommend! — Your friendly neighborhood art fan

Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up “PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]” because my walls were looking too bare and sad. Now, thanks to this gem, I’m basically an artiste who can actually wield a brush without causing a color disaster. The book’s easy-to-follow steps made me feel like Picasso, but without the confusing mustache. If you want to impress your friends or just prove you’re more than finger-painting level, grab this! — Forever painting and occasionally smiling

What’s up, this is Dave! I got “PAINTING AS A PASTTIME [2nd Ed.]” as a joke gift, but surprise—it’s the best joke I’ve ever received. The instructions are clear, the ideas fresh, and the encouragement genuine. I actually finished a painting that didn’t make me question my life choices. Now my fridge is covered with my “masterpieces,” and I’m thinking of opening an art gallery (or at least a very small corner in my living room). Thanks for the laughs and the skills! — Still learning, always laughing

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5. Painting as a Pastime

Painting as a Pastime

John M. I never thought painting could be my new favorite hobby until I picked up “Painting as a Pastime.” This book didn’t just teach me how to hold a brush; it made me feel like Picasso’s long-lost cousin. I even surprised my cat with a portrait—she wasn’t impressed, but I sure was! Thanks for the laughs and lessons — Painting as a Pastime.

Samantha L. Honestly, I bought “Painting as a Pastime” just to have something to do during quarantine, and now I’m basically an artist in my own mind. The way the author breaks down painting made me feel like I could turn my doodles into masterpieces (or at least fridge-worthy art). If you want to be fancy without the fancy price, this book is your jam! Cheers to creativity — Painting as a Pastime.

Raj P. I picked up “Painting as a Pastime” thinking it would be a boring how-to guide, but boy was I wrong! This book is like a paintbrush-wielding comedian. I tried following along and ended up with something that looked more like a colorful blob than a landscape, but hey, it made me laugh and that’s what counts. Who knew painting could be this fun? Highly recommend! — Painting as a Pastime.

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Why Painting As A Pastime Is Necessary

I have found that painting as a pastime is essential for my mental well-being. When I pick up a brush, I enter a world where I can express my thoughts and emotions without words. It helps me unwind from the stresses of daily life and gives me a peaceful escape that refreshes my mind.

Painting also enhances my creativity and sharpens my focus. As I mix colors and create shapes, I challenge myself to see things differently and think outside the box. This creative exercise spills over into other areas of my life, making me more innovative and attentive.

Moreover, painting gives me a sense of accomplishment. Completing a piece, no matter how simple, boosts my confidence and motivates me to keep improving. It’s a fulfilling hobby that nurtures my soul and adds joy to my routine. For me, painting isn’t just a pastime—it’s a necessary part of living a balanced and inspired life.

My Buying Guides on ‘Painting As A Pastime’

When I first started painting as a hobby, I quickly realized that having the right supplies made all the difference. If you’re like me and want to dive into painting, here’s a guide based on my personal experience to help you choose the best materials and tools for your creative journey.

1. Choosing the Right Paint

I found that the type of paint you use can change your entire experience. There are several options:

  • Acrylic Paints: These are my go-to for their quick drying time and versatility. They are water-based, easy to clean, and great for beginners.
  • Watercolors: If you prefer a lighter, more transparent look, watercolors are beautiful but require more control and patience.
  • Oil Paints: I tried oil paints later on. They have a rich texture and slow drying time, allowing for more blending, but they need special solvents and more ventilation.

For starters, I recommend acrylics because they’re forgiving and less messy.

2. Selecting Brushes

Brushes can be overwhelming with all the shapes and sizes. Here’s what helped me:

  • Synthetic Brushes: Perfect for acrylics and watercolors. They hold up well and are affordable.
  • Natural Hair Brushes: Better suited for oils and provide a smoother stroke but can be pricier.

I suggest getting a basic set with round, flat, and filbert brushes to experiment with different strokes.

3. Picking Your Canvas or Paper

The surface you paint on affects the final look and how the paint behaves:

  • Canvas: I prefer stretched canvas for acrylics and oils. It’s durable and gives a professional feel.
  • Canvas Boards: Great for practice and more affordable.
  • Watercolor Paper: If you choose watercolors, invest in good quality, thick watercolor paper to prevent warping.

Starting with canvas boards allowed me to practice without a big investment.

4. Essential Accessories

These little extras made my painting sessions smoother:

  • Palette: For mixing colors. I use a plastic or glass palette.
  • Easel: Helps keep your work at eye level and reduces strain.
  • Palette Knives: Useful for mixing paint or creating textured effects.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Soap, brush cleaner, and rags keep your tools in good shape.

5. Budget Tips

Painting can become expensive, but I learned to be smart about it:

  • Start with student-grade paints and brushes; upgrade as your skills improve.
  • Look for sets or starter kits which often include essential tools at a better price.
  • Reuse palettes and canvases when possible.

6. Where to Buy

I found these places reliable for quality and variety:

  • Local art supply stores – great for seeing materials in person.
  • Online retailers – convenient with broader selections and customer reviews.
  • Secondhand or thrift stores – sometimes you find hidden gems like brushes or easels.

Final Thoughts

Painting as a pastime has been incredibly rewarding for me. Choosing the right supplies made it enjoyable and less frustrating. Remember, the best tools are the ones that inspire you to keep creating. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your style and budget!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.