How Jenny Found Healing Through Painting and Built a Thriving Creative Community

For many of us, hobbies like painting or crafting are a way to relax and pass the time. After leaving a challenging relationship and starting over during the uncertainty of 2020, Jenny turned to art as a source of comfort and confidence. What began as a quiet, personal escape quickly evolved into a thriving online community that has inspired thousands of people to embrace their creativity.

While tidying up her mum’s spare room one day, she stumbled upon an old watercolour palette. She started doodling, and what started as something simple led her to where she is today. Jenny grew up in a creative household. Her dad loved to draw, and her sister is a digital artist, so she was always encouraged to express herself. As a teenager, she painted and sketched regularly, but life got busy, and art took a back seat. Picking up a paintbrush again after years away brought back more than just memories. “Painting helped me focus on colours and happy moments I hadn’t thought about in years,” Jenny explains. “It gave me a sense of calm and helped me feel like myself again.”

As painting became a bigger part of her life, Jenny wanted to share what she had rediscovered with others. That’s why she created Beginners Acrylic Art, her Facebook group with now over 30,000 members and counting! “I didn’t want it to just be another Facebook group,” Jenny shares. “I wanted it to feel like a space where people could come together, share their progress, and feel good about what they were creating.” Jenny hosts live painting sessions every Friday at 6pm, where she demonstrates simple, beginner-friendly projects that anyone can try at home. Her focus is on making painting fun, easy and affordable, using basic materials and approachable techniques. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Members often thank her for helping them build confidence, improve their skills, and find joy in painting. “It’s amazing to see people who thought they weren’t creative discover what they can do with just a bit of guidance.”

When she’s not painting, Jenny loves spending time with her loved ones. “I value those in-person connections where we can relax and enjoy each other’s company, and I try never to take those moments for granted.”