Rachel Reed

Start with a student grade set from a reputable art manufacturer so yeah... look for tubes that list pigment names and lightfast ratings on the label since that usually means the maker cares about quality control. Fewer colors with larger tubes beats an overflowing rainbow of tiny ones because you will have enough paint to practice mixing and block in areas without skimping. A basic range with a warm and cool of each primary plus white will get you far, and you can add a single earth tone later for quicker neutrals. Check consistency before you commit. If you want texture and visible brush marks go for a thicker body. If you prefer smoother layers and detail a softer body is easier. Skip gimmicky sets heavy on neons and metallics at the start since those often have weaker coverage. Works great.

Avoid anything that says original or extra creamy without the barista tag when you want latte art. The shelf stable barista versions are built to handle coffee acidity so they do not split and the unsweetened ones keep the cup balanced instead of caramel-like. Some barista oats add a little extra protein which helps the foam feel silkier without tasting sugary. For a basic wand, keep the tip off center to build a vortex, use minimal stretching, and stop around 140 to 150 F. If you do not have a thermometer, stop when the pitcher is too warm to hold for more than a second and give it a quick spin and tap. Then pour immediately into fresh espresso to keep the foam glossy.

Look, you're not opening a restaurant; you're feeding Wednesday-you who forgot to sleep. I do one pot of grain, one sheet pan protein/veg, then bully it into different moods with condiments. Tortilla day, bowl day, soup mug day, repeat. Burnout still happens, so freeze a couple emergency portions and swap in breakfast-for-lunch when your brain taps out. You'll get tired of it sometimes; that's normal, not a moral failure. Just don't sauce anything until you're about to nuke it.