Perhaps one of the most essential exercises in learning to paint is the copying of master works in the museums.
Art is an international language, understood by all.
Painting is a mosaic of colors weaved into a seamless whole.
Even when you paint, you never stop drawing.
The more you paint the more fluent you are with your brush.
One can compare art education to the solid foundation for a house - once it's built properly, it will hold any shape or form you will place on it.