Lee, can you give few tips of how to correctly start to learn painting? (I know, i know, just take the brush and paint).
I just opened random highly rated youtube video. With basics.
Lines, squares, circles, the basics of the forms of people, animals and holding the brush, right?
I think it will be enough with just pensil and bunch of paper for the first time.
Start by learning how to draw and study art fundamentals. That should get you off to a good start.