I've learned a couple of things about materials and techniques, like, you don't have to pay a lot for brushes, or canvases, but you should for paints. Also, taking good care of your brushes and palettes can lengthen their usefulness. I'm not so good about that last one. I never clean my materials after each use, but try at least to do so between paintings. Naturally, I lose a few good brushes in the process, and my palette is a mess. But... New painting!