Another thing to remember is that most reborns go through awkward/ugly phases and it takes many layers to bring out a more realistic doll on the other side. Don’t let the lack of instant perfection discourage you, as almost nobody makes a perfect baby right away. I’ve only seen one in the years that I’ve been on the forum, and she’s already been mentioned here.
That said, if you really don’t like painting, there are many other fun hobbies out there. A lot of them are reborn adjacent. Sewing, knitting, or crocheting baby clothes, toys and accessories, making pacifiers and clips, etc. Lots of fun little things.
You don’t have to paint to stay in the community here. There have been ladies here that never painted but love the dolls, and those that have been on long term or indefinite painting hiatus. As long as you’re a pleasant addition to the community here, we’re pretty welcoming.