To remember design principles for painters, think CRAP-DE: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity, Dominance, and Economy. Visualize each as a step: use contrast for impact, repetition for unity, alignment for balance, proximity for relatedness, dominance for focus, and economy for simplicity. Sketch quick thumbnails emphasizing each principle separately. Regularly review masterpieces and identify these elements. Finally, practice mindful painting, consciously applying one principle at a time until it becomes second nature.