Hi there -
For context, i'm a mouse user and have been for 10+ yrs. I do have a tablet but its been very hard to adapt to, and I usually just default back to my mouse. However, I've gotten to a point where I feel my work is a bit bland and flat- I never really experimented much as a child and took a fairly long break for a decent window of time where I did not have a computer- and I'm still trying to understand the basics of painting and shading. I'd also like to learn tweening and general animation, but that's for the future.
Does anyone happen to have any brush or program recommendations (esp if they may be mouse friendly, similar to Firealpaca)? Any tips on how to practice/understand digital painting fundamentals? Any tips/ideas is appreciated. Trying very hard to get out of this artblock, lol.

Thanks much!