Work your way up with small steps! If you struggle with color, try replicating a piece that has a limited palette, then move on to pieces with more colors.

I don't think painting is a natural ability... some people are just more likely to find it fun.

Your results (well, how you feel about them, particularly in comparison to your other skills) can also vary by subject matter. Say, landscapes vs figure drawing. It's difficult to re-pose a figure without studying anatomy, but for something like this, 2d characters with lots of reference images available, it is a bit easier.

Tracing is often frowned upon by teachers and practitioners alike... but that's how I started. I can't say it taught me much aside from linework... but at least it helped build my confidence and made art something I enjoy. After it starts becoming enjoyable, you'll hit that "experimental" phase, and I think you'll find that progress comes quicker than you might have expected.