I read the posts on painting knotty pine yet I was wondering if I should fill the holes first. Some of the knots have pretty big holes yet I would love for you to recommend just filling them with paint and going forward.

I would fill the large holes after you prime the paneling and then spot prime the filled areas. The key to painting knotty pine paneling is making sure it is clean and that there is not any wax on the surface as alot of people applied wax to this type of paneling. You will need to go over the entire surface with paint thinner and follow that with an ammonia and water wash.

The primer you want to use is a pigmented shellac, which will hold back bleed through from the knots and the wood in general. Then you will apply two coats of the latex topcoat of your choice.

Your local paint store will be able to help you out with the supplied you will need for this project. Then you will have a great looking and brighter room.