I would like to start on some accents that will be covered in fondant. Can I freeze them when done? If I can freeze them, should I wait to paint them or paint and then freeze? Thanks for the help.

The lady where I buy my fondant told me it could be frozen. Just wrap it up tightly and freeze, thaw at room temp.
If you are making a lot of accents, I would separate them with baking parchment so they don't stick together.

I don't know about the painting, but perhaps you could try with one accent?

I don't know about the painting part, but you can definitely freeze fondant accents. I cut things out ahead of time (whenever possible), place them on a lightly greased coated cardboard, and in a giant ziploc baggie & freeze. Let them thaw about 15 minutes and use a spatula to move them from the board to the cake. Easy peasy!