It sounds so simple, right? Obviously we know that practicing a skill, giving persistent effort and repetition, will make you better. In all areas of life, improvement comes with consistent practice and dedication, rather than just talent alone. While perfection might be an ideal rather than a reachable goal, continual practice leads to increased competence and confidence.
The best news when this is applied to art...it's fun!!
Welcome to an exploration of artistic growth! In the world of art, the path to improvement is paved with dedication and practice. Whether you're a painter, writer, musician, or any other kind of creative soul, honing your craft is essential for evolving! This blog dives directly into the transformative power of consistent practice, and how it shapes your creative journey. Join me as we uncover strategies, share insights, and celebrate the process of becoming better at what you love.
If you make it to the end of this blog, you will see some personal proof of PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. I have re-done a few of my favorite paintings years later and I was totally stunned on how much better I had gotten...!
Getting started...
Getting started as a first-time artist can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. Begin by gathering some basic supplies—canvas, paints, brushes, and a palette—and set up a comfortable workspace where you can freely explore your creativity.
Start with simple subjects or exercises to familiarize yourself with the materials and techniques.
We are not worried about perfection here; focus on experimenting and having fun!! Use different brushes, experiment with blending and different paints, see what comes most natural and comfortable for you and start there! Most importantly, allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them, as each stroke contributes to your growth as an artist.
How else can I become better?
I'm so glad you asked...
Other then simply practicing and learning, here are some simple techniques to help you paint better:
Study the Basics: Master fundamental techniques like blending, shading, and color mixing. Understanding these basics will give you a strong foundation for more advanced work. There have been times where I went back over a section of a piece many times to reach the blending and look that I wanted...knowledge and lots of patience!
Use Quality Materials: Invest in good-quality paints, brushes, and canvases. Make sure you feel comfortable with them. Better materials can make a noticeable difference in your confidence and your work.
Experiment: Different brushes and paints can create various effects, so that will surprise you! Experiment with different things to see how they influence your painting.
Learn from Others: One huge step...you are here reading this blog and taking the first step to gaining more knowledge...AMAZING JOB! Study the works of artists you admire and take note of their techniques. Watching tutorials or attending workshops can provide valuable insights.
Take Breaks: Step away from your painting periodically. Viewing your work with fresh eyes can help you spot areas for improvement. Sometimes I like to have 2 paintings going on at the same time. Walking away from one piece when you are at a crossroads gives your mind time to digest and come back fresh!
Keep a Sketchbook: Use a sketchbook to practice drawing and experiment with ideas. This can improve your overall skills and help you plan your paintings better. I also like to jot down new ideas here, as well. A great idea that you are excited to get started on is the best motivator!
Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for constructive criticism from other artists or peers. Their perspectives can provide valuable guidance for improvement.
Do these techniques really work?
I have most definitely used all of these techniques to improve my skill set and art talent! My favorite is experimentation! I still purchase canvases in bulk, just get creative. The best part, if you mess up or don't like how your piece is coming out, PAINT OVER IT! There is no right or wrong way to practice! Just get started!
As promised, below are some of my actual projects that prove my point; the more we engage with a task, the more comfortable and confident we become. Art skills, just like any skill development, is a journey driven by perseverance and hard work.
Check out these improvements, both technically and creatively:
See what I mean...
...now get to work!
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