How to get started as an Artist

My ideas for starting your art journey as a complete beginner

How to get started as an Artist

It's always a great idea to start with the Fundamentals of Art. So right back to the basics of Line, Shape, Colour, Texture, Value, Space and Form. These are the 7 elements of art and you can learn plenty about them for FREE on Youtube or just try googling them.

What medium to start with – you can start at a very low cost with graphite, I think if you want to learn realism, then it’s a good idea to get good at drawing in black and white. Then move onto learning about colour.

A fun way to do this is to play with paints and learn colour mixing. Make up your own colour charts, by starting with a base colour and then adding other colours to it. The process can be quite involved but is a great way to learn about what colours are added to what to get another colour. I have a series of colour swatches I created like this and then laminated for future reference.

Focus on your why, It’s really important to know what is important to you and what it is you want to paint and get good at. Sometimes we have a million ideas running through our brain of what we like and what we want to try, we see something shiny and want to try it. I think it’s important to try different mediums so you can figure out which one resonates with you, but eventually you need to pick one or two to focus on and then you will really start to see improvement. Don’t worry about what others are doing, if you love realism but everyone else is doing and selling intuitive or abstracts, then stick to realism and focus on why you want to paint. My why, is my love of animals and getting them to come to life, I don’t really care too much on selling, of course it’s nice but I wouldn’t change my style or medium to suit a market or gallery. It’s also important to me to support animal conservation through my art in any small way possible.

It's really important to set aside regular time for your art, your only going to get better at it if you put in the hours. But you do need to be inspired, so whether that’s doing art with others or going for a walk in nature or to the beach. We're all inspired by different things. I like to take my camera on a walk and actively look for things that I think would make a good painting. The more I look and take photos, really does inspire all kinds of ideas. Some people get inspired by looking at other art, so go to a gallery, or start a Pinterest board of artists who you love.

To get started I would begin with graphite if your interested in realism and join a group or workshop in your area. Go and visit your local art society or visit a gallery.

Let's go back over some of what I mentioned above in more detail

Start with what interests you: Begin by exploring the art forms, styles, and mediums that you find intriguing. Experiment with drawing, painting, sculpting, digital art, or any other medium that captures your attention. This will help you stay motivated and enjoy the process.

Gather inspiration: Look for inspiration from various sources such as art books, online galleries, museums, nature, or even everyday objects. Explore different artists' works and try to understand their techniques and approaches. Take note of what resonates with you and incorporate those elements into your own art.

Practice regularly: Developing artistic skills requires consistent practice. Set aside dedicated time for your art and create a routine. Whether it's a few minutes or a few hours each day, regular practice will help you improve your skills and develop your unique style.

Experiment and explore: Don't be afraid to try new techniques, styles, or mediums. Experimentation allows you to discover what you enjoy and what suits your artistic expression. Embrace the process of exploration and be open to learning from both successes and failures.

Seek constructive feedback: Share your artwork with others, such as friends, family, or online art communities, and ask for constructive feedback. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Remember to consider feedback as guidance for growth rather than personal judgment.

Learn from tutorials and resources: There are numerous online tutorials, courses, and resources available that can help you learn various art techniques and develop your skills. Explore platforms like YouTube, online art communities, and websites that offer tutorials such as my online art membership The Creative Barn.

Join art communities: Engage with fellow artists by joining local art groups, workshops, or online communities. Participating in art communities provides opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, gaining insights, and receiving support from like-minded individuals.

Embrace the learning process: Art is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of exploring and developing your skills. Don't be discouraged by challenges or setbacks; they are natural parts of the artistic journey.

Set goals: Define clear goals for your artistic journey. Whether it's mastering a specific technique, completing a series of artworks, or participating in an exhibition, setting goals can provide direction and motivation. Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones to track your progress along the way.

Stay inspired and motivated: Surround yourself with art, visit galleries and exhibitions, follow other artists on social media, and engage in creative activities outside of your main art practice. Keeping your creative spirit nourished will help you stay motivated and inspired.

Another great way that involves pretty much everything I mentioned above is to join me on my next ART RETREAT. It's designed for any level of skill and is the most amazing way to be inspired with a group of like minded women artists in a beautiful setting of Tasmania.

If you'd like to learn more about my retreat just CLICK HERE

Remember, art is a personal and expressive journey. Enjoy the process, be patient with yourself, and allow your creativity to flow.

Kerri xx

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Categories: : artist, beginner, educational, motivation