Whether you are an aspiring artist or someone who simply likes to draw or paint in their spare time, you can always find ways to improve your artwork. If you wonder how to become a better artist, read on to discover some useful suggestions.
Understand the foundations of art
There is really only one place to start, and that’s buckling down and really getting to grips with the foundations of art. That includes everything from values and lighting to color theory, perspective, and composition.
You cannot truly call yourself a proficient artist until you master all of the foundations. Once you have done so, you will not only feel more competent, but you will be more authoritative and confident as well. You will be able to approach every piece of art with self-assurance, and this will start to show in the work that you produce from that point onward.
Learn about different art forms to become a better artist
You should also take the time to learn about different forms of art. Make art an active hobby!
Ways to do so may include taking trips to different art galleries and studios so that you can see various forms of art in all of their beauty. For example, you can visit Faux Masters Studio to learn more about faux finish products. While you may not want to embrace this form of art, it will give you a better understanding of the different approaches that are used, as well as giving you inspiration, which you can use in any medium of art that you specialize in.
In addition, it is important to think about what you are creating. Do not be a mindless artist. If you do not involve higher levels of motivation like emotions and intellect, then you are not digging deep enough and your artwork will lack levels of soul and meaning.
Think outside of the box
To become a better artist, you also need to break free of tunnel vision. This concept is something that a lot of new artists struggle with, and it can be incredibly crippling because the narrow focus can lead to imitation and artists who are unable to think outside of the box.
By hybridizing and cross-pollinating different styles of art and influences, you will be able to progress as an artist and create your own unique style. That is, as opposed to being an imitation of what is already out there in the art world.
Become a better artist by being more well-rounded
You also need to become a well-rounded person in order to be a better artist. You will be surprised by just how interconnected the world we live in is.
Art is influenced by so many things, such as film, photography, music, literature, science, economics, religion, politics, history, and the list goes on and on. By becoming more of a well-rounded person, you will find that you have much greater inspiration that will enable you to create pieces of art that have great meaning and emotional expression.
Learn how to take criticism
Another important piece of advice for any aspiring artist is that you need to learn how to take criticism. As an artist, you are going to get comments on your work. There will be negative comments as well as positive comments.
How you handle the negative comments can make or break you as an artist. If you allow the negative remarks to get to you and you take them personally, you will never be able to progress and get better at your craft.
However, if you treat criticism as a valuable tool to help you improve, then you will be able to move forward. Take a positive approach and try to learn something from every piece of art you create and every piece of feedback you have received.
Last words on becoming a better artist
Hopefully, you now feel more encouraged and inspired to become a better artist. There is no magic formula or rocket science behind becoming a better artist.
Instead, it is all about enhancing yourself as a person, ensuring you become more well-rounded. Also, break free of your tunnel vision and create a personal sense of style.
You also need to embrace all forms of art around you, and be an artist who is mindful and really thinks about what he or she is creating in the present moment. By doing so, you are much more likely to become a better artist, and you will notice a significant improvement in the work that you create from this point forward.
Great post! One tip that’s been hugely helpful for me is regularly taking a step back and seeing your work with fresh eyes and a new perspective. It helps me not spend too long working on the wrong things, prevent mistakes, and see what needs to be fixed :)
Excellent advice!
A perfect artist
Great advice, nice article!
Great to have you as a new follower!
Great post! I would add: find a good mentor. Someone who really knows their stuff. Check out their credentials and make sure that they have the educational background, and that they’re making art that sells.
Great additional point!
You are a great inspiration Christy girl! ❤
This advice is so inspiring. Thank you for the post.
Some very good points made here. It is true that the more passionate you are, the more intense your artwork will be.
I am a writer not good on painting . would like to learn though.
Interesting thoughts, Christy. I did a Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain course many years ago and surprised myself with what I could do. I don’t spend enough time having a go to be any good though – spending my time writing.
I think many of the things you discussed here can also apply to writers. Good advice
A perfect article for me to read, as I set out to paint my Art Gowns canvases! <3
This is a great post!
This is great! I really need to get back to my artwork!! I always feel like I’m stuck in the same place.. but maybe I need to go back to the basics and try different art forms are you suggest!
Wish I had what it takes to paint. Thanks for the post. Stay awesome.
Nice post!! :)