Learning the Basics of Arts on Your Own

 Part 1

Learning the basics of art from your originality

Try a generous selection of different mediums of art. If you haven’t spent much time creating art, trying to become an artist can be daunting. The truth is, everyone is an artist; They need to express their creative ideas in a better way. If there’s a certain type of art you want to learn more about, go for it, but don’t be afraid to branch out and try other mediums as well.

Some basic types of art are:

Diagram:

This medium ranges from the most basic drawings to complex architectural designs. Drawings are usually created with pencil, pen, charcoal or crayon. Drawings can be objects placed in front of you or images that come out of your imagination.

Painting:

This medium uses color life brushes to create real life and imagined images with color. Painting often examines abstraction – a painting done in red and purple could be representative of an emotion – such as love – that the painter was feeling as he or she worked.

Photography:

Using photography, film, or a digital camera to capture a moment. Photographs often tell us about what the world was like at the exact moment the photographs were taken. Photos reflect great beauty or great horror – so can the world.

Sculpture:

Sculpture is the process of taking a material (clay, wood, metal, etc.) and shaping the material into a work of art or a functional tool and sometimes both at the same time.

An important part of your research should include what supplies you really need to create the art. If you can’t find a specific list, you can also use an internet search engine and type in ‘basic art supplies needed for drawing’.

If you’re not sure what you want or how much of a particular item is needed, be sure to ask the attendant. Chances are they’ll turn out to be deep wells of artistic knowledge. They might even be able to point you in the direction of some art classes.

For example, if you see a couple sitting under a tree, notice how their bodies interact with the nature around them. How is the light? What colors are dominant? How do you frame the scene – do you focus on their faces, on the colors, on the tree? Paying attention to how you see the world helps you translate your observations into art.

Seeking the opinions of others. Don’t be afraid to show people your work. Validate someone’s honest opinion, even with constructive criticism. Ask some people you respect to look at your art. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t impress—for most people it takes time to truly develop a talent for creating art.

Develop your own style. The best way to define yourself as a unique artist is to create your own style in the medium you have learned. No one can teach you your own style – you have to find it for yourself. Try experimenting with different techniques. Get yourself out of your comfort zone.

For example, if you like to paint still-life paintings, try painting a still life by adding your own touch that replicates what’s in front of you. Change the colors, make things cartoon-y or distorted in some way – just play around with it.

Part 2

Learning from others:

1. Enroll in local art classes:

One of the easiest ways to learn the basics of any medium is to join an art class. Art studios, schools, cooperatives, and other groups often hold art classes anywhere from one night to several months. You’ll be taught by other artists who can show you how to master the basics of your medium, as well as help you follow your own artistic path.

To find art classes in your town, you can look at local newspaper event listings, talk to friends you may have in the artist community, or search for ‘art classes in [name of your town]’ in your favorite internet search. engine.

2. Masters Study:

Visit museums and peruse all kinds of art and design books. Learn from the masters by looking carefully at their works. One of the best ways to develop your skills is to try to imitate the art of someone who is considered a master around the world. Try the features and techniques that catch your interest.

The best way to improve in your artistic medium is to choose the work of a master and try to replicate it as best as you can. For example, if you want to improve your painting skills, pick a painting by Vincent van Gogh like “Starry Night” and try to paint it. When you’ve drawn it as close to the origin as possible, draw it again, this time allowing yourself to go slightly outside the origin. Add the details you think you would add if you were standing next to Van Gogh looking up at that starry sky. Maybe the colors are different, the wood more (or less) defined, etc.

3. Go to art school:

If you want to take your art career to the next level, you might consider going to art school. Some things to consider when choosing an art school are reputation, costs, strength of courses and professors, location and facilities (does they have a dark room? a kiln? etc.) if you think this school will enhance your strengths and improve your weaknesses. You will need to apply to any art school you wish to attend. Find out how to do it here.

You should also consider going to art school vs. university. Some universities have excellent arts programs. The main difference is that art schools frame their general education classes around art (for example, a history GE course that might normally be ‘History of the United States’ is ‘Artists in the American Revolution’ instead).

4. Make friends in the artist community:

Making friends who share the same passion for art as you is a great way to really immerse yourself in the world of art. Having artist friends is beneficial because they can give you critiques on your work (and actually know what they’re talking about), teach you new techniques, and inspire you with their own work.

To find like-minded artists, see if there are any artist clubs you can join in your town, school, or church. You can look at newspaper event listings, or search for local groups on the Internet. You can also consider joining a virtual art group – there are many online forums you can be a part of and chat with people who love art as much as you do.

5. Visit Art Studios:

Another great way to see what other artists are creating in your medium is to go to art gallery openings in your area. Art galleries are great places to meet people and see the work of other artists. You may find that you are inspired to try a new technique.

Part 3

Promoting your work:

1. Create an art portfolio:

A portfolio is a collection of your best work that you show to potential employers, clients, galleries, etc. It basically reflects what you are most proud of about your art. Choose only pieces that you think are your best work and best reflect your style.

If you are a sculptor, take photos of your art to put in your portfolio. It’s a lot easier than carrying a bunch of sculptures with you everywhere you go.

2. Network with people from the art world:

As an artist entering the art world, you want to make as many connections as possible. Your network may include your family, friends, classmates, professors, bosses, mentors, etc. Ask these people in your network if they know of any artistic opportunities you can get involved with (gallery openings, free classes, places that like to show local artwork, etc.)

Look for art networking events in your area. Run an Internet search of arts events and networking opportunities in your area.

Go out of your way to meet people who you think can help you become a better artist or advance your career. A professor has a world-famous painter friend coming to town, and if you say you’re an aspiring painter, ask your professor if you could possibly meet briefly with her friend. Don’t be discouraged if she says no—you really have thousands of opportunities to build your network.

3. Find a place where you can show your work:

Showing your work is one of the best ways to get recognition for the pieces you create. Find out if any local coffee shops, bars, restaurants have the work of local artists on their walls. If they do, bring a portfolio and show them some of your work. Find out if they want to freeze your pieces for a set amount of time.

You can talk to local galleries and see if you can get some of your pieces into their next show. Galleries generally like to promote local art.

4. Get an internship with a master artist:

In this context, internships are similar to apprenticeships. Being a studio assistant to a great artist in your medium is one of the best ways to learn more about your medium (while putting yourself in the inner circle of the artist community.)

If you went to art school, find out if any of your professors need a studio assistant or any help with projects he or she is working on. Professors can be a great link to the more important art world, and working with them in their studios will help you practice what they teach you in their classes.

Tips

Art is made visible. Don’t be too afraid to let people see what you’ve done.

Keep old drawings/paintings/sculptures etc. to encourage you as you see your improvement.

Always keep learning new techniques. The great thing about art is that there are such a variety of mediums and styles and techniques. There is always something to discover. Don’t get complacent or think you already know enough.

Doodling helps with your perspective. When you draw casually, it helps you see what you’re capable of.

Understand that no one is born with talent. Art can be developed with interest. No two are exactly alike. No two artists paint alike, and no two see things in the exact same colors. Art can be learned, discovered and developed with proper exposure.

Do everyday work with inexpensive media. You don’t need expensive equipment; It’s all about your skills.

Show your artwork to everyone, draw things for people and see what they think.

Try new things. Practice the skills you feel you need to develop or perfect. Doing this and taking the time to work on improving will ultimately help you improve.

Watch YouTube speed art, and when you look at a particular aspect of a piece, you’ll be able to pick up some clues.

Even if you face a lot of criticism, don’t give up. No one started out with perfect art.