If you want to learn how to draw better, improve your painting techniques or even find some new ideas for scrapbooking its important to keep your creative muscles stretched. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to improving your artistic abilities but there are some simple things that you can do to help you get on the right track.
Figure out your niche. It’s not uncommon for people to be multi-talented but most artists tend to have a specific form of art that they excel at and stick with. For example, some artists are incredibly skilled at drawing and painting while others may be more inclined to sculpture or photography. The more you practice your artistic skills the easier it will be to figure out what your niche is.
Study your favourite artists. This doesn’t necessarily have to be fine artists it could be photographers, designers or anyone else that you admire for their aesthetically pleasing work. This will not only help you to develop your own style but it will also inspire you to create more.
Develop a relationship with your materials. This is an area that often gets overlooked, but is a vital part of being a successful artist. If you aren’t familiar with the various textures and properties of your chosen medium it will be very hard to produce high-quality work. For example, using the wrong type of paper for a particular drawing or painting will cause it to look grainy and dull so take the time to explore your materials and understand their limitations.
Make time for solitary practice. One thing that all of the experts that Ericsson studied had in common was a regular schedule for solitary practice. To create a habit, set aside a certain time each day for practicing your artwork whether that’s in the morning before you start work, after dinner or before you go to bed. This will ensure that you spend time each week working on your art which will help you improve at a steady rate.
Master the principles of constructive drawing. This is a fundamental skill that allows an artist to build whatever they can imagine on the page and makes their drawings appear more realistic. For example, it’s a good idea to practise drawing shadows and perspective lines as well as learning how to use imaginary helping lines.
Learn about colour theory. The colour spectrum is vast, but a good understanding of it will help you to create more realistic and appealing works. This includes knowing the different values of a given colour (lightness or darkness) and how to use them effectively.
Consider taking an art class. This will not only be a great way to meet like-minded people, but it will also give you a chance to learn from an experienced artist and to ask questions. Moreover, many of the best artists in the world attended art school at some point in their careers, so it’s always worth a shot!