This may seem like a silly question to ask yourself. Give it some thought though. Our perception of what art is can hinder us as we go forward in creating our pieces or our perception can allow us to have freedom and broaden our creative processes.
Your Idea of Art
Each one of us has a different perception of what art is so your perception is key as you go forward. I ask you to be open and examine and look at your perception of what art is to you. Usually, we are taught that art is painting or sculpture though anything we create can be considered art. Do you consider someone that works with metal and makes it into interesting objects an artist? Why or why not? Asking yourself these questions will help you see if you are limiting your vision to how you can create and use art in your life. Do you believe that art is a thing to be done and viewed? Or do you believe that art is a form in which you are allowed to grow, express yourself and heal things inside that we are unaware of, whether it is for you or the viewer? I am not asking so that you may tell me the answers so much as to ask yourself these questions and find your own answers.
Do you see what I see?
We can both look at the same piece and we’ll both see different and similar things. This is where your perception is so important. Do you see the colors, the flaws, or the lack of symmetry? Do you look at it for its natural beauty or do you look at it to judge and find the imperfections? Do you think about what the artist or creator of the piece is trying to tell you and what message the piece has? Now can you look at it with your heart and soul instead of your mind? There are many times I have looked at a piece and just enjoyed the view, the emotions and how that piece makes me feel. There are other times I have looked at a piece and thought to myself “what in the world were they thinking?” I can also look at a piece and see one thing than come back months later and see something completely different. What you see and create is going to be something altogether different than what I see and create even if we both are using the same materials.
Consider yourself an Artist
No matter what type of medium(s) you intend to use in creating pieces consider yourself an artist. There is power is the words we choose, the words we tell ourselves and the words we tell others. When I first started drawing, painting, and writing I never considered myself an artist or a writer. I thought that I had to be known or published to claim that title. I was wrong. Even if someone never knows of my works or they never get published I am still an artist and a writer. How many in history were not well known until after their death? Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, and Emily Dickinson just to mention a few. Does it matter to you? I personally do not care whether I become well known or not. For me it is a way to express myself that I find I cannot do in any other form. I create a piece because my soul needs to create. I enjoy the process. It is very emotionally freeing for me. Everyone will have their own view on why they create and what it means to them.
Experimentation equals experience
I believe the more you experiment the better. You will get to know yourself and what you like. The more mediums you allow yourself to experience the more you will understand them. I know that I work well with acrylic paints. This is my main medium I use. I know I love photography and work well taking pictures in nature. I have been told that I take great up-close shots of natures’ tiniest creatures. I have even been encouraged to do more of this because my eye catches things other people miss. It is on my agenda to share more of this as we go along. I know that I draw best with charcoal and pencil. I love blending it and seeing how it creates shadows and illusions where there were none. I also have tried oil, watercolor, tempera and finger painting, chalk, charcoal, ceramics, photography, clay and I am still trying other mediums. Every experiment with a medium gives me more experience.
Which way is right for you?
There is no right or wrong way to learn how to create art. This is where the beauty of it comes alive. How you learn is up to you. You do not have to take classes, though you may want to, you do not have to learn from an expert, though you may want to. You can just create what flows from your heart and mind. Nowadays there are many options. You may want to check into your local library to see if they offer free or minimal cost art classes. Check out a few technique artbooks while you are at it. Local art centers also usually offer classes throughout the year. There are also virtual paint classes now along with the Skillshare online learning community and other online options to help if you feel you need it. I will share my processes on here. They are by no means the only way nor the right way, they are just my way.
You can start by researching ideas, products, and mediums. I will write about certain products and the way they work for me as time goes by. I will share what I enjoyed, what felt more comfortable and in general what I thought worked better. I will also post videos and pictures of the processes. I first suggest purchasing a basic art kit that consists of 3 to 4 different mediums, usually oil, acrylic, watercolor, and chalk, if that is where your interest lies. You will also want to purchase a basic art pad. There are many different types according to what medium you are going to experiment with. I highly suggest getting one that can be used for multiple mediums when you are a beginner. I also highly suggest that when you start out you go with the cheaper versions. I say this because when you first start out you are just experimenting and giving yourself time and trials to use the medium and see how it works for you. You can invest in higher grade quality products as you get better and more confident down the line.
I hope I have given you some food for thought and encouraged you no matter where you are in life to experiment with art and its’ various mediums. I hope you will stick with me as I move forward and share what we learn together.
You may also want to join me in building your online business through Wealthy Affiliate. This is how I have started, and they are a great community! Training, support, and encouragement are all built in. Take a look around the site and remember you can join for the first 7 days free. I had my website up on the third day! Looking forward to hearing from you.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and where you are on your journey with art.
Until next time, take care. Gma Katherine
w. livinglifewithgma.com