Ever thought of becoming a great artist but don’t know where to start? This can be a daunting task, especially for beginners.
With the sheer amount of information, techniques, mediums, and materials that an artist must master, it can be hard to know where to begin. It’s important for beginners to start off with a few basic concepts and work their way up in order to increase their skills. This article will provide 13 steps on how to start art as a beginner, and be well on your way to becoming a professional artist.
1. Pick A Medium
The most important decision an artist needs to make when starting their creative journey is to pick a medium. A medium is the material used to create an artwork, such as oil paints, graphite pencils, charcoal, watercolors, clay, etc.
It’s important to pick a medium that you are comfortable with and are able to use properly. Research different types of mediums and decide which one suits you best. It is important to know the basics of the medium, such as what should be used to blend, blend colors, thin acrylic paint, etc.
If you’re just starting out, it’s best to go for H-grade pencils, soft pastels, and artist quality paints.
2. Purchase The Right Materials :
The next step is to get the materials that are needed to start your art journey. This includes getting the right paper, canvases, paintbrushes and other supplies that you may need. It is also important to make sure you purchase the right quality of supplies.
For instance, if you are usingoil paints, make sure to buy high-quality paints, such as Alkyds or Winsor & Newton Professional Oil Paint. The same goes for any other medium you choose.
3. Learn The Basics Of Art :
Once you’ve chosen the right supplies, it’s important to then learn the basics of art. This includes learning the elements, principles, and techniques of art. When starting off, it is best to focus on one technique, such as shading, or perspective, and learn to master it.
You can also take basic classes from a local art center or art school to start off. It is important to have a good understanding of the fundamentals of art before proceeding to more complex work.
4. Study Famous Artists :
Next, it’s important to study successful and famous artists to understand their work and gain inspiration for your own work. By looking at their works, you can learn different techniques and colours that you can apply to your own artwork. You can also get to understand the process of their works and how they were able to create masterpieces.
This is also a great way to stay motivated and inspired and continue growing as an artist.
5. Look For Art Patterns :
Patterns are essential to art and it is important for beginners to understand the various types of patterns they can use in their artwork. This can include anything from geometric patterns to floral patterns. By understanding these patterns, you can learn to incorporate them in various ways and use them to create an interesting artwork.
Patterns are also used to create rhythm in an artwork, and can be a great way to bring the artwork to life.
6. Look Into Art Styles :
Apart from understanding the basics of art, it is important to also look into various art styles. This includes understanding the key principles of each art style and which media or techniques would best fit it.
This will give you a good foundation when it comes to creating artworks with a particular style in mind. You can read up on the different art styles and practice each one to find out which appeals to you the most.
7. Set Art Goals :
An important step when starting out is to set art goals. These goals should be realistic and achievable and should be divided into short-term and long-term goals.
Your short-term goals should focus on techniques, media, and styles you can instantly start working on. Short-term goals can include techniques, such as shading or use of light and shadow. Long-term goals should focus on completing bigger projects such as a painting, a sculpture or a series of artworks.
This will help you track your progress and give you something to work towards.
8. Find An Art Mentor :
It is also important to find an art mentor who can help you out with your journey. A mentor can help you become more creative and motivated and can help you understand techniques, artworks and the industry.
This will give you the guidance you need and make sure that you grow as an artist. Look for an artist whose works you admire and get in touch with them to understand their process and get tips on how to improve.
9. Create A Daily Art Practice :
Once you’ve gathered the right information and materials, it’s time to create a daily art practice. This can include anything from sketching for 10 minutes a day to painting for an hour a day. It’s important to set a routine and stick to it.
With consistent practice, you will start to see improvements in your artworks and develop your skill set.
10. Experiment With New Techniques :
It’s important to try different techniques and learn to experiment with them. This will help you understand the different mediums and give you the knowledge to create unique artworks. You should also take risks from time to time and push your boundaries to see what kind of artworks you can create.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try something new.
11. Critique Your Art :
Once you’ve completed an artwork, it’s essential to analyze and critique it to understanding what strengths and weaknesses it has. This can help you understand which techniques you need to work on and also help you come up with ways to improve it.
12. Enter Art Competitions :
Once you’ve gathered the right skill set, it’s time to enter art competitions. This is a great way to get exposure and also get your artwork recognized. You can find art competitions all over the internet and in newspapers.
This will help you bring your art to the next level and get you the recognition that you need.
13. Get Feedback From Professionals :
Finally, it’s important to get feedback from professionals in the field. You can do this by joining critique groups or attending art exhibitions. This is a great way to get constructive feedback on your artworks and also to understand the art world.
Conclusion
Starting out as an artist is an exciting journey and can be intimidating at times. It is important to start slow and learn the basics before moving on to more difficult techniques. By following the 13 steps above, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the artist of your dreams.
All it takes is a little hard work, creativity, and patience to become a great artist. Go ahead and start your art journey today!