Many people who have an interest in the visual arts—namely drawing, sketching, and painting—may wonder how much time and dedication is needed to master this type of creativity. Art is a never-ending exercise in experimentation and exploration, so the answer may differ from person to person.
This article will explore the various elements that go into becoming a competent artist, from the amount of time needed for practice to the necessary supplies, to the psychological qualities associated with successful artistic endeavors.
1: The Qualities of a Good Artist
Before discussing the amount of time that one should dedicate to mastering art, it is important to go over some of the qualities a good artist should have. Firstly, imagination and creativity are two of the most necessary components of any good artist’s repertoire. Without imagination, an artist can never truly explore the possibilities of their art, while creativity allows an artist to sculpt these ideas into truly magnificent artworks.
A successful artist will also be adept in the use of colors, possessing superior skills in color theory and the ability to choose colors that add vibrance and life to their artworks. Finally, an artist should also be able to employ a variety of different mediums, including paint, clay, and textiles.
2: Necessary Materials and Supplies
Once one has determined that they have the necessary skills for mastering the art of drawing and painting, it is important to obtain the necessary materials. For beginners, a simple set of high-quality sketch pencils, a pen or two, a sketch paper pad, and a supply of cardboard will suffice.
As the artist progresses, they may want to add more materials to their toolkit, such as paints, brushes, erasers, sharpeners, art gum, a light-box, and more. Additionally, a variety of reference books and art magazines can help to inspire the artist and provide them with newfound knowledge to hone their craft.
3: Time Allotment for Art Practice
It is essential that any aspiring artist finds the right balance between the amount of time they practice and the amount of rest they take to keep their minds sharp. It is recommended that practicing artists begin by dedicating at least an hour of their time to their craft every day, either in a single or multiple sessions.
To begin, it can help to focus on a single element, such as sketching, for the first few weeks. Once the artist has developed their fundamental skills, they can choose to increase the amount of time spent on drawing and painting exercises.
4: Benefits of Working with a Mentor
It can be of tremendous benefit to an aspiring artist to work with a mentor to help them refine their skills and accelerate their progress. Mentors can give an artist invaluable feedback and guidance on the paths they may take to hone their craft.
Depending on the mentor, they could even provide free materials and guidance when it comes to exhibiting artwork. Working with a mentor can help an artist stay motivated and investigate the possibilities of their art more quickly and efficiently.
5: Professional Art Classes
Another great way to enhance one’s artistic proficiency is to take art classes from professionals. Professional art classes are typically more accepting of varied levels of skill and come complete with materials and knowledgeable instructors.
Additionally, these classes are beneficial for those who want to learn about the different artistic mediums available and explore which works best for them. Not only that, but such classes may also provide their students with valuable advice from experienced artists.
6: Finding Inspiration and Motivation
Inspiration can help an artist to express their emotions and feelings, as well as dedicate their time and effort to practicing art. It is important to find inspiration in almost everything, whether it be in nature, everyday objects, or other forms of creativity. Motivation, on the other hand, is the key ingredient to pushing an artist to their limits and drive them to create more beautiful and intricate artwork.
The best way to stay motivated is to constantly strive to progress at one’s art, whilst also understanding that it may take time to experience actual success.
7: Recording and Recording Progress
Beginner artists should always be wary of their improvement and strive to exceed their previous performance. Therefore, it is wise to keep a sketchbook or a database of one’s art and skills for idea generation, as well as to track and measure improvement. Not only will this elucidate the improval an artist has made, but it can also help to create motivation to continue practicing.
8: Joining Online Art Groups
For many aspiring and professional artists alike, joining an online art group can be immensely beneficial. Art communities— whether through dedicated applications or even on social media—help give artists the platform to not only showcase their work, but also network with other artists and gain access to new knowledge, advice, and creative ideas.
Additionally, joining an online art group can help an artist stay motivated and surround themselves with like-minded creators.
9. Completing Art Challenges
Another task that may help an artist develop their skills and stay motivated is to take part in art challenges. An art challenge is any type of task or prompt that requires an artist to apply their skills to complete.
These challenges can range from a simple sketching assignment to a complex reenactment of a famous scene for a movie or TV show. Every artist should strive to complete at least one art challenge per month to keep their skills sharp.
10. Entering Art Competitions
For more serious artists, entering art competitions can give them some real-world experience and valuable insights into their own talents. Art competitions allow artists to apply their skills to create artwork that corresponds to certain criteria and be judged by a panel of experts.
It also offers artists the chance to win rewards and prizes while competing with others in the realm of art.
11. Adjusting Artistic Habits to Find Balance
No matter how one chooses to practice and hone their craft, it is important to remember to adjust their artistic habits to find balance. Ensuring that one does not overwork or practice for too long is part of being a successful artist. Obsessing over creating perfect artwork can be detrimental to one’s wellbeing, so it is important to take frequent breaks and rest days to ensure that one remains productive in their art for the long run.
12. Investing in Professional Art Education Programs
For those who are serious about pursuing art professionally—be it as an illustrator or an artist—investing in a proper art education program can greatly improve the quality and efficiency of their practice. Professional art education programs will often cover the fundamentals of drawing, sketching, and painting, as well as provide valuable advice on exhibiting work and navigating the art industry as a professional.
13. The Psychological Aspect of Being an Artist
It is essential to remember that, in addition to being a skilled artist, one must also possess certain psychological qualities in order to be successful. These qualities include focus, determination, discipline, problem-solving, and perseverance.
Without these traits, an artist may soon burn out or give up altogether. It is important to reflect from time to time and check in with one’s own mental and emotional state in order to ensure that one stays motivated and creative.
Conclusion
To become a competent artist, one must dedicate a considerable amount of time and effort to practice and hone their craft. Every artist should take the time to learn and understand the necessary materials and skills required for drawing and painting.
Additionally, aspiring artists should allow themselves to take breaks from practice and utilize methods such as working with mentors and joining online art groups to stay motivated. With the right resources and attitude, any artist can create beautiful and inspiring art that can last through the ages.