If you’re one of my students reading this right now I know you’ll chuckle to see me writing any kind of “how to” piece on making art. That’s because over all my years of teaching I have discouraged my students from reading or even looking at “how to paint” pieces. My reason for this is that I believe the way to make art is to find our own artist within and create whatever he/she is drawn to making. This can’t be done when following a step-by-step into someone else’s process. So I offer this post to you as my “how to” guide on finding your artist within.
As a teacher I believe the most powerful thing I can do for you is to help you develop your own sight, to set you free. The most important way I can do this is to emphatically stress to you that there is no RIGHT way to make art. So the good news is, there’s no wrong way, either. And, here’s a news flash: There’s not even just one way, as many artists and art teachers try to imply. In fact there are as many processes as there are individuals. This is incredibly freeing to most people who have been wounded at one time or other by an art teacher who told them otherwise. I want you to discover YOUR way!
Another common misconception I’d like to clear up is that, if you can’t draw “a stick figure”, as many people put it, you are not an artist. Think about this: We all understand that if we want to play an instrument, we usually take lessons and we always have to spend time practicing. We accept this as true of sports, math, cooking, anything, really. But most people genuinely believe that, if you were an artist, you would be able to draw or paint right out of the shoot. More good news: It’s not true! We all must work and practice, that includes you.
Then there is the stigma that you must produce something “good” immediately. I suspect this is true of you because it’s been the case with every single student I have ever worked with. We hobble ourselves further by comparing our beginning efforts with masterworks. First of all, I want you to know, I don’t think there’s any such thing as “bad” art. I maintain that every single expression is viable because it is made out of nothing, from the experience of its maker. I also believe art is about the PROCESS, not the finished piece. Therefore, the simple act of its creation is what is important. In other words, just DOING it is “good”.
Julia Cameron says in The Artist’s Way that we all must be willing to make bad art in order to, someday, make good art. While I don’t agree with the good/bad distinctions, I agree with her idea. You must let what is trying to be born, be. To do this you have to create in freedom without judgment for what is coming. I paint in series now and, almost always, there are paintings that come between each series that are real anomalies. They are unlike anything I’ve painted before or likely will again. They are my transitional pieces and, as such, are very important to my process. If I edited them as I painted, trying to make them fit my overall body of work, I might never bridge the gap from one series to the next.
Another way I would like to set you free: There should be NO RULES in art making. If ever there was a place that was meant to be free, it is the world of making art. As Ferruccio Busoni, Italian composer, pianist and conductor said, “The function of the creative artist consists of making laws, not in following laws already made.” Yet people still try to impose restrictions on creating. One that particularly rankles me is the notion that “you’re not a real artist if you paint from photographs.” Hooey! The same people who try to set this limitation say an “acceptable” practice is to paint from life, either a model or still life, or directly from the landscape. While this is fine to do, I don’t need to tell you how limiting this is in terms of subject matter. The whole of my career, as long as I painted realistically, I painted from photos and I’m not ashamed of that. I don’t believe it makes me a lesser painter. And, now that I’m an abstractionist, I still sometimes work from photos and representation has been known to slip into my work. That’s ANOTHER supposed rule: If you’re an abstract artist there can be nothing representational in your work. I reject that idea, too, and I paint what comes. I suggest you do as well. As much as possible, free yourself from anything that limits or stops you. This includes the dictates of teachers!
There is also an impression out there that art is meant to come from our imaginations alone—from some ethereal image in one’s head. Take it from me: This is a very challenging thing to do, even for professional artists. It’s one of the reasons abstract work is so demanding. I encourage you to use any and all tools you can find that make it easy for you to get to your art. Listen to your own heart. That’s your artist within speaking to you.
Because we are human, it is in our nature to try to control everything, especially those things we don’t understand. And real art is born in mystery. It is not meant to be contained. There is so much dogma surrounding the act of creating that most people are intimidated and stop before they can even begin. Don’t let this happen to you.
Here are my recommendations to you for beginning to paint (or advancing your current efforts):
1. Carry a camera with you wherever you go.
2. Pay attention to what draws your eye. This is your artist within guiding you. Ask what about that thing drew you—was it color, shadow and light, subject? Pay close attention to this in the future. It’s what inspires your artist.
3. Take photos of whatever speaks to you.
4. Look at your photos as “painting scrap” and choose something to paint.
5. Go to an art supply store–probably several times—all at once can be overwhelming–and begin to pick out your materials (tomorrow I’m putting a list of beginning supplies on the blog). Do you want to try oils, acrylic, or watercolor? Choose a tube or two. Handle the brushes. Buy one or two. Buy a canvas tablet (like a drawing tablet with sheets made out of canvas).
6. Begin—one day just paint. Feel it, don’t judge it.
7. Continue. Once you begin, keep going.
8. If you feel like it, find a painting class, but be very careful whose class you choose. Quit if it doesn’t feel right.
9. Be gentle and supportive of your artist self. Never criticize, always encourage.
10. Use this blog as a support and teaching tool (see below).
There you have my ideas of how to begin. I’d truly love to address any thoughts or questions that come up for you, here in this blog—a sort of online class. There are plans in the works to create an online classroom, but until we do, let’s begin by using the comment boxes at the bottom of the post. I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU and I want to support your process. We all need encouragement as artists and we could open an ongoing discussion to support each other. Please know you are not alone. The first steps to your art are the hardest and I’m here with you, I promise.
This article was useful when looking for:
- great art projects (35)
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Jeane, I like what you say about no rules. An artist really does need to be freed from constraints in order to explore, to see in different ways and express those “visions” for lack of a better word. In my latest project I took some risks because I felt they were appropriate, and my collaborator refused my offer to change them. She was open enough to see what I saw.
As artists I think it’s almost as important to surround ourselves with friends and colleagues who are open to exploration as it is to be open ourselves. So glad you your associate was willing to see through your eyes.
Loved this post! You can’t be creative or put a piece of you into the painting if there are certain rules! That’s why it’s called creative art; created/custom art peice made possible by that individual person. I emphasize the word, “individual” for the art work is individualized. Meaning: to make individual in character. You can’t do this if you are following rules. On the subject of doing your own art, I have a question. What is your opinion on using opaque projectors to draw your art? Drawing basically the contour lines and finishing the drawing by filling in the final details yourself without the use of the projector. Another question, is it best to paint when layering light to dark colors or dark to light colors, or what? Just curious because when I painted I never painted by layering before and am wanting to try this way so I am curious of what you think? I know you’re probably going to say just experiment but I’m curious about how you would go about it? I’m a realistic painter.
Hi Cindy–
First of all, just to be clear, while there should be no rules in art making, there are skills that must be practiced–learning to mix color for instance. The very act of painting makes us better painters.
Thank you so much for these questions! Regarding projecting, I have always told my students that whatever supports their process is valid. That includes projecting. I even had a projector in my classroom for those who wanted to use it. Here’s an exercise for anyone who wants to judge this: Choose a photograph and do an experiment with a friend. Each of you project it and paint it and I promise, each will be very different from the other. Projecting will lay the bones of a painting out but it will not paint it for you. I do, however, think drawing is an important skill to practice. I was a painting and drawing major in college and drawing does have some real value in helping us to refine our ability to see.
Regarding layering from dark to light or vice versa, you’re right–I’ll tell you each instance will be different and you need to experiment and find your way through each piece. However, as a general rule, I’ve painted dark to light. If you look at today’s post about buying art materials, at the bottom of the piece you’ll see some of my very realistic paintings–a style I used to paint. I painted dark to light on all of those.
I hope this helps! It’s lovely to have you along for the ride.
Jeane
Yes, that I agree with, no rules in art making; that was what I was trying to say in the beginning of my reply. Skills must be practiced. I have done my share of this while in college and when I painted on my own. Mixing colors seemed to come easy for me so far and I hope I still have it for its been awhile since I’ve painted. I can see a color and seem to mix it pretty close to the color I see. I do know though that I still need a lot of practice in experimenting with my art in all ways to get to where I would like to be in my painting skills. There will always be that I think. I love how you layed out (your analogy, I think this is the right word) about using projectors. When I did murals I used a projector and someone commented to me: “It is interesting how you take something that looks like a ghost and then make it come alive!” Though I use a projector for my art, I still will take a photograph or someone like a child sleeping next to me and just draw from it/them to keep up my skills in drawing. And yes you did help me out a lot with your answers on layering colors. Thank you so much. I have started a painting project for which has been a long time coming and have so far only have gotten as far as drawing it. I am going to then try painting by layering my colors for the first time and will let you know how that goes for me. I’m excited about this new adventure in my art! Thanks again Jeane for what you are doing for us fellow artists!
I found that when I came back to painting after being away from it for 26 years I remembered everything about mixing–like riding a bike as they say–so I imagine you will. I’m excited for your project and can’t wait to “watch” it unfold! HAVE FUN!
LOVE IT – Its all superb – I’m sure your web guru is seeing your website spreading its viewer-ship in ways I cannot even imagine:) For you the best path is always opening its spirit filled way:)
XOXOX
Grace
Hi Grace–Thanks! Yes, it’s really wonderful to watch the blog unfold. Spirit seems to be actively nudging and guiding it and I’m listening. It’ll be fun to see what’s opening!
Jeane, I am so happy that I discovered your blog the other day. I have recently started painting and am rediscovering the artist in me. Your blog is really inspiring me to keep at it this time. Thanks so much!!
You have just made my day–my week–my month! THANK YOU! What you are expressing is EXACTLY what I want to do with this blog. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that we don’t even know each other and yet my experience can support yours. I’m thrilled! Thank you so much for letting me know. Blessings to you and, YES, keep at it this time. It is so worth it, I promise.
Thanks, I feel like I’ve found a kindered spirit!
You have…
Thank you so much for this article. I am 25 years old and abandoned the “art field” and art as a hobby in general completely despite the fact that it was always my passion when I was around 16 as I was told by many people and instructors that I just didn’t have what it takes to be a “real artist”. While the passion was there, the talent wasn’t is what I learned. I have never heard someone speak of art this way and it really is motivating me to try and pick up some paint brushes again. I do have a question that has always stumped me…..does one HAVE to know what they want to paint or draw? Is it okay to start out with free painting and just seeing what comes out? Is that ridiculous or am I still trying to follow some rule?
Advice is appreciated..thanks!!!!!
P.S. your idea of carrying a camera around is really inspiring and freeing to me…I am going to get on that so thanks for that advice as well!
Oh Erin, I’m so glad you found this article and that you’ve written to me. I was in art school in the 60s during Conceptualism, and I was a realist painter at the time. I was told that I had absolutely nothing to offer the world of art–that I didn’t have what it takes to be a “real” artist, too. And I left painting behind for 26 years. You’re young. You don’t have to make the mistake I did. If art is your passion, make art. Try very, very hard not to listen to others. Follow your own instincts. Tell your family and friends that you don’t want to hear their opinions or their advice unless you ask for it. Please, please pick up your brushes again.
To answer your question: No! You do not have to know what you want to paint. Just begin. Let the painting guide you and speak to you. I often say that the most important thing I can do as an artist is to get out of my own way. The very best painting I’ve ever done has been when I take leap after leap of faith into the unknown. Great work is born from that kind of trust.
I just posted a list about How to Become a Better Artist. If you haven’t seen that post, parts of it might help you: http://high-road-artist.com/10227/artistic-process/ten-tips-to-become-a-better-artist/.
Follow your heart Erin. You know who you are and what you want to do.
Please let me hear from you again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It is inspirational that you also hadn’t painted for so long for similar reasons and I am so glad to hear you overcame that struggle. It is funny because I actually started to think it already was too late! And I did already read your article on tips! I am going to print it out and definitely keep it up on my wall. It is the things I need to remember to trust myself in the process. And while you say the most important thing to do as an artist is to “get out of your own way” I really believe that has been the one thing I could never do. I look forward to trying. I’ll be checking back here throughout my journey!
Thank you for the inspiration and for writing this blog 🙂
I remember when I was 25 how old I felt! You have already lived a lot of life. But you have so much more living ahead of you and it is not at all too late. And I promise you, you can learn to get out of your own way. It’s not a state any of us can hold onto consistently. It is something we must practice all the time. Just stay as conscious as you can as much of the time as you are able.
I keep referring you to other posts because I don’t know what you’ve read. But if you haven’t read these I think they’ll be helpful: http://high-road-artist.com/25/jeane-george-weigel-story/high-road-artist-my-story-begins/ and http://high-road-artist.com/31/jeane-george-weigel-story/my-re-birthday/.
Good luck, Erin. I hope you’ll stay in touch as your process unfolds.
I just discovered you on facebook, which lead me to your blog. I have a BFA degree and have not made art in 15 yrs. Your story is an inspiration to change my life at 58 and do something that I love and to make a living at what I love. Thank you!!
You have made my day… my week… my month! I’m thrilled to get your good news. It’s why I write the blog. Please write me again and let me know how you’re doing. You can do this! Just begin.