Embarking on My Artistic Journey: 6 Tips for Aspiring Artists
Art as an Inner Journey
Painting is a beautiful form of self-expression that allows you to convey your thoughts, emotions, and creativity on a canvas. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, starting a painting journey can be both exciting and daunting. I'll share my personal journey of how I started painting and offer six inspiring tips for those who want to embark on their own artistic adventure.
The Beginning
Ten years ago, my artistic journey commenced, though it wasn't with a paintbrush but with pencils and my dad's old sketchbooks. I began by sketching faces, birds, and flowers, as we all do in our early artistic endeavours. Academic pursuits weren't my forte, but thanks to my parents' support, I nurtured my passion for art in every aspect of my education, from school to sixth form and eventually to university.
During my university years, I delved into photography, where I discovered a deep affection for Fine Art. Rather than fixating on realistic representation, I sought metaphorical and abstract elements to serve as my inspiration. It was only in recent years that I developed a profound love for painting, making me, in a way, just like you—an aspiring artist.
As I reflect on my years of education and numerous exhibitions and gallery experiences, I'm eager to embark on this artistic journey alongside you. I hope to share the insights and lessons that have guided me along the way.
1. Find Your Muse
Every artist embarks on their creative journey with a muse, that elusive source of inspiration that sets their passion ablaze and supports them along the path of artistic exploration. Finding your muse can be an exciting adventure in itself, as it could be found in nature, a person, an emotion, or even something as intangible as an abstract concept. However, if this muse doesn't reveal itself to you immediately, do not panic, for this can take time.
In my own journey, it took me a considerable amount of time to uncover my true passions. My advice is to experiment with a multitude of inspirations, styles, and materials until you stumble upon the one that inspires you. Your muse is to kick start of your creativity, a guiding light that will shape your artistic explorations.
For me, my muse emerged from the realms of nature and the intimate details of the human body. I found myself deeply fascinated in the movements of my own body while I created art. The human form, with all its beauty and details, became a focal point of my work. Additionally, my love for the great outdoors, manifested through hiking and walks, naturally led me to draw inspiration from the natural world. It's crucial to understand that when I mention "muse," I don't mean that your artwork must replicate the muse itself. Instead, it should be inspired by the emotions it evokes, the thoughts it stimulates, and the way it connects with your inner world.
2. Gather Your Tools
The world of abstract painting is a realm where creativity knows no bounds, and the beauty lies in the freedom of expression. What's even more liberating is the fact that you can create amazing abstract masterpieces without breaking the bank on expensive art supplies. In fact, some of my favourite artworks have been created through the most simplistic tools —cheap brushes, bargain paints, and basic canvases. The key ingredient here isn't the price tag on your equipment; it's your imagination, your passion, and your willingness to explore.
While immersed in the creation of my installation piece, I found myself grappling with the challenge of generating a compelling concept. Seated in my flat, I pondered the possibilities of my artistic project. Lacking traditional artist materials like paint and canvas, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a trove of unused printing paper. Inspired by my profound connection with nature, I embarked on a journey into the realm of origami. Over the ensuing weeks, I folded 250 origami trees, which I showcased in a local gallery. Upon the conclusion of the exhibition, I extended the lifecycle of the paper by recycling it to produce fresh sheets, ready for my next design. Who ever said that art materials couldn't find purpose beyond a single use?
3. Learn and Absorb
Learning is an integral part of an artist's journey. Seek out educational resources, join local art classes, or explore online tutorials. Learning from experienced artists can help you grasp various techniques, perspectives, and styles. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback on your work. Learning is a continuous process, and even seasoned artists never stop seeking new knowledge and inspiration.
The best way to learn is to drive right in. Start creating piece every week or everyday what ever fits with your schedule.
4. Practice Patience
Art takes time to develop. Patience is your greatest ally on this journey. You might not produce masterpiece after masterpiece right away, and that's okay. In fact, you should embrace your imperfections and view them as stepping stones to improvement. Mistakes are valuable lessons that lead to growth. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is an artist's skill.
To be perfectly honest, my biggest struggle revolved around my initial aspiration to craft stunning acrylic abstract pieces that would fly off the shelves. However, the biggest thing for me was the importance of self-confidence and recognising that the concept of perfection varies greatly from person to person. There's absolutely nothing wrong with embracing the notion of being ‘imperfectly perfect’. Art, by its very nature, is subjective, and it took me a long time to come to terms with the idea that not everyone needed to understand my artwork to the same extent I did. As long as your work highlights your personal expressions and inspire you then that is perfectly okay.
5. Process before product
You can start implementing this tip into your practice right away: focus less on creating a finished piece and enjoy the process. There is no shame in starting a piece and leaving it for a couple of days, or even months, before returning to it. I would often start a painting and not be satisfied with how it was turning out. I would set it aside and revisit it later; it's easier to view a painting with fresh eyes to understand where to take it next.
For me, painting serves as a form of therapeutic relief. I paint away the stresses of the day. I've also written a post about how painting can help with stress relief if you're interested in hearing more. By concentrating on the journey rather than fixating on the end result, the pressure for each piece to be gallery-worthy or sellable is lifted. The quality of your painting improves because you can see the stress and overthinking in your work. When I shifted my mindset, I was surprised by the creations I produced. It then inspired me to create more and more artwork that, over time, continued to improve. Making art is a fun process; enjoy the journey it takes you on.
6. Share Your Art
Art is meant to be shared. Don't keep your creations hidden away. Whether you choose to display your work in galleries, sell it online, or simply share it with friends and family, sharing your art is the best thing you can do on your artistic journey. This is one of the reasons I started this blog!
While at university, my fellow classmates and I had fantastic critiques. We would come together, bring a bottle of wine, order a pizza, and engage in discussions about our own work. It was great to hear from others. I often found art-making to be a lonely, I would often be alone in my flat working on new pieces. Therefore, I understand how daunting it can be to show your artwork in a new environment. But your work deserves to be seen.
Conclusion
Embarking on an artistic journey is a thrilling and fulfilling experience. It's a voyage of self-discovery, creativity, and boundless possibilities. Whether you aspire to become a professional artist or simply want to explore your creative side, these six tips can serve as your compass on this journey.
Remember, art is not about perfection; it's about expression. Your journey will be unique, filled with highs and lows, challenges and breakthroughs. Embrace every moment, and let your muse guide you. Your artistic journey is not just about the destination; it's about the incredible voyage of self-discovery and creativity that unfolds along the way. So, gather your tools, learn, practice patience, embrace your style, share your art, and enjoy every step of the way. The canvas is yours—paint your story!
