How To: Be an Artist--Annie

 

Art can be defined as a form of expression and imagination used widely throughout the world.

Art reaches many people and reflects the thoughts and actions of everyone around us. It has

many types, forms, and there are many ways to be an artist. In this case, I am talking about the

physical form, specifically drawing and painting. Art is a huge part of my life, as I have been

drawing since I was a little child. It has become a very therapeutic coping mechanism for me

when going through tough situations. Over the years, I have practiced the art of painting and

drawing and have used it to express myself and share a piece of myself with the world. Next

year, I am going to go to art school and hope to fulfill my dream of being a full time artist. Now, it

is your turn to learn how to be an artist.

Step 1: Find Inspiration

The first thing you’re going to do is find your subject or inspiration behind your potential piece of

art. An inspiration can be anything from a person to an animal, or even a place or feeling. Many

artists use art to express emotions and experiences. Having something that inspires you to

create drives the motivation to start.

Step 2: Get in the Right Mindset

It is very important to understand that art is very subjective and that the idea of “good” is up to

interpretation. Especially when practicing something new, you will have to learn that the end

product may not measure up to what you may have envision at the beginning. Art is not about

the finished piece, but the process of what goes on in between. Anyone and everyone can be

an artist. Getting into the mindset of enjoying the process, rather than being “good” makes for a

good experience.

Step 3: Pick Your Medium

The next step is to choose how you’d like to create your art. Mediums come in many different

forms and varieties so this is a personal preference. Watercolor, markers, graphite, paint,

colored pencils, and oil pastels are a few well known mediums, but you can use absolutely

anything to show your creativity.

Step 4: Find Your Canvas

Step four is to find your canvas- find what or where you’d like to create your art. The most

popular choice, especially when painting, is a cotton canvas which can be found at any of your

local arts and craft stores. But, art can be created anywhere and on anything. Many artists paint

on walls or wood or just anything they can get their hands on. To start, I would recommend a

simple piece of paper. But for this tutorial, I’ll be referencing a cotton canvas.

Step 5: Begin to Create

Once you have your inspiration, the right mindset, the supplies based on your chosen canvas

and medium, you are ready to create! The first stroke or mark you make is well known to be the

hardest, mostly because of fear. One tip I like to do before painting is writing something on the

canvas first. It can be anything from motivating to just writing your current emotions. Art can be

very therapeutic if you let it. After writing something, I take a color and paint the canvas all over,

covering up the words. When doing this, you get over the fear of ruining a blank canvas and

only you know what’s underneath your amazing piece of art. Art has no timeline on how long it

needs to take. Many people spend years on one piece or just minutes. There’s no pressure

when it comes to releasing your creativity.

Step 6: Be Proud of What You’ve Created

The last and final step is to admire what you’ve created! Creating any type of art is a huge

accomplishment. After creating something, it can be very easy to go back and critique things

you should’ve done better. Having the right mindset circles back here. Although reflecting back

on work is used to learn how to improve, ultimately be proud of what you’ve done.

Having the passion and talent to become an artist will inspire others to release their emotions in

their own artistic way. I have found much joy in making art and I hope I was able to pass along

my experience to any reader who chooses to try something new and create! Remember to put

in your best effort and not be afraid to make mistakes!