Starting
something new can be scary but never trying at all can be even more
terrifying. Creativity is a great way to add more meaning to your life
and if you’ve always felt in your heart that being an artist is your
true purpose, then why not start today.
GET SUPPLIES & GET STARTED
The best thing you can do is not overthink this. Go to an art store, buy some paint brushes, basic paint, a sketch pad, and colored pencils, go home and start creating. You could even start with YouTube step-by-step tutorials. But before you do, create your art vibe. Sit near your window or outside with great natural light, put on your favorite music, grab a glass of wine, and get to it.
JOIN AN ART COMMUNITY or ART ORGANIZATION
Networking with the local artists in your area or joining a national arts organization is a great way to help you obliterate fear and create a great support system for your beginning stages.
National Art Education Association
National Association of Women Artists, INC.
National Endowment for the Artshttps://www.arts.gov/partners/state-regional
GET A MENTOR Make
a list of local artists and art shop owners and ask them if you can
stop by to briefly chat with them. If the answer is yes, make sure you
take notes, show appreciation (bring a small gift if possible), and ask
them if it’s ok if you stay in touch.
TAKE CLASSES
According to study.com,
you can take stand-alone classes, workshops, or enter a degree program.
Whatever you decide, here are some of the basic concepts and class
courses offered in many art schools.
Concepts: Fundamentals of drawing, Principles of design, Acrylic painting techniques, Watercolor painting techniques, How to critique artwork
Common Courses:
-Drawing
courses will focus on the elements of drawing, such as composition,
line, proportion, perspective and light and shading techniques.
-Painting
courses might cover the use of watercolors, acrylics or oils. These
courses teach students to paint landscapes, abstracts, still life
compositions and portraits.
-Art
history courses generally cover a specific time period, teaching
students to recognize various artists and styles from that era, such as
Greek, Byzantine or Renaissance work. Students may travel to art museums
and galleries to view works of influential artists such as Picasso or
Matisse.
-Photography
courses are typically offered for both film and digital cameras, and
courses covering computer photography editing programs are also widely
available. Students can learn the basic function of cameras and lenses,
as well as how to compose shots using various lighting techniques.
-Sculpture courses tend
to work with clay, and as skills are developed, courses working with
wax, metal, wood or non-traditional materials may be available.