As an artist who shares her journey on social media, I'm often asked by curious followers how to begin an art journey. Unfortunately, there is no magic list I can offer. I do remember, though, what it was like to be a complete beginner. So I've put together some good tips for starting an art journey.
● Start small. I suggest using a sketchbook (素描本) for small studies. These small studies provide inspiration and may be a springboard for more complex works in the future. You'll want to look back on your journey to see how far you've come.
● Paint often and paint from life. There's no better way to improve than to put in those brush miles. Whether you paint still lifes, portraits, or landscapes, paint from life as much as possible.
● Continually challenge yourself to try something new. Artistic growth can be a bit painful. Welcome to the club; we've all been there. I love taking on challenges. I once took up a challenge to create a painting every day for a month and post the works online.
● Seeking and accepting constructive feedback (反馈) is crucial to growth. I post my work on social media and, in turn, have met some of the kindest people. They make me feel valued and respected, no matter my level of artistic ability.
The journey you're on won't follow a straight path. Push through, give it time and put in the effort. You will harvest the rewards of an artistic life.
A. Get out of your comfort zone.
B. Make career plans and set goals.
C. Don't throw away your beginner art.
D. Share your work if you feel comfortable doing so.
E. You'll hit roadblocks, and you'll feel discouraged at times.
F. Evaluate your performance and, if needed, redefine your role.
G. You'll develop that painting muscle memory that only comes with repetition.
