Where does our creative journey start?
Within you.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that everything revolves around me – somehow.
And as I’m sitting here writing this post, I’m looking around thinking, just look at all those lovely shapes I see every day, and asking myself why don’t I do something with them?
So I will.
Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
It’s too easy to feel we need to attend classes, workshops, and tutorials to be inspired and to learn – but I actually believe just the opposite is true.
You learn because you want to and if you really want to, you’ll find your own way.
And, personally, I believe, that’s the best way.
We need to acquire and hone our own intuitive instincts when it comes to creating our art and the only way to do that is to learn through doing.
Mistakes are simply a way forward, so keep making them.
Creating art is not a sprint – you’re in for the long haul.
Dedication, routine, and practice are important allies in our art.
Momentum comes from aspiration and enthusiasm.
These are not the sort of things you’d normally learn in a class – it’s something that’s created within you, by you.
And only by that constant act of doing, doing, and doing.
So what am I going to do to create art about what I see around me as I sit here?
I’ll begin by using words to create my intention for the work – how I want it to feel and the mood I wish to create.
Then I’ll take some images, and make some sketches of the shapes that are really talking to me – after that, it’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen.
But as I work, I’ll be reviewing things like whether I’m fulfilling my intention. Are the colours and values working? Or do I need to add or subtract lines or shapes?
And I’ll keep repeating those questions until it works.
It’s that constant review, adjustment, and revision that’ll get me to a fully resolved piece of artwork – something I’d be happy to hang or display.
That’s my litmus test – and it only comes through doing.
All views expressed are my own personal views and opinions, except where acknowledged information is included from other sources.