Okay, so I am on an artistic journey, that is pretty obvious to anyone looking at this blog. But I am new to art of all forms, some may say I’m not a beginner anymore, but I really am. I have only been doing “art” for around 2 years, and I haven’t actually “specialised” so I am a bit of a “jack of all trades”.
As part of my learning I watch lots of YouTube art videos; I sign up to online classes with many different tutors; I listen to podcasts, lots of podcasts; I pretty much live on Instagram and I even sign up to the odd challenge here and there. Of course if that wasn’t enough I am enrolled on a one year art college course that is University accredited, the commitment is 1 day a week in class and then at least 3 days homework!
Each and every one of these outlets teaches me something, then because I am 50 and menopausal, I forget it all and have to go back and relearn it all over again!
Now I have recently become hooked on a particular podcast series, via https://www.learntopaintpodcast.com/, hosted by Kelly Anne Powers. I have binged almost every episode in just under 2 weeks, and I have to say I have learnt a thing or two from the artists that are interviewed, but more importantly they are all saying the same things! 30+ artists, all telling me the same thing – that can’t be a coincidence right?
As such, I feel the need to write some things down to help me, and maybe you, in the future. That said you probably already know this and wonder why I am telling you. Well ultimately I’m not, i’m writing it down for me to remember and to re-read when I get hit by that inner critic – you know the one :
She is the one that says
- You don’t know what you’re doing.
- How can you possibly consider yourself to be a budding artist when you don’t know anything.
- Call yourself a painter – Ha you don’t even know what colours are what.
- What are lights and dark’s – like you’ll ever know.
- What medium should you add here… ha ha testing you, you haven’t a clue.
Well you get the picture!
With all that in mind, I am going to write some key points about what I have learnt from these podcasts. There have been 38 episodes, and I think I have 5 left to go. So far there has only been 1 artist that I have actually heard of (Laura Horn), so it’s been a breath of fresh air to learn about, and from other artists.
Key points
On writing this article it became a lengthy post, and my husband rightly told me so. Therefore I have decided to separate it over three further posts.
You can therefore look forward to learning what I think are the key points I have gleaned from the podcasts; specifically:
Colour theory – what is it and why is it important?
The non technical answer is if you know colour you will produce good paintings. But the longer answer to that question is… well have a read about it on my post Colour Theory.
Composition – what does that even mean?
Again the non technical answer is “putting things on the page in a manner pleasing to the eye”. But again the longer answer can be found on the post Composition.
Practice – Why its important to do this as often as possible?
The thing I hear the most is “you wouldn’t expect a musician to be able to just pick up an instrument for the first time and play a masterpiece, so why do you think you can paint like Van Gogh without practising?” So for answers to this statement, please take a look at the post Practice.
Well If you are still reading to here, I thank you. I hope you stick with me for the rest of the posts, if you have something to add, please do drop it into the comments!
Linked posts :
*** Colour Theory *** Composition *** Practice ***
Disclaimer:
All opinions expressed here are my own.
I paid for any products discussed.
I received no payment and I am not affiliated in any way with any brand mentioned herein.
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I will have to check out that podcast you mentioned, Donna. I have an inner critic, too, and it can be very daunting. I try to fight it, too. It causes so much perfectionism!
I’ve gone back to my tutorials and notes, as I attempt something that is putting me way out of my artistic comfort zone. Thank you for your four posts. I’m going to read the others in between clients at work today. ?
I understand the inner critic! I’ve discovered believing her makes me boring, so I appreciate a blog post that helps counteract that critic!
Great post!
I’m going to try and check out this pod cast.
I think I have avoided pod casts because I’m such a visual person.
Off to read the other posts
xx
I love your single minded determination. You eat, sleep and breathe art! YouTube is such a great rescource !
I think we’re all constantly learning from each other and i love your enthusiasm! Will check out the other posts. i like how organised you are with breaking it all down. Thank you! <3
Ah thabk you! I agree, we are always learning from everyone and everywhere x