LEARNING ABOUT ART
How-To & Benefit From Self-Guided Study

Study art terms and become familiar with art elements and principles. Get a firm grasp on these concepts by memorizing definitions and viewing Master works to see how these terms apply. Then apply them to your own work.

Study books and magazines. There is a tremendous wealth of information available on the subject of art. When you are not practicing, READ! Then apply what you've read to your easel or drawing pad.

Study videos by professional artists. For even the least experienced, viewing video tapes of seasoned professionals is very beneficial. It's the next best thing to being in a class. You can stop and start the tape as you work to work at your own pace. One recommendation: if you want to become the best, study with the best! Avoid DVDs or videos by artists with weak technique or you will pay for it in your work.

OBSERVATION...is the single most important thing you can do next to practicing your art. Look at and study everything...the trees, the grass, people...things large and small...colors, shapes, textures, etc. The more you focus on everything around you on a consistent basis, the more it will help you in your own work. You will creating the proper proportion, accurate color, and capture your subject more effectively. Learning to SEE will go a long way to improving your images.

Workshops & Classes
As recommended above regarding videos, when you take a class or workshop it is essential to study with the best artist you can afford. Read our excellent article entitled, So You Want to Take an Art Class? It is full of helpful information about how to find the right class for your needs.

PRACTICE
We listed this last, but it is the single most important thing you can do to grow as an artist. Thinking, reading, and dreaming about drawing/painting won't do it...doing it will! If you do all the above however, your practice time will be greatly enhanced and give you the best chance for success! Go gettum!!

Now visit these pages to Self-Critique Your Art, or explore Marketing Your Art...