5 answers
Pyper
Student
Rensselaer, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
740 views
How do I get better at art
I have been doing art for years but every time I try to get better it always looks like I've gotten worse and my our teacher has even failed me for a couple pieces because I'm not putting my best effort even though I am it's just because I'm declining and skill so I need tips and tricks on how to get better at Art even though I was really I thought it was really good cuz I was getting good grades
5 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Improving your art skills can be a challenging but rewarding journey, and it's normal to have periods where you feel your progress has slowed or that you're not meeting your own expectations. Here are some tips and strategies to help you continue growing as an artist:
1. **Embrace the Learning Process:** Remember that art is a continuous learning process. It's common to experience plateaus or even periods of frustration. These moments are opportunities for growth.
2. **Set Specific Goals:** Define what aspects of your art you want to improve. Is it your drawing accuracy, understanding of color, or composition skills? Setting clear goals can help you focus your efforts.
3. **Regular Practice:** Consistent practice is key to improvement. Dedicate time each day or week to create art. The more you practice, the more you'll refine your skills.
4. **Explore New Techniques:** Don't be afraid to experiment with new techniques and styles. Trying something different can help you break through creative blocks and discover new approaches.
5. **Seek Feedback:** Seek constructive feedback from peers, art teachers, or online art communities. Others can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
6. **Analyze Art You Admire:** Study the work of artists you admire. Analyze their techniques, compositions, and use of color. Try to incorporate what you learn into your own work.
7. **Take Art Classes:** Consider enrolling in art classes, whether at your school, a local art studio, or online. Structured learning can provide guidance and help you build a strong foundation.
8. **Draw from Life:** Drawing from real-life objects, people, or scenes can sharpen your observational skills and enhance your understanding of form and perspective.
9. **Keep a Sketchbook:** Carry a sketchbook with you and use it to capture ideas, quick sketches, and observations. Sketchbooks are excellent tools for honing your drawing skills.
10. **Patience and Persistence:** Improvement in art often comes gradually. Be patient with yourself and maintain a positive attitude, even when facing challenges.
11. **Analyze Your Mistakes:** Instead of viewing failures as setbacks, see them as opportunities to learn. Analyze your mistakes, figure out what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve.
12. **Stay Inspired:** Surround yourself with art and sources of inspiration. Attend art exhibitions, watch art documentaries, or follow artists on social media for fresh ideas.
13. **Artistic Breaks:** Sometimes, taking a break from art can help you come back with a fresh perspective. Taking time to recharge can prevent burnout and creative fatigue.
14. **Mindset Matters:** Cultivate a growth mindset. Believe that you can improve with effort and persistence. Avoid negative self-talk that may hinder your progress.
15. **Have Fun:** Remember why you started creating art in the first place – because you enjoy it. Don't lose sight of the joy and passion that initially drew you to art.
Artistic growth is a personal journey, and it's important to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Be kind to yourself, stay motivated, and keep exploring new horizons in your art. Over time, your skills will continue to develop, and you'll discover new levels of creativity and expression.
1. **Embrace the Learning Process:** Remember that art is a continuous learning process. It's common to experience plateaus or even periods of frustration. These moments are opportunities for growth.
2. **Set Specific Goals:** Define what aspects of your art you want to improve. Is it your drawing accuracy, understanding of color, or composition skills? Setting clear goals can help you focus your efforts.
3. **Regular Practice:** Consistent practice is key to improvement. Dedicate time each day or week to create art. The more you practice, the more you'll refine your skills.
4. **Explore New Techniques:** Don't be afraid to experiment with new techniques and styles. Trying something different can help you break through creative blocks and discover new approaches.
5. **Seek Feedback:** Seek constructive feedback from peers, art teachers, or online art communities. Others can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
6. **Analyze Art You Admire:** Study the work of artists you admire. Analyze their techniques, compositions, and use of color. Try to incorporate what you learn into your own work.
7. **Take Art Classes:** Consider enrolling in art classes, whether at your school, a local art studio, or online. Structured learning can provide guidance and help you build a strong foundation.
8. **Draw from Life:** Drawing from real-life objects, people, or scenes can sharpen your observational skills and enhance your understanding of form and perspective.
9. **Keep a Sketchbook:** Carry a sketchbook with you and use it to capture ideas, quick sketches, and observations. Sketchbooks are excellent tools for honing your drawing skills.
10. **Patience and Persistence:** Improvement in art often comes gradually. Be patient with yourself and maintain a positive attitude, even when facing challenges.
11. **Analyze Your Mistakes:** Instead of viewing failures as setbacks, see them as opportunities to learn. Analyze your mistakes, figure out what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve.
12. **Stay Inspired:** Surround yourself with art and sources of inspiration. Attend art exhibitions, watch art documentaries, or follow artists on social media for fresh ideas.
13. **Artistic Breaks:** Sometimes, taking a break from art can help you come back with a fresh perspective. Taking time to recharge can prevent burnout and creative fatigue.
14. **Mindset Matters:** Cultivate a growth mindset. Believe that you can improve with effort and persistence. Avoid negative self-talk that may hinder your progress.
15. **Have Fun:** Remember why you started creating art in the first place – because you enjoy it. Don't lose sight of the joy and passion that initially drew you to art.
Artistic growth is a personal journey, and it's important to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Be kind to yourself, stay motivated, and keep exploring new horizons in your art. Over time, your skills will continue to develop, and you'll discover new levels of creativity and expression.
Joseph Lukinich
6
Answers
Derry, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
As a struggling artist myself, the only two pieces of advice I can give are constantly practice and constantly look for tutorials online.
(Light edits made by admin on Sept. 13, 2023, 10:30P PT)
(Light edits made by admin on Sept. 13, 2023, 10:30P PT)
Talia Roepel
Author / Article Writer/ Professor
29
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Talia’s Answer
Every artist has days where things just don't seem to work out. There is really no way to get better other than taking time to create art every single day. Even if it's only part of a piece. Look at tutorials online. Pinterest is a really great free resource to find art tutorials to learn from.
Fredric Azevedo
Commercial Painter
1
Answer
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Fredric’s Answer
First off, RELAX, don't overthink it.
Second, find what kind of "art" you enjoy creating. Weather it be basket weaving, woodworking, painting, etc. etc...
Third, find INSPIRATION.
For me, I enjoy different kinds of woodworking and painting.
I do a lot of reclamation from jobsites for example. What inspires me are the endless possibilities of each piece.
Not everyone will see what you see in your art pieces, but don't give up! Stay with it, people progress at their own pace. I wish you the best. Aloha!
Second, find what kind of "art" you enjoy creating. Weather it be basket weaving, woodworking, painting, etc. etc...
Third, find INSPIRATION.
For me, I enjoy different kinds of woodworking and painting.
I do a lot of reclamation from jobsites for example. What inspires me are the endless possibilities of each piece.
Not everyone will see what you see in your art pieces, but don't give up! Stay with it, people progress at their own pace. I wish you the best. Aloha!
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
HI Pyper
Sorry to hear about your frustration. Sometimes young artists just go through "ugly duckling" phases, usually when they are attempting some new skills or ideas, and it takes time for their old skills and ideas and new skills and ideas to come together. It's sort of like a growth spurt. These "ugly duckling" phases do not last forever, so sometimes you just need to be patient and keep on making art. The worst thing you can do, is to stop making art.
I'm concerned to hear that your art teacher has "failed" you a few times. I suggest to talk to your art teacher and get some feedback on your artwork and find out exactly where they think you are not putting in enough effort, or where your artwork fell short of what was expected. If your teacher uses a rubric (like a checklist) to grade you, make sure you understand what he or she is looking for. When you talk to your teacher, let him or her know that you are trying your best, and that you want to do well, but are having difficulty and need help. Sometimes students are shy about saying this to a teacher, but we do want to know what is going on with our students.
Unfortunately there are no quick tips or tricks in doing well in art. As a retired art teacher, my best advice is to follow the directions of your teacher, ask him or her questions if you don't understand the lesson requirements, stay on task during class time, do your best, and ask them for help in improving your art. If you feel your art teacher is not helping you despite your requests, or is not listening to you, then I suggest you talk to your Guidance Counselor and see if they could set up a meeting for all three of you, and possibly your parents, to discuss your art class experience and concerns. You deserve to be heard.
Hang in there! Keep making art! I hope this helps. Best wishes!
Sorry to hear about your frustration. Sometimes young artists just go through "ugly duckling" phases, usually when they are attempting some new skills or ideas, and it takes time for their old skills and ideas and new skills and ideas to come together. It's sort of like a growth spurt. These "ugly duckling" phases do not last forever, so sometimes you just need to be patient and keep on making art. The worst thing you can do, is to stop making art.
I'm concerned to hear that your art teacher has "failed" you a few times. I suggest to talk to your art teacher and get some feedback on your artwork and find out exactly where they think you are not putting in enough effort, or where your artwork fell short of what was expected. If your teacher uses a rubric (like a checklist) to grade you, make sure you understand what he or she is looking for. When you talk to your teacher, let him or her know that you are trying your best, and that you want to do well, but are having difficulty and need help. Sometimes students are shy about saying this to a teacher, but we do want to know what is going on with our students.
Unfortunately there are no quick tips or tricks in doing well in art. As a retired art teacher, my best advice is to follow the directions of your teacher, ask him or her questions if you don't understand the lesson requirements, stay on task during class time, do your best, and ask them for help in improving your art. If you feel your art teacher is not helping you despite your requests, or is not listening to you, then I suggest you talk to your Guidance Counselor and see if they could set up a meeting for all three of you, and possibly your parents, to discuss your art class experience and concerns. You deserve to be heard.
Hang in there! Keep making art! I hope this helps. Best wishes!
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