How I Started Creating Art Again

As I mentioned in my first post, I had taken quite a long break from creating art in the past few years. Yes, I practiced occasionally, but not in a very determined and serious way. A major cause of of this was that I was too distracted by negativity. Although the image of a tortured artist might seem romantic, I do not believe that it is conducive to creating art. It certainly did not help me.

A few months back, I realized how empty my life felt without creating art. I needed to start again, but kept procrastinating. One day I decided that I had enough, and ordered a book called “How to Draw What You See” by Rudy De Reyna. I have been working through many of the exercises, and it has helped me relearn the basics again

I also recently ordered another book, entitled “The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling” by John Muir Laws because I had found many of his tutorials on YouTube useful. Although I personally enjoy expressive and impressionist artwork the most, I do also want to be able to draw creatures and plants in a somewhat realistic way. His instruction is helping me achieve that. I also think that creating a nature journal would be a lot of fun.

Watching art channels on YouTube has really helped me want to keep learning more. I am grateful that I live in a time where I can easily access this information through a computer at home. There are so many tutorials ranging from basic to complex, that I will not allow myself to use the excuse of not knowing what my subject should be to prevent creating art everyday. Even doodles are useful in becoming a better artist.

I finished my first acrylic painting in months today, a simple painting of a green apple. It is the first time I have used just a palette knife for most of the painting, along with one large and small brush. I am pretty satisfied with how it has turned out.

I believe watching tutorials, reading books, and getting inspired by other artists has really helped motivate me to create more. Hopefully some of these tips will also motivate you! Do you have any tips on staying motivated? If so, comment below!