Came across this article. A good reminder.
What are the challenges faced by beginners who have just started their journey ?
1. Misconception that learning art = learning technique
There is a common misconception about art versus craftsmanship. Keep in
mind that art should not be treated as craft. In other words, learning art does
not only involve hands alone. Interpret what you see. Techniques are gained
from the understanding of material characteristics and the desire to interpret
what you see.
Tip: Remember, learning art is about acquiring problem solving ability. It is also
about learning to see what to see ie. discover our own vision.
2. Overly result oriented
Tendency is that many are influenced by artworks seen before, for example a
deco art and hope to learn the skills to produce something similar.
Tip : Learn from the nature. Nature itself is the greatest artist. Be inspired by the
nature and appreciate the natural beauty.
3. Do I have ‘talent’?
This is a common question when deciding to and whether it is worth our effort
to start.
We should realise that there are different types of talent. Some are good at
drawing. Some are colourists. Some like to express their views and opinions
through paintings. Others enjoy expressing new ideas.
Different people have different talent. And art promotes expression. That is the
beauty of doing art.
“Do I have talent?” You will never know if you never try. Ask rather “Do I enjoy
painting?”
Tip: Discover your own strengths and talent. Be confident to express them on
canvas. Enjoy the process
4. Too style conscious
Many of us are anxious to develop our own style.
Your style is ‘you’. It reflects your taste. It is about what you want to express and
how you express it.
It takes time to develop and mature. It is a result of endless self searching.
That’s why it is unique as each of us is different. Like handwriting, it should
come natural to you.
Style of great artists should be treated as references. They made us realise
that there are limitless possibilities to create a painting. This also encourages
us to explore and to be open to new ideas.
Tip: Paint more, see more paintings and appreciate them. Be sincere to
yourself.
5. Copying instead of interpreting
Many have the misconception painting is an act of copying. In fact, art involves
the process of their own ideas, emotion, expressions into their artworks.
The merit of a painting is not solely determined by how real or how close it
resembles real life objects. One of the criteria of good art is based on how
sincere the artist in expressing his/her feeling. Artworks should reveal creative
touch and emotional traces.
Tip: We should learn to interpret and create from the early stage of learning. Not
mere copying.
6. Dare not take risk
We are generally afraid of making mistake. Mistakes however help in our
learning. Learning art involves problem solving. We learn to solve problems
from our mistakes.
Most of the time, when faced with problem, we expect instant solutions. We
prefer to be spoon-fed with direct answers. We are not too keen in finding out
how does the answer arrives.
Tip: Do not avoid mistakes. Learn from them.
(via myartspace.com.sg)
