In this video I talk about 5 major lessons I’ve learned during 25 years as a landscape artist. These are the essence of things I wish I knew as an artist starting out. I paint in an expressive semi abstract style but I think these concepts can apply to other styles of art too. Every artist’s journey is different, but here are five common concerns you might relate to and 5 ways to fix them so you can move forward.
The 5 insights 1. It is your passion that will keep you going - find what you love and keep doing it. 2. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Being different is actually a good thing in art. 3. Compare yourself to where you were last year. Keep taking those steps and you’ll get there. 4. Find artists you respect to give you constructive feedback - knowing the difference between someone’s qualified opinion or someone’s taste in art. 5. Share the story behind your art - you are unique and so is your art!
As a landscape painter you mix your techniques, your personal ideas and a love for nature.
In this video I talk about five major things I've learned during 25 years as a landscape artist.
I paint in an expressive semi-abstract style but I think that these concepts can apply to
other styles of art as well. Every artist's journey is different but here are five common
concerns you might relate to and five ways to fix them so you can move forward. Expressive landscapes
are more than just copying a scene. Your paintings should make people feel something.
You might wonder how to capture that ever-changing light or the weather and mood in a way that
matches your inner vision. Find your darlings, so find your favorite subjects and keep going
because it's your passion for the subject that will keep you going. Persistence is your superpower
and your passion will shine through to others who view your work. It can be tricky to decide
how much of the landscape should be realistic and how much can be more abstract or stylized.
You might think about how to change or simplify shapes while keeping the natural beauty of the
scene. I find my work has changed and evolved through the years and that is okay. An artist's
voice develops and it gets shaped through their work, his or her work. So think for example of
Vincent van Gogh, his dark and solemn paintings when he started out. But then as he followed his
passion and his interests he dared to take the next step and paint with bright colors and thick
bold brush marks. These paintings didn't look like anything anyone else had ever painted
but they were a true expression of his vision. Not everyone likes his paintings and that's okay too.
The important thing is that we all recognize his work when we see it. It's so different.
Don't be afraid to stand out if it feels genuine. Whether you use oils, acrylics, watercolors or
other materials, getting comfortable with your medium is very important. You might have to
practice and learn more about how to use color and texture and brush strokes to show movement for
example and the mood and the essence of your subjects. Approach everything with the perspective
of a student. Either you succeed or you learn something. Keep going. Even small steps will take
you forward and you will improve and get better. And it's so true when they say don't compare your
beginnings to someone else's middle. Compare the work you do now to the work you did last year
or three years ago. Before getting to the last couple of tips, I wanted to let you know about
my free painting guide called Five Proven Ways to Loosen Up Your Painting Style. It's a free guide
that I give out to all my students, both my in-person students but also you here on YouTube.
So if you want to loosen up your painting style and paint with more joy and expression, you can
grab your copy of the free guide via the link below this video. Trends and critics can influence
your art but staying true to your own style is key. You might worry about balancing your unique
creative voice with what is popular or what is expected by others. But listen to what others
have to say but stay true to your own artist voice as this unique artist voice is what will resonate
with your audience. Do seek out peers to give you constructive feedback. Our friends and family love
us but often they are not the best ones to give us feedback about our art. If you want feedback
on your work, please find other painters whom you respect and ask them to help you give you honest
and constructive feedback. Beyond perfecting your technique, you want your landscapes to connect
with the viewer. This means thinking about the story behind your work and the story behind your
creative process as well. Everybody loves to hear a good story. So learn to talk about and write about
your work and the inspiration behind it. When your art and the story behind it work together,
it will draw people in and make them connect with your work and your art on a much deeper level.
Let's just recap the five insights. First off, it is your passion that will keep you going.
So find what you love and keep doing it. Secondly, don't be afraid to stand out.
Being different is actually a good thing in art. Thirdly, compare yourself to where you were last
year. Keep taking those steps and you will get there. Fourth, find artists you respect to give you
constructive feedback and knowing the difference between someone's qualified opinion or someone's
taste in art. And finally, share the story behind your art. You are unique and so is your art.
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