ldakers
One of the most difficult tasks in the life of a fine artist is to recognise and learn from what is happening on a daily basis.
We must constantly remember that youthful experiences, whether positive or unpleasant, are a guide that helps us move forward and learn from our mistakes.
Although I have followed an exclusively artistic path and have completed many internships in artists’ studios between school and university, I have still had my fair share of blunders and made some bad decisions in my career as an artist. Oops, we all have to go through them!
I don’t know about you, but I like it when beginner’s mistakes turn into a qualified experience. An experience that becomes even more valuable when it is shared!
So, let’s talk about my mistakes though my inexperience? Here’s my top 7.
1/ INVESTING IN A CHEAP EQUIPMENT
You think you’re smarter than your neighbour by making small savings in your purchases of art supplies. Time reveals all things, and we quickly lose heart when confronted with irreversible damage to a work of art: deformed stretched canvas, faded or cracked paint, etc. Choosing quality means investing in serenity!
2/ NEGLECTING THE PREPARATION OF A CANVAS
Always in a concern of small expenses, one prefers to skip steps when it comes to painting on an unprimed canvas. The gesso is the painter’s friend! Luckily for us, our favourite shops specialising in fine art materials offer canvases with a universal primer or gesso[A1] already applied. Let’s make the most of it, it’s a saving of time and money.
3/ SIGN WITH A FELT PEN OR A BALLPOINT PEN
I know, it’s nonsense!!! The ink of a ballpoint or felt pen is not stable over time and especially under long periods of sunlight. If you don’t want your works to become orphaned over the years, then use a paint soaked brush or a 3D-liner with a tip to sign all your artworks.
4/ USE CHARCOAL OR GRAPHITE TO SKETCH ON CANVAS
Need to sketch before painting? Naturally, you think of graphite pencil or charcoal stick to do so. Yes but no, the lines of the sketch will stand out or blacken your colours. The infallible solution is to sketch in watercolour pencil first. Watercolour dissolves very well under the effect of paint and water.
5/ DON’T HOLD THE PALETTE INCORRECTLY
When I was a child, I used to invent amazing ways to hold my palette, I found out the hard way and this can be quite uncomfortable. I learned to hold the artist’s palette in high school with Diego Velázquez and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. My observation of their self-portraits allowed me to understand the oval shape of this tool and how to use it. The palette rests on the forearm and the hand holds the handle.
6/ SACRIFICE THE ART MATERIAL
At school, I had some bad habits: forgetting to close the jars or tubes of paint, leaving the brushes to soak for several days, storing everything loose in bags. By using what I call my ‘Colour Bar’, my way of working has changed… because my equipment is worth looking after and I can keep it all organized and safe! You may have your own way of storing your supplies but organisation is the key to your success!
7/ THINKING TOO MUCH BEFORE ACTING
Over-thinking can hinder creativity, and causes anxiety and demotivation over time. For creative unblocking and loosening up, the sketching book or pad is a good friend to have in all good art studios to facilitate artistic experimentation and creative brain storming. You can dare to do anything in this kind of book!
What were your youthful mistakes with painting, drawing, sculpture or photography?
We all have memories that serve as a lesson!
Sharing is a source of enrichment for everyone, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Content provided by Amylee Paris
The passion of Amylee Paris, painter, consultant and author is to share her paintings between galleries, art collectors and her community. Beyond her pictorial skills and her several eBooks available online, Amylee is also recognized as one of the most influential francophone artist-entrepreneurs. She helps beginners or professional artists to optimize their artistic activity.
You can visit her colourful portfolio,follow her on Facebook and Instagram, or find all Amylee’s posts published in GreatArt online Magazineby clicking here!
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