Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (2024)

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Beginning Artist Education 101

From Sept. 10-16, help us celebrateNational Arts in Education Week, during which “the field of arts education joins together in communities across the country to tell the story of the impact of the transformative power of the arts in education.”

Whether you are a beginning artist who decided to turn your passion for art into action, or a veteran who wants to explore a new medium, knowing exactly where to start can be a challenge. But don’t worry, artists. You’ve come to the right place!

Below is a list of five educational guides jam-packed with just-starting-out goodies, from learning painting mistakes to avoid to trying your hand at the basics of drawing. These articles aregreat for understanding the fundamentals of painting and drawing so you can begin your new artistic journey.

Conquer Common Painting Blunders

Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (1)

We all know practice makes perfect. But, with practice also comes trial and error. Lucky for you, we’ve listed eight of the most common mistakes to avoid when learning how to paint. Discover what they are, and how to overcome them, here.

Put Your Art in Perspective

Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (2)

An essential skill to learn as a beginning artist, whether drawing or painting, is perspective. If you want to achieve three-dimensional art, knowing perspective is key, including how to find the horizon line, determine the vanishing point and an overview of linear perspective. Here is what you need to know.

Get Started in Painting, the Right Way

Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (3)

Beginner painting is all about getting started the right way. In order to be successful, you must consider these three things: your surface, brush and palette. Once you feel at ease with the materials, you can start having fun. Get started here.

Try Drawing Tips for Beginners

Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (4)

When it comes to learning how to draw, introductory lessons, tutorials and demonstrations are great for enhancing your skillset and producing better drawings. Check out these three tips perfect for drawing newbies.

Find the Right Medium

Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (5)

With so many mediums available, how do you know which one to choose? Well, to be honest, selecting the “right” one is simply a matter of preference. And, if you are indecisive like me, then this handy list of pros and cons for some of the most common painting mediums can certainly make your decision easier.

More Beginner Articles to Read

Still craving more tips and tricks geared toward beginner artists? Then you will want to check these out:

Share some of your favorite beginning artist advice in the comments below. And, be sure to tag @artistsnetwork on Instagram to let us know how you are celebrating National Arts in Education Week (#BecauseOfArtsEd). Happy art-making, artists!

Are You a Beginning Artist? Here is What You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

What is the first thing a beginner artist should learn? ›

How to deconstruct an object and divide it into its most basic shapes; How to construct an object by drawing simple three-dimensional shapes; How to use negative space to help draw out complex details; Basic mark-making skills.

What defines a beginner artist? ›

A beginner artist is a kind of artist who's still learning to draw and paint. Once the artist has mastered the kind of art of he/she likes the stage of beginner artist ends. If you have problem in any thing about your art style then you are still a beginner artist.

What I wish I knew as a beginner artist? ›

12 Things I Wish I'd Known as a Beginner Artist
  • Start Sooner. ...
  • Embrace the Beginning. ...
  • There Is a Place for You. ...
  • Set Boundaries, Darn It. ...
  • This Is Going to Be a Long, Hard Journey. ...
  • Be Open to Criticism. ...
  • There's No Right or Wrong Way. ...
  • Don't Choose to Pursue Art for the Sake of Making Money.

What are 5 things an artist needs to be successful? ›

How To Become A Successful Artist: 5 Essential Tips (& 5 To Avoid...
  • Diversify and Prosper Through Even the Hard Times.
  • Art Marketing Expands Your Audience.
  • Freelancing and Consulting.
  • Emulate A Successful Artist You Admire.

What do beginner artists struggle with? ›

Some of the most challenging things to draw include facial expressions, foreshortening of the human body, drapery folds, drawings based on your ideas instead of a direct reference, hands, movement, and gestures.

Can I teach myself to be an artist? ›

Of course it's okay to be self-taught! After all, you don't need to go to an art school or receive a fancy degree in order to make art and call yourself an artist. That being said, if you don't have formal art education, you probably spend time searching for information on how to improve your skills.

How do I define myself as an artist? ›

TOP FIVE TIPS: HOW TO DEFINE YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST
  1. Know yourself. If your 'self' is mutable and changing, that's ok. ...
  2. Understand your place in your genre's musical lineage. ...
  3. Close your eyes and dive in. ...
  4. Develop strong instincts. ...
  5. Don't overlook your failures in life.
Jan 16, 2019

Where should beginner artists start? ›

If you're having a hard time beginning, start with simple forms and colors. Also, don't strive for sophistication or complexity everytime. Sometimes, going back to the basics can be refreshing and enlightening!

How do artists start out? ›

Begin by nurturing your artistic talent through consistent practice and study. Whether self-taught or formally educated, it's important to master the fundamentals of your chosen medium. Attend workshops, take online courses, or consider pursuing a degree in fine arts to refine your techniques and expand your knowledge.

What makes you a good artist? ›

In order to think creatively, an artist must have an open mind. Being able to see things from different perspectives can arm an artist with insight that other people may not have. Also, the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes can greatly increase your chances of creating art that speaks to your audience.

How do you know if being an artist is right for you? ›

6 Signs You're An Artist
  • You're Passionate About Art. Everything about art is exciting to you. ...
  • People Say You Should Be an Artist. Whether it's teachers or friends and family, people tell you that you have artistic talent. ...
  • You Love Art Supplies. ...
  • You Enjoy Art History. ...
  • You're Visually Minded. ...
  • You're Committed to Creating.
Nov 6, 2023

What do all artists have in common? ›

Most artistic people are highly disciplined and gifted with superior powers of concentration – almost to the point of obsessiveness. Because of this level of concentration they are capable of producing great quantities of high quality work; however they also enjoy frequent periods of recreation and inactivity.

What makes a popular artist? ›

By breaking with tradition and creating something new and exciting, they can establish a reputation for themselves as groundbreakers in their field. Creativity: Artists who have a boundless imagination and a knack for creating original, thought-provoking works of art can stand out in a crowded field.

What does success look like for an artist? ›

Gaining recognition from your peers

For me, there's only one truly important factor to gauge an artist's success: it's recognition from your peers. Economic success is when you sell a lot of artwork, but artistic success is when fellow artists recognize your work as relevant, important, and inspirational.

Where should a beginner start in art? ›

If you're having a hard time beginning, start with simple forms and colors. Also, don't strive for sophistication or complexity everytime. Sometimes, going back to the basics can be refreshing and enlightening!

How to become an artist beginner? ›

How Do You Become an Artist?
  1. Learn Your Craft. Developing your skillset as an artist is the first step. ...
  2. Get A Workspace. Next up is creating a workspace for yourself to develop the art. ...
  3. Develop Your Craft. ...
  4. Build Your Online Website Portfolio. ...
  5. Promote Yourself As An Artist.

What is the first step to becoming an artist? ›

1. Hone Your Skills. The first and most important step in becoming a professional artist is to develop your skills. Build up your knowledge and brush handling capabilities by taking classes, studying expert work, and practicing.

What should I start painting as a beginner? ›

Leaves and plants should be your first stop as a beginner painter. You'll often see that new artists start learning how to paint with botanical work, like flowers or leaves.

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