10 Common Mistakes New Artist Make!

 New artists, we are full of excitement and joy as we start out. Which can often mean we make common mistakes. They could be “happy little accidents” as artist Bob Ross could be relied on for saying or it could be that you don't even know you are making a mistake. Either way, mistakes are meant to be made. It’s how we learn, it's how we measure our progression and it’s how we can advance our artistic skills. Here is a list of ten common mistakes;

10. Letting in the Gatekeeper.

       This is allowing someone, whether it be a fellow artists, critics or even someone on the internet ‘gatekeep’ your artist's path. They may try to ‘gatekeep’ by dictating how, what, when or even where you ‘should’ create your art. Letting someone tell you what they want from a commissioned artwork is different to being dictated to. Know the difference, learn the diffren and never let someone determine how you create your art, it's your art. If they want to do it that way, they can. You do you.

9.  Plant that Paint.

       Don't be afraid to get in there with your paint, really go for it! Confidence to paint with big strokes and thick blobs of paint takes practice, and you will get there. Having thin paint on your surface can leave your painting looking unintentionally dry, scratchy and covered with streaks. So unlike putting foundation on, slap that paint on. Go on do it!

8. Holy Pokes.

    Pressing to hard, especially on canvas can create dents, dips and even holes. It can ruin your brushes by spilting them. If you want to split your brush, do it before you start on your canvas. Obviously if painting with a technique that requires dotting, such as pointillism try small brush strokes and practice a lighter touch. 

7. Mixing Mud!

     Mixing paint on your canvas can create a muddy canvas with no discernible colours. Your imagery will be lost. So, use a palette you heathen! 

6.  White out.

       Winter scenery especially snow scenes have a lot of white, but if it's not a blizzard your looking to paint, use tones of colour. As for highlights, they aren't always pure white, try pale tones of the colour you are trying to highlight. Don't white out your image.

5. Big Spender.

       Expensive art supplies can be incredible to create with however if your new and not sure what style, medium or are still experimenting with your art it's great to use cheap/ cheaper supplies. Hobby paint is a good place to start, crayons, colouring pencils, pens or even HB pencils are all great. Your image is created from your skill, don't blame your tools. Creating art is an expensive process so take it easy, until you are ready. Have fun exploring.

4.  Copycat.

       Many artists learn from copying classical art, or whatever style they are trying to learn. There is no shame in this as your learning, you're not passing it off as your creation, it's practice. Use this technique or another just keep practising, so when it does come to you creating your own imagery you have the confidence of the masters. 

3.  Experiment Phobia.

      If you haven't realised this yet, you've not been paying attention. You need to experiment. Without it you can't advance your skill or widen your knowledge. To top it off your art will become stagnant. Your joy will be lost to repetition. You are not a photocopier, you are an artist so go crazy and experiment a little, you might like it.

2.  Enjoyment deficit.

    Find your joy. Enjoy the learning process and the creation of your artwork is key. When you enjoy creating art it shows. If you are not in your joy, move on. It's okay to leave a work unfinished. It's okay to throw that piece of engaging art out. Start again. Try again.

  

1. The Fear!

      Don't let the fear win! Go on give that painting a go, draw that scene, sculpt that thing. By not trying or not starting you've already failed. So give it ago! If it doesn't work out label it as a successful experiment, learn from it and try again. Go on create that thing.