Sometimes we run out of ideas. Or we want to try something new or different. In times like these, I do a lesson or a project presented by someone else. I am sure you have done those as well.
They are fun and easy because the thinking and planning have already been done by the artist presenting the project. My favourite artists to learn from are Tamara la Porte for her mixed media work and Paul Clark for his watercolour and ink. (Their YouTube channels are linked in their names)
Last week, in the Letter O post, Lissa mentioned that she sometimes makes the same mistake more than once because she forgot about doing it the first time. I used to do that until I came up with an idea so I didn't have to remember everything. As someone who paints and draws in various media and does mixed media, I find remembering everything exhausting.
My solution: I have two sketchbooks. A small A5 landscape-bound sketchbook where I plan paintings for competitions. Competitions have themes and rules, so I plan my entry with this sketchbook. Colour palettes, composition thumbnails, and other ideas I might have. Once the painting is done, I go back and make notes on what worked, what didn't, and how I could improve the next time I use that medium or idea.
The second sketchbook is for practising a skill or making notes during an online lesson about a medium or technique. At this point I haven't created an artwork yet, so the notes (sketches or collages) will be helpful before I make a mistake.
This is not a perfect solution, but it saves time, so I don't repeat mistakes often. New mistakes are learning opportunities because I like to experiment. Although not ideal, learning new things makes for better art skills.
How do you keep track of new things that you learn?
Until tomorrow!
💜 Linzé
