TEN TIPS FROM AN ART TEACHER
By Kim Kerr
Drawing is important
Learn to look closely, allow your eye to find the edges of objects and record them, Keep a visual diary handy (it does not need to be large) and draw a lot – people, faces, street scenes, pets, coffee cups, doodle. See how your object relates to itself and things around it.
Practise, practise, practise
It takes time to develop your own unique style, the more you do the better you get.
Do not be afraid to learn from other artists
I’m not talking about slavishly copying their work, instead study their composition, use of colour and techniques. Pick out the bits and blend it with your style. Don’t worry about wheither it has been done before, your approach will be different.
Stop procrasinating
Inspiration comes from seeing and doing.
Be brave
Make a mess, try new things, learn from your mistakes.
Build on your mistakes
Let them take you into a new direction. Mistakes can give your work a richness and life.
Don’t force it
By dictating the outcome your work can become lifeless. Allow your work to take you where it wants to go.
Respect your equipment
Look after your equipment. Clean your brushes thoroughly, replace paint lids and keep your studio tidy – you will save time and money.
Photographs
Take your own reference photographs or get permission from the photographer. You don’t want to get caught up with copyright issues.
Respect yourself and your talent.
Don’t let people talk you into making art for free. It is an easy trap to fall into when you are starting out, but a difficult one to get out of.