If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Paintings and drawings that are perfect looking copies can appear mechanical and lifeless. In the search for perfection be careful that you aren’t missing the key ingredient all artists should search for

“An interesting picture will give the feeling of life”

The texture of the canvas adds depth to an oil painting. The finished painting isn’t dull and flat. By building layer upon layer of paint an artist creates a work of art that has interest and character

“The surface of the painted canvas has depth and texture”

But, that isn’t all that makes a masterpiece. The painting has its own history. There are background stories that help create great Art

There are thoughts and plans you can’t see. There are ideas and preparations an artist keeps locked away

* With forgotten preparatory drawings

* There could be forgotten color sketches hiding in an art folder

* Changes and old ideas hidden by later re-painting

Even if you are an artist who can create exact copies of what you can see, your painting needs you to give more

* A painting becomes Art when you use your feeling and understanding

* Your painting needs flair and expression to give it character

* Your painting needs your time and dedication

If you use photographs, make your painting an impression of what you see. Combine details from one photograph with the background of another. Play with components to create a new reality

* Include your own memories

* Let your picture tell a story

* Introduce fresh color

You can disguise drawing faults like poor perspectives with confident line-work. Active drawing permits you to disguise mistakes and lack of drawing skill when you work from real life

* When you draw a still life picture, the natural sweep of your ink pen can mask slightly distorted vase of flowers

* When you use a pencil for figure drawing, errors in body form can be hidden

* In a landscape sketch, a quick swish of charcoal will make your trees move with the wind

* The power of the sea can be captured by a swirling dash of crayon

You can easily add more interest to you drawings Leave the sketch outlines showing. Your drawings will rank high when your pencil marks show movement and growth.

Don’t hide your talents. Allow the painting process to distinguish your original artwork from a machine produced print copy

* With oils and acrylics you can show your painting skills when you allow visible brush marks in finished paintings

* You can lift your paintings with a splash of color

* Allow water to make your watercolors paintings flow

Whether you are an art beginner, an intermediate amateur, or a professional artist don’t let your art suffer. Add soul to your drawing and painting

“Let your character shine through and reveal your personality”

Popularity: 21% [?]