The Key to Making Any Art

Something that I wrote the other day in a facebook comment about art journaling that can be applied to ANY art form:

The trick is to keep playing, experimenting and pushing. No one creates a masterpiece in one sitting. It's all a learning experience. Don't judge. Just make. Don't go out and buy new materials/supplies. Use what you already have. Don't be afraid to copy. Copying is how we learn. Look at how the Old Masters taught. That said, there will come a point where you have to push yourself and make the work your own. You'll know it when you get there. Work on a page (or canvas, box, etc...) Then make several more. Don't go back and look until a few days have passed. Then instead of pointing out what you think is wrong with the page, note what you like. See if you can figure out how to make the page different for next time. Make color copies of journal pages and rework the pages. Scared of the blank page? Cover it with something. Pick things that you like and are drawn towards. Go back and add layers on top of it. Date everything. Don't rip anything out. Don't be envious of others' work. Learn from them. There ARE rules in art (especially when it comes to health and safety.) Learn them and then learn how to break them. Health first (use common sense with art supplies.) There is no wrong way to start or work. It's all about finding the process that works best for you. The biggest barriers are getting over the first blank page, comparing your work to others and learning how to work with your supplies. Think baby steps and be gentle with yourself. You can do it.