How to be a better Artist? ...

This is a question I have been asked over the years, "How do I become a better artist?" and there are a few reccommendations I can give. One of them was some sage advice from my 4 years senior artistic cousin. I think I was age 10 when she said, "Do you want to know the secret to being a better artist?"... I of course, with baited breath was keen to know!

She replied, "Practice, .....practice,...... practice..." I was a tad dissapointed I have to say, that there was no magic bullet - but that was probably the best advice ever!

I would add to that: "Observe, observe, observe"...

At art college when doing life drawing, my tutor's advice was : - do nothing until you have sat and observed for at least 10 minutes. Observe the lines, the light / dark contrast, the way the shapes interact with each other..look at textures, look at the space around the shapes..THEN you can take up your pen or paintbrush.

I will be doing some videos in the near future and also walking you through some of my sketch books. After hearing from other artists about their video / blogging journeys, they have said that they just started sharing about their work. They decided to introduce it to the world. Whether it be in the form of poetry, music or art, no matter what stage of excellence they felt they were at. Looking back they say, they can SEE their growth, and SEE the journey. There is never a better time to start than now! My front garden is my serenity spot ~ and every day there is something new to inspire me with. I make the habit of observing what is new that day, and try to jot down a flower or two, but even if I do not draw them, I observe them daily.

I wrote this poem after my morning walk. It's July 2022, its been hot weather, everyone thinks they will melt.. last night there was light rain, so that was a welcome break from the intense heat!

Here is this weeks #Creative Challenge!

Look at ONE flower in your house - or on your walk to work - or in your garden. Focus.... observe... then draw however you want - i.e in detail or in a general sense of what you see.. ta da! you have done one creative act!

Check out my Cousin Helen Baly's Instagram @helenbalyphoto and www.helenbaly.smugmug.com she is a Wedding Photographer & fabulous pet portrait artist!

#next blog will be "All about the Seaside and my sketchbook practice"