how to improve as an artist Archives - Page 3 of 3

In this episode I’m sharing with you three “hacks” I learned for continuously improving, FAST, in watercolor painting. This could probably also be applied to any other different drawing & painting medium.

Here’s a snippet of the hacks!

Hack #1 – Master Studies

This is one of the things that have really helped me expend my horizons and improve fast.

By doing paintings based on masters’ works, you “force” yourself to see things the way they do, and to create using a similar process to theirs!

This will help you improve, but also break your own patterns and make sure you never plateau.

Hack #2 – Plein-Air Painting

Plein-air, or in other words – painting on location – is one of the activities that constantly help me preserve my spontaneity and authenticity.

Painting inside all the time, and working from photos, can really limit the creation experience.

It can lead to you following the same familiar path you’ve been following for a long time.

In addition, it’s more detached from your painting subject. The photo has been taken for you. The process has been edited.

Painting outside cuts all interferences.

Many struggle with shyness or people looking at them. That goes away very fast. Also – help yourself by painting in more rural and less densely populated areas, if possible.

Hack #3 – Both Techniques AND Premium Finished Paintings

You want to allocate time to both these different activities.

One – you want to spend isolated time practicing the basics and techniques of watercolor, without worry of producing a specific final result.

Second – You want to spend time creating the BEST, largest, most detailed paintings you can (and want to), and not just small quick studies.

This will also depend on your goals and style of choice. If you like abstract art, simplified paintings or scenes – go for it! But if you aim for a higher level of detail and impressionism / realism – this will be beneficial.

Conclusion

I hope you find these helpful.

Remember these are simply my suggestions. Figure out what works best for you – and do that ^_^

Good luck!

— Liron

Want to Reach Out?

Got any questions? Want help with your paintings? Feel free to reach out to me in any of the platforms I’m on, and I’ll be happy to help (:

YouTube – Liron Yanconsky Art

LinkedIn – Liron Yanconsky

Pinterest – Liron Yanconsky

Instagram – @LironYanIL

Twitter – @LironYan

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In this episode I want to talk about just how important experimentation is in art. This connects to everything – improving, developing a unique style, enjoying the process and more!

What I mean by Experimentation

As this is aimed at visual artists, mainly painters – here are some relevant examples of experimentation:

Utilizing different techniques
Using new tools
Trying out different approaches & work processes
Painting subjects you are unfamiliar with
Using colors you’re not used to

Why Experimentation is Important

Unique and individual Style – Yes! Experimentation will help you incorporate and implement new elements into your style, that will in turn make it more YOU.

Novelty & Burnout Prevention – Experimentation will help you to continue enjoying your medium in the long run. It will keep things interesting and even less expected!

Preventing Complacency – Constant experimentation and challenging yourself to try out different things will help to prevent settling in your patterns and becoming stale in your growth and development.

Caveat – Focus & Improvement

I think experimentation can become a crutch / escapism , if used to the extreme. If you are only trying new things all the time, you don’t really have to become proficient in anything…

That’s why you want to balance it out with a routine, and with working on the basics of art and your medium.

The answer is always – Both!

Artist Corner – Marc Folly

In this one I feature Marc Folly, an incredible French painter who’s style I find very intriguing.

He has a way of connecting areas and leading the viewer in a very clear way towards points of interest.

He’s a master of wet in wet and negative painting techniques.

You can check out his work on his website: Marc Folly

And here’s where you can find me…

Check out my YouTube Channel – Liron Yanconsky

Or ask me questions on Instagram – @LironYanIL or Snapchat – @LironYan3

I hope you enjoyed this one. Take care, and we’ll talk again really soon,