12 mistakes by beginner artists by Colin Perini

Buying a canvas and some paint, makes you a painter, not an artist!

As a professional artist (for over 30 years) I often get asked about my techniques. I won’t discuss my techniques, instead I am happy to discuss creativity and my attitudes to life and art.

1. Beginners do not learn to draw properly.

 

You need to learn a whole range of artistic skills so that you can call upon your diversity to enhance your creativity.

 

2. Beginners want instant success.

 

Instant success is not real life. You are not born talented. You build your talent by consistently practicing what you love doing.

 

3. Beginners ideas are copied not created.

 

It is only natural to be inspired by the work of others or by nature or whatever, but creativity is an act of creation. An artist should bring new ideas into the world. The more of you in the work the more individual and different it is.

 

4. Beginners over-price their work.

 

The public is the only critic that counts. If the public does not buy it, then it is too expensive or not good enough.

 

5. Beginners become emotionally attached to their art.

 

Your work is of little value stacked behind a door. It is of no value if it cannot be seen. Paint it and then release it out into the world. There is an endless line of new works awaiting expression through you. Let them go and get on with the new.

 

6. Beginners are not spontaneous.

 

Capture the moment for this is your reality. Put it on paper, in song, dance, whatever. Just get your work started and enjoy the process.

 

7. Beginners fear mistakes.

 

The biggest mistake is hesitating to be brave. Often you need to work outside your own comfort and convenience zone. Take risks, try new directions, you will survive and learn from the experience.

 

8. Beginners feel sorry for themselves and their lack of success.

 

Nobody will discover you and put you on a pedestal. You have to invent your own success. You are the only one who understands what you need to succeed. It is up to you to make a consistent effort to knock down the barriers to your success.

 

9. Beginners get lost in incidentals.

 

The details in your work will take care of themselves. As you practice more, your work naturally becomes more refined. There is no rush, your skills take time to evolve.

 

 

10. Beginners think artists are a superior species.

 

The art of painting is no better than the art of parenting or the art of economics, or teaching, or dancing… Every person is an artist in the field that they love. The art of life is to make a living from what you love.

 

11. Beginners think they already know everything.

 

Shut up and listen. Older people have seen more, done more, failed more and succeeded far more than you have. Listen!

 

12. Beginners don’t take time to study their subject.

 

If you are going to paint the ocean, then get down to the beach and start observing it. Watch it, read about it, think about it! Get to know your subject!