Painting is not just a fun hobby; it is a powerful way for me to express my feelings and showcase my creativity. When I pick up a brush and let the colors flow, I can share what I am thinking and feeling in a way that words sometimes cannot capture. Though this is not my full time career, I find time to practice painting . I know that the more I paint, the better I can become at showing my ideas and emotions. Painting helps me relax, think clearly, and connect with others who appreciate art. 

I am glad I don’t have to spend a lot of time learning about different pigments and how to mix them, especially since we now have so many shades readily available :). As someone who didn’t go to art school, I rely on my intuition to choose the colors that best suit the outcome I want to achieve in my paintings. I used to put all my effort into trying to create the best colors for my artwork, paying close attention to every detail. This was not very effective as I started losing interest. Over time, I discovered that using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, like purple and yellow, or red and green, makes my paintings more vibrant. These contrasting colors intensify each other, creating a powerful visual effect. On the other hand, colors next to each other on the color wheel, such as yellow and green or blue and purple, create a harmonious look that feels warm or cool. However, I have not used this effectively. I am planning in the future to pay more attention to this.

Experimenting with different tools can unlock a world of creativity in painting. Using a variety of brushes, palette knives, and even household items like Q-tips can lead to exciting new techniques. Each tool offers a unique way to apply paint, allowing for discovery and innovation. For instance, when I paint with pastels, I first use watercolor on a canvas. Then, I apply Golden Pumice Gel over the painting to create the toothed surface for the pastel and then do my pastel artwork over it. I find this method gives my painting a vibrant effect that stands out. The most important part is to have fun and explore without the pressure of creating a perfect masterpiece right away. By playing with different materials, you can find your own style and techniques.

Planning your artwork is just as essential as experimenting with tools. Before I start painting, I take the time to sketch out my ideas and create color studies. This preparation helps me visualize what I want to create and makes the process smoother. By practicing specific techniques and visualizing my artwork, I feel more confident when it’s time to paint. This careful planning reduces frustration and leads to better results. 

Also I practice a lot; the more you paint, the better you will get. I set aside time each week to work on my painting skills. I sometimes paint from life or use photographs as references. I have also taken ideas from multiple photographs for a single piece.

I also seek feedback. I share my work with family and friends, and with other members of the art league I am part of. Listening to others’ opinions can help me see my strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for growth. I also took classes from a wonderful artist who helped me see my work from her perspective; this new outlook greatly helped me to improve.

Starting and improving your painting skills is an exciting journey. Early on, my paintings were very different from what I create now. Some of my artist friends thought I needed a lot of improvement, but I knew it was just the beginning of my artistic journey. It’s important to remember that practice makes perfect. Each time I picked up a brush or mixed colors, I learned something new and improved my skills. So, I will never give up! If you keep working hard and stay dedicated, you will see progress in your artwork and everything else you do.The key is to have fun and enjoy the process.