Kayley Fletcher writes: Hi, I used to love drawing when I was younger but then life got in the way and I didn’t have time for it. Now I want to get back into art but I don’t know where to start. There is so much info online and it can all get very overwhelming. Do you have any info or tips you can share or even recommend any teaching websites or books?
Many thanks.
This is pretty common and a really simple problem. You just have to start. Don’t overthink it! Pick something that interests you: flowers, animals, whatever! Then paint or draw it. When you’re done, step back and analyze what you want to improve on. When doing this don’t just say “everything”. What EXACTLY needs improvement. Your shading/lighting/blending/drawing? Figure out where you want to focus, then do a google search “how to blend acrylic paints” or “how to improve your drawing skills”. You’re right, there is SO much info out there and it does get really overwhelming. Youtube is one of my favorite sites to learn different techniques. So much of what you will want to learn can be obtained through a combination of trial and error, and watching someone else do what it is you’re trying to do.
The big thing is this: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. If you do, you will get frustrated. Let yourself enjoy playing with the paint or pencils. Give yourself permission to make a mess of the painting or drawing as you get started again.
As for the books find artists who are producing the type of art you want to create and go from there. Don’t limit yourself to books for beginners or you probably won’t learn as much as fast. I have a video talking about just that
I also have a video giving you some tips to get back into art after a long break