*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :) Do you want to start giving your art the importance it deserves, but find it difficult to make time for it with everything you have going on? Are you frustrated (and maybe even depressed) that your day-to-day responsibilities don't allow you the time you need for those activities that bring you an immense amount of joy and fulfillment? Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams.
-Donovan Bailey
In today's post, I'll be sharing eight useful tips that will help you make time for your art, even while having a crazy, busy schedule. These are things I set in place myself that allowed me to advance my art skills while working overtime at my last full-time position. By putting these tips to use and staying consistent, you'll be able to make steady progress towards your artistic goals, too. For me, becoming a full-time artist and making a living from my art/art skills didn't even register as an option until I was around thirty years old and having had worked high-stress full-time jobs for over ten years. It was only after I had spent all that time building up personal and professional skills (as well as having saved up enough money) that I finally allowed myself to consider creative entrepreneurship. For the longest time, I let my fears and limiting beliefs stop me from diving head-first into those activities that made me happier than anything I'd ever experienced. Not to mention, those jobs left me tired and completely drained of creativity. The last thing I wanted to do in my free time was focus, yet again, on another task. However, as time went by, it dawned on me that life is too short not to prioritize my dreams and take action now. I had already wasted too much time! It was then that I began absorbing all I could from other artists that were making a living from their art and doing those things I wanted to be doing. I decided to make my artistic growth a priority, no matter how tired I was from "adulting" and doing those things I had to keep doing in order to pay the bills and put food on the table. In time, people started showing their interest and wanted to buy my work, which led to a huge increase in confidence. This helped me move on to larger, more complex projects which led to even more opportunities. It was after this that I finally planned out how I would be leaving all those years of working at "normal" jobs. It was extremely scary, as full-time work was all I knew. But something inside me told me it was now or never, so I decided to go for it full-steam. This is what I've been doing for the last year and, even though I've been working non-stop day-in-and-day-out, it's the happiest I've ever been! I talk more in depth about how I prepared to leave my last full-time job in my blog post/YouTube video titled How I Left My Job and Became an Artistpreneur. I'm very, very thankful for the job opportunities that I have had in the past, as they allowed me to grow personally and professionally in so many ways. Honestly, if it wasn't for those jobs and the experience they provided, I don't think I'd have the skills and confidence to be doing what I'm doing today. 8 Tips to Progress Artistically Even While Being Incredibly Busy
1. Acknowledge (and embrace) that you're an artist/creative at heartGetting to know yourself and learning to love who you are is absolutely essential for anyone to be happy. If your creative spirit and art-making is what distinguishes you from others, embrace it. What's more, actually believe that you have it in you to become an artist if that's what you want and decide to give your true passions the importance they deserve. My greatest fear in life is reaching old age and regretting not having pursued my dreams as best I could. I may be idealistic, but I believe every single one of us was born for a reason, and it's through growing in that area that we're then able to inspire those around us and make an impact in the world. You may be in the same situation I was in, working full-time jobs that don't fulfill you or that have nothing to do with art, but think of these jobs as stepping stones that are allowing you to grow in different ways and are giving you the resources to live and develop yourself artistically while not having to worry that you won't be able to pay the bills. Be thankful for these opportunities but always keep your end-goal in mind, no matter what. 2. Prioritize your artistic growth and rearrange your current routinesTo make significant improvements in any area of our lives, it's essential to prioritize our goals, create plans and stick with them. Accept the fact that this will involve having to make certain sacrifices, but always remember that a year from now you'll be incredibly happy that you started today. As busy people with "regular" jobs, families to take care of, and all the responsibilities that come with being adults, we have to accept the fact that things are going to pop up that we have to take care of. However, focus on the things that you are able to control. You may not be able to change the fact that you'll be busy working 8-10 hours a day at your job, but you can certainly reduce the amount of time you spend watching t.v. or scrolling on social media on your off time. By scheduling in your art time there is a much greater possibility you'll actually do it. Depending on your personal situation, this could mean setting aside one hour three times a week after work to follow a tutorial on your topic of choice or perhaps waking up 30 minutes earlier so that you can do a quick sketch before going to work. If you absolutely can't find time during the week, then schedule in time on weekend mornings. Another huge thing that goes hand-in-hand with using your time wisely is the ability to say 'no' to those activities that aren't going to get you closer to your goals. I know how hard this can be for people-pleasers like myself, but it's imperative to establish clear boundaries with others and to be able to discern between activities (and even people) that are helpful, from the ones that may be a waste of time and energy. Remember that time is the most valuable thing we have. One question I always as myself whenever I'm feeling like I'm wasting too much time is: Is this activity helping me improve my work, my health or the relationships I have with my loved ones? 
3. Establish deadlines and goalsIn my blog post Time Management for Artists: My Secrets for Staying Consistently Productive I explain how I go about setting yearly goals in personal, professional and interpersonal areas in order to then chunk them down into clear, doable monthly objectives. I then divide those smaller monthly goals into even smaller chunks that must get done each week. Three examples of how to go about applying this in regards to artistic growth: a) Large goal: Complete an online art course in three months. Depending on the amount of modules/classes/assignments included in the course of your choosing, divide them into three "chunks" to be completed by the end of each month. Then, divide those chunks once again into 4 (number of weeks in a month) and schedule your to-do's each week. b) Large goal: Fill 12 pages of your sketchbook in one month. Complete 3 pages each week so that by the end of the month you'll reach your goal. c) Large goal: Get really good at drawing portraits by the end of the year. Set incremental goals each month starting with the fundamental knowledge you should understand and progressing onwards until you get to month 12. Ex. Month 1: Understand basic facial proportions and locations of facial elements within the head shape, Month 2: Drawing eyes, Month 3: Drawing noses, Month 4: Drawing lips, Month 5: Drawing heads in angles, and so on. I'm aware that this process might sound too constrictive or boring for free-flowing creatives out there. While I totally agree that it's incredibly important to stay flexible, if we don't establish deadlines, most of us tend to push things back to the point they never get done. We're constantly bombarded with distractions and it's important to stay focused in order to ensure we're moving the needle forward consistently, even if it's a tiny bit at a time. 4. Connect with others that share your same love for artBeing an artist can be lonely and not having other people to talk to that share your same wavelength can make things even harder. If you're lucky to have friends you can chat with or even create art with in person, treasure them and make sure you're scheduling in time to hang out every so often. It's so important to maintain connections with other people we can learn from and who'll inspire us to keep going! The Internet is such an invaluable tool, as it not only enables us to learn and improve our artistic skills through articles and videos, but we're also able to connect with other people all over the world that share our same passion for art. Even if you're in a situation similar to mine, in which you don't have many artists around you that you can hang out with in person, you can very easily meet other artists through social media, groups and art communities. Whether you create and/or share art with others in person, online or a combination of both, make sure you make time for brainstorming new ideas with others, as well as obtaining (and providing) feedback. Learning from more seasoned artists and participating in online art communities has helped me stay accountable and consistent, which has allowed me to progress my skills significantly in shorter periods of time. 
Click on the image to subscribe to my email list and get access to the Art in Harmony Facebook group.
5. Keep your art supplies handy Get in the habit of bringing a small sketchbook and a couple of drawing tools of your choice with you wherever you go. This way, you'll be able to progress your drawing and observational skills in free pockets of time throughout the day. I talk about the importance of sketchbooks and tips to make the most of them in my post Why Sketchbooks are Essential Tools for Artists. Aside from this, also place your art supplies somewhere where they'll be visible for you at home. Don't keep them locked away in a closet or drawer! By having them on hand, there is a much greater chance you'll actually remember to use them.
6. Never underestimate the power of quicker studies
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7. Collect ideas as you go through your day
As artists, it's important to stay open to inspiration coming from all kinds of sources. A new idea can come up after seeing a nice combination of colors in someone's outfit, the texture of a piece of fruit or the shape of a flower vase! Not to mention, emotions or ideas for new projects can come up during a quick trip to the supermarket or a night out with friends.
Even if you don't have enough time to put pencil/pen/paintbrush to paper during a crazy week, by keeping your art in the forefront of your mind and collecting ideas as you go through your day, you'll be staying creative! Always be thinking of how you can use everyday experiences as inspiration for future projects and get in the habit of writing down notes, as well as taking reference pictures that you can use in the future.
8. Stop overthinking and just get to work
It's incredible to me how we're our own biggest obstacles. Oftentimes we stop ourselves from doing things we know we need to get done in order to reach our goals because we overthink everything and waste way too much time doing so.
In time, I've come to realize that it's through taking imperfect action that we're able to move forward and that staying paralyzed with laziness and/or fear is a huge waste of the precious time we have.
If there's anything you really want to do in life, please do it! You owe it to yourself and to those around you who will be incredibly inspired by the fact that you pursued your passions.
Many of us may be extremely busy or may be going through a particularly rough time, but it's up to us to stay positive, use our experiences to our advantage and do what we can with the time we have. Motivate yourself by thinking of the artist you'll be a year from now if you just make the decision to prioritize your growth. A year from now, you'll be thankful you started today.
Cheers!
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:
-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
*Click below to learn more!
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Have you ever traveled to a new place and wished you had a few solid recommendations of inspiring places to visit from actual locals who know about art? Planning a trip to Ireland and wish to make the most of it so you can return to your studio inspired and full of new ideas?
Traveling can be such an amazing source of inspiration for artists and art-appreciators! When I have the opportunity to visit a new city/country, I strive to make the most of it both in terms of enjoyment/relaxation, as well as taking in inspiration that I will later be using for work.
As I mentioned in my blog post 3 Proven Hacks to Progress Artistically While Traveling, I love reaching out to actual locals who share my interests and get suggestions from them about places I should visit.
Today's post was written by Neville from www.irelandart.com and he's sharing a list of recommended galleries/museums we simply must spend time in when visiting Ireland. There are few things as inspiring than spending time surrounded by all kinds of amazing artwork!
Enjoy!
Whether it is their Guinness, food, music or rugby, the people of Ireland seem to turn everything into art. For artists, art lovers and novices in need of inspiration, Ireland should be at the top of your bucket list as whatever your art fancy may be; you will find it in abundance in the Emerald Isle. Let’s look at some of the most popular art venues the country has to offer.
1. Irish Museum of Modern Art
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Located in the centre of Dublin, the building in itself is an architectural piece of art that takes your breath away before you even enter it. Dating back to 1684, it has been restored and revamped and now has huge viewing spaces. There is an artist-in-residence studio that is extremely popular with local artists and tourists alike. The permanent collection includes artists like Chuck Close, Ed Ruscha, and Louise Bourgeois, to name a few and of course Irish Artists also feature prominently in their collections.
2. Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane
The Hugh Lane Dublin City Gallery
This gallery was literally moved from London to Dublin; the walls, floors, ceiling and the rest of the building where transported across the Irish Sea. Today the gallery is the permanent studio of Francis Bacon, as well as an active charity which hosts open nights and events. Here you will find international modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works by Joseph Beuys, Berthe Morisot, and Agnes Martin.
3. The MAC
The Mac, Belfast
It’s not only the Republic of Ireland that has a nice art history and thriving modern scene, Belfast also hosts some of the finest art galleries in the UK. The MAC is one such gallery which features works from famed local artists such as Nicholas Keogh and Maria McKinney. This six story building is an impressive architectural structure housing no less than three very different galleries. The good news is it’s free to the public and open seven days a week.
4. Kerlin Gallery
This gallery is located in the heart of Dublin and is known for its impressive collection of contemporary works and well-known artists. One of these famous artists is Dorothy Cross. Her sculptures and photos investigate the connection between humans and the natural world.
5. Gallery of Photography, Ireland
Located in Dublin City’s Meeting House Square, the collection of global and Irish works will have photographers beaming. Their photography workshops and courses will be valuable to anyone interested in the art of photography as it is concerned.
6. Eakin Gallery
This small family run gallery in Belfast’s bustling Lisburn Road was established in 1979 and since then has become synonymous with the local art scene in Northern Ireland. They showcase some of Northern Ireland’s leading artists such as Terry Bradley, William Conor and Frank McKelvey. If you're looking to take a painting home with you, they do sell some of their collections as well.
7. RUA RED
This art centre is in the cultural quarter of Tallaght, is just outside Dublin city centre. Aimed at the local community, RUA RED works side-by-side with festivals and is involved in various events and programmes, like visual art exhibitions, theatrical productions, writing workshops, dancing classes and film screenings. Visit them for lively, local entertainment.
8. Trinity College Library
Trinity College Library
A visit to the library at the Trinity College is one of those things that you just have to do. This venue is famous for having an illuminated manuscript that contains the Four Gospels of the Bible, known as The Book of Kells. It is kept in a dark room. According to that in-the-know, the craftsmanship of this book is simply outstanding, especially the word Christ’ that is written in garnet, gold and umber colors.
9. SO Fine Art Edition
Nestled in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, SO Fine Art Editions is known as one of the best of Ireland’s contemporary art galleries. Their extensive collection includes sculptures, prints, photography and works in glass and ceramics.
10. Red Barn Gallery
If you are looking for a photographic art gallery with a difference then the Red Barn Gallery in Belfast is the place for you. It’s a non-profit organization which is dedicated to the provision and advancement of the photographic arts for the public. It’s a relatively young studio having just opened in 2008 but in that time it has become a must see for art lovers in Belfast.
Neville is the owner of Irelandart.com an online gallery based in Northern Ireland
that is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Irish art and artists.
Follow him on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/irelandartonline/
https://twitter.com/fineirishart
Thanks SO much for sharing all of these awesome places with us Neville! I certainly look forward to visiting Ireland and taking in all the amazing art it has to offer!
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)
Do you want to go off on vacation, but fear you'll lose your creative streak or even fall behind artistically if you take a few days off? Ever wondered how you can ensure creative progress while away from the studio and regular work routines? Curious to see what happens when you take your art-making on the road but are, perhaps, a bit nervous about working in unusual/public settings?
As artists, traveling is a great way of gaining new inspiration and facing challenges that can lead to substantial growth. It may sound counterintuitive, especially for us workaholics, but putting miles between us and our studios may be just what we need to kick our creative progress into gear.
In today's blog post, I'll be sharing the three things I personally did to prepare for my last trip, which allowed me to enjoy it immensely WHILE moving forward artistically. By preparing ourselves mentally and doing a bit of research beforehand, we can take full advantage of our travels and come back home refreshed, motivated and full of ideas!
To clarify, I consider the incubation of ideas just as important as the act of creating finalized artworks. It's through first-hand experiences that we get to know ourselves as artists and come to conclusions about what messages we want to bring to the world. This, for me, is just as essential as working on our cold artistic skills.
I absolutely loved Toronto! In my last blog post/YouTube video, I shared how there was just SO much to get inspired by! Check that post out HERE. The huge variety in cultures present in the city, as well as the beautiful architecture, music, coffee, shops, galleries and art studios triggered a lot of emotions in me that made me want to create.
Me at Distillery District in Toronto
Photo taken at Art Gallery of Ontario Museum. Portrait of Marie-Melanie Quesnel by Canadian School c. 1810.
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Drawing pen sketch created during one of my visits to the Art Gallery of Ontario Museum.
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Photo taken during lunch at Cafe Crepe in Toronto.
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Realistic watercolor painting created using previously taken reference photo.
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Visit THIS blog post to find more pictures of the painting process for this watercolor sandwich!
3 Hacks to Apply Before and During Your Next Trip
1. Give some thought to what supplies and promotional items you'll be taking with you
The supplies that you choose to take with you will vary depending on your artistic medium(s) of choice, as well as how comfortable you are drawing or painting in public (or rushed) situations. I love watercolors and immediately reached for my smallest/most portable set to pack up. However, I knew that I would probably have limited time and space to create, so I also made sure to take a few pencils and drawing pens with me.
I recommend sticking to the basics and taking only what's truly necessary when selecting your art supplies (unless you're deliberately traveling to a drawing/painting event). Take your most portable sets and supplies that allow for easy cleaning, making sure they aren't the most expensive or even your favorite. Things get lost and damaged during trips, and you want to avoid sad situations. Also, consider what bag you'll use to carry your stuff in while walking around.
I knew since before my husband and I started preparing for our trip, that I didn't want to pressure myself or take away from fully enjoying the experiences Toronto had to offer. I wanted to focus more on taking note of moments, feelings and thoughts that popped up. The few sketches I created were quick, but I made sure to take lots of reference pictures that I could work with when I got home.
If you're up for the challenge, however, traveling is a great opportunity to practice plein air painting, drawing settings, objects and people! You can also set timers for yourself to practice creating faster drawings and/or paintings, which will help you become more expressive and efficient!
Art supplies I took on my trip.
Supplies I took on my trip (Amazon links included):
1. Red "Imagine" notebook from Target
2. Canson 90lb. drawing sketchbook 5.5x8.5 in.
3. Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Sketch 12 Color Set
4. Sakura portable/re-fillable watercolor brush
5. Milan rubber eraser
6. Turquoise drawing pencils in HB and 2B
7. LePen drawing pens in 0.3 and 0.5 points
8. Metallic sharpener
9. Small pencil pouch
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Are you a professional artist? I REALLY recommend taking time to create unique promotional items that you can give to awesome people you meet while you're traveling! Instead of giving out a regular business card, think of items that people will actually want to have around and/or use. Be practical about it, of course, as you'll have to make space for them in your suitcase and there's always a risk of things getting damaged throughout the journey.
I had some notebooks made with my artwork on the cover and contact information on the back and people loved them!
White paper spiral notebooks I had made with my artwork on the cover.
White paper spiral notebooks I had made with my artwork on the cover.
2. Use social media to reach out to locals working in areas related to your niche
A couple of weeks before my trip I got the idea of using social media channels to send out a message to artists actually living in Toronto. It's one thing to get recommendations from friends or family who've visited the city/town before, and quite another to get insights from actual local artists!
I created a nice-looking JPG using Canva calling out for Toronto-based artists and posted it on Instagram and Twitter (a few appropriate hashtags included). I honestly didn't know if I would get any responses, and should have posted it at least a couple of more times. Fortunately, two very helpful locals got back to me with their recommendations! I even got to meet one of them during my trip, which was awesome. :)
Using your own research, as well as suggestions from local artists, create a list of places that you want to make sure to visit during your trip, always taking into account their distance from the hotel you'll be staying in. Think of experiences that YOU find particularly enjoyable, instead of spending your whole trip running around from place to place visiting the usual tourist-y locations just because that's what everyone tells you you should do (unless you actually WANT to).
Quick design I made calling out to local Toronto artists.
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My Instagram feed! Click to follow me there. :)
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3. Stay open to inspiration coming from EVERYWHERE (not only the visual arts)
Think about things and experiences that usually trigger YOUR inspiration/motivation. If you're an artist, of course you're going to find museums and galleries enjoyable. However, what other things do you find inspiring? Is it history? Architecture? Fashion? Food? Nature? Music? Clubs? What is it for you and how can your personal interests translate into activities that you can experience in that particular city?
I understand how for people it may be important to check off ALL of the tourist attractions in specific cities, especially because you never know when you'll be able to go back to that particular place. However, try to also incorporate your personal interests into your trip. I often find quaint, lesser known establishments/areas just as enjoyable as the bigger attractions, and I also LOVE getting to know what life is like for locals. Having the opportunity to chat with locals is very inspiring because you get to know perspectives of people living in cities different from your own.
In my blog post titled How I Find Inspiration as an Artist and Some Ideas to Keep You Going, I talk about the mentality I've adopted as an artist that allows me to be constantly inspired to create. I also give some useful tips that you can apply to keep your creativity flowing steadily.
Art supplies and inspirational items I bought at Toronto.
Supplies and inspirational items I bought during my trip:
1. Black back-pack and pins: Sonic Boom Records
2. The Starving Artist Cookbook, written and illustrated by Sara Zin: Sonic Boom Records
3. Leuchtturm1917 sketchbook: Art Gallery of Ontario Museum (Gift shop)
4. Emily Carr and Lawren Harris Art Magnets: Art Gallery of Ontario Museum (Gift shop)
5. AGO Museum Tote Bag: Art Gallery of Ontario Museum (Gift shop)
6. Emily Carr- An Introduction to Her Life and Art: Acadia Art and Rare Books
*Book can be acquired through Amazon HERE.
7. Wanderlust and Wildflowers Colored Pencils: Kid Icarus Gift and Screen Print Shop
8. Green Ink Pad: Kid Icarus Gift and Screen Print Shop
9. Schoolbook Lowercase Alphabet Stamps: Kid Icarus Gift and Screen Print Shop
Abstract artwork by Bianka Guna. Click on the image to visit her website!
Abstract artwork by Bianka Guna. Click on the image to visit her website!
Abstract artwork by Bianka Guna. Click on the image to visit her website!
Click on the image to visit Mehoi's Etsy shop!
Artusiasm is an amazing art gallery that was recommended to me by an artist/designer kind enough to respond to my calling through Instagram! I'm so thankful for this recommendation because the gallery and its owners are truly amazing people! Thanks Ben!! :)
*Click on the images below to visit Artusiasm's site.
Artusiasm art gallery
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Artusiasm art gallery
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To end this blog post, I want to remind you to try to find a balance between enjoying life, taking care of yourself, and staying productive. If you're lucky enough to travel, enjoy the experience as much as possible, remain open, and most likely, inspiration will happen naturally. Don't pressure yourself and focus more on recording your thoughts, feelings and ideas!
I wish you the best of luck in your art journey and lots of opportunities for traveling!
Cheers!
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:
-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
*Click below to learn more!
Do you frequently struggle with a lack of motivation to create? Does daily life make it difficult for you to produce artwork consistently? Do you frequently compare yourself with other artists and feel like you'll never reach their skill level? Do you feel it's too late for you to start your artistic journey or that you are progressing too slowly?
Being an artist can be tough mentally, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or even a professional. It can be extremely lonely and stressful because, in most cases, you are solely responsible for progressing your skills, producing great work, marketing yourself, dealing with sales, and staying on top of all the practical aspects of maintaining a business. You have to 100% believe in what you have to offer and be your own cheerleader in a vast sea of amazingly talented artists.
All of this makes it ABSOLUTELY imperative for us artists (of all kinds) to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally. This will help us not only achieve success much faster, but to stay happy and productive throughout the years. Think about it for a sec. If you're happy, you'll be more likely to produce work consistently. The more work you produce, the faster you'll improve. And the faster you improve your skills, the more self-confidence you'll have to put yourself out there and start making your work known.
Lacking inspiration? Read my blog post about How I Find Inspiration as an Artist and Some Ideas to Keep you Going.
As artists, we face challenging situations daily. From the moment we stand in front of a blank canvas that we have to turn into a beautiful painting, to the moment we start receiving criticism for that one piece we posted online. We also have to produce work consistently, and if we get easily frustrated with ourselves for our mistakes, we may fail to produce the amount of work required to improve our skills. Furthermore, if we approach a new project thinking we are going to fail, we will most likely fail.
I learned about Positive Daily Affirmations a while back and, though I'm too skeptical to believe in the Law of Attraction per se, I DO believe our minds are extremely powerful and that our thinking affects our daily actions. All of us have self-imposed beliefs that we have formed throughout our lives.
The experiences we've been through and what we've been taught have created thinking patterns that are embedded in our minds whether we are aware of them or not. And, unfortunately, many of them are holding us back from becoming everything we could become.
Our self-image is basically what we believe to be true about ourselves and what we think we're capable of achieving in life. Each person creates his/her own version of reality and, if we REALLY want to, we have the ability to change these realities to get rid of self-imposed limitations.
In a nut-shell, Daily Affirmations are short, positive statements that declare specific goals as if they are already happening or have already been completed. If repeated consistently, they have a profound effect on the conscious and subconscious mind. They help you live a life of positivity, gratitude and mindfulness.
In the beginning, saying these affirmations may feel ridiculous or even uncomfortable, but the more you repeat them, the more naturally these words will come to you. Over time, you'll be saying them with greater confidence and your mind will start perceiving them as your new truth.
Truly successful people, in my opinion, live fulfilling lives by making something of their passions and create a positive impact on the world in whichever ways they're able to. Who comes to your mind when you think of a character like this? You can bet these people are positive, grateful and mindful!
10 Daily Affirmations for Artists
1. I fully accept myself and know I am worthy of achieving great things in life.
2. The artist is already present within me.
3. I trust I am exactly where I need to be in my artistic journey.
4. I do not seek perfection, but progress, and view my mistakes as a sign
of exploration and growth.
5. The only person I compare myself to, is who I was yesterday.
6. I have unlimited creativity and the ability to create something meaningful.
7. I am proud of my work and its wonderfully unique characteristics.
8. Through hard work and determination, I am progressing my artistic skills
every single day.
9. I am becoming a brilliant artist and will be persistent as I pursue my passion.
10. With my art, I am inspiring others and impacting lives.
Remember, YOU and YOU ALONE are responsible for creating your truth and living the life you want to live. YOU define what you are capable of doing and how far your artistic path will take you! So stay positive, my friend!
Download your free printable at the end of this post, print it and pin it somewhere you'll see it frequently throughout the day. Repeat these affirmations each morning or several times during the day for at least a month to start seeing results!
Want to learn more about Positive Affirmations? Check out this article written by Remez Sasson, founder of Success Consciousness.
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:
-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
*Click below to learn more!
Which of these 10 affirmations resonates with you most? Do you have any strategies set in place that help you stay motivated? Leave a comment in the comments section below and let's discuss!
Do you find yourself CONSTANTLY using other people's photographs as references when creating art? Have other people's comments about this being wrong ever made you feel guilty or less of an artist? Are you constantly making sure to do whatever you can with your time and resources to move your artistic progress forward or do you frequently go for what's most convenient?
Sorry to burst your bubble people, but artists use references to create artwork. ALL TYPES OF REFERENCES! And there's nothing wrong with that.
This post is going to be the first in a four-part series about the use of visual references when creating figurative artwork (notice abstract art is not mentioned here though many abstract artists also use either photographic or real-life references they have set up). As most of you artists already know, this is quite a touchy and even controversial topic that a lot of people prefer not getting into.
However, it's important that we do. I see a lot of confusion and guilt on part of beginner artists who have been led to believe that using references is wrong. There is also a lot of ignorance on part of non-artists who think that an artist SIMPLY MUST be able to create art without the use of references.
In this series, I will be discussing and exploring the following reference-using methods with you:
1. Using Other People's Photographs to Create Art (when it's okay to use other people's photos and how to do it in a way that will ensure your artistic progress)
2. Creating Artwork Based on Your Own Photography (click here to learn fast and easy ways to produce your own reference pictures)
3. Why Drawing from Direct Observation is Essential and 10 Tips to Improve (click here to learn why this drawing/painting method is so important in order to progress artistically)
4. Using Collage as an Effective Method to Create Unique and Expressive Art (click here to find out why collage is so powerful and how you can use it to your advantage)
These posts will shed some light on HOW and WHEN to use each of these methods effectively. I believe there should be space for all of them within an artistic journey and I personally use them all. Every blog post will include a time-lapse video in which I will be showing you how I complete an artwork using each method.
Being able to create engaging artwork using a reference photograph (or whatever type of reference for that matter) is not easy. It requires a deep understanding of Art Fundamentals, as well as a lot of previous practice with artistic media. Not to mention the ability to recreate, by hand, what is being taken in through the eyes. It requires serious observational skills, analysis, patience, and whole lot of effort.
I get comments myself from adults that believe that, since I'm an artist, I can probably draw anything from knowledge/imagination. I probably can. However, I won't end up with the aesthetic I'm generally going for with my art. If I don't have a visual reference to work from as I am creating my drawings or paintings, I'll end up with something too cartoony for my taste. Having a reference ensures that I won't forget important characteristics or details that I would like to include.
Go to my blog post titled My Favorite Free Image Sites & Two Examples of References with Finished Illustrations to find a list of my favorite quality, free-image sites.
There ARE artists out there who have the ability to create amazingly realistic drawings from imagination. This is usually because they have practiced and studied specific subjects for months or even years, which has allowed them to form a visual library in their minds and even the development of muscle memory to recreate shape and line easily.
All this said, I always stay away from tracing and creating exact replicas of photographs. This is ok when an artist is just starting out (or if its intentionally what you're going for), but as soon as basic observation/drawing skills are attained, I always encourage drawing freehand and using references as something to loosely base drawings or paintings off of.
Some of my favorite artists in history used reference images:
Norman Rockwell
Being able to create engaging artwork using a reference photograph (or whatever type of reference for that matter) is not easy. It requires a deep understanding of Art Fundamentals, as well as a lot of previous practice with artistic media. Not to mention the ability to recreate, by hand, what is being taken in through the eyes. It requires serious observational skills, analysis, patience, and whole lot of effort.
I get comments myself from adults that believe that, since I'm an artist, I can probably draw anything from knowledge/imagination. I probably can. However, I won't end up with the aesthetic I'm generally going for with my art. If I don't have a visual reference to work from as I am creating my drawings or paintings, I'll end up with something too cartoony for my taste. Having a reference ensures that I won't forget important characteristics or details that I would like to include.
Go to my blog post titled My Favorite Free Image Sites & Two Examples of References with Finished Illustrations to find a list of my favorite quality, free-image sites.
There ARE artists out there who have the ability to create amazingly realistic drawings from imagination. This is usually because they have practiced and studied specific subjects for months or even years, which has allowed them to form a visual library in their minds and even the development of muscle memory to recreate shape and line easily.
All this said, I always stay away from tracing and creating exact replicas of photographs. This is ok when an artist is just starting out (or if its intentionally what you're going for), but as soon as basic observation/drawing skills are attained, I always encourage drawing freehand and using references as something to loosely base drawings or paintings off of.
Some of my favorite artists in history used reference images:
Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell. After the Prom. Oil on canvas. 1957.
Alphose Mucha
Alphonse Mucha. Emerald. Colour lithograph. 1900.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Couple at Restaurant. Oil and gouache on cardboard. 1891.
Notice how all of these artworks are intentionally modified, added to and even distorted in order to communicate ideas more effectively. The final artwork, in my opinion, is far more visually appealing and expressive than the original reference image. This is what we should strive for when using photos as references, whether they are your own or not.
To finish up this (very long) introduction, I want to tell beginner artists out there to not let ANYBODY make you feel guilty or like less of an artist for using references! Just make sure you are keeping any studies that could get you in trouble to yourself and that you have permission to use photographs when you are thinking of sharing your work (especially online). Just be smart about it and keep challenging yourself to improve!
Let's get into the first part of the series!
Let's get into the first part of the series!
Using Other People's Photographs to Create Art
Using other people's photographs as references for drawings or paintings is frowned upon by many people for obvious reasons. The main idea here is that, for an artwork to be truly your own, everything has to have originated from yourself as the creator, from idea, to planning, to execution. If you didn't build it from the ground up, then it isn't totally yours and it's not completely original. As with everything else in life, there are many points of view pertaining to this. Whether its right or not could be debated until the cows come home.
What's important for you to know is that there are ALL different types of artists out there. There are some who only paint from life, taking days to set up their shadow boxes in their studios. There are some who enjoy working in plein air, leaving their houses and setting up in parks or in the street to paint scenery as people walk around them. Others create collages using magazine and newspaper cutouts or ready-made supplies. The list goes on and on, and there will ALWAYS be opinions about what is right or wrong or better.
It is up to YOU and only YOU to discover what types of media and techniques you'll use to get your message out into the world. Everyone has particular tastes and enjoys different artistic methods. I prefer to keep an open mind about it and don't define anything as right or wrong.
As long as you are being respectful towards others and are doing everything in your power to create original artwork that comes from your own mind and heart, it's all good.
Read my blog post titled How to Effectively Use Other Artists' Work as Inspiration and a Great Method to Start Developing Your Own Artistic Style.
All this said, this method is going to bring you less artistic growth when compared to any of the others because you are limiting yourself to using a photograph that already exists, so I suggest making time to create your own reference library to have at hand AND drawing/painting from life whenever possible. If you're ONLY using other people's photos because it's easier, then you are only going to grow so far.
Photograph by Ken Reid. Click on photo to go back to original source at Unsplash.com
Watercolor painting by Erika Lancaster. Watch the video to see full watercolor process!
If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel! :) I publish a new video every-single-week sharing art tips, drawing/painting tutorials, and encouragement for aspiring artists.
Make sure you're smart when using other people's photographs!
Follow the recommendations below to ensure you are always being safe and moving forward artistically.
Make sure you're smart when using other people's photographs!
Follow the recommendations below to ensure you are always being safe and moving forward artistically.
Tips to effectively and safely use other people's photographs to create art.
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:
-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
*Click below to learn more!
What are your thoughts regarding the use of references? Do you ever use reference pictures that you haven't taken yourself to create artwork? I'd love to know! Please leave your comment in the comments section below. :)
In what ways do you think your society's traditions and beliefs have impacted your work as an artist? How different do you think your artwork would be if you had grown up in a different place in the world? Is there any celebration or tradition that you find particularly inspiring?
As human beings, we will always carry with us a certain degree of influence from the countries we have lived in and the people we have lived with, especially during our formative years. I consider myself extremely lucky to have lived most of my life in a country that, not only has produced amazing artists of all kinds, but has a rich and unique culture full of color, symbolism and joy.
Mexican Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead has always been one of my favorite yearly celebrations and, this year, I decided to use it as inspiration for a few watercolor illustrations.
In this post, I will explain a bit about this wonderful celebration and the story behind the well-known Catrina character. Also, I will show you step by step how I go about drawing a human skull and why it is so important to have, at least, a general understanding of the underlying bone structure when drawing a face. I've included a free downloadable PDF at the end for you to print if you wish to practice with it! : )
In what ways do you think your society's traditions and beliefs have impacted your work as an artist? How different do you think your artwork would be if you had grown up in a different place in the world? Is there any celebration or tradition that you find particularly inspiring?
As human beings, we will always carry with us a certain degree of influence from the countries we have lived in and the people we have lived with, especially during our formative years. I consider myself extremely lucky to have lived most of my life in a country that, not only has produced amazing artists of all kinds, but has a rich and unique culture full of color, symbolism and joy.
Mexican Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead has always been one of my favorite yearly celebrations and, this year, I decided to use it as inspiration for a few watercolor illustrations.
In this post, I will explain a bit about this wonderful celebration and the story behind the well-known Catrina character. Also, I will show you step by step how I go about drawing a human skull and why it is so important to have, at least, a general understanding of the underlying bone structure when drawing a face. I've included a free downloadable PDF at the end for you to print if you wish to practice with it! : )
A Day to Honor the Dead and Celebrate Life
The Day of the Dead is celebrated each year on the second of November, coinciding with Christianity's All Soul's Day. This important celebration is a mixture of both indigenous rituals and Christian beliefs. Way before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in Mexico, the native indigenous people living in the area already had ceremonies that revolved around death and the natural cycle of living things.
Since prehistoric times, the Aztecs and other indigenous groups used human skulls in rituals to symbolize death and rebirth. When the Spanish arrived during the XV century, they were horrified by the pagan rituals they witnessed and later on sought to spread Catholicism amongst these people. Eventually, customs of the Spanish started mixing together with those of the different indigenous groups.
On and around the second of November each year, Mexicans remember their deceased family members in a variety of ways. Graves are visited and decorated with flowers. Elaborate altares (shrines) are created in homes to invite the souls of the dead back into the world of the living. Also, beautiful parades are organized in which entire communities are invited to celebrate together.
On this day, death, which is usually something that is feared and associated with negative emotions, turns into something joyful. Mexicans pay homage to death with both respect and humor, celebrating both the past and the present simultaneously. Even though the whole idea of inviting the dead to visit us, and celebrating death in general may seem like a pretty morbid idea, the point of this day is to understand that death is an eventual part of life and to use this as a reason to enjoy ourselves while we are still here.
El Día de Muertos reminds us to not only be more appreciative of life moments but to take advantage of the time we have.
The Day of the Dead and Halloween are often compared, but there is a fundamental difference between the two celebrations. Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve was a festival created to mark the end of harvest season and the beginning of the “dark half" of the year. It was thought that, on this day, the walls between our world and the spirit world became thin enough to allow ghosts to pass through and damage crops. Halloween focuses more on our fear of mortality and the spookiness of the unknown.
On the other hand, the Day of the Dead is more about remembering loved ones who have passed away, celebrating their memories instead of mourning their loss. Instead of treating death as something dark and frightening, it is about seeing the positive aspects of the living cycle and laughing in the face of death.
To go to original Pixabay source click on the picture.
Watercolor Altar de Muertos illustration. Sakura Koi watercolors on Canson watercolor paper. Erika Lancaster.
Shrine for the Dead and Symbolism of Objects
When a family sets up an Altar de Muerto for a deceased loved one, there are certain things that have to be taken into account. Each object included symbolizes a particular element and the location of the objects within the shrine also has a meaning. Usually, an altar is made up of objects that call to the senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing).
Because the objective of an altar de muerto is to lure the deceased back home, it usually includes objects specific to that person, so that he/she feels the desire to make the long and hard travel back from the underworld.
Here is a general list of the things that are usually included in an Altar de Muerto:
1. Levels (steps): Altars usually are made up of two to seven levels. The lowest levels represent the underworld and the Earth, while the higher levels represent celestial dimensions.
2. Arch: An arch symbolizes the entry to the underworld and is adorned with flowers and fruits.
3. Symbols for natural elements: Papel picado, which consists of cutting intricate designs out of delicate and colorful paper, represents wind. A glass of water is placed to represent this element and also to calm the spirit's thirst after the long travel back home. Candles are placed throughout to represent fire and to help light the way back home. Finally, seeds and fruit are included to represent earth.
4. Variety of aromas: Prehispanic cultures used to burn a type of incense created from the resin of Copal trees in their rituals. The smoke and aroma produced from burning Copal was thought to purify environments and keep away evil spirits. People now-a-days use either Copal or other kinds of incense in their shrines. Other aromas are produced by herbal infusions and flowers like the Cempasúchil (Marigold). The Cempasúchil is a bright yellow flower commonly used to help guide the spirits back home through both sight and smell.
5. Food: It is common practice for the family of the deceased to prepare his/her favorite dishes to place on the altar. Typically, it is a Mexican dish like mole or tamales. Candies are also placed throughout the altar, which can vary from sugar skulls, chocolate and/or amaranth. Pan de Muerto , which is a special seasonal bread, is also included. This bread is made differently depending on what area of Mexico you are in, but the shapes created within it usually represent skulls and bones.
6. Salt: Salt is thought to purify the body and to strengthen the spirit when traveling to and from the underworld.
7. Personal belongings: Photographs and personal belongings of the deceased are usually placed somewhere within the central levels of the altar. Usually, family members choose to include specific favorite objects that will lure the deceased back home.
8. Religious symbols: Crosses and/or other religious symbols are usually placed on the higher levels of the shrine. It is common practice to include saint figures, virgins, and angels.
Watercolor Pan de Muerto illustration. Sakura Koi watercolors on Canson watercolor paper. Erika Lancaster.
Watercolor Mole (Mexican food) illustration. Sakura Koi watercolors on Canson watercolor paper. Erika Lancaster.
Watercolor Cempasúchil/Marigold flower illustration. Sakura Koi watercolors on Canson watercolor paper. Erika Lancaster.
Watercolor Clavel/Carnation flower illustration. Sakura Koi watercolors on Canson watercolor paper. Erika Lancaster.
Who is Catrina?
José Guadalupe Posada. La Calavera Catrina. Zinc etching. 1910-1913.
The original Catrina character was created by José Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican illustrator, printmaker and engraver, and was called “La Calavera Catrina" or “Elegant Skull". However, it was made popular later on by artist Diego Rivera in his mural Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon Along Central Alameda), completed in the historic center of Mexico City in 1947.
Diego Rivera. Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday afternoon along Central Alameda). 1946-1947.
Even though Posada and Rivera created these artworks at different moments in history, they both used this character as a symbol to transmit social and political messages to the public during times of transition in the country. In Posada's time, it was common to see skeleton characters in newspaper illustrations humorously criticising both the actions of politicians as well as the hypocrisy found within Mexican people as the blood and social ranks of the Europeans and indigenous mixed.
Posada stated once: “La muerte es democrática, ya que a fin de cuentas, güera, morena, rica o pobre, toda la gente acaba siendo calavera.” / "Death shows a sense of democracy because, at the end, blonde, dark-skinned, rich or poor, everyone ends up being a skull.”
Over time, Catrina stopped being as political and became an important Mexican symbol representing death. Today, she is known all over the world and is widely used during Day of the Dead celebrations at parades. All sorts of artworks are created by Mexican artisans that specialize in this subject year-long.
Many tie Catrina to the the Aztec's Goddess of Death Mictecacihuatl, who was considered the keeper of the bones in the underworld. This goddess was a vital part of the Aztec's month-long festivals honoring the dead. However, Catrina differs greatly from the serious Mictecacihuatl and the bloody rituals of the prehistoric peoples. This character is always smiling, dressed in colorful clothes and is unmistakably humorous.
Watercolor Catrina illustration. Sakura Koi watercolors on Canson watercolor paper. Erika Lancaster.
How to Draw a Human Skull
Practicing drawing the human skull is very useful for beginner artists that are starting to draw faces. By understanding the underlying bone structure of a face, we are able to better understand proportions and locations for facial elements within the head, as well as forms and planes that will give a drawing a sense of three-dimensionality.
I really recommend finding a good picture of a skull and studying its form. This will help you discern where shadow and light naturally falls within the face and your drawings will be much more effective and realistic.
Use the steps below to create an outline drawing of a skull. Once you have this down, step up the challenge by searching for a good picture of a real skull online and try placing shadows, lights and midtones in the areas you see fit. Remember I have the downloadable PDF at the bottom for you to print out and use!
Practicing drawing the human skull is very useful for beginner artists that are starting to draw faces. By understanding the underlying bone structure of a face, we are able to better understand proportions and locations for facial elements within the head, as well as forms and planes that will give a drawing a sense of three-dimensionality.
I really recommend finding a good picture of a skull and studying its form. This will help you discern where shadow and light naturally falls within the face and your drawings will be much more effective and realistic.
Use the steps below to create an outline drawing of a skull. Once you have this down, step up the challenge by searching for a good picture of a real skull online and try placing shadows, lights and midtones in the areas you see fit. Remember I have the downloadable PDF at the bottom for you to print out and use!
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Check out the awesome products I created around my Catrina painting at my Society6 shop! Art prints, stickers, posters, wall hangings, t-shirts and much more! :)
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:
-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
*Click below to learn more!
Are there any particular celebrations or traditions in your culture that you feel you draw a lot of inspiration from for your art? How do you feel your culture impacts your artwork and what you want to transmit with it to others? Let's have a discussion in the comments section below!
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is a participant in the Shareasale.com Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
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