Expert: Gianina L. - 9/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,I've really loved art since I was small and I drew alot when I was younger.But my painting skills were horrible until I turned 14 and actually went for a real art class.I've been taking that class for over a year now but although,I've improved a bit,I still can't paint well.I want my paintings to look real but I can't even get the shadowing technique down properly.And my art school also teaches small kids and most of them can paint better than me.I feel like a real failure because some of the newer students already paint much better than I do.How do I improve my art skills? I really need to because I have an exam coming up in November.

ANSWER: Dear Jayne,

The fact that you want to try so hard is the start. Art is one of those things that are subjective and what's "good" for one person isn't considered good by another and vice versa. As long as you are aware of the basics of painting, color and design, the rest comes down to practice, practice, practice. However, don't get too tied up with the fact that what you paint doesn't exactly look like how others paint. That's actually a good thing. You don't want to lose your individual spin when it comes to art. Art is all about making your individual statement and showing how you personally see the world.

Make small goals and only compete with yourself. Try to make every painting a little bit better than the last. Try to objectively look at your paintings to find out what you specifically don't like and work on those specifics. For example, you can do a series of paintings that is just practice for lighting or another that is practice for texture.

First and foremost, make sure that you know and truly believe that you are NOT a failure. Some of the best artists I know draw or paint a doozy now and again and have to continuously work on their craft. As an artist, you will never stop practicing.

Also, since you do take classes, try asking your teacher questions. Another great way to practice is to carry a sketchbook wherever you go (one that you don't have to show to anybody) so you can practice drawing exactly what your eye sees. Don't try to tackle too much in any of those practice drawings. Just do a bottle here, a shoe there, a leaf...start simple so that you can really concentrate on observing the details.

Let me know if you have any further questions. I do hope this information helps. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Gianina

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Gianina!
I tried out your advice and it really,really worked.My art skills have definitely improved tremendously.I borrowed a book from the library and followed the tips in it.I feel more confident with my art now.:)So remember the exam I told you about,right?It's actually an O Level exam,and I want to know how I can tell whether my skill level is up to par or not.Because my dad paid over a thousand ringgit to register me{I'm Malaysian),and I don't want him to have wasted his money.Thanks.

Answer
Hello again!

I'm so delighted to hear that the advice worked for you! Seeing your own artwork grow and improve is always a rewarding experience. Keep up the good work!

Now, I do need some clarification on your question. Are you asking how you can tell if your skill is up to par for the exam on your own? If so, that's a hard one to judge. Compare where you are from where you started, and if possible, use your classmates and your teacher as a resource. Another large and essential part of art is the critique, where other people can give you constructive criticism and feedback on your work. If you can get this information directly from your instructor, you will be able to gauge where you are.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Best of luck with that exam!
Gianina