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Words of Wisdom from a Former Finger Painter

Cartoonist Scott Adams once said, "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Hey, artists are only human. A paintbrush may not have an eraser or a backspace keystroke, but there are techniques to keep in mind when taking brush to paper.

1. Use a variety of brush strokes. This seems extremely elementary, but monotonous brush strokes create a very two-dimensional and unimaginative work.

2. Consider the work in its entirety, not a single section. Devoting massive concentration to only one area exhibits an imbalanced focus.

3. Using too much color. Don't move to the polar opposite end of the spectrum. Keep the focus clear and uncluttered. A maximum amount of colors generally falls around four, with different shades and gradients accenting the main pigments.

4. Mix paints on your palette, not on the paper. The paper is your final product. Do not perform rough draft acts on your final draft copy.

5. Take time to study your subject. When painting familiar objects, it is too simple to paint from memory, rather than carefully observing the intricacies that make your subject unique.

6. Don't think too much about the painting. This seems oxymoronic, but after intent observation of the subject, the goal is to present it in the manner you see itthis is spontaneous and instinctive.

7. Don't rush anything. Not many of us have the luxury of devoting hours of alone time to perfecting a work of art. But, do not let outside distractions rush your work or your inspiration will dissolve.

8. Don't fix mistakes. Well, don't fix every mistake. This is a painting, not a photograph. Much of the beauty of painting is wrapped around personal interpretation and the message it generates to each individual; accidental mistakes create the precious uniqueness that marks an artist's style.

9. Don't change to small brushes. Large brushes create more texture and more realistic images, as well as force you to remember the piece in its entirety.

10. Enjoy the process. Don't try to imitate another's work; the essence of art is individuality and creativity. Let your painting embody your mindset and the success will follow.

The trick is to eradicate "mistake" from your lexicon. Artistic direction leads like Sal Paradise in On The Roadthe steps are never planned, but rather, goaded by the previous twist or turn. That unintentional trek with your paintbrush might reveal the canvas to a hidden jewel of aesthetic vision.

Learn more about this author, Alizah Grace.
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