While I was making my Three Weekend Portrait Painting masterclass, I realized that many people have a bit of a hard time transitioning from watercolors or acrylics to oil painting because no one has ever explained to them the basics of oil painting.  

So I am going to make a series of posts about this topic. 

And even if you are an experienced oil painter, you may find something helpful. So here we go.

First, we will start with Canvas:

Why choose canvas? 

Reason number one: Oil paints is a dense and heavy material so cotton and linen are ideal surfaces to hold an oil painting. 

Reason number 2: Canvas is a much lighter material than wood board. It’s easy to transport. And has the same longevity. 

How do artists choose canvas? 

The answer is, depends on your budget and your experience.

The two canvas materials are cotton and Linen. 

I love the cotton canvas. It’s affordable and easy to paint on. Linen canvas is smoother than cotton but it’s also more expensive, great for painting detailed portraits. 

You can buy canvas rolls and stretch bars to stretch your canvas. But I advise you to buy a pre-stretched canvas to save time. And they are not much more expensive.  

A good canvas will be tightly wrapped around the bars.  Beware a loosely stretched canvas.

A good tip: If you have a loose canvas, you can spray the back with a water mist bottle and let it dry in the sun. 

Most store-bought canvas already has been primed. But I suggest you do your priming anyway. I have made a post about why you need to do so and how to prime your canvas in the last week’s blog. You can access it here: https://yingmclane.com/the-best-way-to-gesso-the-canvas/

The frame of the canvas is important, especially for larger pieces. If your canvas is 24”x36” or larger, you will want to get a canvas with a horizontal bar going across the middle of the canvas. Better yet, a crossbar in the back as support. 

If you are a beginner who just learning to paint with oil, I suggest you get canvas boards, canvas pads, or stretched canvas in small sizes and sold in bulks in art stores.  

Because you will need to do a lot of practice painting and those are very reasonably priced choices.

Hope this post is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions! 

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What is gesso?

Gesso is a paint-like substance that is brushed on a canvas or substrate to prepare it for painting. Its purpose is to protect the canvas from paint and provide a smooth painting surface.

Originally, gesso was a mixture of animal glue and gypsum(usually rabbit skin glue) applied to a wooden panel so a painting wouldn’t wash away. In the 14th century, gesso started as a primer for wood panels. This gesso primer allowed tempera paintings to stick to the painting support and last longer because the paint would sink in more evenly instead of unevenly in the wood grain.

But we don’t need to have an art history lesson here. Let’s talk about modern gesso—the gesso most artist use today. 

Created in 1955, modern acrylic gesso acts as a canvas sealant, a primer, and a painting ground and comprises an acrylic polymer medium (glue) and calcium carbonate (chalk). It’s similar to traditional gesso but more versatile and easy to use.

Why do you need to use gesso? 

You always need to gesso your canvas if you want to paint with oil because the oil will seep through the canvas over time and break down the fibers if you don’t have gesso to protect the surface. 

Theoretically, you don’t need gesso if you paint with acrylics, because acrylic paint is made of plastic substance and will not cause harm to the canvas. 

But in my personal opinion, it doesn’t matter if you paint with oil or acrylic, it’s best you gesso your canvas to prevent the paint sink into the canvas. Gesso will also make the surface smoother to paint. And because gesso contains chalk, the paint will stick to the surface better. 

There are two different grades of gesso: Artist-grade and Student grade. The difference between the two amounts to the different ratios of pigment vs. filler. The Student’s grade is cheaper because it contains more filler than the Artist’s grade. The artist’s grade has more pigment than the Student’s grade, making it thicker and more opaque. These differences are reflected in the price, and also in the quality. 

My favorite gesso brand is this one: https://amzn.to/459lBuY ( I thank you in advance if you choose to use these links in my blog to shop art supplies. This will not add any extra cost to you, and it will support this blog over time). 

I used to directly put down the gesso on the canvas and use a big brush to spread it. But somehow it will always leave hard ridges that I can’t sand off.

Now I found the best way to gesso a canvas:

Mix roughly 2/3 gesso and 1/3 water and gesso in 2 to 3 layers. The water makes gesso spread thinner and smoother.

Mix well and test on your canvas. Some gesso are thicker so you may need more water. You want a consistency that is easily spreadable but not running down to the sides. 

How do you gesso a canvas?

There are many ways to gesso your canvas, as long as you leave the layers even and smooth.

I like to start from the middle of the canvas if the canvas is a smaller size. 

First I pour some gesso and water mixture in the middle, then I spread it outwards with my brush. After that, I use strokes from left to right, from top to bottom to spread the gesso to the entire canvas, and repeat several times. 

For a bigger canvas, I will drop the same amount of gesso evenly throughout the canvas, then spread them from left to right. 

After I’ve done this, I then examine the canvas closely by tilting it in different directions, so I can see if there are any big paint ridges were missed. I usually give my final layer of gesso some sanding using sandpaper. 

Gesso is usually white. But you can also find grey, or black gesso in the store. 

If you already know what your painting background will be, you can also add acrylic colors to the gesso, to make a colored gesso ground. 

This is especially useful for paintings that have big areas of sky as background, or abstract painting. 

What do you use to spread gesso? 

I have followed advice from different people and spent a good amount of money on brushes, in the hope to find the best one for spreading gesso on canvas easily and smoothly. 

But I found the best tool to use is the cheapest foam paint brush like these: https://amzn.to/45bQZJl

How many layers of gesso do you need?

Even with pre-stretched stored-bought canvas, which usually already has a layer of gesso, I advise you still do at least two layers of gesso and water mixture. Because the store-brought canvas usually is gessoed by machine. The gesso on them is very thin. It will not be enough to allow your brushes to glide smoothly. I found two to three layers of gesso are the best. You can sand in between layers as well, to make it even more smooth.

You must make sure each layer is totally dry before you apply the next layer or start sanding.

You don’t need too many layers or sand down too much either. Or your painting surface will become too heavy and slippery to paint. Trust me, I have made all of those mistakes before so now you don’t have to.

Important Tip:

Remember to wipe off any drips of the gesso on the edge of the canvas. Or you will have hard ridges in those areas, and they are almost impossible to get rid of. 

Let me know if this post is helpful! 

The post The Best Way to Gesso the Canvas appeared first on Ying McLane.

1. Solid Color Extension

Pros: Adding a solid color extension to the canvas edges complements the main artwork and provides a clean and polished look. This method allows artists to choose a color that complements the painting, adding depth and coherence to the overall presentation.

Cons: While it offers a neater finish, this method still requires the use of frames if desired. Choosing the right color for the extension can be challenging, as it must harmonize with the painting without overpowering it.

2. Mirrored Edge

Pros: The mirrored edge technique involves replicating a part of the painting’s outer edge and extending it to the sides. This creates an illusion of continuity and a 3D effect, giving the artwork a more substantial presence. Mirrored edges work well with a wide range of paintings, including landscapes and abstract art.

Cons: Achieving a seamless mirror effect can be tricky and time-consuming, especially for intricate and detailed artworks. It requires careful planning and precision during the painting process.

3. Natural/Unfinished Edge

Pros: Embracing the natural or unfinished edge of the canvas can create an organic and raw aesthetic. This technique works well with certain artistic styles, such as impressionism or abstract expressionism. It saves time and effort, as it requires no additional painting on the edges.

Cons: Leaving the edges unfinished may appear unprofessional and less refined. It may not be suitable for all types of paintings, particularly those with a realistic or polished style.

4. Gallery Wrap

Pros: Gallery wrap usually involves stretching the canvas around the wooden frame so that the image continues around the edges. It provides a modern and contemporary look, eliminating the need for a frame. The artwork can be displayed without distraction, focusing solely on the painted image. The artist can also choose to leave the side unpainted or paint with a solid color.

Gallery-wrapped paintings are easy to hang, saving time and money on framing costs.

Cons: Gallery-wrapped canvas cost more than stretched canvas. So it may not be the best option for new artists.

5: Frame the canvas

Pros: If you don’t like any of these options, you can always frame the canvas. You can go to a professional framing service or buy your re-made frame. But sometimes you still need to paint the edges of the canvas, especially with a floater frame. Because most of them have a small gap between the canvas and the frame, you need to pay attention to whether you need to paint the edges or not.

Cons: It’s obviously more costly.

A tip to remember:

If you plan on exhibiting your new series of works at an art gallery, you should use the same frame for all of the paintings. Or leave the edges on all of your paintings the same look. This way you will achieve a more consistent and professional impression to the viewers.

Lately, gallery-wrapped canvas has been my favorite. Because it looks modern and clean, and it does not need a frame.

What’s your favorite way to finish your canvas edges? Please let me know and hope this article is helpful!

Cheering you on!
Ying

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Well, my friends, here’s the thing: before you even pick up that brush or put pencil to paper, you’d better sort out your mindset first. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself battling fear, self-doubt, or worse, losing your unique artistic voice.

To take your artistic journey seriously, you need a positive and resilient mindset. It’s like a superpower that helps you tackle challenges, setbacks, and criticism head-on, giving you the strength to keep going and keep getting better at your craft. So, let’s get that mindset right and unleash our full creative potential.

1. Define Your Artistic Vision:

• What is your ultimate artistic goal? Describe your vision as vividly as possible. (e.g., becoming a master portrait painter, so you can paint your loved ones and your painting will become precious family heirlooms. )

2. Acknowledge Your Unique Voice:

• What makes your art distinct and authentic? List the characteristics that set your work apart from others. If you don’t have a unique style yet, no worries, just keep painting and writing. Your voice will come.

3. Define what’s your 20% consist of:

• There is a rule for success: 80% of your progress is made by 20% of your activities. Spend three hours trying to decide the best fonts to use for your artist’s website does not belong to that 20% activity. But planning and researching for your next painting collection is. What’s that 20% activity in your creative process and what’s not?

4. Embrace Creative Vulnerability:

• In what ways do you fear expressing yourself through art? Write down these fears and consider how overcoming them can lead to growth. Because writing is a powerful way to combat fear. Usually, when you write things down, you will find they are not so scary after all. So start writing.

5. Set Realistic Artistic Goals:

• Outline specific, achievable short-term and long-term artistic goals. Ensure they are challenging yet feasible. I like to break up my one-year goal into four three-month goals, I found it is clearer and easier to achieve. What’s your three-month goal?

6. Cultivate Resilience:

• How do you handle setbacks and criticism? Reflect on ways to build resilience and maintain a positive attitude despite challenges. (e.g.remind yourself of Henry Ford’s famous quote: “The short successes that can be gained in a brief time and without difficulty, are not worth much.”)

7. Practice Regularly:

• How often do you engage in artistic practice? Create a weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for artistic pursuits. Even a daily ten-minute pencil sketch can help you improve your artistic ability in the long run. So what’s your plan?

8. Explore and Experiment:

• Step out of your comfort zone and try new art forms, techniques, or styles. Embrace the process of experimentation and learning. Have you tried mixed media? Gouache? Acrylic ink? Experimenting is creating and it’s fun!!

9. Find Inspiration:

• Identify sources of inspiration that fuel your creativity. These could be the works of other artists, nature, books, music, or personal experiences. Do you have a routine to nurture your creativity? Have you had an artist’s date with yourself lately?

10. Celebrate Achievements:

• Acknowledge and celebrate every artistic milestone, big or small. Rewarding yourself will motivate you to keep going. What’s your small win this week?

11. Seek Constructive Feedback:

• Who can provide you with honest and constructive feedback on your work? Reach out to mentors, peers, or art communities for guidance. Join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437940910025060

12. Examine your negative thoughts

• What negative thoughts or self-doubts hinder your artistic growth? Challenge these thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.

13. Balance Creativity and Critique:

• Find a healthy balance between creating freely and self-critiquing. Avoid over-analyzing during the creative process. How often do you feel you have no inspiration? This could be a sign that you have been overanalyzing.

14. Connect with Your Audience:

• How can you connect your art with your intended audience? Consider ways to communicate your message effectively. Do you have a supportive local or online artist group?

15. Gratitude and Mindfulness:

• Practice gratitude for your artistic abilities and the opportunity to create. Stay present and mindful during the creative process. What are you grateful for today?

Remember, developing an artist mindset is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Be patient with yourself and keep nurturing your creativity with passion and dedication. Happy creating!

We want solutions, but what we really need are attitudes.
You don’t need abs, but rather an attitude of training. You don’t need the answer, but rather an attitude of curiosity. You don’t need an easier life, but rather an attitude of perseverance.

Attitude precedes outcome

James Clear

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Edges are the hidden secrete between a good and a not-so-good painting.

When it comes to creating a visually engaging and dynamic painting, one often overlooked but crucial aspect is the management of edges. 

Edges refer to the transition between different shapes, values, or colors within a painting. 

It usually takes a trained eye to see the differences edges can make in a painting intentionally. When we were little kids, we always drew clear lines to define every single edge, right? 

There are three main functions of edges:

1: Creating Depth and Dimension:

By just differentiating between hard and soft edges, you can create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. 

By manipulating the sharpness or softness of edges, you can suggest objects receding into space or coming forward toward the viewer. 

Generally, sharp or crisp edges tend to come forward, while softer or blurred edges recede. 

By consciously employing this technique, you can add depth to your paintings, making them more visually captivating.

See this randomly found landscape painting. For example, the foreground is clearly defined. And the further away in the distance, the more blurred edges are. Until the furthest mountain looks almost melted with the sky, thus creating a great sense of depth and interest in this painting. 

2: Establishing Focal Points:

By selectively sharpening or accentuating edges in certain areas, you can draw the viewer’s eye to specific elements or points of interest in your composition. 

Utilize crisp edges for your focal points while keeping the surrounding areas softer to maintain a sense of balance and harmony. This technique can help create a strong visual impact and guide the viewer’s exploration of your artwork.

See this Still Life With a White Mug by Jean Siméon Chardin, ca 1764—The sharp edge of the knife draws the viewer’s eyes right away. Then the mugs and fruits guide the viewer to explore the different colors and shapes of the objects until our glazes are lost in the soft edges in the background. 

3: Conveying Mood and Atmosphere:

Edges can also be utilized to convey the mood and atmosphere of a painting. Soft and diffused edges can create a dreamy, ethereal ambiance, while sharp and well-defined edges evoke precision and clarity. Experiment with different edge treatments to capture the desired emotional resonance of your subject matter. Whether it’s a serene landscape or an intense portrait, the edges you choose can significantly contribute to the overall atmosphere of your artwork.

One of the old masters of edges is Vermeer. You can see his mastery of edges in his most famous painting: the girl with pearl earrings.

Very few of the edges in this painting are clearly defined. Even the reflection of the earrings, which is a highlight, and high light usually painted with clear edges, was intentionally blurred a little. The emotional effect:  evoke a soft, tender, and dreamy mood in every person who ever saw this masterpiece. 

Two important things to remember:

1: Avoiding Excessive Detail at the Edges:

While it may be tempting to paint every edge with intricate detail, it is essential to exercise restraint and avoid excessive busyness along the edges. Too much detail can distract the viewer’s eye and create visual clutter. Instead, focus on defining the edges critical to the composition and the story you wish to convey. Leave some edges soft and suggestive, allowing the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps and engage with the painting on a deeper level.

This randomly found the image on the internet clearly shows us what NOT to do: please do not paint every detail of a person’s face with hard edges. 

2: Alternating Soft and Hard Edges:

A well-balanced painting often incorporates a mix of soft and hard edges. Smooth edges provide a sense of atmosphere, depth, and transition, while hard edges offer definition and clarity. Experiment with both types of edges to create variety and visual interest within your artwork. Use soft edges to blend and connect different elements, and employ hard edges strategically to accentuate specific areas or objects.

I hope this post is helpful! Please leave a comment if you have any thoughts or questions!

The post Edges in paintings appeared first on Ying McLane.

Recently I asked artists in my community what’s their biggest obstacle. One of them said it’s finding inspiration to paint. I found this is not an uncommon struggle for many of us, myself included. So I dived into this topic, and here are some of the tips I found: 

1:Seek Sources of Encouragement:   I am generally a very positive person. But even I have doubts about my artistic ability sometimes. This is what I found to be helpful:  surrounding yourself with sources of encouragement. Seeking out mentors who inspire and guide you, podcasts that share stories of artistic growth, or even chatting with people in your life who consistently radiate positivity. 

2: Embrace Failure:   Failure is not the end; it’s a stepping stone to growth. As an artist, you inevitably face setbacks and create pieces that fall short of your expectations. Embrace these moments of perceived failure as opportunities for growth and learning. Remember to use failure as a catalyst for breakthroughs, and watch your artistry soar to new heights.

3: Immerse yourself in other creative outlets. Many artists found inspiration from different cultures, movies, books, and magazines and even took a nature hikes. I personally like to take a break from painting and look through other artists’ social media posts and find inspiration. So find what you like to do in your spare time and just let yourself enjoy the moment. You will feel emotionally recharged and spiritually refreshed afterward. 

4:  Try different creative mediums or styles. If you are an oil painter, maybe try to do some watercolors. If you paint realistically, maybe try to paint abstract art — just let colors and brushstrokes flow freely! You never know; perhaps you will find a new style you love!  

5: Last—knowing everything Will Be Okay:  When you find yourself in a creative funk, it’s important to remind yourself that everything will be okay. Let go of attachment to outcomes and embrace the present moment. Understand that creativity has its ebb and flow, and this phase is just temporary. Trust in your abilities and have faith that inspiration will return to you. Remember, this, too, shall pass, and new creative ideas will emerge.

Hope these five creative tips will help you embrace the journey, celebrate your creativity, and let your artistic light shine brightly!

click here to read my post about finding joy in your art https://yingmclane.com/finding-joy-in-your-art/

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I don’t want to spend my time in front of the camera or editing videos, And let’s not even get started with social media algorithms. Truth be told, I still don’t know how it actually works, but you know what? That’s okay.

Many trials and errors later, I’ve come to realize one thing: social media has pushed me to be more consistent and self-aware in my artistic endeavors. It has become a powerful tool for showcasing my progress and connecting with like-minded artists.

Social media pushed me to be more consistent with my studio time. By sharing my journey regularly, I hold myself accountable for my craft and inspire others to witness my growth. The support and feedback I receive from my audience have become an invaluable source of motivation, and for that, I am truly grateful.

However, what I’ve discovered to be truly transformative is authenticity.

When I started living my life authentically, the life I wished to share with others, social media became easier to navigate. Genuine self-expression allowed me to forge a deep connection with my audience, It’s a reminder that being true to oneself is a powerful magnet for genuine connections.

Social media is but a tool—a double-edged sword that can either hinder or enhance our lives. 

By embracing authenticity and consistency, we can transform it into a force that propels us towards becoming the best versions of ourselves. 

So, here’s to living a life that you like others to see —a life that flourishes both on and off the screen.

check out my IG video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csblm_xgVzo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==

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Hey artists!

Today let’s talk about how emotions play a role in creating a painting. 

As an artist, I’ve realized that painting is not just about creating an aesthetically pleasing image. It’s also about capturing emotions and feelings that can resonate with the viewer.

In this blog post, I want to share my thoughts on the importance of emotions in painting and how to convey them effectively.

I’m going to use one of my newest paintings as an example (see the picture) – it’s a mother holding her child, with abstract sunflowers in the background, in warm golden and beige colors. This painting has a special place in my heart as it captures the essence of a mother’s love for her child. I wanted to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, and using warm colors like golden and beige helped me achieve that. The abstract sunflowers in the background add an element of cheerfulness and happiness, and the overall composition of the painting is well-balanced.

But what makes this painting truly special is the emotions it conveys. As I painted this piece, I focused on capturing the deep love and affection that the mother has for her child. I wanted viewers to feel the connection between them, to see the trust and contentment in the child’s face towards the mother. The little details make all the difference – the curve of the mother’s arm around the child, the tilt of the child’s head towards the mother, and the positioning of the sunflowers to create a harmonious backdrop.

To effectively convey emotions in a painting, I’ve found that paying attention to the details is key. In my painting, the subtle details help to capture the nuances of the mother-child relationship, and this is what makes it emotionally resonant and compelling.

As an artist, there are several techniques you can use to convey emotions in your paintings. For example, you can play around with colors to create different moods – warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can create feelings of warmth and happiness, while cool colors like blue and green can create a sense of calmness and tranquility. 

You can also experiment with composition, brushwork, and other techniques to create the desired emotional effect.

We, humans, connect with each other through emotion. Emotions are an essential element of painting, and they can be effectively conveyed through the use of colors, composition, and other techniques. 

As an artist, I believe that paying attention to the details and being mindful of the emotions you want to capture can help you create paintings that not only look beautiful but also touch the hearts of viewers.

The post Convey Emotion Through Artwork appeared first on Ying McLane.

Let’s face it; AI is transforming the whole world at lightning speed.

While many have embraced AI, others still have reservations. AI-generated art is one area where this transformation is already having a significant impact.

When I first saw what AI art can be, I was in deep shock. A quick search on the internet will reveal that AI art platforms can create amazing, out-of-this-world images in seconds. It can create any style, from old masters to modern artists, and can produce realistic photos that are indistinguishable from the real thing. It’s no surprise, then, that a big clothing company has already announced that they will start using AI models in their ad campaign next year.

Bill Gates famously said: AI will transform the world just like the internet did. 

So, should we artists be scared of AI taking our jobs like the others?

Will people stop buying artwork and just let computers to create their own art?

In my humble opinion, unlikely. 

As with any disruptive technology, there are bound to be pros and cons. While some fear that AI will take away jobs and displace human creativity, others believe that AI-generated art will be complementary to human creativity, rather than a substitute for it. 

In fact, some artists are already embracing AI as a tool to enhance their creativity and expand their artistic vision. By working with AI, artists can create art that would have been impossible to create with traditional techniques alone. They can also use AI to generate new ideas and inspiration, or to explore different styles and techniques.

In my opinion, it’s unlikely that AI will take over the art world. Instead, it’s more likely that people will continue to appreciate and seek out authentic art made by human hands.

There may even be opportunities for artists to use AI to their advantage. AI can be a valuable tool for artists looking to streamline their creative process or experiment with new techniques. 

If you like to know more about this topic, Reply to this post with the word “AI”, and I’ll do a follow-up piece.

The rise of AI is an unstoppable force that will transform the world in ways we can’t yet imagine. 

We can either embrace it and explore all the exciting possibilities it presents, or we can fear it and stay away from it. 

However, regardless of how we choose to approach this technological revolution, I still believe: the human spirit and our God-given unique creativity will never be replaced by AI. While AI-generated art may be impressive, it will never be a substitute for the real thing.

So I encourage you, dear friend, to take a deep breath, do your research, and have faith in our God-given human spirit.

If you haven’t already, join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437940910025060

Cheering you on!

Ying 

The post AI vs. artists: Should artists fear of AI art? appeared first on Ying McLane.

I don’t know about you, but I used to think that in order to make great art, I needed to wait until genius inspiration struck me. And I am a perfectionist, so that I will revise my painting over and over again. Because of that, I have ruined a couple of good paintings. And one painting took me four months to finish!

Not until a mentor taught me the good habits of a professional artist, and read a great book about the psychological aspect of habits, then I find my past habits were completely wrong. And today I totally changed the way I make my art.

First, if you want to make art your profession, you need to put out an average of two pieces of small to medium artwork per week or one big piece per week. A reputable gallery won’t even look at anyone’s portfolio unless they have at least 15 articles with the same level of quality. 

I know it’s not easy. But with a good framework and mindset, it’s totally achievable. 

NYT bestseller author James Clear introduced a couple of key mindsets regarding building good habits in his recent hit “Atomic Habits.” 

First is the power of starting with small habits. Small habits, consistently practiced over time, can lead to significant improvements. For an artist, this could mean starting with a small daily habit, such as spending 15 minutes drawing or writing. Over time, this habit can be built upon and eventually lead to longer and more productive sessions.

So, instead of setting a lofty goal for yourself, try starting with something simple like spending just 10-15 minutes a day on your craft. Over time, you can build on that habit and eventually work your way up to longer and more productive sessions.

Habit stacking is another tip from the book that I find particularly useful. It’s the idea of attaching a new habit to an existing one. So, if you always make a cup of coffee in the morning, you could attach the habit of spending 10 minutes sketching your next painting subject while the coffee brews. This can be a great way to incorporate new habits into your daily routine.

Another key takeaway is a 4-step framework, which is composed of cue, craving, response, and reward. James calls it ‘The 4 Laws of Behavior Change’. I can’t explain it in this short email. Here is the link to the book https://amzn.to/3mmjpj2

One good tip from my personal experience is to build a comfy workspace. 

It will be hard for you if you only have a kitchen table to work on your art. Find a space that is comfortable, quiet, and has all the necessary supplies within reach. Make sure it’s conducive to your creativity and free from distractions. This will help you stay focused and productive during your work sessions.

I like to put on my favorite podcast or music while I am working. It helps me to get into my “zone” faster and easier.  

Also, keep your workspace clean. It doesn’t have to be spotless. After all, which artist doesn’t has stains and messes in their studio? But to avoid turning the “creative mess” into “distracting chaos”, make it a habit to clean your brushes and major mess right after your painting session. And schedule a deep clean once a month.

Another habit I found that I can’t live without is incorporating exercise and stretching into my routine. 

The older I gets, the more I find my body needs periodic breaks in between painting sessions, or I will have a terrible backache. 

As artists, we spend much time sitting and working on our craft. It’s crucial to take breaks to move our bodies and stretch to prevent tension and fatigue, especially our backs and wrists. . Try doing some yoga or taking a quick walk around the block between work sessions. Trust me; your body will thank you!

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the creative process! Establishing good working habits is essential, but it’s equally important to enjoy what you’re doing. Experiment with new techniques and ideas, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

So, there you have it – some tips to help you establish good working habits as an artist. 

Again, I highly recommend the book “Anomic Habits.” get it from here:  https://amzn.to/3Knrjk1

Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to get into the groove. With consistency, discipline, and a little bit of positive reinforcement, you’ll be well on your way to reaching your artistic potential. Let me know if this post helps!

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