My art strives to…
My art strives to be better everyday. From a young age I've been fascinated with art. As a young boy, I'd zone out the teacher and get lost in my imagination. It was like my safe place. Not that I was in danger of any kind. Nothing but just me, pencil and paper. My art skills wasn't that great, but my imagination made up for it.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Now things have changed. It's not just about the simple sketches from childhood. How can add more value? How can I be better? and by the end of this article, you'll know the number 1 question I always ask myself.
How can add more value? How can I be better?
1- One of the most important steps to get better as an artist: Love what you do. Whether it's a stick figure or a simple heart shape. Love what you draw. when I was a kid I used to always draw waterfalls, and I still do. It may not seem like much, but as long as you have a passion for drawing and creating, you'll always continue to draw.
2- Draw anywhere: I always carry a sketchbook with me. Whether I go for a short walk or a long commute I have one on hand. And If I don't have one, (which is very rare) I'll pull out the Ipad and draw using the sketchbook app.
3- Observe, study or research: I practice this all the time. For example, if I drawing a butterfly, I usually snap a shot with my camera and study the details. Especially when I really want to work on the wings.
4- Aspire to be better, not perfect: Perfection can never be achieved, someone will always draw it better. However you can always develop your skills, and produce a better version of your work. Take my experience from my younger days. I drew a lot of waterfalls. At 1st it was just simple sketches with no color, and then I eventually started add color. But of course this took a lot of practice.
Practice, practice, practice!
5- Follow Tutorials: There are a lot of tutorials out there. Some teach you the basics, while others show you the digital world of concept to production using Photoshop, Illustrator, sketchbook and other software. (Sketchbook is free by the way)
6- The right mindset: I'm always running around doing work for clients, friend and of course for myself. But before I start anything I always have to be in the right mindset. For that to happen, I have to be free from all distractions. I usually do 1 out of 3, if not I do all 3.
Pray: Ask God for guidance
Listen to music: Not just anything. Praise and worship music get my creative juices flowing. Here's a few from my playlist.
Take a long walk to no where anyway from all distraction: Long walks on the beach, catch a morning sunrise or evening sunset.
available online at artbyrichard
Does this give God glory?
Not Just in my art, but in all areas of my life I strive to give God the glory. I truly believe having creative skills is a gift from God. And with that gift we should all give God what rightfully his, that is all the Glory! He created everything for us to enjoy.
"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
Let's make a connection. I would love it if you'd follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or Pinterest
Comments