Five Easy Ways Improve Your Art

Whether art is a vocation or a hobby, artists are always looking for ways to hone their skills and reach ever-higher levels of creativity. Whatever your particular medium, be it painting, carving, writing, or another of the countless artistic outlets, you know there's always room for refinement and improvement of your skills. Take a look at five easy ways to elevate your art to the next level.

1. Nurture Your Physical Being

Don't buy into the melodramatic stereotype of the starving artist. Top-notch performance, whether on the sports field or in the artist's studio, depends on a well-nourished, healthy body. Neglecting your health affects all aspects of your life, including your ability to focus, which is critical to attaining your artistic vision.

Focus on proper exercise, sleep, and nutrition. For an extra boost, look into a high impact plant protein to supplement your diet. Your body houses your mind and spirit; you need to attend to its physical needs in order to fuel your creativity.

2. Learn From Better Artists

There is no shame in admitting that there will always be someone more talented than you. In fact, you should use this as a motivator rather than an irritation. Appreciate the beauty of other artists' work and learn from it. With a few clicks in today's connected world, you can literally watch the art unfold before your eyes and communicate directly with the artist via the internet. Don't shy away from other talented people. Embrace them and let them inspire you to greater work.

In addition to connecting with contemporary artists, consider taking an art history or art appreciation course. Understanding the evolution of art through the ages can give you perspective on your own projects and where they fall within the ongoing continuum of creativity.

And, arguably one of the few upsides to the pandemic, you can now take virtual tours of museums worldwide to get those creative juices flowing even more.

3. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

It's easy to fall into a routine, using the same techniques and colors over and over. While there is something to be said for developing your own style, don't let it define you completely. Art is about expression, freedom, and courage.

If your niche is painting landscapes, do some charcoal sketches of your cat. Why not try wood carving, or flower arranging, or poetry? Experimenting with different outlets can jumpstart your creativity and result in some of your most incredible work.

4. Set Yourself Up for Success

Whether you work in a dedicated studio or at the kitchen table, your creative environment matters. Organize your space so that you have a clean, uncluttered surface with supplies near at hand. Good lighting and a comfortable temperature, along with pleasing sounds and aromas, allow you to focus on your art. Take the time to clean up thoroughly after each session and return all materials to their storage places. That way, the next time you're ready to create, you can jump right in.