| How to Improve Your Art Skills Posted: 14 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST Improving your art skills takes passion and dedication. Whether you want to be a professional artist or just get really good at a new hobby, you can create thoughtful, highly-skilled art with a little patience and lots of practice. You'll need to develop a daily routine to practice and have an open mind about taking on new skills and experimenting with old ones. Training your eyes to see the world like an artist will also help you create realistic pieces or work with light, shadows, and composition in a novel, creative way. Art is supposed to be unique, so have fun and don't shy away from breaking the rules! [Edit]Learning New Techniques - Watch free online tutorials to learn techniques like blending or shading. If you want to learn how to make particular colors or create realistic-looking shading and shadows, consider watching some free online tutorials. Have your sketchpad and supplies handy so you can pause the video and practice as the instructor breaks it down.[1]
- Peruse the comment section on videos because it's likely that other artists have left some tips and suggestions.
- Search for tutorials in any particular technique you want to learn. For instance, you might find some good lessons on composition, working with light, cubism, surrealism, or even creating 3-D effects. If you can think of it, the internet probably has it!
- Take private lessons or join an art class focused on particular skills. If you're a beginner, look to local community centers and libraries for beginning art courses. If you already have some intermediate or advanced skills, you might consider enrolling in a class offered at a local college or art institute.[2]
- Taking classes is a great way to meet other artists and get some constructive criticism.
- To find local instructors, classes, and workshops near you, go to https://artcantina.com/.
- Use instruction books if you're a beginner or learning a specific skill. Workbooks are a great way to start if you're a beginner or looking to pick up a very specific skill like figure drawing or cartooning. This is a great option if you have a busy schedule because you can tackle each lesson at your own pace.[3]
- You can buy instruction books online or at most large bookstores.
- If you rent an instruction book from your local library, don't draw in the book! Photocopy the practice pages so you can draw on those instead.
- If you're a beginner, look for instruction books that have traceable practice sheets so you can get a feel for it before practicing on a canvas or sketchpad.
- Beware of the "paint or draw by number" format—it can help if you're an absolute beginner, but it may also hinder your individual style. Great artists are unique!
- Connect with other artists online for tips about styles and materials. If you want to learn to draw or paint particular things (like people, animals, and landscapes) or work with certain materials (like oil paints, watercolor, and charcoal) join an online artist community. Peruse the forums for any particular style or material and don't be afraid to ask for advice![4]
- Deviant Art, Artist Daily, and Wetcanvas are great online communities with thousands of artists to connect with and learn from.
- For example, you might visit a new artist thread and post something like, "I'm trying to learn different techniques for blending oil paints. I'm also not sure what kind of brushes are best for my geometric style. Any tips or advice?"
- Assess your weaknesses and work on them. Take some time to think about which techniques you're really good at and which ones you can improve upon. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of the following skills: realism, life drawing, portraits, imaginative or memory drawing, proportions, composition, human anatomy, color blending (or theory), and shading. Then, put extra effort into working things that you've rated on the lower end of the scale.[5]
- For example, if you're great at drawing geometric shapes but struggle with shading, spend more time practicing different shading techniques.
- Set a realistic goal for improving on particularly weak skills. For instance, you might say, "I'm going to devote at least 40 minutes of each sketching session to practicing shading faces."
[Edit]Practicing Your Skills - Practice your art every day and set goals for yourself. Schedule time to practice every day, even if all you have is 20 minutes to spare! Practicing every day is essential to learning and mastering new techniques. If you're a beginner, make an effort to practice for at least 30 minutes each day and gradually work your way up until you're practicing for an hour or longer.[6]
- After dinner or before going to bed are good times to practice because it will help you unwind from the day.
- Keep a calendar and "x" off each day that you practice your art. Try to rack up as many days in a row as you can to form a good habit.
- Set daily or weekly goals for your art practice. For example, you might say, "I'm going to finish 1 charcoal sketch per week."
- Use a wooden human mannequin to practice drawing anatomy. Set up a wooden mannequin in any position you like in order to practice drawing the body. This is particularly helpful to learn proper proportions.[7]
- You can buy a wooden mannequin online or at any art supply store.
- Reference a photograph to practice making realistic art. Use a photograph you took or clip one from a magazine. Set it up near your work area and try to emulate it as best you can. Or, you can incorporate some elements of the photograph (like color the color scheme and composition) and let those things inform your own artistic creation.[8]
- Set up your own still-life scene to draw or paint. Search your home for interesting objects you'd like to paint or draw. Then, arrange those things in an interesting way in front of any backdrop you like. For instance, you might place a vase, candle, and bowl of fruit onto a table in front of a checkered wall.[9]
- When setting up a model, play with the composition by moving pieces around before you start working.
- Consider making interesting shadows by rearranging larger or taller items in reference to the light source. For instance, you might create an interesting shadow across a bowl by placing a tall candle between the bowl and the light source in the room.
- Ask a friend or family member to be your model. If you want to practice life drawing or portraiture, consider asking someone you know to sit for you while you sketch or paint them. Just make sure they're okay with sitting still for however long it takes you to do it![10]
- If you're using a live model, keep lighting in mind. You might want to use a small desk lamp to light them from the side to create interesting shadows.
- Invest in quality art supplies. Better paints, tools, and other materials will often perform better and last longer. Putting money into your art will also make it more likely that you'll take it seriously and keep practicing. Don't swear off cheaper materials altogether, just try to work with the best quality materials for what you're trying to do.[11]
- Experiment with various brands of the same media at different price ranges.
- Open stock supplies (like paints, pencils, and markers) are often less expensive than ready-made kits.
- Get out of the children's art supply section! Those brands typically don't have the same properties as the more professional or artist versions.
- Break out of your comfort zone by trying new mediums and styles. Try out different mediums and styles to expand your overall skill set. For example, if you typically use pencils and colored pencils to create classical art, try using pastels for a new perspective. Or if you're comfortable drawing anime, try practicing surrealist art or cubist styles.[12]
- If you're okay with spending some extra money, try using a pen tablet to take your art to a new (digital) level!
- Learning different mediums will also help you create unique mixed-media pieces.
- Get inspired by your favorite artists. Look at the work of some of your favorite artists and consider learning how they did particular techniques. For instance, if you want to learn how to use shapes in an interesting way, you might study Picasso's Guernica and try to emulate a similar sense of urgency through the geometry of your work.[13]
- As another example, if you want to get better at blending colors, you might focus on emulating a particular section of one of Van Gogh's works. Then, use that skill and apply it towards your own work.
- Go to local art galleries and museums to get inspiration. And, when you do go, read the artist's notes and statements next to the pieces to see what materials they used. If the artist is present, ask them about their techniques.
- Don't be afraid to experiment and break some rules. Some of the greatest artists hold strong opinions and unique viewpoints, so feel free to rebel against artistic norms. Think of how Picasso rebelled against traditional modes of perspective or how Edgar Degas rejected classical methods of composition. Like Picasso said, "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist!"[14]
- Art is all about making mistakes and working with them, so if you experiment and don't like the result, find a way to make something new out of it.
[Edit]Training Your Artistic Eye - Take time to express curiosity in your surroundings. Study the color, shape, texture, and size of random things you encounter throughout your day. Look at the face of the person you're talking to. Notice how light affects the shadows and the shape of their features. Pay special attention to how light looks on certain textures like clothing and skin.[15]
- Noticing these things will help you gain a better understanding of how real objects look with different types of light hitting them.
- As a fun exercise, try to describe objects without using their names to help you visualize and capture shapes. For example, if you're looking at a tree, you might describe the trunk as a sloping cylinder and the leaves as tiny lemon shapes.
- Identify variations in color so you can accurately recreate them. When you're looking at something, notice any color variations and how that causes your eyes to want to linger or move to another area. Note the subtle hues within a certain color (like all the different shades of red on an apple).[16]
- For instance, if you're looking at a brightly colored tulip, note how the hot pink petals contrast with the soft green hue of the stem and how your eyes are drawn to the lighter tips of the petals.
- Squint at objects to see their composition of shape and color. Take time to squint your eyes at a particular thing, landscape, or scene. Squinting minimizes your eyes ability to see color and detail and blurs the distinctions between things. This is especially helpful if you want to paint a mass of individual things that are far away like a landscape or a forest full of trees.[17]
- Squinting will also help you distinguish between shadows and light.
- Use negative space to create balance or tension. When you're looking at a particular object or scene, notice the background space (like a wall, table, or backdrop). Allowing negative space in your paintings will give it a sense of balance or tension depending on the scene and overall esthetic.[18]
- For example, take note of the colors, shadows, and textures of objects behind the central objects you'd like to paint. For instance, a burnt orange wall with a diagonal shadow can make the candles and flowers in the foreground stand out more.
- Study the composition of a particular scene or object. Notice how certain objects are put together to create shapes or lines. The geometry of a particular scene or collection of objects draws the spectator's in a particular pattern.[19]
- For example, imagine a still scene of a bookstore. The aisle on the left creates a line that moves the eye vertically, a string twinkle lights between shelves might move the eye across the top, and another shelf encourages the eye to move up or down. The vertical eye movements on each side of the painting might act as a sort of frame for the still-life piece.
- Join a local meetup group with other artists so you can share tips, critique each other's work, and practice together.
- Ask friends and family to critique your work—if one of them is an artist, even better!
- Everybody has an opinion about art, so learn to take criticism and be open to hearing different interpretations of your work.
- Don't worry about drawing or painting quickly. Just let time fly and be fully present with what you're doing.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't listen to other people if they insult your talent or art because everyone has different aesthetic tastes. Keep your head up and keep making art!
[Edit]References |
| How to Keep Moisture in Your Skin Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:00 PM PST Keeping your skin moist and supple throughout the day can be challenging, especially in dry winter air. The key to getting beautifully hydrated skin that lasts all day is timing and layering your moisturizer correctly. Always apply moisturizers to damp skin and layer lighter treatments like oils and serums underneath your moisturizer. Weekly treatments like exfoliation and face masks can help get rid of dead skin and give you an extra glow. [Edit]Establishing a Skincare Routine - Use lukewarm water to wash up. Using hot water to shower or wash your face might feel nice, but it can dry out your skin, too. Hot water strips away the skin's natural oils and will leave it more dry, no matter how much moisturizer you apply.[1]
- If you can't give up hot showers, try to switch to using lukewarm water for washing your face and hands.
- Look for alcohol- and soap-free cleansers. Deodorant soaps, scents, and alcohol all have drying effects on the skin. Look for ingredients like glycerine, Niacinimide, and Vitamin B3, especially if you have sensitive skin.[2]
- Foaming and scrubbing cleansers can also dry out the skin.
- Use oils, serums, or medications before applying moisturizer. In order for your moisturizer to work the best, it should be the last thing you apply to your skin. If you use any oils, serums, or medications, such as acne creams, apply them directly after cleansing your skin.[3]
- Apply products to your skin in order from the product with the lightest formula to the heaviest formula.
- Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Use an oil-based ointment or cream rather than a water-based lotion. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter are all natural ingredients that soothe and moisturize dry skin. Moisturizer of any kind won't work unless your skin is already a little wet. Apply moisturizer after gently patting your body, face, or hands dry, while your skin still feels damp.[4]
- The best kind of moisturizer is a cream that contains hyaluronic acid or ceramides. The thicker and greasier the formula feels, the more effectively it will seal in moisture.
- Apply a hand cream after you wash your hands.
- Massage products gently into the skin. Rubbing your skin too hard or too much can cause irritation. Rub the tips of your fingers in small circles to gently massage any products you are using into your skin.[5]
- To minimize irritation even more, use a patting motion rather than a rubbing motion to dry your face and body.
- Exfoliate once a week to get rid of dead skin and help moisturizers penetrate. Although exfoliating doesn't actively moisturize, it can help the skin get rid of dead cells so that moisturizers work better. Exfoliate your hands, face, and all over your body, then follow the treatment immediately with a moisturizer. Use a gentle, unscented exfoliator, especially for the face.[6]
- If you have sensitive skin, a washcloth and a gentle chemical exfoliator should be enough, rather than an exfoliator with beads.
- Excessively exfoliating can leave your skin raw and won't help lock moisturizer in any better.
- Try a face mask once or twice a week. Look for a cream, gel, or sheet mask with ingredients like collagen and antioxidants. Choose a face mask created for your skin type or problem (for example, oily skin or redness). Pay attention to instructions on the packaging that will tell you how long you need to leave the face mask in place and how you should remove it. Apply a moisturizer after you take the face mask off.[7]
- Always use face masks on clean and exfoliated skin.
- You can also make a homemade face mask using 1 avocado, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of organic honey to the bowl. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it with warm water.
[Edit]Keeping Your Skin Hydrated in Winter - Avoid taking baths or hot showers. Soaking in a hot tub can be tempting when it's cold outside, but it will certainly dry out your skin, as will a long, hot shower. Lukewarm water is best for keeping your skin as moisturized as possible.[8]
- If you love taking baths, try making them a special once a week event and limit how long you spend in the water.
- Add a layer between your skin and wool to avoid irritation. If you bundle up in wool clothes to keep warm, you might notice that your skin becomes itchy and irritated where it rubs up against the fabric. Try layering a more skin-friendly fabric, like cotton or silk, between your self and your wool sweater to keep warm without irritating your skin.[9]
- Also wash your clothes using unscented or hypoallergenic detergent to reduce irritation on your skin.
- Other fabrics that can irritate your skin include bamboo, acrylic, polyester, rayon, acetate, and nylon.[10]
- Keep yourself hydrated. It's important to keep hydrated year-round, but it can be harder in the winter. Adults need around 11.5 cups (2.7 liters)-15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water every day. As a rule of thumb, if you feel thirsty, you are probably dehydrated. If you're having trouble drinking enough water to stay hydrated, try eating foods that have a high water content such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, and kiwi.[11]
- A lot of these foods also contain vitamin C, which can help your skin produce elastin and collagen.
- Wear sunscreen, even on the darkest, cloudiest days. Even if it seems like the sun is a distant memory, it's important to wear sunscreen every day. Low levels of sun exposure can contribute to skin damage over time, leading to wrinkles, spots, or even skin cancer.[12]
- If you live in a place with high winds or extremely cold temperatures, also take care to protect your face from the elements by layering up with scarves, hats, and gloves.
- Use a humidifier in your room during winter. Winter brings dry air, both indoors and outdoors, which can dry out your skin. Keep the humidity in your room at around 60% to keep your skin hydrated at night.[13]
- Your skin repairs itself a lot while you are sleeping, so your bedroom is the best place for a humidifier.
[Edit]Warnings - See a dermatologist if you have consistently dry, irritated skin that doesn't get better.
- Don't scratch your skin. If you have an itch, try applying moisturizer or putting a barrier between your skin and an irritant.
- Always test new skincare products on a small swatch of skin first to check for an allergic reaction.[14]
- To hydrate your lips, look for a balm with paraffin ceramides rather than beeswax. Ingredients like lanolin and vitamin E can also revive and hydrate lips.[15]
[Edit]References |
| How to Make People Feel Good Posted: 13 Jan 2020 08:00 AM PST The ability to make other people happy is a great skill. You'll seem more charismatic and more people will gravitate towards you. Keep the people around you happy by showing them that you care about them. Make friendly conversation by listening more than you talk and ask questions about people. Praise their accomplishments and remember details about their lives to make them feel important. In general, maintain a positive attitude and good sense of humor. These feelings are contagious to the people around you. [Edit]Having Friendly Conversations - Listen more than you speak. Try not to dominate conversations. If you do all the talking in a conversation, people will feel like you're talking at them. Instead, let other people talk and only provide input when they're finished. This makes you look like a polite, attentive person who cares what other people have to say.[1]
- Don't interrupt a person while they're speaking. People don't like being cut off. Always let them finish what they're saying.
- Of course, still answer questions if the person asks them. But don't just look for the next time you can start talking about yourself again. Allow other people to talk.
- Ask questions about the person. Keep conversations going by asking the other person about themselves. Give people the opportunity to open up and talk about themselves. They will appreciate talking to someone who listens to them. Even a simple, "How are you doing today?" makes people feel like you care about them.[2]
- Don't just ask superficial questions. Demonstrate that you were listening by asking questions based on what they person was saying.
- For example, if someone is telling you about their vacation and mention they got a flat tire, say, "Wow, how did you fix the tire?" This shows that you're not only interested, but were paying attention to the story.
- Look away from your phone or computer when speaking with people. Don't look distracted while conversing with people. Checking your phone or computer constantly makes you look rude and uninterested. Put your phone down and look away from the computer. Make eye contact with the person so they know you're paying attention.[3]
- If you do have to check your phone, excuse yourself and say, "Sorry, I have to check this for one second."
- If you are actually busy and don't have time to talk, be polite about it. Say, "I'd love to talk some more but I have a work call to make. I'll see you later."
- Be enthusiastic about what they say. Get excited when someone tells you something. If they share a piece of good news or an accomplishment, congratulate them. A simple, "That's great!" will make them feel like they really did accomplish something and that you care about it.[4]
- People sometimes get shy when you compliment them. If they say something like, "Oh, it's no big deal," you can follow up with, "Well just know I'm happy for you." This maintains the personal connection with the other person without making them uncomfortable.
- Return compliments if the other person gives them. It's possible someone will congratulate or compliment you in a conversation. Thank them sincerely for the compliment, and then return a compliment. This makes you look both gracious and generous at the same time.[5]
- A coworker might say that you offered a great idea in the meeting today. You could respond, "Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. With your skills I'm sure you can pull it off."
- Avoid criticizing their opinions. Inevitably, you'll disagree with people on some of their beliefs or opinions. Keep the conversation friendly and don't criticize them. Allow them to voice their opinions. That way, they'll continue feeling safe and happy talking to you.[6]
- You can still voice your disagreement without being hostile. Just simply saying, "That's not the way I see it, but I get your point," shows that you disagree but also gives the other person credit.
- If you want to avoid confrontation altogether, you can just ignore their opinion and try to steer the conversation elsewhere.
[Edit]Making People Feel Important - Remember details about people's lives. This is a great practice for connecting with people and showing them you really care about what they're saying. If you always forget things they've told you, it will seem like you aren't listening to them. Make an effort to remember the details they've told you to increase your connection with the person.[7]
- Ask about these details too. Someone might tell you on Friday that they're going to a concert over the weekend. If you see them on Monday, ask how the concert was. This shows you were listening and that you care about them.
- If you have trouble remembering things, try doing some exercises to improve your memory.
- Show your interest with nonverbal cues. Certain mannerisms and body language show a person you're paying attention. Nodding, making eye contact, and changing your facial expression according to what they say all shows the person that you're invested in what they say. Don't remain firm or unresponsive. This shows that you don't care about the conversation.[8]
- If someone tells you a story about something unexpected happening, widen your eyes and make a shocked face. They'll feel like you're completely invested in the story.
- You can also do this when you aren't directly having a conversation with someone. If a coworker is giving a presentation in a conference room, look at them while they speak. Nod along when they make a good point, and take notes. These all make the person speaking feel important and they will appreciate it.
- Offer praise in moderation. Compliments and praise are great ways to make someone feel important. Give compliments to other people, but don't overdo it. If you constantly compliment everyone, your praise won't look genuine. Be sincere when you compliment people, and then move on.[9]
- Don't continue complimenting the person after they've already acknowledged your compliment. If they say thank you, don't say, "No but really, you did a great job." This could come off as fake.
- Bring attention to their accomplishments. Compliments don't only have to be private matters. If someone you know accomplished something, let other people know about it. The person will be happy to see that other people take their accomplishments seriously.[10]
- This doesn't have to be a grand gesture. You might be giving a presentation and say, "I'd like to thank John for doing a great job on these figures here." This quick statement gives John credit without dwelling on the matter.
- However, if someone asks you to keep something quiet, respect their wishes. They may want to be the one to tell a certain person or might just be shy about it.
- Write thank-you notes if a person does something for you. Making people feel appreciated is another great way to show them that they're important. If someone helps you out, take some time to write them a genuine thank-you note or email. Explain how they helped you and let them know you appreciate it.[11]
- Personal thank-you's work as well. Try to find the person and thank them. Saying, "I just wanted to drop by and say thanks for that favor you did," shows that you went out of your
- If you can't find the person, a phone call is great too.
[Edit]Spreading Positive Energy - Avoid gossiping and talking about other people negatively. Spreading gossip about people creates a more hostile and less friendly environment. If you get a reputation for doing this, less people will want to interact with you. Stay away from gossiping and make yourself someone that people feel comfortable talking to. They'll be much happier around you.[12]
- This is a good situation where thinking about the Golden Rule helps. Would you like someone spreading rumors about you? Probably not. So don't spread rumors about others.
- Treat people the way you'd like to be treated. This is often called the "Golden Rule" for a reason. If you want to make people happy, just think about what makes you happy. Then treat people accordingly. Live by this code and you'll be a much friendlier person.[13]
- Think about if you were talking to someone and you made fun of them for liking a certain band. Would you be happy if someone did that to you? Probably not. Reconsider your actions and apologize.
- Smile as much as possible. Smiling helps you feel positive and also spreads positivity to the people around you. Make a conscious effort to smile often. You'll look like a much friendlier person and people are more likely to come talk to you.[14]
- Whenever you greet people, smile as you say hello. This is an easy way to spread more positive feelings.
- Don't try to make your smile as wide as you can. This will look fake. Just slightly turning the corners of your lips up makes you look bright naturally.
- Have a good sense of humor. Having a sense of humor helps reduce your stress and keep a positive attitude. More importantly, people will gravitate towards you if you're a fun person. Laugh often and try to brighten other people's moods. This will spread positive energy all around you and people will appreciate it.[15]
- Remember that having a sense of humor isn't just about telling jokes. It's more about keeping a lighthearted mood about things. If something negative happens, try to find a bright side in it. Be the person that stays optimistic when other people are feeling down.
- Always know the limits for your humor, however. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. If people don't seem amused by your antics, tone it down.
- Remember that every situation is different. If something tragic happens, it might not be the best time to show your sense of humor. Judge each situation and act accordingly.
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