Making Time for Art, Making Better Art
Hazel Scott
...and other art tips.
One morning in February, I looked at the calendar and thought with a bit of a panic that two months of the year was nearly over but I have not been creating as much as I had aimed for. The art kit I made to "test drive" during our Christmas holiday didn't even see it out of my bag during the trip. It just seems so hard to carve out that time for creating! I have my own bunch of excuses but I go on Instagram by bedtime and see all your amazing works while you guys talk about jobs and school and family, and….some of you know what that feels like! I had some of the usual ideas to change things, but I thought it would be helpful (and fun!) to hear what you guys had to say about how to make time for art and how to create better art.
A big thanks to everyone who joined the #InspireHazelScottPh giveaway! Reading all your tips have helped me pick up new ideas and reinforced some of the things that I believe about the process of creating. It's great reading the same thoughts echoed in different words and ways. Your enthusiasm is one of the many reasons I love the Instagram art community, and why the hashtag #InspireHazelScottPh is so - because honestly, many times I am in a slump, just scrolling through all your art makes me want to create again!
I scrolled through ALL your posts and I have picked out the ones that I found to be the most insightful and inspiring. (Seriously, I copied each one into a document and read!) Let me share some of the ones that I personally found to be the best advice, the kind that made me go, “THAT I gotta remember!” I had to resist listing all your responses and create a massive post, but if you want to read what everyone had to say, just click on the hashtag #InspireHazelScottPh and I guarantee you will find your own gems - those thoughts that speak out to you :)
Here are my favorites; I hope you pick up a tip or two from these artists, as I have!
@watercolor_state_of_mind: ”…bring your paints wherever you go so that you’ll have time to paint anytime, anywhere! Make your passion your life :)”
@apolisms: “What has really helped me stay inspired to create art is to always have, as often as possible, a sketchbook and a set of pens in my bag.”
@jamielynlandry: “My best art tip is work small, and have your supplies at the ready, always. For me that’s having my journal, palletes and water brushes always within reach 😊”
@v.chine: “..inspiration comes.. when you least expect it, so always keep your sketchbook/a blank sheet of paper nearby!”
@ross__ella: “Grabbing every opportunity to learn on the basics will always lead you to successful results. Always challenge yourself with using the primary colors, mix them together and enjoy exploring.”
@redbean_tea96: “Watch and learn from as many references as possible 😊 It helps you develop your own art style if you're still a beginner.”
@beckcelzo: “Small paintings, big brush (reechoing Master Alvaro😆). Try it, it's exhilirating!”
@joanfloridoart: “Learn to stretch paper!”
@kathographic: “One of the things I do when working with watercolor and a reference photo is turning the reference photo upside down as well as the canvas or paper I'm using. Why? So instead of seeing a large picture and becoming pressured with the final outcome, I'd see more of the form and shapes instead, working into a bigger picture.”
@wvlfgng: “Purchase second-hand/old magazine issues (cheaper too!) as reference for food and flower illustrations”
@athenatriestopaint: “time...time...time...I don’t draw very well and takes me a while to draw...most times I don’t have the luxury of time to practice painting and sometimes I do an artwork over and over again...so I bought a tracing light pad to save time so more time to learn to paint, and also for me not to hurt my watercolor paper by erasing too much.”
@chinkymd: “It helps me get that inspiration to sketch and paint when its all still and quiet. That's why I usually paint at night.”
@annyhellewrites: “Surround your self with people who would appreciate your work.”
@alara_arts: “I take long walks in between painting sessions and take photographs to inspire me for the next painting. It also helps to give me an idea about light and shadow. I also bring with me a small sketchbook with tiny cut-offs for tiny paintings so I can have a five-minute painting session and just catch a mood.”
@vtori73: “..If your ever having art block or just can't think of something to create go back to the basics, practice drawing/painting still life's, do some figure drawing, color theory practice, etc it helps you continue to learn and it keeps you creating. Instead of staring at a blank piece of paper.
@poetic_grape: [truncated] “...Here's a tip...draw scribbles, doodles even if it's messy or not definite. Because that's where everything starts..."
@jofelbanez: “…we shouldn't stop if we failed. We should keep on painting everyday (as much as possible) and explore different techniques and try art supplies that are available.
@camilledajay: “…just make bad art. Use all the wrong colors and all the wrong lines. Allot a few minutes for it (bad art usually takes a short time anyway) and not worry about it being seen by other people. It's a good Kickstart, and in the end, you may end up learning something.”
@samlobienart: “..art is whatever the artist wishes it to be…”
@asamatterofneek: “…go at improving your art at your own pace. Never pressure yourself to pleasing everyone..”
@sakuraplanner: “It usually takes time to jumpstart and let my creativity flow... but once it starts, I try not to over-criticize my own work.”
@annyhellewrites: “Don’t be intimidated by the works of other people. Instead, let them serve as an inspiration.”
@ciaragalebautista: “Don't compare your artworks to others. You guys have your own time when you'll be able to improve much better, and it's okay not to find your finished artwork beautiful or "instagram-mable" because that's the point when you'll start acknowledging and accepting your weaknesses and flaws which will help you grow and improve as the time goes by.”
@x.seyan: For me, the best tip that I can give is you must have patience and love on what you are doing. Because with patient and love is the key for achieving good quality artworks❤️. Patience will shape our skills so in the coming days we can see improvement. You can't get what you want if you dont know how to wait. There are always right time for improvement.”
@marizaina: “If theres something you want, don't let anyone discourage you. In the end when you start to regret the steps you didn't take, we really can't blame them. We can only blame ourselves for listening to others opinions when it was a decision that depended on us.”
@touchtheskygraphics: “Practice makes progress. And in all things, do it with love.”
@efferelart: “YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE A LIMIT IN BROWSING IG and LONGER TIME CREATING.”
@karissayu: “Never stop learning. Practice, practice, practice, and never give up!”
@gracianpao: “You can make great artwork if you keep on practicing! Practice, practice. PRACTICE!”
From @amiecrux: “When I started out painting, I always get frustrated because I tend to compare my work with others. I felt bad because I feel that my painting is ugly. But I have learned that I am my own artist. I may not be as good as the others but I am working on it. Each day is a chance to be better so be kind to yourself and just keep on painting.”
From @a.yeza: “I’ve had so many people tell me that they want to be good at painting and ask me how they can improve. And I always tell them this - No matter where you are in your art journey, you should never stop practicing. Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, it doesn’t matter. Your greatest strength will always be constant practice. Back in 2013 when I still had no idea I would end up painting watercolor portraits, what I did was I made sure that I practiced painting and drawing everyday. I doodled portaits during class and painted loose portraits as soon as I got home from school. The constant practice helped me improve, from loose portraits to sharper and more realistic ones. Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done.”
From @prismplume
1) Alloting even just 5-10 minutes a day to your craft will build up improvement to your art over time.
2) Breaks are your friend! Rest is good to refresh the mind and get you motivated again.
3) Time and limitations can be good for you. They teach you how to get creative in getting work done.
4) Work at your own pace and routine. You know yourself best on how you want to create. Whether you choose to devote hours or just a few minutes for art is fine. Do your own thing. :)
From @wattahcolah_art: ART TIP:
1. Have an area for creation. I didnt have a designated place nor a table when I started. I just use the dinner table. I found it time consuming to unfold my materials and by the time i'm done, I'm no longer inspired.
2. Be hungry to learn. That is what's going to keep the passion to creat art going for a long time. Watch youtube, Join forums, Read books, meet artsy people... just be inspired.
3. Involve people in your art. I feel art is supposed to be shared. I am in no means a pro but what little I know I share, so that I have more people around me that shares my passion. This sustains the hunger which ultimately leads to keeping you in a circle condusive for creation... tying the 3 tips together.
P.S. Love the process. we cant all be Van Gogh's in a day. Just embrace the journey and continue on, regardless of how unsatisfied you are with your pieces. Practice and patience makes perfect. Be patient with yourself. Keep practicing. Celebrate small wins, be it just getting the shadows right, being able to color within the lines, getting the correct water to paint ratio ... even just being able to pick up the brush and try. No matter how small you think you've done is, it is still better than doing nothing so it is a battle half won.
From @artofgabe: Some art tips that I've come across that's really helpful:
1. Thumbnail your sketches. It saves time and effort and pushes you to create more interesting and dynamic compositions before you start working on the actual piece. It exercises your visual library on what elements works and what doesn't. Plus you can always recycle those you didn't use for another project.
2. 10,000 hours habit. As Macklemore said 'The greats weren't great because at birth they could paint. The greats were great cause they paint a lot.' They said it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. Always make it a point that you exercise your skill everyday whether it's just 20 mins or 20 hours. Everyday.
3. Studies > Masterpieces. I realized that creating more studies is not only more fun but helps a lot in improving and exercising your visual library. It also gets rid of your impulse on making everything perfect. You get to experiment and learn from each study before actually starting on that masterpiece.
From @yarinageshonen: ”Paint outdoors. Doing art while communing with nature brings out a happier artist within us. After all, isn't it nature that inspires art?
From @lanae.p.57: “Anytime I’m stuck in a rut, and I have no clue what to create... I start with having a clean environment around me, and then I lay down and I put my earbuds in and I listen to Odesza. I always go through all my old art, and remember what I’ve done, and what I’m capable of doing, and it really inspires me to try to make something better or of the same sort.”
Thanks for being generous with your wisdom, guys! You know how reading something strikes you differently depending on your current situation? So I'm absolutely keeping the document with ALL your tips and will scroll through them when I'm stuck! :)
One morning in February, I looked at the calendar and thought with a bit of a panic that two months of the year was nearly over but I have not been creating as much as I had aimed for. The art kit I made to "test drive" during our Christmas holiday didn't even see it out of my bag during the trip. It just seems so hard to carve out that time for creating! I have my own bunch of excuses but I go on Instagram by bedtime and see all your amazing works while you guys talk about jobs and school and family, and….some of you know what that feels like! I had some of the usual ideas to change things, but I thought it would be helpful (and fun!) to hear what you guys had to say about how to make time for art and how to create better art.
A big thanks to everyone who joined the #InspireHazelScottPh giveaway! Reading all your tips have helped me pick up new ideas and reinforced some of the things that I believe about the process of creating. It's great reading the same thoughts echoed in different words and ways. Your enthusiasm is one of the many reasons I love the Instagram art community, and why the hashtag #InspireHazelScottPh is so - because honestly, many times I am in a slump, just scrolling through all your art makes me want to create again!
I scrolled through ALL your posts and I have picked out the ones that I found to be the most insightful and inspiring. (Seriously, I copied each one into a document and read!) Let me share some of the ones that I personally found to be the best advice, the kind that made me go, “THAT I gotta remember!” I had to resist listing all your responses and create a massive post, but if you want to read what everyone had to say, just click on the hashtag #InspireHazelScottPh and I guarantee you will find your own gems - those thoughts that speak out to you :)
Here are my favorites; I hope you pick up a tip or two from these artists, as I have!
On making time for art..
@claircolors: “Sometimes you just have to find that 15-30 minutes in a day to create. Whether it's the first thing in the morning, or the last thing before sleeping.”
@mamimohsnotebook: “Put your butt on a chair or wherever, create some art and do it everyday. Happy or crappy do it anyway!”
@nnmcf: “Sacrifice sleep to play with paint while the kids sleep 😂”
On not missing an opportunity to make art..
@watercolor_state_of_mind: ”…bring your paints wherever you go so that you’ll have time to paint anytime, anywhere! Make your passion your life :)”
@apolisms: “What has really helped me stay inspired to create art is to always have, as often as possible, a sketchbook and a set of pens in my bag.”
@jamielynlandry: “My best art tip is work small, and have your supplies at the ready, always. For me that’s having my journal, palletes and water brushes always within reach 😊”
@v.chine: “..inspiration comes.. when you least expect it, so always keep your sketchbook/a blank sheet of paper nearby!”
On learning new things and remembering the basics:
@ross__ella: “Grabbing every opportunity to learn on the basics will always lead you to successful results. Always challenge yourself with using the primary colors, mix them together and enjoy exploring.”
@redbean_tea96: “Watch and learn from as many references as possible 😊 It helps you develop your own art style if you're still a beginner.”
On the new styles and simple techniques that make such a difference...
@beckcelzo: “Small paintings, big brush (reechoing Master Alvaro😆). Try it, it's exhilirating!”
@joanfloridoart: “Learn to stretch paper!”
@kathographic: “One of the things I do when working with watercolor and a reference photo is turning the reference photo upside down as well as the canvas or paper I'm using. Why? So instead of seeing a large picture and becoming pressured with the final outcome, I'd see more of the form and shapes instead, working into a bigger picture.”
On the stuff that’s worth the bucks:
@wvlfgng: “Purchase second-hand/old magazine issues (cheaper too!) as reference for food and flower illustrations”
@athenatriestopaint: “time...time...time...I don’t draw very well and takes me a while to draw...most times I don’t have the luxury of time to practice painting and sometimes I do an artwork over and over again...so I bought a tracing light pad to save time so more time to learn to paint, and also for me not to hurt my watercolor paper by erasing too much.”
On creating that environment that encourages an artistic mood:
@chinkymd: “It helps me get that inspiration to sketch and paint when its all still and quiet. That's why I usually paint at night.”
@annyhellewrites: “Surround your self with people who would appreciate your work.”
@alara_arts: “I take long walks in between painting sessions and take photographs to inspire me for the next painting. It also helps to give me an idea about light and shadow. I also bring with me a small sketchbook with tiny cut-offs for tiny paintings so I can have a five-minute painting session and just catch a mood.”
On getting over an “art block”..
@vtori73: “..If your ever having art block or just can't think of something to create go back to the basics, practice drawing/painting still life's, do some figure drawing, color theory practice, etc it helps you continue to learn and it keeps you creating. Instead of staring at a blank piece of paper.
@poetic_grape: [truncated] “...Here's a tip...draw scribbles, doodles even if it's messy or not definite. Because that's where everything starts..."
On just going for it!..
@jofelbanez: “…we shouldn't stop if we failed. We should keep on painting everyday (as much as possible) and explore different techniques and try art supplies that are available.
@camilledajay: “…just make bad art. Use all the wrong colors and all the wrong lines. Allot a few minutes for it (bad art usually takes a short time anyway) and not worry about it being seen by other people. It's a good Kickstart, and in the end, you may end up learning something.”
@samlobienart: “..art is whatever the artist wishes it to be…”
On being kind to yourself and your results..
@asamatterofneek: “…go at improving your art at your own pace. Never pressure yourself to pleasing everyone..”
@sakuraplanner: “It usually takes time to jumpstart and let my creativity flow... but once it starts, I try not to over-criticize my own work.”
@annyhellewrites: “Don’t be intimidated by the works of other people. Instead, let them serve as an inspiration.”
@ciaragalebautista: “Don't compare your artworks to others. You guys have your own time when you'll be able to improve much better, and it's okay not to find your finished artwork beautiful or "instagram-mable" because that's the point when you'll start acknowledging and accepting your weaknesses and flaws which will help you grow and improve as the time goes by.”
On the meaning of creating..
@x.seyan: For me, the best tip that I can give is you must have patience and love on what you are doing. Because with patient and love is the key for achieving good quality artworks❤️. Patience will shape our skills so in the coming days we can see improvement. You can't get what you want if you dont know how to wait. There are always right time for improvement.”
On perseverance and not quitting…
@marizaina: “If theres something you want, don't let anyone discourage you. In the end when you start to regret the steps you didn't take, we really can't blame them. We can only blame ourselves for listening to others opinions when it was a decision that depended on us.”
On self-discipline and practice, practice and PRACTICE..
@touchtheskygraphics: “Practice makes progress. And in all things, do it with love.”
@efferelart: “YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE A LIMIT IN BROWSING IG and LONGER TIME CREATING.”
@karissayu: “Never stop learning. Practice, practice, practice, and never give up!”
@gracianpao: “You can make great artwork if you keep on practicing! Practice, practice. PRACTICE!”
Lastly, my favorite ones:
From @amiecrux: “When I started out painting, I always get frustrated because I tend to compare my work with others. I felt bad because I feel that my painting is ugly. But I have learned that I am my own artist. I may not be as good as the others but I am working on it. Each day is a chance to be better so be kind to yourself and just keep on painting.”
From @a.yeza: “I’ve had so many people tell me that they want to be good at painting and ask me how they can improve. And I always tell them this - No matter where you are in your art journey, you should never stop practicing. Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, it doesn’t matter. Your greatest strength will always be constant practice. Back in 2013 when I still had no idea I would end up painting watercolor portraits, what I did was I made sure that I practiced painting and drawing everyday. I doodled portaits during class and painted loose portraits as soon as I got home from school. The constant practice helped me improve, from loose portraits to sharper and more realistic ones. Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done.”
From @prismplume
1) Alloting even just 5-10 minutes a day to your craft will build up improvement to your art over time.
2) Breaks are your friend! Rest is good to refresh the mind and get you motivated again.
3) Time and limitations can be good for you. They teach you how to get creative in getting work done.
4) Work at your own pace and routine. You know yourself best on how you want to create. Whether you choose to devote hours or just a few minutes for art is fine. Do your own thing. :)
From @wattahcolah_art: ART TIP:
1. Have an area for creation. I didnt have a designated place nor a table when I started. I just use the dinner table. I found it time consuming to unfold my materials and by the time i'm done, I'm no longer inspired.
2. Be hungry to learn. That is what's going to keep the passion to creat art going for a long time. Watch youtube, Join forums, Read books, meet artsy people... just be inspired.
3. Involve people in your art. I feel art is supposed to be shared. I am in no means a pro but what little I know I share, so that I have more people around me that shares my passion. This sustains the hunger which ultimately leads to keeping you in a circle condusive for creation... tying the 3 tips together.
P.S. Love the process. we cant all be Van Gogh's in a day. Just embrace the journey and continue on, regardless of how unsatisfied you are with your pieces. Practice and patience makes perfect. Be patient with yourself. Keep practicing. Celebrate small wins, be it just getting the shadows right, being able to color within the lines, getting the correct water to paint ratio ... even just being able to pick up the brush and try. No matter how small you think you've done is, it is still better than doing nothing so it is a battle half won.
From @artofgabe: Some art tips that I've come across that's really helpful:
1. Thumbnail your sketches. It saves time and effort and pushes you to create more interesting and dynamic compositions before you start working on the actual piece. It exercises your visual library on what elements works and what doesn't. Plus you can always recycle those you didn't use for another project.
2. 10,000 hours habit. As Macklemore said 'The greats weren't great because at birth they could paint. The greats were great cause they paint a lot.' They said it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. Always make it a point that you exercise your skill everyday whether it's just 20 mins or 20 hours. Everyday.
3. Studies > Masterpieces. I realized that creating more studies is not only more fun but helps a lot in improving and exercising your visual library. It also gets rid of your impulse on making everything perfect. You get to experiment and learn from each study before actually starting on that masterpiece.
From @yarinageshonen: ”Paint outdoors. Doing art while communing with nature brings out a happier artist within us. After all, isn't it nature that inspires art?
From @lanae.p.57: “Anytime I’m stuck in a rut, and I have no clue what to create... I start with having a clean environment around me, and then I lay down and I put my earbuds in and I listen to Odesza. I always go through all my old art, and remember what I’ve done, and what I’m capable of doing, and it really inspires me to try to make something better or of the same sort.”
Thanks for being generous with your wisdom, guys! You know how reading something strikes you differently depending on your current situation? So I'm absolutely keeping the document with ALL your tips and will scroll through them when I'm stuck! :)
Because I can't make up my mind and also want to be fair, I decided to draw using Random List Picker. I listed all the participants whose tips made it to this blog post; if you tagged a friend in the giveaway photo, your name is listed twice :) Congratulations to the winner of these goodies:
1. One of your choice of any available handmade travel palette from my shop
2. Your choice of (1) brush rest (select from the photo)
3. A small Arches journal (my fave from HalfPanPh!)
4. A bottle vase prop by Kasa Ko
5. A reclaimed wood stump by Habil Crafts
6. A double-wall glass cup for your favorite drink while creating
And the winner is....
And because I can never just pick one winner ever, I've picked 3 more to receive:
One (1) handmade palette of your choice from my shop
Congratulations to...
To the winners, please send me your shipping details through my contact form here.
(To everyone whose tips got included on this blog post, I'd like to express my thanks to you by offering a 50% discount on a purchase of any of my palettes, should you wish to get them. I rarely offer this much, but you guys are amazing! Just contact me to get your exclusive discount code.)
Thanks again for joining, everyone! Happy creating!
1 comment
I love all of these! I definitely need to just practice more. Anything to put to paper.