Inspiration Tutorials

How to Improve Your Artwork

Do you have the inspiration for art but struggle to have the execution? If so, here is your guide on how to improve your artwork.

True artists either have it or they don’t and there’s not much you can do about it … right?

Wrong.

Artistic ability may be something you’re born with, but it doesn’t stop there, so don’t limit yourself. Like any talent, it takes hard work, time and drive to develop your skills and improve your art.

Here are some tips for making your artwork even better.

Surround yourself with inspiration

They say you can get inspiration from anywhere, but whoever said that probably wasn’t thinking of your dark, dingy, cluttered studio.

To improve your artwork, take some time to create the workspace of your dreams. Paint the walls your favorite color. Hang up art that sparks your creativity. Clean and organize your supplies, and make sure they’re easy to reach.

Good lighting with the proper intensity is also very important. We recommend using natural sunlight whenever possible, but using a lamp or bulbs that provide natural light is a great alternative.

If you don’t have your own room or corner to create art in or you don’t have the correct lighting, go outside. What’s more inspirational than being surrounded by nature?

Use artist-grade supplies

Student-grade and bargain art supplies have their benefits. They’re affordable, and they’re great to use when you’re underpainting or experimenting with a new technique.

But they’re cheap for a reason. Student-grade supplies tend to have less pigment in them, making them transparent and dull. They also don’t stand up to the elements, which causes them to fade or crack over time.

We recommend artist-grade supplies to improve your artwork. They have the highest pigment levels, the widest choice of colors, and limited color shift. They also pass the test of time.

So if you want to create a piece that’s durable, long-lasting, rich and professional-looking – especially if it’s something you want to sell – artist-grade is the way to go.

Plan, plan, plan

Spontaneity might seem like the backbone of creativity, but when composing a piece of art, plan it out ahead of time to see better results.

Begin with a concept. When you have a solid idea of your message and how you want to compose it, draw it in a sketchbook. Rework it as many times as necessary until you’re happy with the results.

Once you have a pretty solid idea of where you want to go with your piece, start working on it in your final medium.

This doesn’t mean you can’t be spontaneous or creative. If inspiration strikes while you’re painting the final piece, let it guide you. But to improve your art, starting with a plan will ensure you’re on the right track before you put brush to canvas.

Push yourself

A fantastic way to improve your art is by challenging yourself to try mediums and subject matters you’ve never tried before.

If you’ve only ever painted with acrylics, give another paint type a try. If you usually draw still lifes, take a figure-drawing class. Use a canvas that’s bigger than you’ve ever painted on before, or try a different surface type altogether.

Even if you think you’re going to be terrible at it, try it. The more you push yourself, the more your art will improve.

Be open to criticism

And finally, probably the most difficult tip of all, ask someone you trust to critique your work. And really listen to what they have to say, then take that feedback and pour it into future pieces.

Hearing negative things about a piece of work that you put your heart and soul into can be hard, but you will learn so much by hearing truthful feedback about your art.

A true artist never stops improving their artwork

You’re already a great artist, but you know you can be even better. Follow the tips here, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your artwork.