I’ve been doing art since a small child, but many people give up on their creative ambitions and urges when they leave school. Often they’ve been told they’re not good enough, or they’ve convinced themselves they can’t draw or paint. However, it’s always there, in the back of their minds, niggling away. Then one day, enough is enough, you’ve wanted to do something creative for years, and finally, the time has come. You’re going to get back in to art.
So, you’re an adult who wants to start learning about art. That’s great! But where do you start, there’s so much to do and think about and consider? Or is there? Well, firstly, let me tell you that it’s never too late to start learning about art. Whether you’re interested in painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other medium, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
One of the best things you can do to get started is to visit a museum or art gallery. This is a great way to get an overview of different styles and techniques and to start learning about different artists. Look for museums and galleries that have a collection that you’re particularly interested in or one with a variety of exhibitions, from fine art to ceramics to folk crafts. Or if you don’t know where to start, go to the biggest and most renowned museum in your city and check out their collection, It will definitely be worth your time.
I would also suggest visiting a big Hobby and Arts store and taking a walk among the aisles. You may see something that takes your fancy there, or find yourself drawn to an exotic kind of craft you’d never even considered before. Don’t dive straight, go and look up some stuff first to see if it’s something you could get into. Consider the amount of time it could take and the mess it could create, the potential expenses, and all those things before you start spending money.
Another great way to learn about art is to take a class. There are plenty of adult education classes available, both in-person and online, that can help you develop your skills. You can also find community college classes and workshops in a variety of mediums. You can also look for online tutorials, if you’re not comfortable joining physical classes. In the online tutorials you can find many resources, from beginner to intermediate and advance tutorials, that can help you learn about different techniques and styles.
Another thing you can do is to start experimenting with different mediums. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you don’t think you’re good at them. Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, digital art – all of these mediums have their own unique characteristics and will help you develop a well-rounded understanding of art. Start with something that you are comfortable with, like sketching. Then, as you gain confidence, experiment with other mediums.
Another thing that could be helpful is to read books and articles about art and artists. There are a lot of great art books available, both for beginners and for more advanced students. You can find general books that provide an overview of different art movements and styles, or you can read about specific artists and their work. Reading about art will give you a deeper understanding of the context in which different works were created and will help you appreciate them more fully.
One last piece of advice: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Art is all about experimentation and trying new things. When you’re first starting out, you’ll probably make a lot of mistakes. But don’t let that discourage you! Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. And remember, don’t compare yourself to other artists or other students. Everyone progresses at their own pace.
So that’s a rough overview of some of the things you can do to start learning about art as an adult. Remember, learning about art is an ongoing process, you’ll never stop learning new things and new ways of seeing the world. The important thing is to start somewhere and to keep an open mind. And always, always, always keep creating.
