Artists who try to produce perfect drawings and paintings can easily miss the vital key. When you produce an identical copy the result can look lifeless. The missing art element is

“An interesting picture will give the feeling of life”

The texture of the canvas adds depth to an oil painting. The finished painting isn’t dull and flat. By building layer upon layer of paint an artist creates a work of art that has interest and character

“The surface of the painted canvas has depth and texture”

There is more to creating an art masterpiece. A painting has its own story. It has its own history

What you don’t see when you look at a painting are the plans and preparations. There are thoughts, ideas and research hidden behind each brushstroke

* There are early ideas drawn on lost preparatory drawings

* There are color sketches hidden in a forgotten art folder

* Changes and old ideas hidden by later re-painting

Even for an artist who can create an exact copy, there is more that you can give your painting

* Your painting needs understanding and feeling before it becomes Art

* Your painting’s character comes from your flair and expression

* Your time and dedication is needed for painting success

If you use photographs, make your painting an impression of what you see. Combine details from one photograph with the background of another. Play with components to create a new reality

* Add your memories to your drawings

* Tell a story with your picture

* Use vibrant colors

An active drawing allows you to get away with mistakes when you work from real life. You can disguise weakness in your drawing skills with confident line-work even poor perspectives

* With the sweep of your ink pen you can mask the slightly distorted vase of flowers in your still life drawing

* In pencil figure drawing, lively shading can hide body forms that are wrong

* For landscape drawing you can make trees move with the wind with a quick swish of charcoal

* The power of the sea can be captured by a swirling dash of crayon

You can easily add more interest to you drawings Leave the sketch outlines showing. Your drawings will rank high when your pencil marks show movement and growth.

It is the process of painting that distinguishes an original art creation from a machine produced print copy. Don’t hide your talents

* With oils and acrylics you can show your painting skills when you allow visible brush marks in finished paintings

* Lift your paintings Add a splash of color to your paintings

* Use the power of water to create flowing watercolor paintings

As an art beginner or intermediate painter take the lead from professional artists. Add soul to your painting and drawing. Don’t allow your art to suffer

“Reveal your character and personality”