Three Ways to Help you Start Making Art
Are you sitting, staring at a blank page, wondering when an idea will arrive? Do you feel like you’re unmotivated and disinterested in creating?
You can’t simply sit and wait for ideas to arrive; you need to go and find them; they’re all around you if you’re willing to pay attention. Ideas come to those open and in motion; they come to those who will do something with them. If you need an idea, start creating and watch the ideas follow.
If you’re feeling unmotivated, start to create anyway, taking away the desire to make something that is perfect or social media worthy. Instead, create for the sake of doing so, and watch your motivation return. Start by working for 5 mins. Then try 15.
3 ways to start when you’re feeling stuck
- Copy: Copy your work or that of someone else.
- Make it a game: Use creation cards and follow the steps provided
- Blind Contour: Gather a few objects and then use the blind-contour drawing technique to get marks on your page.
Copy
Throughout history, artists have learned their craft by coping those before them. There is nothing wrong with copying as a form of practice. Often, we don’t start because we aren’t sure where to start; by looking at something already done and using it as a guide, the barrier to starting is removed. You can strive to make an exact copy of a piece and make adjustments, making it more your own. Select a different medium than the one represented, or select three images and copy sections of them, blending them into one piece. Keep in mind that the goal of copying is to help you get started.
Make it a Game.
You can find inspiration by exploring a wide range of games the Surrealists used to help develop ideas. Practice Decalcomania as a fun and playful way to start making a work of art. Decalcomania is the act of creating an image by chance. You’ll start by making a mark on a page and then exploring what you can add to transform what may look like a blob of paint or ink into something new. Grab some paper and paint, and get ready to explore.
Pour some paint onto your paper, then fold your paper in half and reopen, exposing the organic shape you created. Allow the paint to dry, then look at the shape. Turn the page in all directions; what does it remind you of? What can you add to transform the blob into something new?
Experimentation Notecards Or Art Creation Playing Cards are also great tools to help you get out of your creative rut.
Blind Contour Continuous Line Drawing
Blind contour line drawings are a great way to warm up. You could also combine this idea with Decalcomania, as explained above. Blind contour requires careful observation paired with surprise, as you can only look at the object you’re drawing, not the page. As an added challenge, you can’t lift your pencil as you draw.
Determine what you want to draw, grab some paper and your favorite drawing tool, and you’re ready to go. If you don’t trust yourself and think you’ll be tempted to cheat, find a paper plate and put your pen or pencil through the center. The paper plate will help to block your view from your paper.
Watch the video below for examples.