Have you ever doubted your art skills? Perhaps you think that you need to research and learn everything before you start painting. Preparation is good. Plans are good. Does preparing really bring out your best art? Your best art emerges when you create it for yourself. It’s those drawings or paintings you have because they give you peace and light you up!

Children are amazing artists. There I am, always in awe, asking how did you think of that? They always answer, “I don’t know. I just painted.”

In a recent conversation, I was reminded of the importance of play. I came away with three powerful lessons to help every artist experience the freedom of boundless curiosity.

Here we go!

Learn the Basics

Do you need to go to art school? If you are or have been, that is awesome. Learn all you can. Art school may not be for everyone. James Victore was kicked out of art school, yet his work has been exhibited at the MOMA. The point is art degree or not, you are an artist. Artists make art!

Don’t hold back. We have a whole world at our fingertips. James also says learn all you can and forget it. Then go make your best art! Thinking to much is just no good.

Just Doodle

Here’s the flower painting I did yesterday.

I’m right-handed and paint on 140Ib. watercolor paper. So I painted with my left hand on construction paper. My mission? To prove to every artist that you can make beautiful art with any tools. The most important part of being an artist is making art. For a few dollars, you can get a notebook, pens, and start drawing. Once you begin, believe me the ideas will come!

So Many Artists So Little Time

There are so many artists that you can learn from. They have blogs like mine, as well as workshops and classes. Oh, and podcasts. There’s a lot of free content, too. Here are some of my favorites: Shantell Martin, James Victore, Carrie Schmitt, Suzanne Allard, Jon Contino, Ana Victoria Calderon, Etta Vee, and so many more! The more you learn about artists, the more you feel at home and realize that there is room for you, too!

As a bonus, I must include a book that has changed my art world. This book inspired my book, There Is No Right Way to Paint a Flower. I am preparing to release this book and others on Barnes & Noble.

I absolutely love this book. I love this book so much that I should read it again! I will!

Are you interested in a printable kit that includes some of my favorite art resources? Comment below, or if you have a favorite artist or resource, please share it! You can check out my Instagram @apaintedgarden, where I post daily doodles. I missed today, but that’s ok.

Thanks for being here.