How To ACTUALLY! Become A Better Artist

[@AlpayEfe]

Some food thought...

[@jascreativity5899]

superb vd

[@natasha1828]

could you please consider making a video on mixing colours? :) it would be really helpful, but you can do whatever you want :)

[@mango7416]

lushavocados17 yes I agree (also I love your channel Alpay)

[@lexikins91]

Yes please can you do a mixing video. I keep trying to mix flesh tones and it always comes out muddy

[@williamseymourjones9430]

I love you brother. I love your positive approach to oil painting. After all-- isn't art meant to be fun? Or as it says on the backs of all of my tubes of paints, 'LOVE PAINTING ENJOY LIFE' Looking forward to your next video. And if you're interested you can see some of my own paintings here; undiscoveredstories.net

[@mewdlez]

Not only different genres, but try out different mediums also. From oil paints to watercolor to digital painting etc each medium requires different techniques and control and when you go back to your original medium I swear it’s like working bloody magic.

[@AlpayEfe]

Exactly

[@MrKongatthegates]

I always switch and im 40 now and yes I think learning them all helps them all. different genres and subjects as well, keeps it interesting

[@DonnaMakesArt]

This is so true XD

[@naomirosenblumart]

@@MrKongatthegates I completely agree. Trying new mediums is definitely intimidating at first but it makes a WORLD of difference for your growth. I post art videos on my channel if you want to check it out as well and leave any feedback! :)

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

Or go outside of painting or even visual art altogether. All arts are one art, and "jack of all trades but master of none" is a platitude specialists use to console themselves when they look at polymaths who outshine them (or "renaissance men"). Headspace is a myth too. The more you know the easier it becomes to learn, not harder.

[@loati94]

Art is a hobby for me but I hope to become a good artist someday even if just for myself. I thought that the fact that I like practically every medium was hindering my progress but now I hear is actually beneficial

[@akar_excel]

I still think been focused at least for 6month still bring more improvement

[@Priyanka-vr2yi]

Same with me! I actually like experimenting and people would criticise me for not specialising in a particular style/medium

[@dopehat868]

I’m the same! I keep trying so many different mediums and often wonder if I should be sticking more to one so now I feel freeeeee!! 😝

[@davidsart5525]

@@dopehat868 lol stick to one for a while

[@davidsart5525]

@@Priyanka-vr2yi use their critiques to be better 🙏

[@cherrylebee4229]

I feel like I am an awful artist when I see how skilled other's are, but I love it so it's not always about being the best artist, sometimes it's just about feeding your soul through creativity!

[@jendavis9185]

We're our worst critics! Don't compare yourself to others... that's my problem... paint or draw etc as much as you can.. there's beauty in everything. Even professionals can learn from us... I've been painting for yrs... and I'm not half as good as he is.. but my art is exactly that... MY ART... MY OUTLET.. don't be so hard on yourself...

[@1stAmbientGrl]

Art is subjective. Do YOUR OWN art. Create your own style. The world needs fewer copycats and more originality. Truly being creative means learning to be flexible while working on a project. If your project is not looking like you imagined it to be and it's frustrating you, then work with what you have done so far and take a different direction in the moment. Let the piece evolve into something unexpected. This is when it becomes fun again and you discover new ways of being artistic. It becomes a delightful process of discovery if you don't let fear of "failure" get in the way. 😉

[@kidcal]

Don’t compare. Because of your current level you can find your own style. No one paints draws the same way. Find your own way.

[@DarlitaDawn]

You have a beached voice

[@dianamorales7335]

I mean ur still a beginner...don't compare ur work to experience artist. It's normal where you at... And painting realism isn't the only style u need to be at to be consider a good artist. Ppl pay more attention to the creativity.

[@indianahoosier5794]

"Jack of all trades... master of none" sums up my life... couldn't afford a big university art school so I went into graphic arts at a community college... worked in commercial photography... jumped on multimedia in the early 90s... then website development... then marketing... then videography... then... well you get the point... watercolor painting was always a hobby just to keep me sane... same with acrylic and oil... now that i am 50 and tired of corporate life... I wish I had painted all day every day instead of wasting my time with code and pixels... So, now I'm focused on learning how to be a better oil painter... for retirement purposes and all... have to keep the mind and body sharp you know...

[@skiddadleskidoodle4094]

"Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one" :)

[@siren3147]

Awwww 🥰🥰🥰 best wishes along your path.

[@tanyajain485]

Best wishes✨ 🌼

[@jeffm3283]

I heard Anthony Hopkins enjoys painting, calligraphy, and playing the piano in his retirement. It's a great way to spend time and getting good is just a really nice bonus in a way.

[@LizGridleyArtist]

To paint better, you just need to paint 🖤

[@trahapace150]

Ahh I love your paintings

[@matijavuk4214]

not just, but doing it helps alot :D

[@livetochange974]

Paint the right efficient way not just painting or drawing however you like

[@DonnaMakesArt]

Amen haha

[@artmeatj6620]

Paint EVERYTHING

[@babyguinguin]

I primarily paint portraits and occasionally, I do some small landscapes and florals for fun. A couple of months ago, I totally had no mood in doing any portraits. The drive just wasn't there. I did other disciplines ranging from colour pencils, learning a new technique, botanicals, even learning some digital art and surface pattern design. Then, earlier this month, I came back to portraits and I noticed that there was a significant improvement in how I did them. It was like working magic. In the past, I had the mindset of like what you had mentioned about doing something for 10,000 hours to be good at. What I've learned from my diversification is that they all compliment each other and it is the little bits of everything that makes the final piece very uniquely your own. :)

[@legomyego420]

The common problem I see in many artists is that their focus becomes to niche, thus they begin to strain their talent. Solely claiming one medium or style of art is not giving the individual artist room to grow.

[@_verdeng]

i think it's because a lot of artists we see are on social media. and social media rewards artists who have consistent content, a recognizable style to their works.

[@Katsujin2]

The only thing artists need to master is the fundamentals, having a wide breadth of knowledge is very useful because most things needed to be drawn already exists, you just need a general understanding of subjects, what to draw, and compose, then use references to finish the details.

[@warning2246]

It's more like grasping and get better with fundamentals Fundamentals are never-ending topics You pretty much go through and back in the fundamentals part :) This is a life of being artist, be ready to learn. Everytime you learn something new from something you've been studied but ignored.

[@runneypo]

what are the fundamentals?

[@marichrisuy3003]

My smol brain go brrr

[@dianamorales7335]

Definetly...I feel like the way I started drawing was ok but it was a slow way to learn. Because once I went to college my art skills improved so much more! I just click and got a nice flow....Like I was ok at drawing but college made a difference. I mean you don't need college but just the back on understanding the anatomy or learning other useful information. Just the fact people are so eager to draw and learn that they skip the important subjects....Making themselves get upset when they feel like they are not getting it...

[@MrEvilPuck]

@@runneypo master perspective, draw shapes in perspective and take it from there. before gesture, proportions, anatomy, etc, learn to draw in perspective

[@hannahthomas7885]

As someone who has always felt like they’ve never had a style and just paints what I feel like, this video made me feel a lot more confident in my work. Thank you so much, you have no idea

[@jerushapimentel6603]

This was such a treasure to find. Thank you!!! I've been discouraged lately, as an artist with ADHD, thinking I was flawed and damaging my success by dabbling in so many various creative projects instead of focusing on just one area for a long time until I become an "expert." But this is so encouraging. Thank you, thank you!!

[@amyshin1693]

why is his voice so relaxing? lol

[@jayshaw7389]

His voice reminds me of the guy who did the virtual barbershop.. (if you've heard it). Listen to it with headphones and close your eyes. Lol

[@DonnaMakesArt]

😂😂😂 agreed

[@caioaugusto2282]

His voice reminds Paul David (kzbin.info/www/bejne/epLaamaYh62Yars) So relaxing haha

[@minnie5055]

@@jayshaw7389 same 🤣🤣

[@PeppermintPlease]

The topic covered in this video reminds me of the book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to dive deeper into this. Loved this video Alpay! Well said!

[@lavonnecarrick2238]

N Factorial Thanks for the tip on the book I will check it out.

[@Ubemascarenas]

all the examples in the video is in this book, great video though. For beginners, painting portraits will definitely help painting portraits, eventually you'd want to take ideas and angles from other sources to stand out and be more interesting.

[@louisesommerfeld54]

I love the book Range also and definitely agree. I think it was Outlier author Malcolm Gladwell who said if you do something 10,000 times you will be an expert. Epstein and Gladwell now know each other and I think Range is a response to some of the things Gladwell has written. Love Gladwell's writings also.

[@whataboutnemo]

My exercises in art by using different mediums is like saving different kinds of reference like: •Glowing lights •Portraits with different skin tones •Blurred Images •Hairy and furry images •water droplets •glitters and cloth textures •face with soap bubbles •face with honey or any liquid dripping •images in motion •images in diff. perspectives •sunlight and shadows •portraits with wet hairs •glowing effects •hyperrealism portraits •skin textures with wrinkles These helped me a lot to be productive and not bored when I practice drawing I hope these would help you too

[@barbararobinson8353]

Thanks!,

[@hudaansari4459]

This was an eye opener. It not only helps you produce better art but also change your perspective on different sections of life. You're too amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@natasha1828]

i have recently started oil painting, and every single one of your videos have been so helpful, especially the ‘mind of an artist’ series. i just find it so relaxing watching you paint and i adore your art style, thank you for making these videos :)

[@fatimaeid2055]

I find it relaxing 2

[@elrpeters]

I've always been a generalist, and I feel like I can't master anything. Well thanks for making me feel better about myself! Not something I was expecting from this video.

[@elotea634]

Same! I also often feel like I‘m not good at anything .. but I learned that being a generalist is often a huge advantage in the modern working world :)

[@siqueiradri]

Me too! So happy I found this video!

[@angharad.9743]

Same

[@TomasFolanHasici]

I always preach DRAWING DRAWING DRAWING, drawing is always a way to sharpen your observational skills and improve your coordination. The skills you pick up as your drawing gets better will bleed into everything else you do.

[@dianneys4887]

Couldn't agree more!

[@elainegee1313]

You mean you dont use tracing paper like this guy Lol I spend hrs drawing and he just traces.

[@Gumpa2]

Just my thoughts! Drawing is the fundamental of every painting. It would sadden me to only be able to paint after tracing a photograph with tracing paper. This does feel fairly limiting. For this kind of artwork the only knowledge necessary is how to mix colour and apply it just like you see on the photo. I mean references are not wrong to use, but I feel simply tracing instead of drawing it makes the artist miss one opportunity to learn after the other, and forever puts shackles on one's creative freedom.

[@TomasFolanHasici]

@@Gumpa2 I agree, tracing won't teach you a lot unless you do it loads for memorising how to draw a specific thing. I don't think a lot of people realise though that painting is putting down shapes of colour and if you get those shapes wrong it'll look bad. Drawing teaches you to recognize mistakes and also gives you the flexibility to do your own thing.

[@timkopp762]

@@TomasFolanHasici Talk to Greg Manchess about it?

[@LynnePriceStudio]

I am so grateful for this video. I am sick of all the marketing videos that tell you to find your niche, stay with one genre, etc. All of that is soul-killing.

[@quit3118]

Ik I’m three years late but this is true, I saw a video on that today like damn 😭

[@DalilaPinci]

I've been struggling with the idea of having many interests, and often times beat myself up for being "all over the place..." but this video helped me embrace that part of myself and love my curiosity, even though i'm not extremely focused in one area. thank you

[@IvyLaughton]

I’ve been a lost soul for quite some time, doing all sorts of things. I felt like I was all over the place. When I sing, I can’t stay with one genre. When I paint, I like to do different mediums and styles. I realised, that all these things made me more flexible. This video is so freeing. I don’t have to limit myself anymore. I can go with the the flow and do what lights up my soul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🙏💕

[@MartaCanPixel]

Aaaaand I instantly feel better about having 'too many' interests and never being able to focus on one field for too long... Thank you for the insights

[@Nhami1]

I only just discovered your videos, but I feel watching you paint and listening to your thoughts is reviving a spark in me I thought was long gone. I've been struggling so much to enjoy anything lately. I use to create every single day, but have been uninspired for so long. I didn't know what to do to keep myself going. Now I know I don't necessarily need inspiration to keep going, just perseverance and variety. I'm so grateful that I found your videos. I can't wait to delve deeper. When I'm financially on my feet again I definitely want to contribute to you. I feel like you saved the dying artist in me. Thank you.

[@daintydecember]

On point. Been exploring different mediums from pencil to watercolor to acrylic and now mural painting. Yay! Loving the progress I've been doing. Thanks for keeping me inspired and motivated 💕

[@clarap4546]

As it had already been told, this video is perfect for many reasons. And one of them is the fact that you didn’t fast paste your painting process, which allows me as a beginner to actually see how long you take to do every part

[@ArchJJanes]

Thank you for another informative video, Alpay! I completely understand what you're saying -- I switch up mediums quite often (oils/watercolour/digital/pixel/ink/graphite) and sometimes I feel guilty for not focusing on one area. However, whenever I jump back to a medium I haven't picked up in a while, I find that I have a renewed sense of inspiration when using it.

[@emilylong4650]

This video really resonated with me. I've had a range of interests that I've found I cycle through as the mood strikes me. Music, art, science, reading, writing, adventure, and I've found that each one always gives me something new when I set it down again. When I go back to the piano or the paintbrush, I always surprise myself with how much more character or ease of expression I feel when Ive let myself be governed by another passion for a while.

[@LadyArtist3059]

I love hearing you talk . You sound like one of those cool people that you can just chill with. Love you babe.

[@johannebrun3409]

Your brush strokes bring the portraits you paint to life. It’s just mind blowing.

[@ArtrichStudio]

Amazing, I love it and totally agree. There have been times when I have stopped drawing because I was so dissatisfied with my work. I would go start a different artistic hobby and learn something new. Just change my perspective and methodology will open new creative pathways. I would then come back to drawing a month later and be better then I was before after a period of not drawing.

[@gemmawhite8723]

I'm so glad I found you. I gave up art years ago, (I'm 35) and have started getting back into it. People ave actually started buying from me. It just lights my soul plain and simple.

[@grushaarora5250]

This video is absolutely perfect. For many many reasons.

[@shrutivaishnav4236]

Recently I found you.. I am self taught artist, love to watch your videos, specially I love your voice and the way you narrate… Its like a meditation and getting inspired at the same time.❤️

[@DerekSiddle]

So much of what you say speaks to me on so many levels. As an artist in a different field, almost all of what you say can be applied too. Thank you for your thoughts!

[@lizelswaan726]

I recently discovered your posts and, it makes me depressed and exhilarated at the same time. So much to learn. I paint anything I feel like and just don't like most. Get obsessed to get it right. Yes, time wasted. Thanx for your advice. You are so gifted and humble.

[@deadstar7489]

So technic and skills are just a part of making art it's not the only art.

[@andreholobiont265]

If you have a passionate feeling about a drawing/doodle you do whenever you grab a pencil, it might have everything it needs to get iconic.

[@henriettafoy387]

I continue to be amazed that you paint the subject before the background, and they merge so successfully.

[@deeknight8817]

As an artist, I'm pretty harsh with myself and have doubts when it comes to my art, sometimes I feel like my skills are pretty mediocre. However, I've been binge watching your videos lately and it has honestly inspired/helped me in so many ways (I've been painting recently and have seen myself improve with following your advice). Thanks 😊

[@DH.Maker.Artist]

You're right, it's so easy to get stick in one place, or a rut, or what's comfortable. Challenging my self and getting out of my comfort zone has always helped in more ways than I ever expect.

[@sarjslack]

This is inspiring because I tend to want to try all the things. I’m delighted to hear this popular notion that you must drill down on one thing for a long time to be any good does not necessarily apply to art.

[@themercilessmetalhead]

being well-rounded as an artist and skilled at many different mediums and subjects is the best advice you can get, really. Awesome painting and inspiring message! Love it

[@jay_artlover3030]

This video boost my confident to just continue my journey in art. I don't really have the intention to be an expert artist. But I just want to explore for myself. Thanks for this video. 😊😁

[@meenasahayadri6988]

The idea is fantabulous. So many artist like me realise this idea after spending countless hours into one concept of painting. And once realised its like a bird out of cage. Thankyou for making this idea as loud and clear as possible in this video.

[@littlepinkpebble]

i disagree though, i wanted to get better at portraits so i set myself a 100 portrait challenge and i improved so much every 10 or so ! But i set a 2 hour time limit on each and i think that was the key . .

[@lyleea]

I do something similar, since I watched to many episodes of "Artist of the Year". Since it's all about getting the essence and likeness of a person right, I use pen for 10 to 15 minutes. If I can't even do that, It's of no use to start with colour. I hope I'll see the same progress as you do.

[@zasvedogovore]

That's exerciseing. The point of the story is much, and I mean much deeper level of improvement.

[@dhavalpanchal6019]

The things he is explaining is beyond how to paint or draw... It's a way of living..

[@minttea9140]

For a long time I felt bad for not having a specific style that is my own, and for not focusing on one thing only and working towards perfecting it, but recently I've learned to embrace the fact that I am able to work in many different mediums and styles. This video helped me with that! Thank you for your hard work :D

[@jaejinsol4483]

For me it was kind of different. I spent 14k hours on drawing and painting all subjects including portraiture, but though I was able to become a good artist overall that way I would say my portraits were pretty plain and they did not have the kind of appeal I wanted. So to become a better portrait painter I found a portrait painter who I think is the best and I bought her classes. I watched them over and over and over and practiced every single thing she told me to do. I paid attention to how she thinks and learned to see things the way she does. That's how my portraits became not just competent but beautiful. I think the quality of information you receive from your art teachers is the #1 thing that helps you improve. You can spin your wheels studying on your own forever but if you want to make work like you saw in ImagineFX for example, contact an artist you saw in ImagineFX and have them teach you everything.

[@domination6585]

Jae Jinsol but how are u adding your own flair to things by using someone’s tecnique

[@jaejinsol4483]

​@@domination6585 Well technique isn't style or subject matter. My favorite teacher doesn't even paint the kind of people that I paint, use the kind of colors I like, or tell the kind of stories I tell. She also stylizes faces differently. I love her art but it looks nothing like mine. I take what she teaches and use it to elevate what I already do. I have a lot of my own sensibilities when it comes to art. After I had been drawing for about 4 years I realized that I dont really like other people's art styles. I like to look at their art but I dont want MY art to look like that. So I had to discover what I do want my art to look like. What is it about popular art that I dont seem to relate to? What would I find more relatable? What do I want to see on my walls or when I flip through my sketchbooks? I answered those questions and that led to me making art based on myself and my own experiences, desires, dreams, and unique preferences. I started thinking about what excites me visually, what is important to me, and what I'm trying to put across whenever I paint. So because I already know those things, taking other people's classes won't change how my art fundamentally looks or what its about. It will just make my art look even more like what I want by arming me with more refined and sophisticated tools and techniques that I can use to visually describe things more eloquently or subtly if I choose. Also, even when a very talented artist teaches you things you dont have to use all of them. You can pick and choose what to use and how to use it.

[@coda4150]

@@jaejinsol4483 wow this is so informative and well put. thank you for sharing this

[@cosmicduck__]

this gave me the push i needed to just create whatever art i want. I've been holding back because I thought it would be too much for me

[@aparnashenoy2306]

You are such an inspiration, I started oil painting recently, so excited !!😄

[@multipashmama]

Absolutely agree. You tend to be more dynamic in your chosen specialty or artistic style when you draw from your experience with other subjects, media, etc.

[@RachelBalunsat]

Cool!! Now I understand myself. I’m a jack of many trades.I’ve always had multiple interest.. too many I thought at one point in time. But I always told myself I would continue to do everything and eventually master them all. I studied and taught art, became a recording singer, play piano and ultimately became an award winning wedding photographer. But I laid that down and became a health coach. And now I’m back to painting as I approach 50. I am obsessed and can’t stop. I love watching your videos!

[@gregoikonomakou136]

Μy God! I have a similar journey like you... Impressive🤩👍

[@MsZafran17]

I agree with everything you said! I also change motifs ,but also mediums. I used to do collages, and now I mostly paint aquarelles. But I didn't stop there... Also your voice is very pleasant, which is a huge plus to your videos. Cheers, and keep on being awesome! 😎✨🎨🖌️🖼️🎉

[@gmm6106]

This is the first time I hear someone recommend to be a jack of all trades. It’s usually the other way round.

[@DanielL143]

I agree; just watched a you tube video which preached going 'all in' and honing skills to be in the top echelon; but, I think skill is like a triangle, you want a broad and deep base as much as the sharp focal point or area of expertise. I guess finding the balance or ratio is up to each individual. Certainly, broadening your base will allow a person to make inter-disciplinary connections and develop the power of perspective. My background is engineering and I'm realizing how much it has in common with art; they are not so different and so this perspective gives us creative and problem solving approaches that are universal to any media or field.

[@gmm6106]

@@DanielL143 My background is engineering as well. I agree 100% with what you wrote.

[@TheRafaelRamos]

I once said: We don't need to make "good art" we just need to make what it makes us happy and feel complete as an artist. Be happy people, that's the most important thing while painting ✌️

[@katiecadavid1849]

Whenever I'm sad I just come to one of his videos just to be reassured after hearing him say alright welcome back friends

[@suew4609]

I was happy to see that you traced your drawing onto your paper or canvas first. I learned to draw over 30 years ago and I know I can do it, but since losing 1/2of my eyesight tracing sure speeds up the painting process!

[@gogo_crunchy8926]

why do you talk like a smug villian with a persian cat on his lap?

[@catherinemcdade9518]

And the music that goes along with it....

[@lulunaleo]

LOL funniest comment I've seen in a long time!

[@aryanjm6485]

TThis guy is sooo f annoyingg

[@metri2407]

Haha...he really does.

[@rolisonpaint3]

think English is not native language and he is trying too hard. But, your comment is fuuny.

[@matildamongomery6650]

Thank you for correcting my thinking … I always thought wasn’t good to be curious and doing many mediums.

[@KateMooreLoves]

I just find myself liking this before even watching it

[@AlpayEfe]

Xoxo 😊

[@barbararobinson8353]

Me too!

[@AniVan1R]

I'm not a huge fan of portraits because people always send really bad pictures as reference and it's a nightmare to work with those limitations. But I admire how amazing they can be when someone experienced and creative like you makes them. Also, I totally agree with you. I found more knowledge about portraits in painting something else than portraits.

[@sammiegirl883]

That's why my father was such a good artist. He was a true sagittarius. A jack of all trades. He was a painter, he drew, woodwork, a singer and played several instruments. Lol, he loved playing video games and got us game consoles so he could play too. He was interesting in many ways and I'll love him forever ❤️

[@kellalizard]

Any chance one day you could film your palette? I can paint watercolour but I can’t paint oils, and I’d love to. I just don’t know whether to mix on the palette or mix on the paper. With watercolour you can mix as you go. Do I need to premix all my colours what I need to use?

[@uneducatedtrash9193]

The key to mixing oil paints is to not fully mix it on the pallette, but mix it enough so you don't have to do much effort when it's on the canvas

[@AlpayEfe]

I’ll probably make a video about it in the future but it will probably not make people happy 😂

[@apostalote]

Uneducated Trash I never mix on canvas, ends up with no texture and dead colour. All of my mixing is on palette. However, if by on-canvas mixing you mean optical mixing then I agree that it is important

[@sentry9834]

I would suggest that you practice mixing colors separately from an actual painting project. This way you'll be better able to mix on the fly. Trying to premix colors before painting a project will make the process too laborious and complex. A better approach would be to study mixing the 9 gray value scale. Then mixing 5 values of all of your chosen colors on your palette. Then practice mixing the secondary colors. Complementary colors and tertiary colors. That will equip you with everything you'll need to know to paint anything you'll ever see. Color mixing is a skill you'll need to master separately from the subject. Then when you do sit down to paint something you'll have a better idea of how to proceed.

[@ibberman]

@@AlpayEfe Don't let that hold you back.

[@KennyGsca]

Alpay its like you tapped into my mind and was able to speak directly to me and answer my questions around art. This video is amazing thank you thank you

[@jeshawndupree9688]

Love the video, what did you use to trace the reference to your canvas?

[@suyangsong]

an often neglected point in this topic of discussion is that being a jack of all trades also does wonders to _subdue the ego._ In that you are constantly humbled by people who actually are, amazing specialists in their craft. Being a specialist isn't bad, being a jack-of-all-trades isn't bad either. In my experience, some people just naturally tend to fall into one camp or the other.

[@roniadan524]

My issue is that I can't do the line drawings in painting or drawings. I don't think that makes any sense - basically, (for example), I can't draw the features of a face, but I can shade really well on the face, and I'm really good with colours. So like, I could paint a face if the features were already drawn on, and even though I've been practising I don't think it has been getting better.

[@lavonnecarrick2238]

Roni Adan I would suggest that you don’t judge yourself too harshly. You are honing your observation skills by drawing. Just keep going and things will get better. Remember it’s a journey not a Destiination. I hope you enjoy the drawing part as I do, it is a form of meditation and relaxation.

[@roniadan524]

@@lavonnecarrick2238 ty

[@carmenbenfer1202]

Just trace from a photo, just like he did.

[@tabussumsehar7746]

Draw one kind of face daily... Try different expressions though to force your hand to know around human features. U can also try this on animals but obviously any mastery can only be achieve by practice no matter how you do. So let your hand know around. You might ace one day .🙏 Good luck.

[@sofiasofia8726]

Amen. I noticed it once by going from figure painting to flowers, and seeing amazing result (well, at least amazing to me :) ) all of a sudden...because I just got better with painting complex shapes more confidently, thanks to figurative practice. This was a big "aha" moment for me at the time. Also practicing somewhat opposite techniques / mediums - makes your mind run the parallels between the two and analyse your technique better, for example, oil and watercolour where the process of laying dark and lights is exactly the opposites. Down with the 10,000 hours on one thing - I feel like giving you a big hug, thank you! made my day!

[@JohnDoeBaylonArt]

One of the best artists here on youtube ❤️

[@AlpayEfe]

🙏😊

[@davidsart5525]

Agreed 👊

[@divyaparameswaran2278]

I absolutely agree with what you said. Painting different themes, right from Portraits to simple design art opens up your mind. Moreover, painting them with different mediums too, helps. Such an approach towards art, helps us see the whole picture. Enjoyed the video. Thank You.

[@Stephen_000]

How can I better see value in bright and high chromatic color?

[@dp2791]

You can try remove the colour and just look at the values. If on digital you can make a desaturation adjustment layer to see the image in pure value.

[@Stephen_000]

@@dp2791 Thank you!

[@InspiredArtDolls]

I definitely agree, the best way to improve any type of art is to practice drawing different things and using different mediums. This is something I need to work on more. I love your techniques! The way you paint is very beautiful and unique. 😍

[@futurestoryteller]

Thank you! Almost want to sub just for you shooting down the 10000hr rule. I don't believe people are born magically gifted either, but you mention someone like Mozart and these people say "Well *some* poeple _are_ born gifted, but most of us have to work for it." You can "work" for it in other ways, that's probably how Mozart made the connections he did at such a young age, because of where his interests led him. Maybe it starts with the intonation in the way people speak. Or the sound of birds chirping, or a parents voice. Some people say Einstein's brain was literally wired differently, but he also tells a story about how someone gave him a magnet when he was a kid an he became obsessed with it. People literally treat their brain like a computer. They say "I've got to train." What are you training for, you should be playing!

[@nydiadavila8467]

Whoa. I always thought I was doing it wrong, being a jack of all trades. This whole video was one big Eureka. Thank you

[@superbatmanblood123]

First of all you gotta stop tracing to be a better artist. Can you draw before you paint???

[@superbatmanblood123]

Yes. But to teach and to learn drawing is a big part of learning to make art

[@amysbees6686]

Beautiful! I believe John Singer Sargent mentioned how if one could paint flowers, one could also paint portraits. The delicacy of flowers were similar to painting skin.

[@isabella-zx2dc]

"how to become a better artist" he says (with the most clickbait title) as he begins tracing "the way to become a better painter may be counterintuitive" he says, starting with black and on the eye, what every single art teacher tells you not to do

[@juliaidek9172]

Did it turn out really beautiful though? Yes. And he was painting from reference; it's extremely normal and acceptable to draw guidelines from the original photo.

[@ariana.5420]

But I can recall art teachers telling you to use references photos. You can’t automatically use your mind. I tried that and it just disappoints you in the long run.

[@joez6235]

Can you really call yourself "creative" if you only do what your art teacher says?

[@isabella-zx2dc]

@@joez6235 no, you can't. And that's a great point. They say this moreso because beginners fixate on the eyes and, subsequentially, everything else falls flat. Plus, pure black is very flat and you can get much deeper darks without the use of black.

[@isabella-zx2dc]

@@ariana.5420 I agree! Using references are a vital tool. I had a friend that thought using references was like a weakness, but then she'd get so frustrated she'd give up. Tracing is different though. You don't improve when you trace. Drawing and painting are more closely related than we like to think. The paint coach on youtube talks on this. If you skip the drawing part of your painting by tracing, you will only get so far. Tracing isnt 100% of the time bad either. However, it looks like this guy only traces, and when you make videos geared towards beginners and you continuously trace, those beginners will get the impression that that's how good art is made, that their drawing skills can't match up to tracing.

[@sthurin]

Branching and expanding artistic skills really is the key for me. Learning the basics, like anatomy, is especially hard for me but being able to slowly get better in different mediums and areas that don't directly require anatomy, helps me be more confident in my artistic skills and allows me to adventure on the improvement of what I find the most difficult to learn. So being a "generalist", at first glance seems easy and detail lacking when, in reality, is very rewarding because, as you mentioned, it gives us a big range of tools when facing a challenge.

[@Mari-am-09]

You are talented. But most importantly your voice is beautiful and the background music is perfect. U inspire also. Never stop!!

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

You are so right, to became a better portrait painter you need to paint more portrait. One has to do general art , in other to be versatile or at least that is what I know. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@bri0nna]

I clicked on this video hoping to hear something I have not already heard before, something fresh that would shift my perspective. You delivered it effortlessly. Thank you SO MUCH for these words of wisdom! This resonated with me more than all the videos I've watched that say the same things over and over again. You are brilliant, gratitude!

[@AlpayEfe]

🖤

[@SkinnyMinnyJa]

You make me feel so much better about my waywardness with art. I like watercolor but I’ve been messing with digital, copics, gouache, ink, pencil and pencil crayons. I still wanna try acryla gouche! This doesn’t even include the other hobby stuff I do randomly like knitting, crocheting, baking, photography,..... 😅

[@carrikartes1403]

I so agree. I create a wide variety of art for our local fair. One piece per category. Oils- portrait, landscape, animals, abstract. Then acrylic... Pastels...watercolor...pen&ink... charcoal... Pencil....colored pencil. So I would create around 20 very different pieces of work every year. Some successful some not so much. But it helped me develop so much as and artist. I still have mediums that I consider myself weak in such as pastels but I am always learning.

[@TheRedstoneWeb]

This has given me a lot more confidence in trying new creative mediums. I've been playing musical instruments for much of my life but have recently expressed more interest in art in the traditional sense, that being painting, drawing etc. Thanks for this.

[@amrei4972]

This is so freeing, because I always wanted to become an artist but I never can decide on which field. I like so many things like photography, painting, music and writing and I really set myself under pressure so often, because I think a have to decide and specialize more on one thing otherwise Im not consistent enough and will never be successfull anywhere. What you said was very relieving because I could see the good in beeing more of a generalist. Thank You for your art and your great advise! It makes the world lighter

[@noone7411]

Six months ago I was sketching and painting faces strictly without me realizing and when I realized I started to draw bodies in different poses and recently I started to draw shop fronts, and to my surprise I got better in drawing and painting faces now than the past so to every artist MAKE ART THAT ISN'T IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

[@gigacardoso]

This advice resonates with me a ton! Also makes me happy because I love getting my hands dirty with all types of artistic things, different subjects, different mediums, different genres. Painting, drawing, and even sculpture! Recently started making videos about them too!

[@TheHushedsilence]

A great way of looking at it. It's not enough to just put in the work, one of the reasons I love to just randomly start using a ball point pen, or swap to oil paints for a few months, or decide that I'm going to try learning colored pencils. It changes how I look at color, light, form, and lines.

[@MagesticGoldenDove]

This makes me feel better about all my different interests in and outside of art.

[@AdmirableAspirations]

Lateral thinking- so important as an artist of any kind! Not to mention how useful it is to get ahead in any industry

[@sophiaelborginy6629]

This is my favorite video. It is absolutely amazing, what you're saying totally makes sense, you're an amazing artist. Sending you lots of love from Egypt. ❤️

[@Me-dl1tx]

Love your videos. I truly enjoy the story telling while watching you paint. Very soothing.

[@neura27]

Yr thought process is amazing ...many ppl can paint faces...bt you experienced depth and thank you for sharing yr wisdom ...love frm India🇮🇳 Thank u

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

I love this ~ very affirming. I am a generalist in my profession, and my broad range of experience enhances my effectiveness. And in my avocations of both writing and art, I'm a Jill of All Trades. It keeps my mind fresh to follow wherever my interests lead me.

[@fart676]

Some days I draw extremely well, and some days I won’t do so hot. You can’t just be completely fantastic at art. Even god tier artists like this guy most definitely make mistakes every once in a while. But at the end of the day, art is just a hobby. Art doesn’t necessarily have to be great or look good, it just has to be something that you enjoy doing.

[@anaghap8505]

i think one of the hardest things to overcome for a beginner artist is not being afraid to make something ugly/ creating somewhat of a “failed” piece... but i often find i learn the most through such experiences

[@brookefesta]

This is something I have learned very quickly. I’m new to painting - I started during quarantine and I get so many people telling me how talented I am but I find myself becoming insecure when an idea doesn’t turn out how I had it in my head. But, in saying that, I’ve been telling myself that I have to fail to succeed and with every failed painting is a new lesson that I’ve learned.

[@turnadoph1160]

I agree, art is about expressing one’s self. Why I don’t prioritize “perfect” outcomes, instead I enjoy the process of painting and I don’t really care if others would validate my paintings 😅

[@suzannemacpherson8267]

Thank you..you dont hear this perspective very often..ive always found it difficult just to paint the same things...🙏

[@kapekacava]

You made me feel really good about the fact that I paint different mediums and I don’t stick to one yet. I love doing Silk paining and I also paint Animals and I use acrylic and gilding for the background and pastels and colored pencils for the animals! Thanks for all of the amazing tips!

[@willjones01]

this video is probably the best for wrapping my head around how to become a better artist

[@evachjourney]

It’s not just art even other fields benefit from generalisation but yet we’re pushed into specialisation…beautiful portrait!

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Another great video. I love your advice about being Jake of all trades. So true. I have painted a few portraits and once another instructor told me to sketch a portrait every day. Somehow I felt frustrated and I didn’t follow the advice. Instead, I continue to paint landscape, still life and more. This video has given me the lift I needed and be flexible. I truly appreciate your time and effort in making these videos available. Could you be so kind to talk about color harmony and the mother color? I have read about it and find it interesting but I would love to see a demonstration. I thank you in advance. Please take care, blessings and be safe.