Every artist has their own process of creating their work, but sometimes I find it hard to create. For example, when you are given a specific assignment for a class or you have motivation but no inspiration!
This is the typical method to my madness and in the end, I get pretty okay pieces of art to show off, if I do say so myself. (Shameless Instagram plug: @isabellebartolomeoart.) Here is an example of one of my own works!
Oil Painting Isabelle Bartolomeo
Thinking of a concept
Probably one of the most difficult steps in the process, if you don't have the inspiration from the start. You want to be original, but it's so hard to come up with an outgoing and different idea sometimes. On the other end of the spectrum, you could have a million ideas racing through your head, and have to decide which one to choose and how to execute it!
Actually getting that concept onto paper
This part is where I spend tons of time getting proportions and lines just right, making sure the drawing or underlying painting is a good basis for a start. This could take several do-overs to get just right and can be very frustrating. Sometimes the image you have in your head doesn't translate onto the paper how you wanted, which makes for a very long process.
Starting the artwork (AKA, the real beginning)
Put color to the page! ... or shading, outlines, whatever your style! For me, I typically shade with colored pencils or paint, Laying down the first stroke of paint is like breaking new ground. You can release the breath you've been holding and finally start working away without trying to mess things up. This is where I become the most nervous.
Working and getting carried away
Once you've worked on your piece for a while, you can get carried away. I know I do with details. I find it calming to just sit and paint or draw for hours that I'll forget how much time has gone by. Sometimes, you need to know when to stop and realize less is more! Take a step back from your art.
Am I actually done?
This question is always a hard one. There's always something you think you may be able to fix or one last detail you can add, but as I said before, occasionally it becomes a situation where the more work you do, the worse the piece starts looking. I'll keep trying to fix small things and in the end, my whole painting completely changed when I liked it the way it was before!
Finishing the piece of work, for real this time
A sigh of relief! Another piece finished, another piece added to your portfolio. Massage the cramps out of your hands and maybe step out to see the sunlight.
Critiquing your final product
If you're an artist and don't hate your own artwork most of the time, I envy you. Maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist, but I'm never 100% happy with my own art. I'm sure if you ask other artists, they'd feel the same way.
People see your work and ask for free art
When I post drawings of portraits, I'll always get requests from someone I know to draw them for FREE! This is my skill and how I'm choosing to make money, so please don't act like my time isn't worth something. Support your local artists and know if you ask for artwork, you should be paying them.
Begin again with a new idea!
After all that, it starts all over in this relentless cycle. But I wouldn't have it any other way!
I hope my fellow artists can relate and keep on creating all the beautiful art!
