With the end of 2017 closely approaching and a new semester soon beginning, I felt it was a good time to look through what I’ve created this year and reflect on what I’ve learned.

1. Sometimes things look better “unfinished”
2. Its good to sometimes take a break from art. Find something else to do for a few hours and come back to it later.
3. Don’t worry about finding a “style.” Keep drawing and one will find you.
4. Sometimes not having a plan is the best kind of plan. Not everything needs to be precisely planned out before hand. Try something spontaneous and you might just be surprised with the outcome.
5. A painting isn’t all just about the paint on the canvas. Every step taken before the paint is applied down is important. The actual materials involved…the canvas, stretcher bars, what you use to apply paint are all significant.  They help make the painting a physical object.
6. You sometimes have to make several bad drawings before you get a good one.
7. It’s okay to make an art piece just for you.
8. Be open to creating things and working on projects you hate. You might end up making something great.
9. Draw things that are challenging. If its easy you’ll never get better. Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll create amazing things.

First and second semester of Painting

It was really great to look back on everything I’ve created and to see the improvements I’ve made in only a year. It’s a lot of hard work and practice, but it pays off. All of the projects I created this year helped me in some way, and I’ve learned from them, even the ones that did not come out as well as others. I can’t wait to see what a difference another year will make.

Until next time!

~Jordan