Well, I’m back at Marywood for Orientation training!  It’s awesome to be back on campus. So for this week I compiled a short list of tips and tricks I’ve learned that I thought I would share with you!

• Draw/paint things you don’t like to. Go outside of your comfort zone. You may be surprised by the results.
• Draw even if you don’t feel like drawing. Even if it’s just a simple sketch. Keep creating and thinking of new ideas.
• If you aren’t happy with the way a 2D piece is coming out, use a plain sheet of white paper to cover parts of your art. If you move the sheet horizontally or vertically across your work you can evaluate it in small sections it will be easier for you to see problem spots more clearly.
• Put your oil paint pallet in the freezer if you will come back to it and it will keep your colors fresh for the next day.
• Take a step away sometimes and come back to your work at a later time with a set of fresh eyes.
• Learn how to mat your own art. It will add some extra time but it will save you money in the long run and make your art look great
• Learn to stretch your own canvas as well. You’ll spend a lot of money up front but after buying the materials you’ll save a lot more.
• Flip things upside down and look at your work from different perspectives.
• Surround yourself with inspiration. I keep a cork board in front of my desk with printouts of art I love or quotes that stick with me. I also keep a lot of art books around. If I’m ever stuck or need inspiration I flip through one of them.

Until next week!

~Jordan