Ignite your Creativity: Action Steps for Artists

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Every artist's journey begins with a dream.

There is an aspiring artist living inside all of us, no matter what stage we may find ourselves in.  

At some point, the desire to create beautiful works of art began to stir in you. 

Can you remember the first time the dream of becoming an artist took hold? 

Think about it now. It may have been decades ago…or just recently, but this dream is a seed worth germinating.

The journey to bring your creative dreams to life can be daunting. Distractions conspire to keep us from our creative pursuit. Without a plan, everything else takes precedence over our art. 

Important things, like caring for loved ones and raising a family. 

Challenging things, like providing financially or enduring through illness.

However noble or important these priorities may be, they can’t change the fact that you were made to create. 

You are an artist. Let that sink in.

This is who you are. When you engage your creativity, others benefit richly from the inspiration you share. Pushing your creative gifts to the back burner not only hurts you. It deprives the world of the unique expression of beauty that only you have to give. 

Alain Picard, Fresh From The Market, pastel 10x10

I really felt you needed to hear this today. Is it time for a fresh start? 

Are you overwhelmed by the journey ahead? I understand. 

American author, Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and starting on the first one.” 

When embarking on a fresh creative journey, you can expect to feel overwhelmed. Our frustrated inner artist critic shows up in all shapes and sizes to discourage your growth (I call mine Mr. Perfect).

Fear is a common denominator that we all face, myself included. It's how you respond to the fear that defines you. You can be resourceful, and activate a plan to overcome intimidation and make consistent progress. You are only one step away from moving forward on your journey! 

Use these three P’s to activate your mission:

PURPOSE -  Gain clarity about your personal motivation for showing up as an artist. What is your  big “why”? This is the dream inside of you that motivates you to create. Write it down in a special journal. This will give you much needed clarity and resilience for your journey ahead. Then read it every day. When your purpose is anchored, you become an artist on a mission. 

PREPARE -  Now it’s time to prepare your creative space and gather the materials you need to get to work. This could be a corner in your living room or a plein air easel packed and ready in the car. Maybe it’s finally time to convert that extra bedroom into a studio. Prepare your creative space. This is not frivolous. An artist needs a base of operations to flourish.

PLAN - Now get out your calendar. Be realistic about your creative goals and give them priority in your schedule. Carve out a regular weekly time to practice your creativity. This will serve you well in the days ahead. Plan your creative schedule intentionally to ensure that you are ready to show up regularly and do the work. Share your calendar with loved ones who will help you protect this time from other demands. 

With a clear purpose, a prepared space, and a schedule to practice your art, you are activating a plan to turn your dreams into reality. You have no idea the impact this will have on your personal well-being and creative fulfillment, not to mention the world around you. 

Your art matters, friend. This world truly needs the unique expression of beauty that you have to offer. Don’t put it off another day.

Do one thing today to turn your creative dreams into reality. 

Be inspired,

Alain Picard 

Are looking for fresh inspiration? Try my Expressive Mark-Making mini course to get you in motion!



What Makes Great Art?

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In the world of art, there's a big question that artists and art lovers ask: What makes some art truly great? I was recently asked this question by one of my students. It's an important question, because it goes beyond just looks and digs into what makes art truly special. Whether we are evaluating our own art or visiting a gallery or museum, answering this question requires us to consider some important factors.

Joaquin Sorolla, Summer, oil 1904

Let's break it down together and figure out what makes great art stand apart. I like to evaluate a piece of art by filtering it through four key areas.

Mastery of the Foundations

First off, let's talk about the foundations. Great art usually starts with a solid understanding of the building blocks of art—things like getting proportions right, dealing with light and shadow, and using colors effectively. When artists nail down these basics through consistent practice, their art shines brighter.

Another key foundation is design. This one is so important, it could have its own category. Design is so much more than putting things together; it's about arranging shapes, values and compositional lines in a way that directs your eye, balances visually, and grabs your attention. Strong design causes you to experience the work in a more meaningful and specific way, according to the artist’s intention. Think of it like creating a rhythm or flow that pulls you into the work and keeps you engaged with a unique point of view.

 

Handling of the Medium

Another important theme to consider is the artist’s handling of the medium. From paint application to edge manipulation, surface textures to the way an artist makes her mark, this is so important. Consider Sargent’s bravura brushstroke oils, the expressive mark-making of Edgar Degas in pastel, or Andrew Wyeth’s transparent watercolors. A masterful artist will handle the medium with excellence, insight, and familiarity.

John Singer Sargent, Cashmere, 1908

The Artist's Vision

Next up is an artist’s vision. This is where things get personal. Great art isn't just about copying what's in front of you; it's about revealing the world through your own eyes. Artists who can tell a story or make you feel something special with their art—they're the ones who create something truly memorable. They’ve got a fresh point of view that helps you encounter the world in a new way.

The Art’s Resonance

Here's the thing: great art isn't just about what the artist wants to say—it's also about how it makes you feel. Great art sticks with you, even after you've walked away, resonating with a lingering power. It's a kind of magic—it touches something deep inside you and leaves a mark that you can't shake off. Art like this lives on through the generations with energy and potency. This happens when an artist finds the intersection between their curiosity, skill, and the unique story of the work.

Progress Over Perfection

Want to know a secret? Even the greatest artists don't hit the mark every time. They make mistakes, try new things, and sometimes it just doesn't work out. That's okay! Because art is all about learning and growing. Even those "failures" can lead to amazing discoveries. Let this encourage you forward to continue to practice and grow.

 

So, what makes great art? It's not just about mastering the foundations or following all the rules—it's about telling your story in a way that makes people stop and listen. It's about creating something that touches hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impression long after the paint has dried. And most importantly, it's about embracing the journey of creativity, knowing that every stroke brings you one step closer to the greatness that is inside of you.

Feeling Grateful for You: Pastel Painting Techniques Can Transform Your Art and Life

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Creating art with pastels can be an enlightening experience. The ability to layer and blend colors allows us to explore different tones and shades effortlessly. Whether you're painting a serene landscape or recreating a photo from your last vacation, pastel techniques provide endless possibilities for artistic expression. [Video]

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We Are All Students: 4 Powerful Lessons for Aspiring Pastel Artists

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I just returned from a trip to Nashville, TN where I was meeting with a group of online business owners to learn, grow, and gain insight into how to better serve artists online. Walking into The Graduate Hotel, their mantra is written on the floor; “We Are All Students.” I love this, because it represents a growth mindset instead of a fixed one.

The fixed mindset believes that talent—without the application of effort—creates success. You’re either born with it or you’re not, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. This way of thinking is dangerous because it causes you to avoid challenges and resist criticism. I often see many art students fall into this mindset in my classes and workshops.

A growth mindset believes that our most basic abilities—like talent and intelligence—can be improved through effort, perseverance, and experience. Artists in a growth mindset crave challenges, welcome constructive criticism, view setbacks as learning opportunities, and develop a passion for hard work and a hunger for growth. They know that getting better is a process. One that requires the right attitude and dedication over time.

As you can see, the right mindset changes our behaviors and the results we will gain. So which mindset will you choose? This choice will powerfully shape the progress you make. 

I still remember the day I picked up my first set of pastel colors, bright and full of potential. It was a figure drawing class in college. The thought of transforming these colors into a piece of figurative art was exhilarating yet daunting at the same time. My heart was filled with passion but my mind was clouded with self-doubt, questioning whether I had what it takes to be an artist.

Looking back now, I realize that those doubts were not only normal but also necessary for growth. That’s why today, I want to share four important lessons that have helped me in my artistic journey and can empower other women and men who wish to venture into the world of pastel painting.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

The first step is always about changing your mindset - choose progress over perfection! You don’t need to create a masterpiece every time you pick up your pastel sticks; what matters more is learning from each stroke you make on the canvas (or as we use in the Pastel world Paper or Board). In our workshops, we encourage you to move forward and continue practicing instead of only working on one piece.

2. Overcome Self-Doubt

It's perfectly normal to doubt yourself when trying new techniques like pastel layering or expressive mark making or stepping out of your comfort zone – it’s part of being human! Remember that this self-doubt doesn't define your abilities as an artist; instead use it as fuel for growth and motivation.

3. Cultivate Patience

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day! Just like any skill, mastering art takes time and consistent effort so don’t be disheartened if progress seems slow initially. It's all about taking small steps towards bigger goals!

4. Take The Next Step

Finally, just take one step at a time – one sketch at a time! Every piece you create brings you closer to becoming the artist you aspire to be!

These strategies aren’t just relevant for aspiring artists but are also crucial for entrepreneurs starting their own art journey – persevering through challenges, constant learning, overcoming self-doubt and patience are the cornerstones of any successful venture.

Now, imagine having a community of like-minded individuals cheering you on and inspiring you to take those small steps. A place where you can share your work, learn from others, and grow together. Sounds amazing right? That's exactly what we're offering! So why wait? Join us today to start your journey toward becoming a pastel painting artist!

Keep showing up for your creative dreams,

Alain

A New Lesson To Inspire You!

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Are you looking for inspiration today?
Look no further! 

I’ve got a brand-new video lesson for you to get those creative juices flowing. Let’s paint a vine ripe red tomato together so we can enjoy the richness of painting with red as we practice using deep values and saturated colors. This luscious little painting will take you less than an hour to create and provide you with a wonderful jolt of inspiration.

Red is an inspiring color, but it can be deceiving to paint. If it gets too light, we'll lose valuable color impact.

In this video, we’ll cover how to keep your color values on target, so your vine ripe tomato looks deliciously rich and red. Are you ready to paint a red tomato together? Join one of our upcoming classes or workshops where we explore different techniques together.

 
 

Artist Hack! The Tape-to-Tape Method

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Do you ever find it frustrating when you are working on a pastel painting and your marks keep bumping into the tape that overlaps the edge of your paper?

As pastel artists, we want to take advantage of the direct, energized mark-making that pastels provide. From sketchy lines to big bold side strokes, one thing is for sure. We don’t want anything to get in the way of making those marks. Like tape! 

I have developed a simple yet effective way of taping up my pastel paper that allows it to be securely mounted to the backing board, without any tape overlapping the edges. This method can be used for unmounted papers or fully mounted boards. I call it the tape-to-tape method, and I’ve been using it for years. Let me show you how it’s done. 

In this video, I’ll reveal a tape-to-tape method so you can create bold and free marks beyond the edges of your paper! Download the Tape-to-Tape Guide so you can follow along.

I hope this simple artist hack will help you make marks that are bolder, looser and freer than ever before. 

Keep showing up to the easel for your creative dreams! 
Alain 

How do I draw hair?

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As an aspiring artist, you may have pondered the question, "How do I draw hair?" Hair, with its flowing strands and textures, offers a canvas of opportunities to showcase your artistry. Drawing and painting hair can be a truly rewarding experience, allowing you to infuse a sense of freedom and expression into your portraits. Today, I'm delighted to offer you some valuable insights into the art of drawing hair and various hairstyles, a skill that we also delve into more comprehensively in our Painterly Portrait Course.

The Beauty of Drawing Hair:

How to Draw Hair is a subject that I am particularly passionate about in my artistic journey. It's a fascinating aspect of portraiture because it allows you to embrace a loose and painterly pastel style, breathing life into your subjects. While I can't cover all the intricacies in this short post, I hope to provide you with a glimpse of the do's and don'ts when it comes to drawing hair. 

The Do's and Don'ts of Drawing Hair:

Drawing hair requires a delicate balance of technique and observation. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to keep in mind as you embark on your artistic journey:

✅ The Do's:

  • Look for the large shapes first: Begin by identifying the major shapes of hair and block them in with simple values as a tone.

  • Follow the big pattern of light and shadow: Squint your eyes to simplify the value shapes created by light and shadow.

  • Sketch the values you see: Draw what you observe, not what you assume. Even blond hair can appear darker in shadows, so accurately depicts what you see in your hair reference art.

  • Look for the suggestion of detail: Instead of focusing on precise descriptions, aim to suggest details in the well-lit areas of the hair, not in the shadows.

  • Use a variety of mark-making techniques: Experiment with different mark-making methods to create the surface effects of hair whether it is straight, curly, or texture hair mark-making will help you to its texture and style.

  • Use a variety of edge qualities: Vary the sharpness and softness of edges where hair meets skin, clothing, and the background. The transition can be soft at the hairline but harder like a pencil drawing where it overlaps the face.

🛑 The Don'ts:

  • Don't focus on the details first: Reserve detailed work for later stages of your artwork.

  • Don't focus excessively on surface texture: Avoid becoming overly fixated on the texture of hair, as it should not overshadow the overall masses.

  • Don't paint every hair: Instead of painstakingly rendering each strand, keep it simple aim to create the illusion of detail.

  • Don't be swayed by hair color: Focus on capturing the play of light and shadow on hair, rather than getting distracted by its color.

  • Don't use consistent edges around the hair: Create diversity in edge qualities throughout your artwork, ensuring that hair appears natural in various contexts.

  • Don't overload shadows with detail: Keep shadows subtle, reserving detailed work for the well-lit areas of the hair.

Unlock the Secrets in Our Portrait Course:

If you find this introduction to drawing hair intriguing, you'll be thrilled to know that our Painterly Portrait Course delves into this art form in great detail. In the course, we guide you through the techniques and nuances of capturing both simple and complex hairstyles realistically, ensuring that your portraits exude a sense of authenticity and depth.

A Sneak Peek: Drawing Hair with Vine Charcoal

To provide you with a taste of what awaits you in our Portraits Course, I invite you to watch the lesson below. In this video, I walk you through valuable tips on how to sketch and draw hair while using vine charcoal. It's a sneak peek into the world of lifelike portrait perfection that you can achieve with the right guidance. This technique is really helpful for drawing dark and black hair.

Join the Next Round of Our Painterly Portrait Course:

Are you ready to embark on a journey to master the art of drawing hair and elevate your portrait skills to new heights? Our Painterly Portrait Course is designed to nurture your talent, boost your confidence, and refine your techniques. By joining the next round of our course, you'll gain access to in-depth lessons, personalized guidance, and a supportive community of fellow artists.

Don't let your portraits struggle with hair. Let's make sure your next portrait has a remarkable "hair day"! Enroll in our Painterly Portrait Course today and experience the transformative journey of artistic growth and mastery. Unlock the secrets to creating portraits that truly come to life.

Painting a Cat in Pastel

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Part 2 has arrived!

Our previous lesson brought a general impression of the cat to life, but we still have some work to do!

It’s time to meet up at the easel once more, so we can develop our furry feline with all the wonderful things we love about cats. Long whiskers, pointy ears, beautiful eyes, pink nose…🎉

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be purring with affection for the dazzling cat portrait that you've created. 

As promised, here is Part 2 of Painting a Cat in Pastel.

In this video I’ll teach you:

  • How to create the impression of fur by varying your edges

  • How to use light and shadow to paint a white cat with form and volume

  • How to refine without overworking so your cat looks fresh and lively

Click here to watch the video and let me show you how. And if you haven’t seen Part 1 of the lesson yet, you’ll want to head over and watch that here first. 

Be inspired,
Alain 

Want To Paint Your Furry Friend? 😻

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Do you have a furry friend in your life?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to paint your favorite cat?

Meet me at the easel, because in this lesson we’re going to paint a cat together in pastel! Enjoy Part One of this two-part lesson called, How to Paint a Cat in Pastel.

In this video I’ll teach you:

  • How to create the impression of fur by varying your edges

  • How to use light and shadow to paint a white cat with form and volume

  • How to nail the likeness from the start by getting the big shapes right

Click here to watch the video and let me show you how. 

Be inspired,
Alain 

The Secret To Bold And Fresh Color!

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Thanks for giving me the opportunity to come along side you and encourage your creative growth throughout the year. It fills me with such fulfillment and joy to share painterly techniques and creative insights that help you flourish so you can make an impact through your art.🙌

I want to express my gratitude to you by sharing a lesson on how to get to bold, expressive color in your paintings filled with freshness and excitement. Would you like to know the secret? Color studies!

Enjoy this video lesson on Color Studies and know that I am so grateful we can share our creative journey together.

Ready to jump into more lessons and more hands-on techniques like these, join us in one of our Pastel Painting courses where we dig deeper into various pastel techniques such as these.

Be inspired!
Alain