How To Become a Better Artist | Learn Your Mediums

Hey there!

This week let's learn about art mediums. 

There are so many different art mediums out there. Oil paints, acrylics, watercolor, tile, glass, clay, textile...I could go on, and on.  Some people like to keep it simple by working with one medium, while others like mixed media art.  Usually, an artist gravitates towards the mediums they enjoy working with and that fits their style.

What makes a person gravitate towards one art medium over another has a lot to do with their personality and lifestyle. For example, I love nature, and for a while, I loved working with wood in my art. I adapted to acrylics while we are traveling for ease and flexibility. However, when I first started painting I used oil paints. So I gravitated towards heavy body acrylics to get the texture and coverage I was used to.

See how that works? As you get to know different mediums and accept them for who they are (life lesson here, lol), you get to know which ones you like to work with most.

I try not to fight with my mediums to get them to do something that isn't their specialty.  Sometimes you can buy additives for your paints to get them to perform the way you want, like adding slow drying medium to acrylics or fast drying to oil paints. I very seldom use these additives. When I do, I only use them if it is cost effective or increases the quality of my work.

So, this week my challenge to you is to choose one medium and get to know it by working with it. You are welcome to ask me any questions you have on any medium you want to try.

If you don't know what medium you want to work with, go to the store and pick out something you have never used! Take it home and create with it. Get to know it and push it to it's limits. Don't be afraid to screw up, because that is where the discoveries are made. 

Hope you enjoyed this lesson and take care!

​Ashley

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