3 Keys to Being a Better Painter

3 Keys to Being a Better Painter

There are art instructors (and painters on YouTube) that make painting seem so complicated. Many artists get confused. I get questions from artists around the globe every week asking, “How can I be a better painter.” The information available varies so much and there are so many differing opinions about what it takes to be a better painter.

I think it comes down to only 3 keys that you need to focus on to be better:

1. Learn the Design Fundamentals. I know, I know, I keep coming back to this in my videos, but it’s the truth. I’ve taught thousands of students in live workshops and online courses, and I can tell you from first hand experience that very few take the time to learn the fundamentals. They would rather spend time searching for the next process or technique that will make them better. Guess what? There is no process or technique that will make you a better painter if you don’t learn and understand the Design Fundamentals.

2. Learn to Implement the Design Fundamentals in Your Work. The fundamentals of good design mean nothing if you cannot implement them. The goal for me as an instructor, is to help my students understand the basics, then learn how to put them into practice. You have to be able to move them from a “concept,” to a painting. Your goal should be to learn them, commit them to memory, then practice them so that they are always in your head. After a while, you don’t have to consciously think about them anymore.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice Until You Can Develop a Consistent Body of Work. Once you have a grasp of the fundamentals and how to implement them, you need to keep doing it - hundreds of times - until it becomes second nature. This practice will provide the time you need with concepts and materials to develop consistency. You’ll have certain process that you develop. You’ll find certain materials that you like to work with. You have natural motions that are specific to you. When these are combined together, a body of work will begin to emerge that is yours and yours alone. This consistent body of work is what will set you apart from other artists.

There you have it - my 3 Keys to success as a painter. It’s really simple. Don’t try to complicate it with stuff that doesn’t matter. If you’re a beginner, then start at the beginning with foundational training. That knowledge is what you build everything else on your entire painting life.

If you’re interested in a great online course that will teach you Design Fundamentals, then Click Here for More Information.

If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)

• August 4-6, 2021 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. This is a Studio Workshop in Abstract Painting. Click Here for Information and Registration. SOLD OUT!

• September 23-25, “Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting” 2021 Huntsville, AL
  Huntsville Museum of Art Click Here for Information and Registration

• October 8-10, 2021, “Abstracting the Coastal Landscape “ Fort Walton Beach, FL
  Arts and Design Society (ADSO). Click HERE for Information and Registration.

• October 26-28, 2021 “Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting” Daytona Beach, FL
  Art League of Daytona Beach, Click HERE for Information and Registration

• November 3-5, 2021 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. This is a Studio Workshop in Abstract Painting. Click Here for Information and Registration.

• November 13-14, 2021 Art of the Carolinas, Raleigh, NC. Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama. I will be teaching two full-day abstract painting workshops. Click Here for Information and Registration.

As always, thanks for your support!

David

Simple Color System Colorwheel

If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.

You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.

ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings. Now On Sale for $50 Off!

Click Here to Learn More

Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course. Now On Sale for $100 Off!
Click Here to Find Out More

The Painting Insider (formerly Abstract Painting Insider) now has a new format and is not abstract painting specific. Weekly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course!

Click Here to Find Out More