Drawing Realistic Eyes

Whether you are an experienced artist, or a beginner just learning techniques, the realistic eye is for everyone. Not only is it an east start, but also a great practice tool. The realistic eye helps you work with depth, shadowing, and vision. Anyone can do it! Watch this video clip, and try it for yourself. It takes practice, but once you master it, you will know so many useful techniques to help you with more drawings. Hope you have fun! Remember drawing and painting is full of frustration and learning. If you cannot get exactly what you want, keep going. This is how you learn, and sometimes it helps with the individuality of your art!

Limiting Yourself Artistically

Almost every time the subject of art is brought up, I always here the phrases, “I wish I had talent.” Or, “I can’t even draw a stick figure”. I know that this can sound cliche in a way, but everyone can be an artist. One aspect of art that I love, is a matter of limitlessness. A person can literally turn anything into visual art. Yes, there are different levels of abilities that people can reach, and some go higher than others. Right now, for me, I look up to several artist, in hopes that I can achieve the detail and patience that they put into their realistic art. Some people are striving to reach the level that several people, and I are working in, building their techniques. What is the point of this post? To help motivate anyone out there, held back by the limits they have set up for themselves. Pick up the pencil or paint brush and go at it.

I think that most people look down on themselves, and hold themselves back from a fear of imperfection. They are scared to try something new, in this case, art because they are afraid that it isn’t going to be impressive. They told themselves they cannot be good enough, so they never try. I wonder how many amazing artist died without a single piece done, because they never let it have a chance. You never know what your abilities hold until you go outside of that mind block, and go for it.

A phrase I use quite frequently, when a person tells me that they cannot draw is this, “If you want to have it, then it is already there.” Maybe you can’t draw a perfect face, a colorful landscape, or whatever it may be. Your abilities lie somewhere else.

Did you know that one of the most popular art genres out there is abstract? I am not saying that these artist do not have an amazing talent, I am saying that their talent is amazing in a different way. Each genre of art is so different and not everyone can execute it in the same way. Abstract artist see the world in a different way, they take the realistic views around them and turn it into their own story in a unique way, or even make up their own world. It is also vague and the most limitless genre out there. Unlike some art, where you have a set picture in your mind and you put it on the canvas, with abstract, you can do whatever you want with that vision and still make something beautiful.

So, if you have set that mind block, then tear it down, try something new. Going outside of your comfort zone is what art is all about. Try different styles, let your mind go free. You can do whatever you set your mind to, as long as you don’t limit yourself.  

The pictures I used is a world famous painting by Piet Mondrian, "Composition C (no. III), with Red, Yellow and Blue" , and a painting by myself. 

Finding Inspiration to Get Started

One of the hardest things to do, when you are about to paint or draw (ect.),

Is coming up with inspiration and ideas. You have the motivation and all the supplies, but now you are just sitting in front of a blank canvas. It is always hard to think of one certain picture, when there are endless possibilities to choose from. The world is full of beautiful places, people, and the list could go on and on. How do you single down to one, even though the amount of ideas are infinite. I have several different inspirational ideas that I thought could be helpful. 

1. What you are feeling at the moment.

When you create a picture, you always want to tell a wordless story. Something that can be meaningful to you and the person who may be viewing it. Some of the deepest paintings are ones with feeling behind it. So take your mood, whether it be sad, happy, worried, stressed out, or whatever it is, and portray it through your work.

2. Your surroundings.

Maybe you cannot wrap your mind around the universe to paint, so try wrapping it around what you see. It could be what is outside your window at your house, to bringing your supplies to the beach. Be inspired and make that normal moment last forever. 

3. Look at pictures.

It could be a picture you took on your phone, or a random picture from Google. You can get detailed with it, or do what I do, and glance at it and make up my own picture. Search random things, and when you see the right one, you will know. Also, looking at other peoples paintings are very helpful. Looking at the different colors they use, or the style can also be extremely helpful. (Just make sure you do not copy it.)

4. Music.

Listening to music influences your mind. Try and listen to a song and picture what you want it to portray. I always listen to music while I paint. It keeps my mind moving around, and keeps me up to beat while I work. You can also listen to the words of the song, and tell the story through your brush. Same could go with reading, let the words inspire your picture.

5. Ad lib

You may not have a certain picture in your mind, so start with it, and let it take you wherever you want to go. Ideas will come your way once you have a visual. So, just make it up as your go, and be creative!

I hope that these were helpful! Just jump right in, and be influenced by your inspiration. 

What is this blog about?

I hope through this blog I am able to capture your interests, as well as help with ideas, inspiration, and tutorials. From painting to drawing, art history to inspiring works of modern art, this blog will cover it all. I believe that everyone is an artist despite the level of "talent" you may think you have. So embrace your interests, and stick to your inspirations, and your creations will be beautiful!