5 Things I Wish I Knew as a BEGINNER ARTIST 

I agree there is nothing wrong with drawing from a reference photo. When the "old Masters" were painting, cameras weren't invented yet. They kinda had no choice but to paint and draw from life. Photographs allow us to draw and paint things from all over the world without having to physically be there.

The sketchbook is more for practices, quick sketches, to catch them, when ever they appear, just like musicians has small mics on themselves, because inspiration can hit everywhere at any time

Thank you. I’m 68 and only started 2 years ago so I don’t have time to dither around. I love creating paintings with pastel pencils and pans and have just started with coloured pencils. I just want to enjoy creating and learning what I want to know. I’m trying to squeeze 50 years of non arting into whatever time I have!

Agree and will add ”Earth without art is just Eh” And to all us aspiring artist: Keep working and enjoying your art and don’t let other tell you what’s right or not!

So many people Said to me that I have to draw by seeing objects around me not seeing a reference photo . It is really helpful to me as a beginner thank you so much ☺️☺️☺️

Mistakes: The point of a piece where I say " OKkkk time to branch out & experiment". Coming from a very poor childhood, my biggest obstacle was the fear of wasting materials so I never bought good stuff & was still hesitate to start. At 65 I still have a sketchbook that my Grandmother gave me at 13. I'd used 3 pages. Really too bad as the work is rather good. Your words would have been very welcome then & are a boost now.

Just yesterday my father was questioning my drawing skills cause I drew a realistic potrait of my cousins from a "picture". It'd be a lie to say that his words didn't affect me. But now I'm glad that I came across your video :) you're such an awesome person 💜

I had the opposite problem as a kid - I saved my good art supplies for the really good artwork... that I never felt good enough to do. I would tell myself to play with them and mess around to see what I could do with them.

My biggest issue that I think I would have loved to know when I started out (like I'm not still a beginner at only 6 months in haha) is that art takes a lot longer than you think. I did a really terrible painting a couple of weeks ago and it took about an hour. Re did it this week and took three hours-funnily enough it turned out okay! So yeah, slow down and always expect it to take a lot longer than you think so you don't get fed up halfway through!

Thank you thank you thank you, over 50 years ago when in high school my art teacher said I wasn’t good enough to go to art school. I put off my enjoyment of painting and drawing and did other crafts to compensate. After all that time, a few years ago I found myself drawing faces just simple pencil drawings. It’s time to finish them, you inspired me and I am grateful.

As someone who's been drawing for five years now, I can agree with every point, especially the expensive art supply one! I remember thinking I needed expensive copic markers to make good art and so I was confused when I got them that my art didn't MAGICALLY transform. Even with the most expensive art supplies, you still need the skill to use them.

A friend who is a magnificently creative artist, when I mentioned to her that I had no creativity, told me that's it's something you are born with (or not), insinuating that I was out-of-luck and would never have any. This was a terrible thing to say and so untrue! Creativity can be developed! Don't let others tell you differently.

I love the "real artist" analogy, the poor, struggling bohemian who eats, breathes and lives art. I believe that art is a sense of being, how you feel when you create. Enjoy creating art and if you make money along the way, well done you :-)

First of all thank you for this video, a fine gift for beginners, as well as artists at all levels. I’ve been earning some of my livelihood creatively for over 50 years, and several of your tips were very useful for me to hear at the age of 73. I wll take the Liberty to offer feedback and add to your offering. Hopefully you’ll not take offence, as this video seems genuinely intended to support folks. Beyond allowing ourselves to use reference photos I would encourage people to allow themselves to learn and be inspired from the work of other artists. Part of classical training has traditionally included spending hours in museums copying the work of the masters. Japanese classical art includes repeatedly copying specific pieces over and over. Learn any way you find works for you. As to fine art supplies, I agree totally, use whatever your budget allows. That being said, I had a teacher ( on RU-vid, my art school) who early on encouraged us to use the best you could afford, and not simply the cheapest because ‘I’m not good enough yet’. As a watercolour artist this is particularly important with respect to paper. Good paper makes a huge difference for that medium, and if you learn on cheap paper, your work will not only progress more slowly, but when you switch to better paper later you will need to re learn to work differently. I particularly appreciated you encouraging us to try different styles. Even after 50 years of I still have a tendency to judge my work harshly. For the past few years I’ve done photo realistic painting, and thought there was something wrong with that because it wasn’t creative enough. I saw other artists who were far “looser“, I somehow was ready to put my style down as not ‘artistic’ or original enough. Do what you enjoy, and perhaps also explore outside what you judge yourself good at, or comfortable with; allowing your work to change and evolve. Also allowing yourselves to try different mediums; over the course of 50 years I’ve worked in many different mediums, as well as working at dozens of other professions; some not related to “art” whatsoever. You might want to consider the notion of the art of living. As Hellen Keller said something like, life is either a great adventure or nothing at all. Enjoy it all thoroughly, even the tough bits.

This is good advice/reminders for artist of all levels. Thanks so much.

Thank you Kirsty, this was a lovely video and as an older beginner, I can relate to most of your advice.

after 4 months of drawing, i have improved so much that i cant believe. i learned so much from you.thank you.

I like drawing in a sketchbook because there is less pressure and kindles my creativity when I'm not feeling particularly inspired and often leads to ideas that I can explore later in a painting.

When you were talking about drawing only from real life objects and showed drawing of a tiger it was honestly funny

After my surgery I started using cheap supplies until my skill level got better again. Nothing wrong with doing art with cheap supplies. Great video!

I remember when they say using grid is cheating but when I saw other professional artists using it I told myself why do I need to listen to others opinion if more professional artists do it and that really helps me on doing my own styles. I really love this motivational videos even I'm not begginer anymore I really still need some advice and this really help me. Hope you keep doing this kind of videos. ❤️

I guess I can be glad that I never really had all those thoughts and concerns about my art. I‘m not looking at my art in a way of always pointing out the smallest mistakes I made and then hating what I just drew. For me it‘s mostly about realizing what I could do better and to have a plan about what to change and practice. I also always knew that I didn’t need the craziest supplies and I knew that reference photos were just something to help me figure out what colors and shades I needed for certain parts of my drawings.

A had an art teacher who constantly told me that I am not making good art at any of the competitions and I should make art like one of the friend did but since I gave my opinion more importance , I am happy today.

I've been procrastinating...thank you for making me realize I can just start. Just thank you. You're absolutely right. On all points.

“‘Should’ is a six letter expletive.” Quote from my therapist.

#5 Tip hits me hard. I would rather spend 2 months in a single piece of artwork rather than just random sketches. I thought I'm the only one that's not into fast sketches. You are really inspiring and an eye opener for artists like me huhu. You have my gratitude!🖤

Can u do a video with you earlier artwork when you started art? I would love to see how your artwork progressed till now. Thank you for all your amazing information on art 💞💞💞

The part about having to have best pencils, brushes, really hit home for me. Back in the late 60s one of my first color sketches was done with children’s colored pencils on typing paper. At the moment I’m working on wire wrapping/weaving jewelry. This group of artists that I met online have been the sweetest and most helpful I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Yeah, whenever I draw from references I always keep being harsh on myself. I drew my favourite drawing using a bunch of different references because I don’t have a great photographic memory (or memory in general) but now I’m starting to like it thanks to this video :-)

Thank you Im still a first year college student taking this course and this is a huge encouragement for me thank you☺️

you are really awsome,i started following you before 3 years from now ,and trust me i have got huge perfecting in my work ....You are really nice in telling hard things in simple way, BIG FAN ma'am KIRSTY PARTRIDGE...love from INDIA.

Wow, Kirsty, this video is perfect and some of the best advice I have heard a professional artist say. Demonstarating the use of cheap or economy materials was brilliant because the actual creating art is far more important than worrying about how lightfast those crayons are or how long will the piece last. Initial drawings don’t need to last for years and years. Artists on social media definitely don’t post all of their work, but choose the best. Look at a photographer, a creative person, who will take multiple shots of one pose to get just the right image they want. As for the ‘rules’ and what the masters did….can anyone honestly claim that Da Vinci wouldn’t want to master Procreate or Photoshop digital art given the opportunity, or that Caravaggio wouldn’t be delighted by the layer modes for applying his glazing layers to create such intense colour? I wonder how your old art teacher would have gotten on drawing a lion head if she had to be sat just two or three feet in front of a live lion of the plains of the Serengeti 😂😂😂. Might be worth treating her to a safari holiday just to see! Brilliant advice from a brilliant artist who is relevant to todays expectations and demands along with current tools available. Remember, the old masters had to mix their own paints from raw pigments, they couldn’t nip on Amazon and order a tube of fine quality Windsor & Newton. And who these days wants to buy stuffy, dark oil portraits of family members?

I found that doing doodle art, cartooning, and the repetitive tangle art helped me to greatly improve my drawing skills. Thank you for all you do.

I love your explaining style. It's so sincere relatable an non judging. Thanks for all the good advice!

I never even knew 'reference photo' was a thing. Like you, I was taught to draw what I see, which I'm not good at. I stumbled on one of your videos months ago (thank you weird YT algorithm) where you used a reference photo. Oh the world that has opened up to me! I'm actually a pretty good artist! I have a lot of learning to do, but I am on my way now and I actually love drawing/painting! Also, thank you for your presence on this platform. If it weren't for you, I would have never known how much I needed art in my life.

The last 2 points have really hit home with me. I'm definitely a graphite pencil girl and definitely without a sketchbook but have been feeling the pressure to conform lately. Prints have never worked for me either but it's so easy to get sucked into the trap of feeling you should be offering them. Thanks Kirsty

Thank you for making this video. It touches on thoughts and issues so many of us have. I once had a teacher tell me if I couldn't follow exact methods given to me or draw exactly what I was told in the same style that I would never be a good artist and never create a good piece. I learned that everyone has their own style and methods to achieve the look they want but it doesn't make them wrong. Every person can try to recreate the same exact thing but it will always look different because of this. One thing I would love to add to your rules is just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to stop working at it. I gave my art up for 12 years because I had kids and then realized that I didn't need to so I picked it back up. I wish I would have continued and sat down to teach the kids when they were small. We could have had art time together. Anyways, I really enjoyed this advice.

Some good advice for beginners! I would just like to note that if artwork is to be sold, the materials used should be lightfast, which usually means artist quality and higher cost. Also, beginners may struggle more with lower quality papers and other supplies. Artist quality materials are typically more highly pigment and the papers also more durable.

It's absolutely amazing how far I'll go on a project before really sitting down with my feelings and coming to the realization it's not something I want to be doing. I would have saved so much hardship had I only had that self talk sooner. I am learning to listen to my feelings more, and it's a practice as much as the art.

Thank you for talking freely. Isn’t that the definition of a true artist? It’s great that you speak from the heart.

I always remember my art teacher saying that you should practice art every single day. And when the book, "Art before breakfast" came out, I thought that's what I should be doing. Just like the book, "Mini Habits" talks about 1x push up every day. But I much more prefer longer exercise sessions, so that I can fully relax, but also push myself harder. By the time I've showered and dressed and got my bag ready, what good is it to be rushing back home after just 15 minutes? It's the same with sitting down to my desk. By the time I've moved the computer screen and keyboard off the desk, and laid out my supplies for the project, I might as well keep it out for that day or two, instead of rushing to tidy it all up again. 🙏Thanks for sharing this video and all your other videos! 🤗💕

I'm happy I saw this :) I rip myself apart over most of these things and have had a couple people (not ones I keep around me often) that have said the thing about real artists don't paint from references, even though they are my own references from my own photography, and it definitely made me feel I was correct to think I'll never be a "real" artist. When my husband or son, or anyone says I'm an artist I say "oh no no no😳 I just started in my 40"s out of necessity for a beautiful outlet but it's never anything great!" Cuz I feel embarrassed for anyone to think that I think I'm good or a real artist. But your video is great and so true!! Art is supposed to be just someone's own expression of whatever they're feeling...so I don't understand people that tear down others because they feel someone's art is too easy or not real art....to me its just feelings put out there amd it can be done in SO many different ways whether traditional art, drawing painting or cooking or dancing or singing or many other things...when its a personal expression of their passion I feel its their art. My issue is that I absolutely feel that about others...but not myself :/ so, I'm working on it :) but these were great reminders! Thank you so much!!

Thank you ma'am, I am a beginner artist in RU-vid & your videos always inspire me to create better and better. From India 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

I’ve just discovered your channel and I’ve spent the afternoon binge watching your videos. Now I have a real problem..... I WANT TO TRY IT ALL! At the same time 😂🤣😂🤣 There is no doubt that you are a great artist but honestly I think your real calling is that you are an amazing, fabulous and inspirational teacher. I agree with all your points, except I won’t tell my husband that you don’t need the best supplies, I’ll keep that one for myself 😜🤣😂😀 I look forward to continuing my journey with you 😀

You are right, it's totally okay by drawing from reference photos. But it's a nice experience to draw some things from live 😊 Every artist learn with every drawing or painting and improve their skills I think 😊 but I think with great supplies its sometimes also easier to draw with. Quality for quantity. Buy less, but good quality supplies. In some techniques the paper is really important for example in pastels. Pastelmat is expensive but a game changer. Or cotton Papier for watercolor. I agree Sketchbooks are not necessary, but it feel so free to draw in it 🥰🥰 I really enjoy it since last year. I am a bit more free within a sketchbook and not under pressure and I experiment more than before 🤭🤭 I really learn in it und make also little study 😊 thanks for this video

As a young, budding artist I've learnt more from you than any other teacher in my school I really appreciate your channel and tips so so much Love from India ❤️

100% true. Every artist should watch this video. Love your artwork!!

Hope you are feeling well and healthy Kirsty. Love your videos and this is very useful in every single way possible way.. have a good day

Thanks for the encouragement especially about drawing what you see in your own mind and heart.

Wow! I absolutely agree with all these tips. Hands down. Its so nice to hear these Kirsty. 😊 Thank you!

Great Advise Kirsty!!! Very encouraging and motivating for beginners and current artists. You've touch on some areas that I've experienced as an artist. I appreciate the confirmation you've provided!!!😊😊😊

Very good advise, Kristy. I was very lucky to never have anyone tell me how I had to do something creative. In fact, pretty much the opposite. Being an artist is expressing yourself. Whether that's with a photo or looking at the real thing, it'll always have a your interpretation of it in the final creation.

Thank you Kirsty... your golden words do make a lot of sense ❤ and has impacted me more than any other ... keep making such great videos

You definitely have a point! And it makes sense in what you do. When you focus on what you design. This is quite beautiful and very challenging and creativity is always your best choice in life.

There is *literally no such thing* as _”doing things correctly/properly (or) incorrectly/improperly”_ when it comes to creating art.

Recently been feeling down about my art and this video really helped me to look at it from another perspective. 🤗

These 5 tips really make me feel good as a beginner artist. Thanks, Kirsty

Such great mature advice. Thanks so much, Kirsty!

Thank you for everything that you did in this video,kirsty😇

Art is a hobby a d love to learn from watching your tutorials. Thanks for your encouragement and guidance.

I cannot thank you enough for this. I really needed to hear everything you addressed.

Thanks for the great advice. You are an amazing artist and a great teacher.

Thank you for the advice in this video. At 83 I'm not trying to be a full or even part time professional artist, I just want to draw what it is I like to draw. I made some of the mistakes about equipment purchase you commented on & later realized the error & expense. Also, I realize that the daily drawing "exercises" I did were helpful for me to get to the 'meat' is is that I am drawing or painting I wanted to do. Again, thank you.

Hi Kirsty! Thank you so much for this video! I’m a beginning artist and have been thinking all of these things, buying whatever watercolor palette people are using in order to get the colors and the quality they’re getting. What you’re saying makes so much sense! I love giving myself permission to just create what I wanna create and not what someone else thinks I should be creating in order to make money. I love your drawings! They are gorgeous!

Thank you for this Kirsty 🌺

So good to see you again Kirsty...you are my favourite art teacher...love you ❤️

I was told so often to draw from life and that it was "cheating" to draw from reference photos, that it was essential to draw every day etc etc. Your advice is invaluable and thank you so much for this video. I wish I'd had this kind of advice many years ago, however, even now at 60 I'm so grateful to you because I've learned something (as well as all the wonderful things I've learned from your other videos). Thank you for all that you do, especially your free stuff as I'm on a limited income but I'm saving hard so one day I might be able to do your other courses. All the very best to you :)

I absolutely agree with you. It is a matter of expressing yourself!

Kirsty, you are precious. Thank you. X

You're a genius teacher I've ever met ! I've learnt so many things !

Thank you so much for your time for us your my inspiration

Thank you for this video it came in time for me I honestly always think what I will do with my art I wanna start an art carrier but I don’t feel like selling prints maybe I think of teaching or taking commissions but the most important now it to do what I love and that’s what will happen you motivated me through this talk thanks again and have a good day 😊😊😊😊

I was really waiting for your new video!! Yay!

Very good advice! Every one you spoke I've done. I appreciate your insight and teachable spirit. Love your artwork and style! God bless you!

A big big thank you for this video and your words🙏❤️

Thank you for this Kirsty, truly very helpful. I can relate so much to no. 5

A very good and precise advice for a beginner❤. Thats the first thought for every beginner and you clarified everything so well that, as a beginner, now i feel much better. Thank you so much😊

Thanks so much for this Kirsty, It actually helped me the 1st time in watched it, I just watched it again and realised I had seen it. It really helps to not get in the mindset of I have to be doing this or have to be doing that. Once ya let go of this 'have too' it's better, it just takes off a little pressure really and do what you want yourself to be doing of ya see what I mean,these 5 points are all really good cheers again Kirsty xxx

Thank you kirsty.... ✨️✨️✨️✨️for giving me a great hope to start my drawings once again✨️✨️✨️✨️

Every time someone would tell me to learn to draw from life I would doubt myself because I just could not do it well. It really prevented me from exploring and trying new things because I eventually began to think good art was only the art that others would appreciate, which meant trying to stick to what worked, which meant every mess up just led to a lot of frustration. Over time I just stopped trying, because I didn't enjoy doing it anymore. The free time from Lockdown made me want to have another go at it. Thank you for the video, it really gave me confidence

I'm far from a begginer and I find your comment about sketchbooks really enlighting. I can't remember how many times I've bashed myself over not drawing on it so often, when in reality I don't really need it for finished work. Thanks!

Extremely helpful and encouraging! Thank you!

What a generous, wonderful video. I needed to hear this, even though I'm not quite the beginner. I relate to it all. 💛 Thank you and blessings to you from the great Pacific Northwest, Lakewood, Washington!

You are an honest person, you are genuine and that is the most important thing, no one is born perfect, and you are right, we shouldn't let other people's opinions let us down.. you said it, everyone makes mistakes even the best of us. thank you for your nice words that always support us and make us feel good about ourselves even if we are not in our best shape. bless you.

Wonderful advice! Thank you!!♥️

Omg new video!! I love your videos! Keep making more content pleaseee!

Thank you! I needed this, it validates my decision. I got so overwhelmed by all the materials and expectations I ended up doing nothing..frozen by fear of not doing anything worth sharing. Ultimately I got rid of most of my art supplies, keeping very few and out of sight in case one day I decide to try again. I feel better now, no expectations, no guilt.

Fabulous tips! Love listening to what you have!

Thank you so much for these tips. I'm a kid and starting out so these tips really really help. Thank you so so much.

Using your intuition, your so right, thank you, you have absolutely unusual beautiful work, your an inspiration.

I have seen so many tutorials, but your tutorials actually work! Thank you so much

Thank you for existing, Queen 💚

Wow that is something I really needed to hear 😊 thank you!

kristy what shall i say your the best you helped much thank you very much for all of your support :)

your words were so true and so helpful, thank you

I love the topics and the reference pics you use they are simply awesome and great

Wow thank you for sharing these vulnerabilities ✨🙏🏾 help Soo much

great advices! Thanks for sharing your experience.

This is so much good to keep in mind in order to be a good artist not only for best but for all levels too...thank you for sharing and inspiring with us,and lots of learning to hold.😊👍😘

Thanks Kirsty your advice is so valuable particularly for beginner artists who want to make their love for art a living. I am one of those, although I am a self-taught artist in a very different genre, I think your advice is very sensible. I hope to become like you one day... doing what you love to do as a career. Kudos!