By Frank Eber
Creative growth as an artist often requires consistent practice, endless curiosity, and the right mindset. Here are some of my practical do’s and don’ts that help inspire creativity, encourage good habits and keep art moving forward.
DO have a routine. For example, maybe you paint in the mornings for two hours, before checking email or social media, or any other administrative-type tasks. Keep that painting time sacred. No excuses. Make your art as important as other commitments. If you leave your painting for the time after you’ve done everything else, you’ll never get to it.
DO look to artists of the past. I love to look back in time to discover artists previously unknown to me. I often learn that a technique or approach that I thought was quite contemporary was already being done by an artist 150 years ago!
DO make your work area a space that you like. Painting in an area that’s badly lit or having to set up at the kitchen table, where you’ll have to tear down after each session, doesn’t bring out the best in an artist. Working in a stimulating environment, with excellent lighting, has a huge impact.
DO shift from a competitive mindset to a collaborative one. Artists who support each other will often grow faster and find more joy in the creative process.
DO strive for progress toward a meaningful goal. But be sure to enjoy the journey and don’t be too attached to any specific outcome. The journey is what matters. Like so many things, you have to be present to enjoy making art; we can’t always be anticipating the next stage. It’s also important to avoid things that can impede creativity.
Which brings us to the DON’Ts.
DON’T be overly controlling. Learn to embrace accidents, and be willing to go in the direction the painting wants to go.
DON’T take yourself too seriously. Artists are important for society, but we don’t create world peace.
DON’T paint to sell. There’s some truth in the old saying, “When the business of the art starts, the making of the art stops.” To paint with others in mind, or what we think others may like, is a creative dead-end. It’s true, when we want to make a living with our art, that this can be a bit of a balancing act.
DON’T mimic yourself. Getting known for a specific subject or approach is a danger if you’re a professional, established artist. When you stick only to what’s expected of you, you sacrifice personal artistic growth.
DON’T let go of hope. A world of bad news and AI-generated imagery can certainly make artists feel sidelined and unimportant, so be resolute.
DON’T spend time looking for validation. With less pressure, you’ll be happier and your creativity will bloom.
About the Artist
European-born artist Frank Eber, of California, is a Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and Watercolor West, and an Artist Member of the California Art Club. The award-winning artist conducts workshops and demonstrations across the U.S. and internationally.
