Painting and sculpting, drawing, and all of these have been around for hundreds of years, probably 1000s if you include cave drawings. As far as basic art supplies and art materials we use, it hasn’t changed much. Science has come up with certain things since then, but fundamentally we are using the same methods we have used for hundreds of years. Art has no “Z,” as in no end. But, art does have the letter “A” in it, and the A is the fundamental part. It is a basic skill we have to learn in order to create high-level art. We have to understand the basics and realize that art has a starting point we all need.

When I say there is no end to it, it’s because of our true imagination and what sets one painting apart from another one. Sometimes you start looking at paintings on the internet and they all blend together. Oftentimes, if you are a beginner, you are mimicking other paintings and still learning value and color. You are not yet expressing what’s inside yet, and this is okay! You have to learn to walk before you run. We accumulate knowledge from one another, and that’s how we get better. You might wonder how to tell if you are getting better. Well, you need to seek out seasoned professionals that will give you an honest critique. They should tell you what areas you need to improve in. Most of what they will tell you is fundamentals, because the “art” part is all within you.

There is no end, but there is a starting point. Once you have the fundamentals down, that’s when you can start creating art. It is important to grasp that you have to have the fundamentals down. But, the whole beauty of painting is to tap into your inner being. This is truly when you will start creating a painting, or your own art. I want to encourage people who are still at the crawling stage. It’s okay! I’ve been there. You just have to be patient with this.

The beauty of art is there is no end, you never arrive. You can’t arrive because once you think you’ve arrived, you’re dead in the water. Your creativity will die off if you think you have made it to an endpoint. I truly believe there is no arrival. it is only you getting better and better. Be sure to compare your old paintings with your new ones and be honest with yourself when it comes to seeing, or not seeing, improvement.

I am excited to share that my most requested “River Rocks" video is now available again as a video download and includes curated photo references for you to paint from. Click below to find out more:

Or, join me in my other video series on landscapes and rocks down below:

Join me in my free webinar: 4 Key Mistakes to Avoid when Painting Rocks (and what to do instead)