Have you ever been to an art gallery, like the Alice C Sabatini gallery at TSCPL, and found yourself gazing at a piece that absolutely speaks to you? Wondering how it’s possible for paint on canvas or a statue to be so moving? Wikipedia says ”art is made with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions” and I’ve experienced that stimulating moment many times, but I’m not satisfied with just looking. I want to create! Will my artwork be the next Mona Lisa? Probably not. But that’s ok! I am here to encourage you to get out and try your hand at creating something unique.
Are you interested in cartooning or comic book art? We have books and videos to break down the process and give you a behind-the-scenes look so you can draw your own. Perhaps you want take it slow and start with only a sketchbook and a pencil. Find books on drawing that will help you see the world with new eyes and discover the basics of the human body, architecture, perspective, light and shadow, everything to get you started drawing. Now if you like to see the world in color you can try the bold look of acrylics and oil paints or delve into the exciting secrets of watercolor painting. Either way, you can embrace color in your art and follow where it leads you.
Browse Dewey numbers in the 700s, mostly between 736 and 760, to be inspired and amazed by the plethora of ways you can get started on your personal art journey. Here are just a few more suggestions: ceramics, stained glass, woodcarving, collage, gourd art, and more. You could try them all!
Create something that you love and share it, show it off or put it on display! I’m sure that artist is in there somewhere so let him or her out and try your hand at a project that excites you. I’ll catch you next time when we discover something new about yourself.