LEARN ART ON YOUR OWN ( Ultimate study method)

Summary

In this video, a professional artist and instructor shares valuable insights on how to study art efficiently. He emphasizes the importance of not just copying but actively engaging with subjects through thoughtful observation and implementation. By setting specific goals, conducting research, and using imagination, artists can improve their craft and avoid mindless repetition. The video introduces the concept of 'indirect referencing'—injecting personal creativity and story into studies—and provides actionable steps for artists to progress. A key tip involves focusing on capturing the essence of a subject rather than replicating it exactly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Art is not just about copying; it's about understanding and implementing the information you've studied.
• 😀 Many students spend time doing observational work but fail to implement what they've learned, resulting in slow progress.
• 😀 Simply logging hours of practice, like copying or doing studies without purpose, does not guarantee improvement.
• 😀 The key to improving is not just replicating but engaging deeply with the subject and applying what you've learned.
• 😀 There are more efficient ways to study than just mindlessly copying. Focus on analysis, deconstruction, and implementation.
• 😀 Gradually increasing the challenge, or 'progressive overload', is essential to push your skills forward, just like in weight training.
• 😀 The first step to improvement is setting a clear goal, such as designing a specific object or character.
• 😀 Research and preparation, like building mood boards or gathering references, are crucial in approaching an artistic goal.
• 😀 Imagination and creativity are necessary to push past basic reference, allowing you to inject your personal style and ideas into your work.
• 😀 Achieving a 'flow state' or deep work is important for maintaining focus and getting fully immersed in your artistic process.
• 😀 Moving beyond direct references, adding stories, and mixing multiple references can elevate the depth and creativity of your work.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker highlights about how many artists study art?

The main issue the speaker highlights is that many artists, including their students, approach art study inefficiently. They tend to focus on repetitive tasks like copying or basic anatomy studies without clear goals or proper implementation, which hinders their progress.

How does the speaker differentiate between ‘mindlessly copying’ and ‘intently copying’?

‘Mindlessly copying’ refers to simply replicating something without deeper engagement or understanding. In contrast, ‘intently copying’ involves breaking down the subject, analyzing it, and understanding its components in order to later apply and implement that knowledge creatively.

What is the significance of having a specific goal when studying art, according to the speaker?

Having a specific goal is important because it gives direction and focus to the study process. A clear goal helps the artist concentrate on what they want to improve or achieve, making the practice more efficient and purpose-driven.

What does the speaker mean by ‘progressive overload’ in the context of art?

‘Progressive overload’ refers to gradually increasing the difficulty of artistic tasks to challenge oneself and improve. Just like in weight training, artists should start with simpler tasks and gradually tackle more complex ones as their skills grow.

Why is direct referencing not enough for advanced art students?

Direct referencing, which involves copying subjects one-to-one, is effective for beginners but not sufficient for advanced students. At higher levels, artists need to go beyond mere replication and start interpreting, designing, and adding their own creativity to the work.

How can research contribute to improving an artist's work?

Research helps by providing reference materials and insights that guide the creation process. It can involve gathering references, building mood boards, or studying historical contexts, all of which inform and enrich the artist’s work, making it more intentional and informed.

What role does imagination play in art improvement?

Imagination is crucial for artistic growth because it allows artists to push beyond their references and create unique, personal expressions. It helps them integrate their own ideas, perspectives, and creativity into their artwork, making it more original and engaging.

What is the concept of ‘flow state’ and how does it relate to art practice?

‘Flow state’ is a mental state of deep immersion and focus in a task, where the artist feels fully engaged and in control. Achieving this state is important because it enhances creativity and results in significant improvement in one’s art as they are working at their ideal difficulty level.

What is the speaker's bonus tip for improving art, and why is it important?

The speaker’s bonus tip is to focus on painting the essence of a subject rather than its exact version. This approach allows for more creative freedom and helps avoid falling into the ‘uncanny valley’ where the work feels too rigid or lifeless.

What does ‘indirect referencing’ mean in art practice, and why is it important?

‘Indirect referencing’ involves taking aspects of multiple references and combining them to create something new, rather than copying one source exactly. This method encourages creativity, personal interpretation, and design innovation, allowing the artist to add their own perspective to the work.