1) KNOW YOURSELF. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN YOUR ART, because art is an expression of how you see and feel about things. You are more important than technique, SO…ask yourself what are you passionate about? What do you like, re ideas, interests, materials etc get to know this in GREAT DETAIL. Don’t worry about why you like something.

2) Record the list of things you are interested in,in a blank paged (no lines) ARTIST JOURNAL. …extend your knowledge of each entry by collecting images, doodles and sketches, articles and information on your areas of interest. Research artists who are interested in the same ideas you are…how do they express them…stick images of work in journal. List ideas for works, the things you want to try, buy, books, techniques, etc.

3) PLAY with the ideas you are interested in…if you like color explore that or line or ideas what ever…do dozens and dozens of test paintings and drawing…NO FINISHED WORKS…these are just elements that will build to make work after a period of time.

4) STUDIO. Set up a place to work. This can be a room or a corner in a room a table is a good thing to have. Surround yourself with art materials and books and images that inspire you. Go there to sit and read, to research, play, day-dream and to work. Fix the space up so it works for what you as an individual artist need. If you do not have the space, make a box with all your inspiring things in. Visit this box as your portable studio.

5) THINK CREATIVELY. Get to know your inner critic and your creative intuitive side. Consciously and enthusiastically encourage the creative aspect of your self to grow and flourish and remember thinking negatively will have a big impact on your development. So…IDEAS LIKE GOOD OR BAD ARE SUBJECTIVE!!!!  DON’T MAKE WORK TO PLEASE OTHERS EVER!!!!  DON’T SENSOR ANYTHING!!