Today, I want to go off topic just a little bit and share a few reasons why every artist should watch videos of new art mediums once in a while.
As some of you know, I write freelance as well as draw and sometimes paint. I write about colored pencil topics (usually the business side of things) for Ann Kullberg’s COLOR Magazine. I also write about a variety of more general art topics for EmptyEasel and occassionally contribute to Colored Pencil Magazine.
Most often, I come up with my own topics, but I also “write to order” when an editor has a particular topic they want an article about or when a reader asks a question.
That’s how I came to watch painting and drawing videos on different mediums last month.
The editor of EmptyEasel suggested some time ago that I write a couple of link articles, one on 50 great painting videos and another on 50 great drawing videos. When I endured a bout of problems with my right wrist and drawing or painting was off limits, it seemed like a good idea to watch videos. (I could not only “work,” I could ice my wrist, too. Win-win!)
I saw a lot of wonderful artists creating wonderful art in a wide range of different mediums; some familiar, some previously unknown. It was such an informative time that I had to share some of what I learned with you!
Why You Should Watch Videos of New Art Mediums
You Discover New Mediums
The best reason to watch videos that are not about colored pencil is that you learn about new art mediums.
You may love your colored pencils and not currently be thinking about trying a different medium, but seeing what else is available is still helpful. If for no other reason, it broadens your horizons. (Did you know there was such a thing as resin painting? Neither did I!)
Those broader horizons may lead you to try something new, or may help you improve your colored pencil work.
Maybe both!
You Learn New Methods
Even if you don’t ever try a new medium, seeing how artists use those mediums can provide keys to using your own medium.
For example, I’ve seen oil painters, gouache painters, and watercolor painters applying paint in what appears to be haphazard strokes. When they zoom in on their brush work, the image doesn’t look like much.
But take a look at the entire painting, and all of a sudden those “random” strokes look very much like trees on a distant hill or variations in color in a wave.
Here’s something else I’ve picked up that applies to colored pencil: Most of those artists make very deliberate strokes. Strokes that are short, purposeful, and often follow long pauses to reload brushes AND consider the next stroke.
How does that affect me (and maybe you, too?) It shows me that my sometimes rushed manner of making marks on paper may actually hinder me in some cases. Yes. There is a time for quick washes of color, but there are also times to slow down and be very deliberate in applying color.
You May Find a Medium You Want to Try
That’s been my experience.
Of course, you have to remember that part of me wants to try every medium I see when I see someone doing wonderful things with it. The day I watched egg tempera painting videos, I wanted to start cracking eggs and making paint.
The day I watched gouache artists, I wanted to try that medium, and so on down the list through acrylics, watercolor, casein and even resin painting.
That may be your experience too.
But there are a few of those mediums that intrigue me beyond mere whim. Mediums like gouache and egg tempera might work as under paintings for colored pencil work. Who wouldn’t enjoy experimenting with that?
Get Inspired!
Even if none of the other reasons to watch videos in other mediums happens to you, what about the sheer inspiration of seeing artists create?
When you find yourself in the creative doldrums, try watching videos of other mediums. They can give you a fresh look at art and, if you watch long enough, a fresh look at your art.
Those are just a few reasons you should watch videos in other mediums.
There are more. In fact, the reasons are as varied as all of you. Each of you will find other reasons after you take the time to explore new mediums by video.
Would you like to see the best videos I watched? Read Learn to Paint with 50+ Free Painting Videos on YouTube! and Learn to Draw with 50+ Free Drawing Videos on YouTube. Both articles include videos for artists at all levels of expertise.
Yes, even you.
I guarantee it.
Wow, your article was certainly true. As I get older, I seem to get more scared about trying new things but once I do, I find I’m pretty good at it. This article had many helpful and interesting tips. Thank you for all you do and love your articles and drawings.
Thank you, Patricia! I just had to share my thoughts on this subject and I’m glad they hit the mark for you.