Practice Makes Perfect

If you enjoy creating original art or coloring in adult coloring books, there are techniques, tips, and tricks that can enhance your hobby. While improvement takes a lot of practice and experimentation, I hope that sharing what works for me will help you on your art and creativity journey.

 

What Can be Used to Art?

The list is almost endless, but here are some of the tools that I like:

• Colored Pencils and Crayons

• Markers and Gel Pens

• Pen & Ink and Charcoal Pencils

• Watercolor Pencils and Paint

• Washi Tape and Stickers

• Soft and Oil Pastels

• Makeup and Food

• Solvents and Blending Pencils

 

Ruined Picture or Excellent Lesson?

Practicing new techniques and using new products can push a person out of their comfort zone, but that is the only way to improve. Don't get discouraged if a picture looks "wrong" while creating it. The picture often looks better when they are finished. I look back on some of my older pictures that I thought were ugly, and I'm surprised how much I like them now. And even if the picture is "ruined," it is a great lesson on what to do (or not do) the next time. Worst-case scenario, an abandoned picture can be used to practice new techniques or as scrap paper.

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We tend to be hard on ourselves but our art and creativity needs to be nurtured, not judged. Look for the positive in everything you create.

 

Enjoy the Process

Remember that hobbies are supposed to be fun. If you tend to be too hard on yourself, I suggest joining a group or club that shares your hobby for some feedback. Even though a picture didn't turn out how we envisioned it, it doesn't mean it won't look great to everyone else. Facebook has many great groups, including my own, Obsession Coloring Club. I encourage you to click through and join.