Teaching Yourself New Art Skills

It’s never too late to teach yourself new skills. The same goes for artists.

For example, not long ago I decided I wanted to learn traditional painting, specifically watercolor, so a few months ago I bought myself a basic watercolor palette, some brushes and a sketch journal.

As I mentioned, it’s only been a few months so I am truly at the beginning of this journey…and it shows. However, that’s OK. Rome wasn’t built in a day nor will I become a better watercolor artist in just one. That’s not to say I haven’t improved my skills but I know I have a long way to go.

There’s a few reasons why I started up with traditional watercolor. One is that I have always wanted to but was just afraid. I have been working in digital for so long, I didn’t have the courage to take that leap. I figured now it was time. Two, I want to expand Sofydoll a little and for the ideas I have, doing this would pretty much be necessary. Not to mention that the more I know about traditional painting, the better digital brushes I can create for my customers.

Now that I am a few months in, I had to go out and get a bunch of other art supplies (all of which I probably didn’t need so soon in the game). Watercolor paints are a plenty out there and choosing the right type was important -and you can’t choose if you don’t have a bunch to choose from, am I right? 😉

That’s the issue, there is so much to choose from and my oh my it’s a thrill when those delicious watercolor sets come in. I’ve been keeping an eye on which colors I tend to use more and have slowly created a few different palettes that seem to work with my art style – an art style I am still figuring out, mind you.

All that being said, I am really having fun teaching myself a new skill. I enjoy the research of learning what paints work better for a certain style, which brushes are best to use and what paper is ideal to work with. Combine that with hours of YouTube video I was able to get myself off to a pretty good start. I mean, just the other night I was up at three am and saw an Black Friday ad for Skillshare that had a yearly membership for half off! So now I’ve got a treasure trove of courses I can indulge in to help me along my journey.

Are you also thinking of branching out?

Teaching yourself new art skills can be a rewarding and creative journey. Here’s a structured approach to help you get started:

1. Identify Your Goal

• What specific art skill do you want to learn? (e.g., watercolor painting, digital art, sculpting, etc.)
• Set clear, achievable goals to track your progress.

2. Gather Resources

• Books: Look for beginner guides or art theory books.
• Online Tutorials: Explore platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, or Udemy.
• Community Groups: Join forums or social media groups related to your chosen skill.

3. Set Up Your Workspace

• Dedicate a comfortable, well-lit area for your art practice.
• Gather the necessary materials (e.g., brushes, paints, sketchpads, digital tablets).

4. Learn the Basics

• Study foundational concepts like color theory, composition, perspective, and shading.
• Practice simple exercises regularly, such as sketching shapes or blending colors.

5. Practice Consistently

• Set aside regular time for practice, even if it’s just 15–30 minutes a day.
• Work on small projects to build confidence and keep motivation high.

6. Experiment and Explore

• Try different styles and techniques to discover what you enjoy most.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re essential for growth.

7. Seek Feedback

• Share your work with friends, online communities, or mentors.
• Use constructive criticism to improve and refine your skills.

8. Track Progress

• Keep a sketchbook or portfolio to document your journey.
• Reflect on your growth by comparing older works with recent ones.

9. Stay Inspired

• Visit art galleries, watch inspiring artists, and immerse yourself in art-related media.
• Follow artists whose work you admire and learn from their techniques.

10. Challenge Yourself

• Push your limits by taking on projects slightly outside your comfort zone.
• Consider participating in art challenges or creating a piece for a special occasion.

The internet has it’s downsides but when it comes to learning new skills, there’s never been a better time. We have teachers and classes at our fingertips, we have Amazon where we can have affordable supplies sent to our doorstep in only a few days.

If we’re really wanting to take that leap, now is the time and there’s no excuse…because at this point the only thing holding you back is you.

Until next time…