Selection of subject

An artist gets inspired by particular subject. Sometimes its just around him and sometimes he has to travel miles to catch it. And sometimes he just bumps into it or sometimes its just imagination. Anything can be inspiring, its just the way you look at it. Inspiration need not come from beautiful things, anything could be appealing to an artist. Finally its the style in which he expresses that matters. How clearly can he pass the message through his painting is important. The instruments don't matter, neither does the medium. Its just the satisfaction after putting the ideas out, is what gives a peaceful feeling.

No shortcuts for success

There is no shortcut to achieve what you want in Art. Its like a musical instrument which you have to keep playing. Practice! Practice! and Practice! is all that matters and of course proper guidance is a must. You can know the path to follow, but a mentor or a teacher can guide you through the tough twists and turns. With some patience, interest and enthusiasm, you can achieve great success. Destinations achieved by handwork and dedication is what is Art all about. You cannot hurry or rush to attain perfection. It takes quite a lot of time and patience to reach to a certain level. Cooperation of people around can also work wonders. A stroke of appreciation by dear ones can be very inspiring.

Art is an acean

Art is no less than an ocean. There is no end to learning. The more you learn, there is so much more to explore. Whatever i paint is a milestone in itself on the path of destination that is not fixed. The milestones are achievements themselves. I just have to walk and walk and be satisfied by the journey i do.I come across so many paintings that depict my state of mind in different stages of life. I consider it a boon as i can always leave behind my worries and get lost in my paintings.

Colour Pencil works

Working with color pencils is as amazing as working with any other medias. The only extra things it needs is extra patience. There are very few people who actually enjoy working with color pencils as it involves lot of scribbling. Coming to the matter of the category of color pencils, we can go for water color pencils as they are very soft in nature and we can get a very finely blended effect as shown in this portrait of Catherine Zeta Jones. About the brand, STEADTLER color pencils are the best for this work.

Sketching

The key way to improve sketching is to keep practicing. Various books on sketching on different subjects are available at book stores which are really helpful for practicing. There are books for beginners and for pursuing artists also.
Practice could be imitating from the books or from real objects, as common as they are around you.
For basic sketching or drawing use only HB drawing pencils. Pencils from 2B to 8B are for shading.

Painting needs

Painting needs dedication, interest and determination. Its almost like a meditation, wherein when you are painting you dont think of anything else. Colours fascinate every human being.

tips for sketching on canvas

while sketching on a canvas board, use any colour pencil rather than a HB pencil, as colour pencil lines r more easy to erase. And if corrections have to be made, use a different colour pencil so that the final lines are clear.