Getting Better all the Time!

Hanzie Mintana asked a great question on the forums a few weeks ago:

"What was your first painting and when did you paint it? Let's see how much all us amazing artists have improved!".

I went and had a browse through all the posts that have been submitted in answer to Hanzie's question. It's been really inspirational - you should go and take a look for yourself! It's amazing to see the progress that so many citizens have made. I have no doubt that it will inspire both beginner and more accomplished artists to keep on practicing. The more you paint on the boards, the better you'll become - these artists are absolute proof of that!

I spoke with both Hanzie and another artist who also contributed to the forum thread, Robyn Thetiny. I've included both Hanzie's and Robyn's "first" and "most recent" pictures to compare them - as well as what they had to share with me about what they feel helped them get from there to here!

Hanzie Mintana

First Painting - 'Ladybird'

Some of the tips I have I have followed are: never give up.look closely at how the other artists around you paint, you never know what tips you might pick up. don't paint to please others, paint to please yourself ^_^

It's funny, just a few days ago, a dear friend of mine was looking through all the screen shots of my paintings. and every time she got closer to my early paintings, the more embarrassed i got, and the more i wanted to snatch away the lap top and run! i guess im proud of how I've improved, but it is hard to see how you have improved as an artist when the improvements are gradual, so i suggest that all artists look back now and then on their early paintings.

A Recent Painting: 'Guardian'

If I think about the things that I want to get better at.. I'd have to say "everything!"! I pick a subject that i find particularly difficult, and i spend that week focusing on that kind of art and all the different techniques i can use ^_^. I also really enjoy helping out new artists when they join SW, but at the moment, my main art goal is getting good marks in my art class!

As a last comment, I'd like to take the chance to ask all the artists in SW's to be proud of their art! and show it off to SmallWorlds! you never know who you might inspire.

~ Hanzie Mintana

Robyn Thetiny

First Painting - 'Reaper'

The first tip I want to give is to inform yourself and practice. Means: read, read, read and try to perform the tips given. There are a lot of tutorials on the forums, and there is also a place in game where tutorials and useful websites are collected. Also, while reading the creativity and art forum you will see and get tips regularly within the threads. After you read the tips try to perform them. Even if it does not fit your "style", try to master the techniques. You will be surprised that they come in handy later, at very different points.

The second tip is: go look at galleries and try to get in contact with the artist. From my first day I was asking for good galleries and going to look at other peoples art. This way you get a very good look into what is possible. Don`t be shy to contact artists whose work you like. You can ask them for tips on how they did certain techniques, and maybe, if you are lucky, they will even let you look at "how they do it". Learning by watching is a very good tool, so if you get the chance - do it.

Third: take your time and be patient. It will not happen overnight, but if you look back at your first artworks (I suggest always making screen-shots of your arts, especially when you give them away) you will see the difference. Take your time...do not rush a painting. Many of the good artists take several hours for one board, so be prepared to spend some time with it. Also be patient and nice with yourself. I have seen many unhappy artists that do wonderful art and do not even see it themselves. Be proud of your art, but not too proud. Find a good middle way to have fun with what you do, and like what you do, with a healthy amount of self critique that drives you to get even better.

I am really surprised to see the progress that I have made When I saw other peoples art, I never thought I could get there. I still do not think I am anywhere close, but seeing my first art and the latest ones I am extremely surprised of what has been possible, I never thought I could progress that much in such a short time!

After seeing how much fun graphic art can be I started to do more graphic art outside SW, trying some of the bigger art programs. I have quite some fun with it. I never made use of the fact I have art exams, and I am thinking about working in the business of graphic art someday. But until then there is much to learn. SW has given me the idea that I maybe could try that. If it works or not, it gives me a nice drive in life, which I do not want to miss! Art in SmallWorlds has taught me a lot and given me back a lot of confidence in myself. I especially want to thank the art community, whose great, nice and warm people have helped and encouraged me a lot. The community is so far above other online communities in my eyes, I love the respect and kindness people have for each other there.Thank you all!

~Robyn Thetiny

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Thanks to both Hanzie and Robyn for their encouraging words and extremely useful tips. Again, I'd encourage you to take a look at the  "How Much Have You Improved?" forum thread in which you'll see many other examples of the amazing progress being made by many different artists. You can do it too - set yourself some art goals and who knows where you'll be exhibiting in the near future!