How do you become a better artist?

At our last member meeting I talked a little about the concept of “Leveling Up,” a term that I first came across online amongst illustrators and character designers. It was borrowed from video games in which the player has to get to the next level to proceed in the game. Artists use it to mean getting to a higher skill level in their work. It doesn’t just mean becoming more skilled, though. It also means transforming your thinking about your work.

When we begin making art, most of us begin by learning how to use our materials, how to craft a piece, or master composition. This is an important part of our progress as artists. But art isn’t all about technique.

There comes a time when we want to challenge ourselves, to make our work about more than mastering our medium. Our work starts to become about what we want to say, how we want our work to be perceived. When we get to that point, it is time to level up, to work at bringing your artwork to that next level of meaningfulness.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t easy or comfortable. Your work might be frustrating. You might doubt yourself, or feel that you cannot make that leap. I want to encourage you to stick with it. Take chances. Try new approaches. Mix your mediums. You WILL break through and your work will be even better because of the struggle.

This month, I challenge you to take that next step, when you are ready, to go to the next level. Brave the discomfort. It won’t last long and you will become an even better artist with every attempt.

How will you "Level Up" this month? What kind of support do you need from your fellow artists? How can we help each other to get to the next level?
Yours in creativity,

Helen

PS—Apply this same concept to photography or any other mediums.

LAA Member Kim Roller is participating in the East Boulder County Artists Open Studio event. 

On April 27th and 28th from 11am to 5pm, Kim's Studio will be open to the public. You can see many of Kim's paintings on her website: kimroller.com.

Per the EBCA website, "Tour Various Artists Studios in Longmont, Niwot, Erie, Lafayette, and Louisville. Some artists will be demonstrating their techniques so tour goers can see them at work. Certain studios will have visiting artists so there will be more than one style of art or craft to view at these locations. 
Media represented: Pottery, Painting, Photography, Wood Carving, Glass, Printmaking, Clothing, Fiber Art, Jewelry, and Sculpture."

Click HERE to view the Studio Locations and HERE to visit the EBCA website. 

Andy Schwartz announced at last Thursday night’s LAA member meeting that 20 of his ranch images will be featured at an Art Cinema in Berthoud at 7 PM on Wed. April 24th.

The event is entitled “PECHA KUCHA NIGHT”. The group of artists/photographers, musicians put on this event about once a month at this art cinema, showcasing an artist/photographer’s work in a big video with original music running in the background.

The cinema address is:
SUNRISE CINEMA
357A Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513

https://g.co/kgs/Pjt9eG

Sounds like a fun evening of art and music! 
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