Artists, Back to School!

Infographic on tonal value from awesomeartists

How we might continue to educate ourselves as artists?

Looking at 8 Mini Steps for Creative Growth, it's clear that in order to continue to grow healthily as creatives, we need to be constantly looking at how to expand our knowledge and awareness in all aspects of our creative practice. 

Since it is the time of year when all the world is going back to school, I invite you to think about what you might like to learn over the coming ‘school’ year to enhance your art-life. Notice I used the word ‘like’ rather than ‘need’. Too often we focus on the practical and forget that as artists it is equally important to feed the spirit in order for our practice to grow. That said, it maybe practical skills that feel the most urgent for you right now. This is your education, you are free to choose!

Follow Art Cherry Jeffs's board Free Resources for Artists on Pinterest.

Study Ideas for Artists and Creatives

Here are some areas you might look at expanding through study:

• Creative expression: Beating blocks, freeing ourselves from our inner critic, getting in touch with our wild or spiritual self.
  
• Business know-how: Marketing our art, writing an artists statement, exhibiting and finding representation.
  
• Technique: Improving an area of our practical practice or learning a something new and untried.
  
• Tech skills: Photographing our art, self-publishing, creating and maintaining inventories, accounting packages…
  
• Art History: Learning about past masters and contemporary ones.

In the next article in this series, I’ll be looking at a variety of online resources we can use to expand our art education - usually for free and without leaving home.

In the meantime, follow my Free Resources for Artists board on Pinterest. I'll be updating it regularly with new free education ideas.

Why not set aside a little time this week to think about what you might learn? Share your ideas in the comments.