5 Steps to Creating a Work of Art

Step 1: The Concept This is the foundation for your work of art. Without a quality concept or idea your work will always fall short.

Strategies for building concept include: Brainstorm, Concept Map, List attributes, Find definitions, Research, Compare and Contrast, Look at examples

Key – Don’t be quick to judge your ideas as good or bad until you’ve tried to think about your piece from every conceivable angle

Step 2: Acquire References Never rely entirely on your imagination to guide you through a work of art. References are beneficial because they help you to visualize what you are creating. The more quality references you have, the easier it will be to render your final piece.

Strategies for acquiring references include: Whenever possible, draw from life and actual objects When this is not feasible, consider these in this order: 1. Take your own photographs 2. If you cant – then find images from magazines, books, and the internet

Never rely on just one point of view or image, always have multiple images to refer to Never draw directly from an image using its exact composition unless it is your own because this is plagiarism and it’s illegal!

Step 3: Composition The single most important part of your artwork in the beginning is the composition because once you begin rendering, the composition is set and determined. Avoid weak compositions by carefully planning your piece out and looking for visual flow.

Strategies for composition: Thumbnail sketching, creating full-scale mockups, carefully arranging observational studies with an emphasis on diagonal relationships and variety, summarizing

Step 4: Execution This is where the rendering begins. Either work in media that you are comfortable with or rely on your strengths to guide you through difficult portions of your artwork.

Always work background to foreground Utilize the elements of art and principles of design as tools for strengthening your work Layer your rendering to achieve believable and robust tonal quality in your work

Step 5: Presentation Always present your work with the highest regard for craftsmanship to celebrate your accomplishment and come prepared to receive and offer constructive advice