How to Be a Self Taught Artist

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1 Learn the basics.
2 Read and watch tutorials.
3 Sign up for online classes.
4 Start with small projects.
5 Study other artists.
6 Practice regularly.
7 Document all your art.
8 Join the art community.
9 Ask for feedback.
10 Go easy on yourself.
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Co-authored by Jeanine Hattas Wilson and
Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: June 14, 2024 References

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This article was co-authored by Jeanine Hattas Wilson and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces.

There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 16,339 times.

Do you have a passion for art? Believe it or not, you don’t need a special degree or certification to get your art career started. While being a self-taught artist isn’t easy, it’s definitely not impossible, either. With enough focus, drive, and determination, you might see your art goals become a reality. We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you get started on your artistic journey.

Steps

1

Learn the basics.

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    Professional Painter
    Expert Interview. 19 May 2021.
    These skills may seem basic, but they’ll make a big difference in your future art pieces. [2] X Research source
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2

Read and watch tutorials.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} YouTube videos and art-related articles can be great stepping stones. As you first get started, Google specific art skills or concepts that you’d like to focus on. [3] X Research source Videos and articles are easy, free ways to hone your craft. [4] X Expert Source Jeanine Hattas Wilson
    Professional Painter
    Expert Interview. 19 May 2021.
    • You might search “oil painting techniques” or “how to draw hands” online.

3

Sign up for online classes.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} Pick an online class that fits your art niche. From traditional sketches to digital art, there are tons of classes out there that can help you refine specific art skill sets. [5] X Expert Source Jeanine Hattas Wilson
    Professional Painter
    Expert Interview. 19 May 2021.
    Search online for classes run by professional artists—these are great, hands-on ways to improve your skills. [6] X Research source
    • A lot of professional classes cost money. However, some universities offer free art classes.[7] X Research source
    • Sites like Udemy and Skillshare are great places to find online classes.
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4

Start with small projects.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} Recreate simple subjects on a small canvas. Don’t try to make a large, complicated painting or portrait right off the bat. Instead, grab a small canvas and work from there—this will be a lot easier and much less overwhelming than following an in-depth tutorial for a big painting. [8] X Research source
    • An 8 by 8 in (20 by 20 cm) canvas is a great place to start.

5

Study other artists.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} Look at well-known art pieces and see what techniques are used. Don’t directly copy or trace another artist’s work; instead, focus on the specific brush techniques they used, and how they layered and blended different aspects of their work. [9] X Research source
    • Iconic artists, like Da Vinci and Van Gogh, are great to reference and learn from.[10] X Research source
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6

Practice regularly.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} Dedicate time to your craft every day. It’s okay if your schedule is jam-packed. Even a half-hour of drawing each day can help you improve and grow! [11] X Research source Jeff Koons, Artist

    Sketch out your ideas. “If you have an idea, you have to move on it, to make a gesture. Drawing is an immediate way of articulating that idea – of making a gesture that is both physical and intellectual.”

7

Document all your art.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} Post your art on social media. A social media account, like Twitter or Instagram, is a great way to chart your starting point and an even greater way to track your progress. Once you’ve created a lot of art, you might even compare your older works to your newer ones and see what’s changed. [12] X Research source
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8

Join the art community.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} The art community is a great way to connect with other artists. Network with artists on social media, or enter art competitions and exhibitions. You might also interact with other artists through forums and demonstrations. [13] X Research source

9

Ask for feedback.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} A second pair of eyes can be a big help. Ask a friend or art acquaintance to take a look at your artwork. They can help point out areas of improvement, so you know what to focus on in the future. [14] X Research source
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10

Go easy on yourself.

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  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} Don’t compare your art to other artists. Becoming a self-taught artist is a long journey. Instead, love and accept your art for what it is instead of expecting it to be of professional caliber right away. [15] X Research source

Expert Q&A

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  • Question What should I do to become an artist? Jeanine Hattas Wilson
    Professional Painter Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. Jeanine Hattas Wilson Professional Painter Expert Answer You should keep learning and try out different things. You can take courses to develop your skills. Visit museums and observe historical and contemporary art pieces. Always research and get inspiration from various sources. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11

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  • Being a self-taught artist comes with its share of challenges, but you’re in good company. Well-known artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Rousseau, and Frida Kahlo were all self-taught. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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