If you want to learn how to make particular colors or create realistic-looking shading and shadows, consider watching some free online tutorials. Have your sketchpad and supplies handy so you can pause the video and practice as the instructor breaks it down.  Peruse the comment section on videos because it’s likely that other artists have left some tips and suggestions. Search for tutorials in any particular technique you want to learn. For instance, you might find some good lessons on composition, working with light, cubism, surrealism, or even creating 3-D effects. If you can think of it, the internet probably has it! If you’re a beginner, look to local community centers and libraries for beginning art courses. If you already have some intermediate or advanced skills, you might consider enrolling in a class offered at a local college or art institute.  Taking classes is a great way to meet other artists and get some constructive criticism. To find local instructors, classes, and workshops near you, go to https://artcantina.com/. Workbooks are a great way to start if you’re a beginner or looking to pick up a very specific skill like figure drawing or cartooning. This is a great option if you have a busy schedule because you can tackle each lesson at your own pace.  You can buy instruction books online or at most large bookstores. If you rent an instruction book from your local library, don’t draw in the book! Photocopy the practice pages so you can draw on those instead. If you’re a beginner, look for instruction books that have traceable practice sheets so you can get a feel for it before practicing on a canvas or sketchpad. Beware of the "paint or draw by number" format—it can help if you’re an absolute beginner, but it may also hinder your individual style. Great artists are unique! If you want to learn to draw or paint particular things (like people, animals, and landscapes) or work with certain materials (like oil paints, watercolor, and charcoal) join an online artist community. Peruse the forums for any particular style or material and don’t be afraid to ask for advice!  Deviant Art, Artist Daily, and Wetcanvas are great online communities with thousands of artists to connect with and learn from. For example, you might visit a new artist thread and post something like, “I’m trying to learn different techniques for blending oil paints. I’m also not sure what kind of brushes are best for my geometric style. Any tips or advice?” Take some time to think about which techniques you’re really good at and which ones you can improve upon. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of the following skills: realism, life drawing, portraits, imaginative or memory drawing, proportions, composition, human anatomy, color blending (or theory), and shading. Then, put extra effort into working things that you’ve rated on the lower end of the scale.  For example, if you’re great at drawing geometric shapes but struggle with shading, spend more time practicing different shading techniques. Set a realistic goal for improving on particularly weak skills. For instance, you might say, “I’m going to devote at least 40 minutes of each sketching session to practicing shading faces.”
شاهدي مقاطع الفيديو التعليمية على الإنترنت لتتعلمي أساليب جديدة مثل دمج الألوان أو التظليل. احصلي على دروسٍ خصوصية أو اشتركي في الفصول التعليمية عن مهارة فنية محددة. اعتمدي على الكتب الإرشادية إذا كنتِ مبتدئة أو تتعلمين مهارةً معينة. تواصلي مع فنانين آخرين عبر الإنترنت لبعض النصائح عن الأساليب والأدوات. قيّمي نقاط ضعفك واعملي على تطويرها.