The Art of Seeing: A Guide to Finding Your Artistic Vision

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Ever feel like you're just painting what's in front of you without a deeper purpose? You’re not alone. Finding your unique artistic vision is a journey, not a destination. It's about training your eyes and your mind to see the world differently—to uncover the stories, emotions, and colors that others might miss. This guide will walk you through a few of my favorite exercises to help you move beyond simple representation and start painting from a place of genuine, personal vision.

1. The Story Sketchbook

Your sketchbook is more than a place for practice—it’s a visual diary. Instead of just drawing objects, try drawing stories. Pick a simple scene, like a coffee cup on a table. Now, ask yourself:

What's the story here?

• Is the cup half-full and forgotten, telling a tale of a rushed morning?

• Are there dried paint streaks on the side, hinting at a late-night studio session?

• Is it an heirloom, the light catching a small chip that has been there for decades?

By focusing on the narrative, you’re training your eye to see the emotional weight of a subject. This will bring a new depth to your paintings, making them feel more personal and alive.

2. Color and Emotion

Color is one of the most powerful tools a painter has, but we often rely on what we think a color "should" be. To break free from this, try a series of color-focused studies. Pick a single subject, such as a simple flower or a piece of fruit, and paint it using only colors that evoke a specific emotion.

For example, paint the fruit with a palette of deep blues and purples to convey a sense of melancholy. Or use vibrant yellows and oranges to express joy and energy. This exercise forces you to think beyond the object's literal color and instead explore its emotional potential.

3. The Memory Map

Our memories are a rich source of inspiration. To tap into this, create a "memory map" in your sketchbook. Close your eyes and recall a vivid memory—maybe the way the light filtered through the leaves on your childhood street, or the feeling of cool, salty air on a beach.

Don’t try to draw the scene realistically. Instead, use abstract shapes, colors, and textures to represent the feeling and light of that memory. This practice teaches you to paint from a place of sensory experience and memory, allowing your paintings to carry a deeper emotional resonance that speaks to your unique history.

By practicing these exercises, you'll start to see the world not as a series of objects, but as a collection of stories, feelings, and memories just waiting to be told through your art.