FAQ
Are you interested in joining an art class but have questions about what to expect?
Curious about healing services but unsure about how they work?
Our Healing Service Frequently Asked Questions section aims to provide clarity.
Curious about healing services but unsure about how they work?
Our Healing Service Frequently Asked Questions section aims to provide clarity.
Art Class Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone learn to paint if they never painted before?
Anybody, of any age, ability or experience (and you do not have to have any experience at all) can learn to paint. All living beings are creative on some level (look at how birds create nests! Animals build lairs, dens, or burrows!) so we humans can surely be creative too! Once you sign up, just simply allow yourself to enjoy the learning, even after over 35 years of being devoted to art, I am still learning, which makes it so interesting, magical and life changing!
What is the best age to start learning to paint?
There is no right or wrong age to learn. Over the years, I have worked with clients of all ages from two to almost ninety years old. You arrive at it when you need to. If someone else appears to be more advanced or better than you, that is their journey. Your business is to focus on your needs, aspirations and desires to be the best you can be at whatever you do. Every little piece of learning is just another brick in your wall of creativity and soon you will establish a sound house of knowledge, creativity and learning all of your own making, with your own ideas, finding out what materials you best like to work with and what subject matter is your favourite to explore. It is never too late to start. The best time is now. You can download my art class tutorials for a small fee. Each class builds on the next one, explains in an easy step by step fashion, all you need to know to get started.
How do I know what subjects to paint?
All my tutorial videos will offer a variety of subject matter; it could be still life, landscape, seascapes, portraits, animals or very powerful mindfulness painting. Over time you will find that you naturally gravitate towards particular images or ideas that really stir your creative imagination. When this happens, and it will, given time, patience and practice, you can begin to scrap book images from all kinds of sources such as books, magazines, calendars, and most especially begin taking your own photographs and making sketches, visit art galleries and museums for inspiration that will naturally turn into your own beautiful works of art. It is a wonderful, natural, creative evolution.
Where can I buy the best materials?
Depending on what medium you prefer to work with e.g oils, acrylics or watercolours, you will be able to download a materials list offering information on the products used from the website. You can take this list to your local art supplies store or you can buy art materials online and they will be delivered to your home and sometimes you can find materials in unusual places such as hardware stores, pharmacies, discount stores, craft shops or if you are lucky enough, you can begin asking your family and friends to gift you materials for birthdays or special occasions. Anything in the art line such as a box of drawing pencils, charcoal, paper, a canvas, good quality oil paints, watercolours, acrylics, palette knifes, palettes, good brushes and so forth are always welcome and useful gifts so don't be shy in asking!
How often should I practice my art?
It really is a personal choice. Practice as often as possible. Practice makes perfect, but of course perfection is very subjective! If you can even get in one practice per week, you will see a huge improvement in your art. You can paint along with the video tutorials, pause, catch up, take a break, repeat as many times as you wish and soon you will be painting like a pro. And please don't worry about making a “mistake” or happy accident as I like to call it, as it is all about having fun learning, going gently and easily with yourself and being open to the new.
How do I know which material suits me?
There is such a wide variety of art materials out there from the simple pencil or charcoal, to the delicate watercolour, the more robust and quick drying acrylics, to the classic oils and beyond that it is important to try lots of different ones. I will say, however, from experience, that your personality has a bearing. If you like clean, tidy work that requires patience, concentration and diligence, is not too messy and the results are pretty quick, then watercolour or watercolour pencils may the one for you. If you like paint that has a strong result, is quick to dry and easy enough to clean up as it is also water based, then acrylics may be just the ticket. Then if you like the rich, vibrant finish of oil, even if at times it is slow to dry (you can use drying agents to hurry it up), it is very forgiving for making changes, but can be quite messy to use and involves solvents, although I encourage low odour solvents (you can get a water based oil but it is far more challenging to use than the traditional oil paint), so whatever you choose, remember you can always choose again. Experiment, even mix your media to get different effects. I also like to add in extra materials such as collage, tissue, sand, wood chips, heavy gesso (a kind of base coat for canvases) for interest or texture.
What if I have no imagination?
Truly everybody I have ever worked with has imagination.. sometimes fear can stop you trusting your own ideas or images that come into your mind, perhaps an unpleasant past experience has left you not believing in yourself (you can book a healing process with me to clear this) you just have to take a little leap of faith, follow the tutorials, practice your art as often as you like; then you will find more and more what you like to draw or paint, and this comes with practice and awareness.. that is why the art tutorials are so brilliant for you, as you get to experience lots of ideas and once you get going, you will really take off with lots of your own ones, which really helps with your confidence and creativity.
What if my art is not as good as everyone else's?
Getting in touch with your creativity is your own personal journey, so straight away be aware it is your journey..not anyone else's.. you get to own your creativity, discover amazing talents you didn't know you had, grow and learn each step of the way. Pretty soon you will look back to see how far you have come in a very short space of time, so much so, you won't even think that anyone else is better, or worry about others opinions. You will have the confidence to acknowledge yourself for the artist you are. Remember it is also really important to enjoy it, have fun and feel good even if the results are not as you originally intended, and know with practice it will all come good.
What if I make a mistake?
There is no such thing in my book as a mistake, only a happy accident that we learn from. Often, in making an unusual line or mark, or laying down a seemingly unwanted colour, you can discover a whole new style or technique.. it is all learning; there is no right or wrong, no judgment only support and encouragement, because that is how you thrive and grow best.
What if I can't draw a straight line without a ruler?
If I had money for every time I have been asked this question, well, let's say I would be very wealthy! While there are tips and tricks to drawing a straight line without a ruler, please don't let your need for a straight line stop you from a magical and creative journey... often the crooked lines are the most interesting ones!
Anybody, of any age, ability or experience (and you do not have to have any experience at all) can learn to paint. All living beings are creative on some level (look at how birds create nests! Animals build lairs, dens, or burrows!) so we humans can surely be creative too! Once you sign up, just simply allow yourself to enjoy the learning, even after over 35 years of being devoted to art, I am still learning, which makes it so interesting, magical and life changing!
What is the best age to start learning to paint?
There is no right or wrong age to learn. Over the years, I have worked with clients of all ages from two to almost ninety years old. You arrive at it when you need to. If someone else appears to be more advanced or better than you, that is their journey. Your business is to focus on your needs, aspirations and desires to be the best you can be at whatever you do. Every little piece of learning is just another brick in your wall of creativity and soon you will establish a sound house of knowledge, creativity and learning all of your own making, with your own ideas, finding out what materials you best like to work with and what subject matter is your favourite to explore. It is never too late to start. The best time is now. You can download my art class tutorials for a small fee. Each class builds on the next one, explains in an easy step by step fashion, all you need to know to get started.
How do I know what subjects to paint?
All my tutorial videos will offer a variety of subject matter; it could be still life, landscape, seascapes, portraits, animals or very powerful mindfulness painting. Over time you will find that you naturally gravitate towards particular images or ideas that really stir your creative imagination. When this happens, and it will, given time, patience and practice, you can begin to scrap book images from all kinds of sources such as books, magazines, calendars, and most especially begin taking your own photographs and making sketches, visit art galleries and museums for inspiration that will naturally turn into your own beautiful works of art. It is a wonderful, natural, creative evolution.
Where can I buy the best materials?
Depending on what medium you prefer to work with e.g oils, acrylics or watercolours, you will be able to download a materials list offering information on the products used from the website. You can take this list to your local art supplies store or you can buy art materials online and they will be delivered to your home and sometimes you can find materials in unusual places such as hardware stores, pharmacies, discount stores, craft shops or if you are lucky enough, you can begin asking your family and friends to gift you materials for birthdays or special occasions. Anything in the art line such as a box of drawing pencils, charcoal, paper, a canvas, good quality oil paints, watercolours, acrylics, palette knifes, palettes, good brushes and so forth are always welcome and useful gifts so don't be shy in asking!
How often should I practice my art?
It really is a personal choice. Practice as often as possible. Practice makes perfect, but of course perfection is very subjective! If you can even get in one practice per week, you will see a huge improvement in your art. You can paint along with the video tutorials, pause, catch up, take a break, repeat as many times as you wish and soon you will be painting like a pro. And please don't worry about making a “mistake” or happy accident as I like to call it, as it is all about having fun learning, going gently and easily with yourself and being open to the new.
How do I know which material suits me?
There is such a wide variety of art materials out there from the simple pencil or charcoal, to the delicate watercolour, the more robust and quick drying acrylics, to the classic oils and beyond that it is important to try lots of different ones. I will say, however, from experience, that your personality has a bearing. If you like clean, tidy work that requires patience, concentration and diligence, is not too messy and the results are pretty quick, then watercolour or watercolour pencils may the one for you. If you like paint that has a strong result, is quick to dry and easy enough to clean up as it is also water based, then acrylics may be just the ticket. Then if you like the rich, vibrant finish of oil, even if at times it is slow to dry (you can use drying agents to hurry it up), it is very forgiving for making changes, but can be quite messy to use and involves solvents, although I encourage low odour solvents (you can get a water based oil but it is far more challenging to use than the traditional oil paint), so whatever you choose, remember you can always choose again. Experiment, even mix your media to get different effects. I also like to add in extra materials such as collage, tissue, sand, wood chips, heavy gesso (a kind of base coat for canvases) for interest or texture.
What if I have no imagination?
Truly everybody I have ever worked with has imagination.. sometimes fear can stop you trusting your own ideas or images that come into your mind, perhaps an unpleasant past experience has left you not believing in yourself (you can book a healing process with me to clear this) you just have to take a little leap of faith, follow the tutorials, practice your art as often as you like; then you will find more and more what you like to draw or paint, and this comes with practice and awareness.. that is why the art tutorials are so brilliant for you, as you get to experience lots of ideas and once you get going, you will really take off with lots of your own ones, which really helps with your confidence and creativity.
What if my art is not as good as everyone else's?
Getting in touch with your creativity is your own personal journey, so straight away be aware it is your journey..not anyone else's.. you get to own your creativity, discover amazing talents you didn't know you had, grow and learn each step of the way. Pretty soon you will look back to see how far you have come in a very short space of time, so much so, you won't even think that anyone else is better, or worry about others opinions. You will have the confidence to acknowledge yourself for the artist you are. Remember it is also really important to enjoy it, have fun and feel good even if the results are not as you originally intended, and know with practice it will all come good.
What if I make a mistake?
There is no such thing in my book as a mistake, only a happy accident that we learn from. Often, in making an unusual line or mark, or laying down a seemingly unwanted colour, you can discover a whole new style or technique.. it is all learning; there is no right or wrong, no judgment only support and encouragement, because that is how you thrive and grow best.
What if I can't draw a straight line without a ruler?
If I had money for every time I have been asked this question, well, let's say I would be very wealthy! While there are tips and tricks to drawing a straight line without a ruler, please don't let your need for a straight line stop you from a magical and creative journey... often the crooked lines are the most interesting ones!
Healing Service Frequently Asked Questions
Mary Cassidy Frequently asked questions - Other
What is Mary Cassidy's experience in art?
I have 35 years experience as an artist and subsequently 23 years as an art tutor, including running a private art gallery, private studio and teaching many hundreds of students of all ages and abilities to become both hobby and professional artists, as well as working for the ETB (Educational Training Board, formerly the VEC) for many years, as well as 7 years as Artist In Residence with the Psychiatric Health Services in St. Dympna's Hospital, in Carlow, Ireland, where I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with many clients experiencing mental health issues. I have run after school programmes for children and teens, and worked with members of the travelling community, senior citizens, women's groups, men's groups and non national clients. I teach and take art commissions in a broad variety of media and subjects such as drawing, painting, craft, ceramic, textile, metal and wood work, stone carving, glass painting and much more. I love working with clients and collaborating with designers to create special art pieces. I also specialise in spiritual art, whereby I connect with a client and their soul energy to create one off, personalised art pieces that tell the story of their soul journey, to offer healing and inspiration on many levels.
Can I order a custom piece?
All commissions are welcome. A commission is a great honour for me to receive and complete to the satisfaction of you the client and myself, the artist. It is always a labour of love. I work closely with the client to discuss all aspects, ideas, materials, budget, where they wish to locate the work, what it is for, how they want it to make them feel, is it a gift, is it a commemorative work, special occasion, spiritually channelled piece or general commission of a particular subject. A deposit of 50% is required on placing the commission. The artwork must be paid in full before it is released for shipping. Shipping costs will be included in the final price quoted for the work, unless it is a unique piece that can not be fully priced until completion, at which time, the client will be advised. All shipping prices are from reputable postal or courier service providers.
What is your favourite artwork to create?
I love all art work and am honoured to create any piece a client commissions. I particularly specialise in Spiritual Soul Art where I connect energetically with the client to create one off amazing pieces telling the story of the soul, often depicting sacred symbols, power animals, angels and other spiritual beings to create unique, healing works of inspiration.
Are all the paintings and artwork original?
Yes all work is original and created by hand, using specialised equipment and materials, taking many hours of preparation, planning, rendering, painting or creating a work of art to the highest possible standard and to the satisfaction of both artist and client.
What are the different materials you work with?
I work with many different materials from oil paints, to acrylics, watercolour, ceramic, metal, textiles, natural and man made materials, to create paintings, drawing, sculptures, one off pieces, and am open always to new materials, ideas, subject matter... it is in being open to the creative flow where the magic happens.
Do you do overseas shipping?
Yes I do. Owing to the various postal and courier fees depending on destination it is not possible to include this charge in the price of any artwork. This will incur an extra charge on top of the painting cost. The shipping costs will be pre-advised and included in the final payment. 50% payment is required on placing any commission. The artwork must be paid in full before it is released for shipping. Clients should also be aware that there may be customs charges or taxes in their own country and should find out this information before they place the commission, in order to budget for any extra costs, that are not the responsibility of the artist. Please contact artist via email [email protected] for any queries on postal, shipping, collection or delivery services or charges applicable to your purchase.
Art Class Frequently Asked Questions:
Can anyone learn to paint if they never painted before? Anybody, of any age, ability or experience (and you do not have to have any experience at all) can learn to paint. All living beings are creative on some level (look at how birds create nests! Animals build lairs, dens, or burrows!) so we humans can surely be creative too! Once you sign up, just simply allow yourself to enjoy the learning, even after over 35 years of being devoted to art, I am still learning, which makes it so interesting, magical and life changing!
What is the best age to start learning to paint?
There is no right or wrong age to learn. Over the years, I have worked with clients of all ages from two to almost ninety years old. You arrive at it when you need to. If someone else appears to be more advanced or better than you, that is their journey. Your business is to focus on your needs, aspirations and desires to be the best you can be at whatever you do. Every little piece of learning is just another brick in your wall of creativity and soon you will establish a sound house of knowledge, creativity and learning all of your own making, with your own ideas, finding out what materials you best like to work with and what subject matter is your favourite to explore. It is never too late to start. The best time is now. You can download my art class tutorials for a small fee. Each class builds on the next one, explains in an easy step by step fashion, all you need to know to get started.
How do I know what subjects to paint?
All my tutorial videos will offer a variety of subject matter; it could be still life, landscape, seascapes, portraits, animals or very powerful mindfulness painting. Over time you will find that you naturally gravitate towards particular images or ideas that really stir your creative imagination. When this happens, and it will, given time, patience and practice, you can begin to scrap book images from all kinds of sources such as books, magazines, calendars, and most especially begin taking your own photographs and making sketches, visit art galleries and museums for inspiration that will naturally turn into your own beautiful works of art. It is a wonderful, natural, creative evolution.
Where can I buy the best materials?
Depending on what medium you prefer to work with e.g oils, acrylics or watercolours, you will be able to download a materials list offering information on the products used from the website. You can take this list to your local art supplies store or you can buy art materials online and they will be delivered to your home and sometimes you can find materials in unusual places such as hardware stores, pharmacies, discount stores, craft shops or if you are lucky enough, you can begin asking your family and friends to gift you materials for birthdays or special occasions. Anything in the art line such as a box of drawing pencils, charcoal, paper, a canvas, good quality oil paints, watercolours, acrylics, palette knifes, palettes, good brushes and so forth are always welcome and useful gifts so don't be shy in asking!
How often should I practice my art?
It really is a personal choice. Practice as often as possible. Practice makes perfect, but of course perfection is very subjective! If you can even get in one practice per week, you will see a huge improvement in your art. You can paint along with the video tutorials, pause, catch up, take a break, repeat as many times as you wish and soon you will be painting like a pro. And please don't worry about making a “mistake” or happy accident as I like to call it, as it is all about having fun learning, going gently and easily with yourself and being open to the new.
How do I know which material suits me?
There is such a wide variety of art materials out there from the simple pencil or charcoal, to the delicate watercolour, the more robust and quick drying acrylics, to the classic oils and beyond that it is important to try lots of different ones. I will say, however, from experience, that your personality has a bearing. If you like clean, tidy work that requires patience, concentration and diligence, is not too messy and the results are pretty quick, then watercolour or watercolour pencils may the one for you. If you like paint that has a strong result, is quick to dry and easy enough to clean up as it is also water based, then acrylics may be just the ticket. Then if you like the rich, vibrant finish of oil, even if at times it is slow to dry (you can use drying agents to hurry it up), it is very forgiving for making changes, but can be quite messy to use and involves solvents, although I encourage low odour solvents (you can get a water based oil but it is far more challenging to use than the traditional oil paint), so whatever you choose, remember you can always choose again. Experiment, even mix your media to get different effects. I also like to add in extra materials such as collage, tissue, sand, wood chips, heavy gesso (a kind of base coat for canvases) for interest or texture.
What if I have no imagination?
Truly everybody I have ever worked with has imagination.. sometimes fear can stop you trusting your own ideas or images that come into your mind, perhaps an unpleasant past experience has left you not believing in yourself (you can book a healing process with me to clear this) you just have to take a little leap of faith, follow the tutorials, practice your art as often as you like; then you will find more and more what you like to draw or paint, and this comes with practice and awareness.. that is why the art tutorials are so brilliant for you, as you get to experience lots of ideas and once you get going, you will really take off with lots of your own ones, which really helps with your confidence and creativity.
What if my art is not as good as everyone else's?
Getting in touch with your creativity is your own personal journey, so straight away be aware it is your journey..not anyone else's.. you get to own your creativity, discover amazing talents you didn't know you had, grow and learn each step of the way. Pretty soon you will look back to see how far you have come in a very short space of time, so much so, you won't even think that anyone else is better, or worry about others opinions. You will have the confidence to acknowledge yourself for the artist you are. Remember it is also really important to enjoy it, have fun and feel good even if the results are not as you originally intended, and know with practice it will all come good.
What if I can't draw a straight line without a ruler?
If I had money for every time I have been asked this question, well, let's say I would be very wealthy! While there are tips and tricks to drawing a straight line without a ruler, please don't let your need for a straight line stop you from a magical and creative journey... often the crooked lines are the most interesting ones!
What if I make a mistake?
There is no such thing in my book as a mistake, only a happy accident that we learn from. Often, in making an unusual line or mark, or laying down a seemingly unwanted colour, you can discover a whole new style or technique.. it is all learning; there is no right or wrong, no judgment only support and encouragement, because that is how you thrive and grow best.
I have 35 years experience as an artist and subsequently 23 years as an art tutor, including running a private art gallery, private studio and teaching many hundreds of students of all ages and abilities to become both hobby and professional artists, as well as working for the ETB (Educational Training Board, formerly the VEC) for many years, as well as 7 years as Artist In Residence with the Psychiatric Health Services in St. Dympna's Hospital, in Carlow, Ireland, where I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with many clients experiencing mental health issues. I have run after school programmes for children and teens, and worked with members of the travelling community, senior citizens, women's groups, men's groups and non national clients. I teach and take art commissions in a broad variety of media and subjects such as drawing, painting, craft, ceramic, textile, metal and wood work, stone carving, glass painting and much more. I love working with clients and collaborating with designers to create special art pieces. I also specialise in spiritual art, whereby I connect with a client and their soul energy to create one off, personalised art pieces that tell the story of their soul journey, to offer healing and inspiration on many levels.
Can I order a custom piece?
All commissions are welcome. A commission is a great honour for me to receive and complete to the satisfaction of you the client and myself, the artist. It is always a labour of love. I work closely with the client to discuss all aspects, ideas, materials, budget, where they wish to locate the work, what it is for, how they want it to make them feel, is it a gift, is it a commemorative work, special occasion, spiritually channelled piece or general commission of a particular subject. A deposit of 50% is required on placing the commission. The artwork must be paid in full before it is released for shipping. Shipping costs will be included in the final price quoted for the work, unless it is a unique piece that can not be fully priced until completion, at which time, the client will be advised. All shipping prices are from reputable postal or courier service providers.
What is your favourite artwork to create?
I love all art work and am honoured to create any piece a client commissions. I particularly specialise in Spiritual Soul Art where I connect energetically with the client to create one off amazing pieces telling the story of the soul, often depicting sacred symbols, power animals, angels and other spiritual beings to create unique, healing works of inspiration.
Are all the paintings and artwork original?
Yes all work is original and created by hand, using specialised equipment and materials, taking many hours of preparation, planning, rendering, painting or creating a work of art to the highest possible standard and to the satisfaction of both artist and client.
What are the different materials you work with?
I work with many different materials from oil paints, to acrylics, watercolour, ceramic, metal, textiles, natural and man made materials, to create paintings, drawing, sculptures, one off pieces, and am open always to new materials, ideas, subject matter... it is in being open to the creative flow where the magic happens.
Do you do overseas shipping?
Yes I do. Owing to the various postal and courier fees depending on destination it is not possible to include this charge in the price of any artwork. This will incur an extra charge on top of the painting cost. The shipping costs will be pre-advised and included in the final payment. 50% payment is required on placing any commission. The artwork must be paid in full before it is released for shipping. Clients should also be aware that there may be customs charges or taxes in their own country and should find out this information before they place the commission, in order to budget for any extra costs, that are not the responsibility of the artist. Please contact artist via email [email protected] for any queries on postal, shipping, collection or delivery services or charges applicable to your purchase.
Art Class Frequently Asked Questions:
Can anyone learn to paint if they never painted before? Anybody, of any age, ability or experience (and you do not have to have any experience at all) can learn to paint. All living beings are creative on some level (look at how birds create nests! Animals build lairs, dens, or burrows!) so we humans can surely be creative too! Once you sign up, just simply allow yourself to enjoy the learning, even after over 35 years of being devoted to art, I am still learning, which makes it so interesting, magical and life changing!
What is the best age to start learning to paint?
There is no right or wrong age to learn. Over the years, I have worked with clients of all ages from two to almost ninety years old. You arrive at it when you need to. If someone else appears to be more advanced or better than you, that is their journey. Your business is to focus on your needs, aspirations and desires to be the best you can be at whatever you do. Every little piece of learning is just another brick in your wall of creativity and soon you will establish a sound house of knowledge, creativity and learning all of your own making, with your own ideas, finding out what materials you best like to work with and what subject matter is your favourite to explore. It is never too late to start. The best time is now. You can download my art class tutorials for a small fee. Each class builds on the next one, explains in an easy step by step fashion, all you need to know to get started.
How do I know what subjects to paint?
All my tutorial videos will offer a variety of subject matter; it could be still life, landscape, seascapes, portraits, animals or very powerful mindfulness painting. Over time you will find that you naturally gravitate towards particular images or ideas that really stir your creative imagination. When this happens, and it will, given time, patience and practice, you can begin to scrap book images from all kinds of sources such as books, magazines, calendars, and most especially begin taking your own photographs and making sketches, visit art galleries and museums for inspiration that will naturally turn into your own beautiful works of art. It is a wonderful, natural, creative evolution.
Where can I buy the best materials?
Depending on what medium you prefer to work with e.g oils, acrylics or watercolours, you will be able to download a materials list offering information on the products used from the website. You can take this list to your local art supplies store or you can buy art materials online and they will be delivered to your home and sometimes you can find materials in unusual places such as hardware stores, pharmacies, discount stores, craft shops or if you are lucky enough, you can begin asking your family and friends to gift you materials for birthdays or special occasions. Anything in the art line such as a box of drawing pencils, charcoal, paper, a canvas, good quality oil paints, watercolours, acrylics, palette knifes, palettes, good brushes and so forth are always welcome and useful gifts so don't be shy in asking!
How often should I practice my art?
It really is a personal choice. Practice as often as possible. Practice makes perfect, but of course perfection is very subjective! If you can even get in one practice per week, you will see a huge improvement in your art. You can paint along with the video tutorials, pause, catch up, take a break, repeat as many times as you wish and soon you will be painting like a pro. And please don't worry about making a “mistake” or happy accident as I like to call it, as it is all about having fun learning, going gently and easily with yourself and being open to the new.
How do I know which material suits me?
There is such a wide variety of art materials out there from the simple pencil or charcoal, to the delicate watercolour, the more robust and quick drying acrylics, to the classic oils and beyond that it is important to try lots of different ones. I will say, however, from experience, that your personality has a bearing. If you like clean, tidy work that requires patience, concentration and diligence, is not too messy and the results are pretty quick, then watercolour or watercolour pencils may the one for you. If you like paint that has a strong result, is quick to dry and easy enough to clean up as it is also water based, then acrylics may be just the ticket. Then if you like the rich, vibrant finish of oil, even if at times it is slow to dry (you can use drying agents to hurry it up), it is very forgiving for making changes, but can be quite messy to use and involves solvents, although I encourage low odour solvents (you can get a water based oil but it is far more challenging to use than the traditional oil paint), so whatever you choose, remember you can always choose again. Experiment, even mix your media to get different effects. I also like to add in extra materials such as collage, tissue, sand, wood chips, heavy gesso (a kind of base coat for canvases) for interest or texture.
What if I have no imagination?
Truly everybody I have ever worked with has imagination.. sometimes fear can stop you trusting your own ideas or images that come into your mind, perhaps an unpleasant past experience has left you not believing in yourself (you can book a healing process with me to clear this) you just have to take a little leap of faith, follow the tutorials, practice your art as often as you like; then you will find more and more what you like to draw or paint, and this comes with practice and awareness.. that is why the art tutorials are so brilliant for you, as you get to experience lots of ideas and once you get going, you will really take off with lots of your own ones, which really helps with your confidence and creativity.
What if my art is not as good as everyone else's?
Getting in touch with your creativity is your own personal journey, so straight away be aware it is your journey..not anyone else's.. you get to own your creativity, discover amazing talents you didn't know you had, grow and learn each step of the way. Pretty soon you will look back to see how far you have come in a very short space of time, so much so, you won't even think that anyone else is better, or worry about others opinions. You will have the confidence to acknowledge yourself for the artist you are. Remember it is also really important to enjoy it, have fun and feel good even if the results are not as you originally intended, and know with practice it will all come good.
What if I can't draw a straight line without a ruler?
If I had money for every time I have been asked this question, well, let's say I would be very wealthy! While there are tips and tricks to drawing a straight line without a ruler, please don't let your need for a straight line stop you from a magical and creative journey... often the crooked lines are the most interesting ones!
What if I make a mistake?
There is no such thing in my book as a mistake, only a happy accident that we learn from. Often, in making an unusual line or mark, or laying down a seemingly unwanted colour, you can discover a whole new style or technique.. it is all learning; there is no right or wrong, no judgment only support and encouragement, because that is how you thrive and grow best.
