Transforming Creative Practice into an Engaging Experience

Creative Practice is another way to describe Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is the norm in any career. It sounds rather intimidating when those words are uttered regarding a creative career, which is why 'Creative Practice' sounds much more akin to what we already do, so I will use it throughout this blog.

So what is Creative Practice?

It is a practice that is integral to being a professional artist, and involves continual development to increase knowledge, understanding and experience. It is a learning process that keeps skills fresh and exciting, and it is essential to keep a creative career moving forward.

Having experience working in the NHS, I am well-acquainted this part of working as a professional. What I found most enjoyable was the self-directed study. The mandatory components were dull, but in contrast, I always appreciated the challenge of selecting a topic and examining it more thoroughly on my own. We were required to maintain a portfolio of evidence, and when I got to the end of a year, reviewing it always made me feel pleased with my efforts as I always picked subjects that I enjoyed.

A page from the 30 day mark-making challenge

In my art career I have adopted the principle and value of professional development by setting aside time to challenge myself with a course or activity that stretches my mind and skills every year. As a self-employed artist, I take the advantage of being able to self-direct my workload, and try do something interesting regularly. Over the years, I have engaged in various activities to enhance my skills. These include a 30-day challenge in mark-making, a weekend course in York designed to loosen up my painting techniques, and untutored life drawing sessions. Currently I am part way through an 11 week course studying Still Life.

I prefer attending courses in person whenever possible because interacting with the tutor and classmates is an integral part of the experience. It also allows me to leave the studio and engage with others, and in a different setting.

Unfinished painting from the course in York

I believe the essential aspect of Creative Practice is seeking out something that captivates you, making the learning process more enjoyable. Absorbing what you learn becomes easier to remember and apply in future projects, particularly if you dedicate time to practicing what you've studied.

Artist Residency is a fabulous way to enhance your practice. Usually this kind of project is a valuable mix of learning, experience and inspiration. One year I spent a summer at the Tide Mill in Woodbridge, Suffolk. It was a combination of being taught, being involved in leading small teaching sessions for the public, sketching on location and exhibiting the results. As a result I also volunteered in the Tide Mill itself, which was also very rewarding, and gave me the opportunity to sketch on location some more over the following year.

It is advisable to keep a record of activities you have taken part in such as exhibitions, teaching and volunteering. They all count toward your Creative Practice as each activity will reward you with something newly learned or appreciated. It is also valuable evidence for your CV.

Week 2 of the Still Life Painting Course

Other ways to enhance our skills include reading articles and books and taking time to absorb the content. I have a subscription to a monthly art magazine and keep several reference books near my favorite chair to browse with a cup of tea. Online, there are numerous podcasts and videos easily accessible, along with artist blogs. And don't forget that planning and painting of a significant project can be relevant to Creative Practice. Even finding new ways to warm-up before a studio session, or employing a new technique, or even a trip out to a gallery. These are activities that are essential for keeping skills fresh and engaging alongside your studio work.

It's just as crucial to stay informed about the less exciting aspects to advance your art career. While some might find these tasks engaging, I believe most artists aren't eager to continually update their skills in marketing, networking, and utilising technology to expand and maintain their practice. However, adapting to a rapidly changing environment is essential. With galleries facing challenges with visitor numbers and sales at the moment, it is easy to get lost in the upset of it all. But just as gallery owners must find ways to advance their businesses, we too must adapt. Acquiring new skills or enhancing current ones is essential for an artist's survival.

Week 5 of the Still Life Painting Course

However, it is vital to stay true to ourselves as artists, and not get swept along in the changing world so much that we lose sight of our own goals. It is too easy to get distracted by trends and online influencers who are vying for our attention. A balanced approach is needed to keep up to date, but still remain true to our own creative self. We must stay in touch with the joy we feel when we authentically create our artworks.

Authenticity will always win, and shine through when listening to your inner artist voice and nurturing it. If we choose a course or a book to study, we must question its benefit to furthering our practice. That is not to say that we can't enjoy them as a pastime too! But in order to continue our development it is wise to pursue relevant subjects to move our art practice in the right direction for ourselves. For example, the reason I am doing this Still Life Course is to brush up on my skills in observation, learning to use oils, and understanding how to create more depth in my work.

Everything is connected, and skills are transferable, especially in art. I believe that the learning process, especially with something we enjoy, transforms us on many levels, and in all aspects of life. We can't really argue with the positive effects it brings into our lives when we experience a lift in our mood, a sense of achievement, and new fascinating knowledge that enables us to get back into the studio with joy.

As always, thank you for reading this post. I hope you found some inspiration. If you would like to share the ways you keep your Creative Practice alive, please share in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!

Back next month with more creative insights.

Debs x