Art is more than something we make-it’s something we return to, a steady conversation between ourselves and the world around us. Developing an art practice is about nurturing this relationship, creating space in our lives for artistic expression to flow freely, and engaging with our art with intention and purpose.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to deepen your connection to your work, to not just create but to build a life where art is woven into your days, this blog post is for you.
WHAT IS AN ART PRACTICE?
An art practice is more than the moments spent with a paintbrush in hand or an open sketchbook—it’s the ongoing dialogue we have with our creative practice. It’s the rituals, the mindset, and the commitment to artistic exploration, whether we feel inspired or not. It’s showing up, not just to make finished pieces, but to experiment, to play, to listen.
Unlike a hobby, which we might pick up and put down at will, an art practice is something we cultivate, something we tend to like a garden. It’s not about making the best, most perfect art or always producing something worth sharing—it’s about being in conversation with our creativity, learning from it and allowing it to grow.
WHY BUILDING AN ART PRACTICE MATTERS
In a world that moves so rapidly, where productivity often takes priority, making time for art can feel like an indulgence. But it’s not—it’s a necessity. Making art fulfills a deep human need for expression, belonging and understanding. Art is how we process the world—how we make sense of emotions, experiences, and the intangible aspects of life. It is both personal and collective, a way of documenting our stories while also connecting with others.
A regular art practice helps artists:
- Deepen our Skills: The more we practice, the more we refine our techniques and develop confidence in our creative work.
- Stay Connected to Inspiration: Creativity isn’t something we have or don’t have or something we wait around to happen to us. Creativity is something an artist nurtures by regularly showing up for their art.
- Find Meaning in the Process: Making Art is not just about outcomes; it’s about being present in the making, allowing ourselves to explore and express freely.
- Foster Creative Problem-Solving: Unlike traditional problem-solving which often has a clear right or wrong answer, art embraces ambiguity. It teaches artists to explore multiple solutions, trust their instincts and draw outside the lines.
- Become Rooted in a Creative Foundation: A regular art practice serves as a container—a structured yet flexible space where creativity can unfold. It becomes a foundation that provides stability, allowing artists to explore freely without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
HOW TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE ART PRACTICE
Discover Your Creative Pillars
At the heart of every artist’s practice are the creative pillars that guide their work—the fundamental elements that shape their approach, whether it’s storytelling, experimentation or craftsmanship etc. But these pillars don’t exist in isolation. They are deeply connected to our core values, the beliefs that define what matters to us most. When we align our artistic pillars with our core values, our creative practice becomes more intentional and fulfilling. Our work reflects not only our skills, but our deeper truths, making our art more meaningful.
Make space for your Art—Physically and Mentally
Your art needs a haven. Maybe that’s a dedicated corner of your living space, a small desk by a window, or even a well- organized cart of art supplies. But beyond physical space, your art also needs room in your mind—permission to take up time and attention without guilt. At this point it’s time to start making art. However, creating art isn’t just about putting paint to paper or brush to canvas—it’s about shaping an environment, routines and mindset that reflects what truly inspires and sustains you.
Balance Artistic Skill-Building with Exploration
An art practice is a continual process of learning, refining and evolving as an artist. Skill building is a core part of this journey. When we practice our art regularly, we are not only strengthening our technical abilities but also expanding our creative intuition.
The way we approach practice matters. Rather than simply repeating the same techniques, intentional practice allows us to push out creative boundaries while staying grounded in inspiration.
Consider these ways to integrate skill building into your art practice:
- Daily sketching or Warm-ups: Just like stretching before a workout, short daily sketches or mark-making exercises can help loosen your hands and mind building muscle memory.
- Revisiting the basics: Even experienced artists benefit from revisiting foundational skills like composition, color theory, or perspective. Mastery comes from returning to the basics with fresh eyes.
- Track your Progress: Looking back at old sketchbooks or past paintings can reveal just how much you’ve evolved. A regular art practice gives you a tangible record of your artistic journey.
A GENTLE REMINDER
Developing an art practice isn’t about pressure—it’s about presence. It’s about giving yourself the permission to create, to explore, and to show up for the part of you that longs to be a maker.
And if you ever feel lost, unsure, or stuck, remember: the act of making art itself is enough. You are already an artist, simply because you create.
xo
