Researching Subject Matter for Your Art

 

Hers and Hers Alone - Acrylic on Wood 12 x 12 inches

When inspiration hits, I have to get to work. That means, whatever the subject matter, I need to do some research. Researching images for references, stories and anecdotes, visits to Wikipedia, even personal research can be part of my process.

Research is very important for several reasons if your aim is to create satisfying art. It helps you to find your voice when creating a visual narrative. The more detailed the information, the farther you can go into the richness of your details. Stories fulfill the imagination, helping your artistic vision. and drawing from reference can provide you with an accurate rendering.  What’s more, research can make you an expert on your work, leading to better sales. The more you can expound on your topics, the easier it will be for your audience to understand the creation.

Finding reliable sources is paramount. Search engines like Bing and Google are great, but make sure the link source is worth clicking. Depending on what you are searching for, you have to check your facts, and re-check just for good measure. And don’t just stop at the internet; visit a library once in a while. While digital information is the most up to date, you may find more by looking in a book than on your laptop.

The other benefit of researching your subject matter is that it is a win-win for everyone involved. You’re learning about yourself, you learn something new or something you wanted to increase your knowledge about. Your audience also reaps these benefits. Art is not only a luxury, it is a tool--a tool to teach, inspire and evoke emotion and opinion.