When you draw a picture do you think about creating a story?

Would you concern yourself about what your painting says?

It doesn't matter what art materials and tools you use to create your drawings and paintings, unless the picture you create has a history it can never be a success.

Many beginners wouldn't realize that their drawings and paintings should have a message.

Drawing can be done with graphite pencils, charcoal and chalks... but unless your sketch weaves its magic story your hard work is lost.

Top artists spend a great deal of time and energy weaving magic and mystery in their paintings and drawings...

It doesn't matter whether they paint with watercolor, oils, acrylics or pastels... The artist understands the extra value given by the story that their art tells.

At a recent exhibition, an artist told me the story behind a series of 3 paintings. It was a story about "The Walk Of The Dead". In the 3 paintings she showed abstract moorland scenes that followed the route of the ancient dead, who were carried over the hills to the burial grounds... the final painting showing the release of human spirit.

Until the story was told, I didn't understand that there was meaning in the artist's paintings... they were just pleasant daubs. After listening to the story, the paintings came to life. They became important... I bought one of the artist's paintings.

• Cave paintings told about the animals that were hunted by prehistoric man and the world they lived in.

• Medieval paintings could pay tribute to the church and tell the story of creation... with the art patrons included as if they were part of that story.

Modern art is fortunate... it is able to speak freely about anything the artist wants to say.

"What stories do your drawings and paintings tell?"

Don't worry, it isn't difficult for an artist to create art that features a storyline. Even the simplest of sketches has a story. Unlike most photographs, which are just a snapshot in time, a sketch takes time to draw.

Because it takes time to produce a drawing, painting, sculpture or installation there is a history... that history is a story in itself.

It takes time to plan a painting...

• There are ideas that never see reality but develop into other ideas
• There are quick freehand sketches that develop into serious detailed finished paintings
• There are outdoor sketches that grow into studio paintings

And, it takes time to draw and paint...

Each line you draw takes time... It has a start and an end...

• Each color daub you paint... Every brushstroke you lay on the canvas has its origin in the paint tube
• The color finds its way onto the palette and is mixed with other colors
• Paint is worked on the canvas before the painting is finished

Every mark you make on paper, canvas, panel and fabric has its own story. Take pleasure in the story behind every painting you create.

There is research before painting...

• There are location visits to places of interest
• Circumstance, environment and chance grows inspiration
• Landscape, buildings, weather, people and their history influences art creation
• Stories you have heard could be the reason you want to paint and draw

All of this is part of your art...

Understand this vital element behind your art and be prepared to tell that story...

• Write the story down on paper and expand the value of your drawing and painting by giving the background story
• Include captions alongside your paintings at exhibitions that build the story

Your art pronounces its story...

They say every picture says a thousand words. Make sure that your painting's story is heard...

Tell people about the challenges behind your art and let them understand the difficulties you have overcome. Let the story add to the value of your painting and drawing.

Get your Free Drawing Lesson and discover how simple lines and circles help you create a Moonscape Drawing.