Perfect paintings and drawings can look lifeless. As an artist searching for perfection don't miss the key ingredient to great art. The most important painting component is

"An interesting picture will give the feeling of life"

When creating an oil painting, an artist will add layer upon layer of paint. The canvas surface is no longer flat and dull. The finished painting will have a dynamic surface that builds interest and personality

"There is depth and texture from the applied paint"

But, that isn't all that makes a masterpiece. The painting has its own history. There are background stories that help create great Art

There are thoughts and plans you can't see. There are ideas and preparations an artist keeps locked away

* There are early ideas drawn on lost preparatory drawings

* Color sketches hidden in old art folders

* There will be re-workings that are scraped away or covered with later layers of paint

Even if you are an artist who can create exact copies of what you can see, your painting needs you to give more

* A painting becomes Art when you use your feeling and understanding

* Your flair and expression gives your painting character

* Your painting's success comes from your time and dedication

If you use photographs, make your painting an impression of what you see. Combine details from one photograph with the background of another. Play with components to create a new reality

* Introduce recollections and memories

* Tell a story with your picture

* Introduce fresh color

You can disguise drawing faults like poor perspectives with confident line-work. Active drawing permits you to disguise mistakes and lack of drawing skill when you work from real life

* With the sweep of your ink pen you can mask the slightly distorted vase of flowers in your still life drawing

* When you use a pencil for figure drawing, errors in body form can be hidden

* In a landscape sketch, a quick swish of charcoal will make your trees move with the wind

* The power of the sea can be captured by a swirling dash of crayon

Leave your sketch outlines showing to add drawing interest. Easily improve your drawings Let your pencil marks show movement and growth.

Don't hide your talents. Allow the painting process to distinguish your original artwork from a machine produced print copy

* Show your painting skills let your brush marks show with oils and acrylics

* Add a splash of color to lift your paintings

* Use water to carry color in your flowing watercolor paintings

Whether you are an art beginner, an intermediate amateur, or a professional artist don't let your art suffer. Add soul to your drawing and painting

"Reveal your character and personality"