The most effective way to make beautiful drawings and paintings is to work unapologetically and with confidence. Viewers may more easily believe that your art is extraordinary or powerful if you believe it yourself. Make strong lines and bold color choices. Spend less time erasing and more time learning from your mistakes. If you're feeling especially uncertain of your ability to portray a certain subject, make several studies of it before beginning your final image.
Study your subject carefully even if you're not painting or drawing a realistic representation of that subject. Painting and drawing exclusively from imagination -- without studying images of your subject beforehand -- frequently results in a less detailed and less interesting final product. Looking at a photograph or a live subject can spur you to include pleasing details that you might otherwise not have captured.
When trying to make a realistic representation of your subject, quickly flick your eyes back and forth between the subject and the image you're working on. Look for dramatic -- and not so dramatic -- differences between your image and the subject. Make changes as necessary. When trying to make a realistic image, it's important to see your subject as it really is -- not as you think it is. If you are working from a photograph, try turning your canvas or paper and the photograph upside down to help you see the differences.
Abstractions and distortions of your subject can occur naturally and can be creative and artful additions to your drawing or painting. Although your inclination may be to draw or paint as realistically as possible, consider leaving naturally occurring distortions -- like slightly disproportionate or misplaced features -- as they are. These distortions may become the most interesting part of the drawing or painting, and may even take on symbolic significance.
Use new tools and methods to enhance your drawing and painting experience. Try new styles of painting, modeled after the styles of old masters, or in ways that are entirely different to broaden your artistic horizons. By trying different styles -- like cubism, abstract expressionism and surrealism -- you may discover new strengths and even permanently alter your own preferred method of working.
In addition, be sure to try all of the different tools available on the market. If you are a painter, experiment with different types of paint and different colors. Use different painting surfaces like canvas, wood and paper. If you like to draw, try different mediums like pencil, charcoal and pen and ink.