You’ve spent your life hoping to learn the “secret” to becoming a better artist – while being told there are no secrets. Maybe there aren’t any magic tricks, but I have come to believe there are two “KEYS” that can help you open the doors leading down that secret hallway. These two keys are separate but complementary, and you will more fully appreciate their importance as your ability grows. Together they can drive you as far as your desire to become a better artist will allow.
In this essay, I’ll share the two Keys, and briefly touch upon their breadth and depth. The first is: “AWARENESS”, and the second is “PREPARATION”. Awareness comes from truly paying attention to the physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of Art, while Preparation will provide you with the tools to express the depth of your awareness.
We all begin with a very basic level of Awareness. Our understanding of the physical world is akin to a child’s vocabulary; we can describe the basics, but it takes years of study and growth to become eloquent. When Louis Armstrong says he sees “skies of blue and clouds of white,” you know through experienced observation how much more there is to “see” in those skies, and if you’re honest with yourself you know there is also so much more in terms of breadth and depth that is beyond your grasp, regardless of your current level of accomplishment. With each passing day, you can become more sensitized to the endless subtleties that add to the beauty and meaning of all you see and subsequently what you create.
Over and above physical observation, as you develop as an artist it is important that your work become infused with what you think and feel. The deeper your intellect and the stronger your feelings grow, the more your work can reflect your personality and soul. This depth can come from an endless variety of sources, and is in part a natural outgrowth of your maturity. When I was traveling the world to curate a collection of art, it became clear that there were a number of young artists who had great talent, but the profound effect of life creates a patina that adds richness to a mature artist’s work. Our lives are filled with emotional and intellectual stimuli. Some artists naturally soak it all in and let it influence their work immediately, while others carefully observe and slowly massage their response into their creative output. I am conscientiously infusing more of myself as I define my intent for each piece, whether it be en plein air or in the studio.
Building artistic awareness is a continual endeavor. Sometimes awareness comes from internal exploration, other times from external forces. One path is studying the work of other artists. Though seeking a style might be a superficial pursuit, it is helpful to pay attention to your reaction to existing work. While some pieces may do nothing for you (learn why!), other work may really “float your boat” on an intellectual or emotional level, and it is helpful to be “aware” of the elements you can incorporate into your efforts over the days and years to come. When I teach a workshop, the theme may be focused on portraits or animals, but I’m always infusing my personal instruction with elements affected by what I’ve begun to understand along with thoughts that can affect how a student approaches their future study.
The exploration of Awareness is endlessly intriguing, but expressing your level of awareness takes Preparation. Preparation comprises all the physical elements and “tools” that enable you to execute your vision. You can improve upon your facility; from your palette, lighting, and studio set-up to building your ability to draw. Just as a weekend golfer might be happy to hit the ball squarely while a professional will develop a myriad of shots, so too, an artist’s success will increase as the many facets of preparation become more proficient and refined. For example, when we first learn to draw, our lines and shapes start to roughly define an image, and as we continue to evolve, our lines and shapes become more convincing…and eventually, expressive. As you practice mixing colors, the sensitivity and beauty of your values, temperatures and harmonies overcome clumsiness and begin to sing. Your first brushstrokes may be coarse and weak; but additional mileage and attention to how and why you’re mixing and laying paint, your brushstrokes, paint surface, and edges will all improve.
Though we can learn from many examples, I’ll use an image of a painting by John Singer Sargent to illustrate how the combination of awareness and preparation can create fabulous work.
Years ago it was posted as an example of the “simple” shapes Sargent used. However, when I saw the image, I was immediately struck – not by simplicity – but by spectacular execution of sublime understanding of value and hue. Using the original sketch at the left, the images on the right each show two columns of dots: one column of dots samples the color and value from the area immediately below, and the column next to it from the area immediately above. Seeing how Sargent deftly handled these transitions can help guide your process.

Because improved execution must be learned and then applied, your level of preparation will naturally trail your level of awareness. Therefore, it is helpful to understand that there is the potential for a perpetual satisfaction gap between what you hope your work will convey and what you are actually able to convey. There are times where we feel we’re actually getting worse! When you look back on your earlier work, the gap will be more evident between what you’ve accomplished and where your understanding is now.
As my personal Awareness and Preparation grow, I am able to adjust my approach, execution and finish to accurately express my initial intent. Here are two portraits that result from very different objectives. In the portrait of former Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum, the composition, finish and atmosphere were focused on celebrating an accomplished hero, in the beautiful environment where he served as State Senator, leading our state through the 9/11 crisis. In the second painting, I wanted all my elements to convey my earthy response to a rugged, itinerant artist in the southwest United States during the 19th century.

44″ x 32″ – Oil

20″ x 16″ – Oil
My painting, The Immigrant, which was on the cover of Art of the West (Jul/Aug 2022), offers an intellectual and emotional narrative while going beyond a simple illustration.

30″ x 24″ – Oil
Throughout your life and career, the areas and options for improvement are endless, and specific needs may be unique to you. Answers will appear from many sources: workshops, individual study and serendipity. One of my reasons for teaching is that working with students at varying levels and areas of skill highlights and reinforces opportunities to strengthen awareness and preparation for both students and teacher.
I believe if you keep my two “Keys” in mind as you approach your study and growth, they will help organize your efforts and clarify needs as they arise. You will also find yourself blessed with moments of illumination where your understanding or facility take a leap forward!
Janet says
Yes sometimes I think going down that secret door way I forget about awareness . I’m always spending too much time preparing . Fascinating observation this is cool. I know I really think you are great at knowing your awareness. Sometimes I need to stop preparing as I already am ready; now it’s the real awareness that need to go down that long hallway with the secret key.
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Janet, we learn a little bit with every effort, and we will always forget something–it’s why it always pays off to keep searching; it might pay off immediately, or the rewards may become evident only after years of effort.
-Bill
Esther J Williams says
Bill that was an excellent essay and I had to read it twice for it was so interesting. It made me think about how I painted as a young child and teen, not knowing the elements or fundamentals of art. It was just pure passion and emotion, releasing it on paper, canvas or board. Everything looked immature but portrayed such pure hearted innocence. Fast forward sixty years and all that studying and miles upon miles of painting have given my work a well seasoned style. Awareness of Mother Nature whom I have explored all my life, awareness of the master’s work in museums and the many books I have read all contributed to my depth today. Watching other signature artists paint in demonstrations and how they prepared helped me greatly. We never stop learning and preparing. Your painting of the Senator is magnificent and I do enjoy viewing your paintings, they come off the surface as if alive.
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Thanks, Esther.
I’m glad you read it twice. These are thoughts and approaches that we can revisit day after day and year after year.
-Bill
Robert D. Huckestein says
As a artist I have not yet arrived at my peak, and probably never will, but I understand what is being conveyed in Mr Suys article. It has taken me many years to arrive at the level of development that I have, as a painter, and to say to myself that I am on the right track to success, but still have a long way to go! Mr. Suys, thank you for your perspective.
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Yes, Robert…none of us will ever reach our peak. Our potential, and our ability to express it, will always be just slightly out of our reach but we can continually improve as we keep digging into our heart and soul.
-Bill
Joan Langdon says
Loved this. Bill has written an excellent and thought provoking article.
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Thanks, so much, Joan!
I do hope I express some of these concepts as I teach.
-Bill
Angie Poston says
Article is interesting and points to what an artist is taking into consideration prior to a brush coming to the canvas. Excellent food for thought and I especially enjoyed the art used to demonstrate examples. Thank you.
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Thanks so much, Angie!
-Bill
terry denton says
Thank you Mr. Suys wonderfully expressed and sincerely helpful.
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Thanks, Terry!
I do think it is helpful, particularly over the long run.
-Bill
Rick J. Delanty says
Bill, what an insightful exploration of what can separate a “good” painting from a “great ” one! As you point out, it’s all in the mind, as an artist becomes more aware of his/her surroundings, developing skill set, and what will be the focus of what they want to say. It seems that Preparation is something we can do around the clock, that everything we experience can become a part of our paintings. Have authentic experiences, then, would be paramount to creating authentic work. I saw a quote the other day that seems applicable here, from Andrew Wyeth: “I think one’s art goes as far and as deep as one’s love goes.” Thank you for this, Bill…
William Suys Jr (Bill) says
Thanks, Rick!
Yes, Andrew Wyeth’s quote is cogent and spot on…and his life’s Awareness and Preparation is fully evident in the quality and soul of his work.
-Bill