Art is subjective. To some people, true art is a painting by Rembrandt while for others it is a song by Tupac Shakur or a dewy morning in the woods. Regardless of what you perceive true art to be there are some hobbies that can help you to become more creative, like oil painting for example.

Taking up artistic hobbies and improving your creativity will help you to increase your artistic output. This post will explore this topic in more detail, covering six hobbies for art lovers that you need to know about.

Oil Painting

Painting with oil can be very difficult. It is regarded by many to be the most difficult form of painting. Thanks to the internet you should be able to find a tutorial that teaches you all of the basics of oil painting. It does need to be noted that many of the chemicals used to make oil-based paint are toxic Therefore, you need to make sure that you have access to a well-ventilated studio.

Another thing to note is that oil paintings are very desirable. People will pay thousands of dollars for oil portraits, sometimes tens of. If you are interested in taking up oil painting then you could use it to make money on the side. If internet guides are not enough for you then you could consider taking classes at a community college or with a private tutor.

Playing Instruments

Music is art, no matter the genre. Learning to play an instrument will help to improve your mental acuity and performance, as well as your creativity. There are lots of different types of instruments for you to explore and consider taking up. One of the most difficult but rewarding to learn is the piano. As with oil painting, you can take classes with a private tutor. The downside to becoming a pianist is that pianos and their accompanying equipment can be expensive. Many also need maintenance which only a professional can perform.

Woodland Hikes

As mentioned in the introduction to this post, art is subjective. Some people find that nature speaks to them more than music or painted art does. If you are one such individual then you could consider going out into the woods. If you do have a hobby that you enjoy, like painting, then going for walks in the woods could be a good way of inspiring yourself. Getting out into the woods will help to boost your creativity. It also needs to be noted that studies show exposure to nature can alleviate the negative symptoms of depression and anxiety. If you are prone to such conditions then getting outdoors will be very beneficial for you.

Dance Classes

Dance is a creative hobby and a form of exercise. It can significantly improve your physical and mental health, like hiking. If it’s something you are interested in pursuing then you will be pleased to know that you do not even have to leave your house to take it up. As long as you have room at home, you can use follow-along guides. That being said, dance classes are of course the best way of learning to dance properly. There are a variety of different disciplines for you to choose from ranging from ballet to urban.

Learning Carpentry

Carpentry is a hobby that can double as a full-time job. Wooden furniture is highly sought after, especially if it is made from woods like oak, pine, and mahogany. It is not a disciple that you can learn from home. You will need to sign up for a course in order to become a competent woodworker. Individuals new to the art tend to find it extremely challenging to master. The difficulty with woodworking is that one mistake can ruin an entire piece of wood, so as a hobby it requires determination, motivation, and delicacy.

Martial Arts

Martial arts are not a conventional type of art. Most people would laugh if you told them that you considered karate more of an art than painting, for example. However, art is subjective. Therefore, if martial arts appeal to you and you are able to find some kind of intrinsic beauty in them, then why not pursue them as a hobby? Some of the most interesting martial arts to consider taking up include:

• Karate
• Jujutsu
• Aikido
• MMA
• Boxing
• Kung Fu

There are many other martial arts you can pursue beyond those listed above. Some martial arts classes are free to join, while others require payment. If you are on a budget then give free classes a priority. You might get more one-on-one time attending paid classes, however. The quality of the equipment is also likely to be better.

Watching Films

Filmography is just as much of an art as anything else listed here. It is arguably the most important style of art of the 21st century. Therefore, watching films is an inherently artistic activity. Due to the rise of streaming services, watching movies has never been easier. All you need to do is sign up for a streaming platform on your mobile device, and you are ready to go. Alternatively, you can watch independent films on short video streaming platforms, like YouTube for example. Independent films tend to be much rougher around the edges but are regarded by many to be the most artistic kind of movie.

Attending Galleries

Visiting galleries is another good way of appreciating art and learning to become a better artist. Galleries can be found in every town and city in the United States, some larger than others. Visiting galleries in major cities is the best way to see famous pieces of artwork, by painters like Van Gogh and Davinci. You could also take a trip to Europe where some of the world’s most famous paintings are housed. Many European galleries are free to enter, like the Tate Modern in the United Kingdom for example.

As long as you find beauty in something, then it is art. Artistic hobbies are good for the mind, body, and soul. The ones listed here in this post are some of the most popular but there are many more waiting for you to find them.