Have you spent hours and hours working on the same painting?
Many long days are spent working on the same canvas and layering acrylic paint to the point of TOO much texture. Yup. We’ve all been there. As artists, we sometimes manipulate the paint to the point of no return. The colors mix until they’re muddy, unwanted texture develops after too many tries and perfectionism begins to take its toll.
Painting is hard when you put too much pressure on yourself!
As your self proclaimed Painting Coach, I’m here to tell you this — it’s okay:)
Take a step back from your painting and take a deep breath… because what I’m about to tell you is going to rock your world! You are more than capable of creating a painting that you LOVE and that your PROUD OF.
I’m a strong believer of your gut instinct always being right. When it comes to applying paint to canvas, that same rule still applies and it is SO important.
THE KEY TO A GREAT PAINTING
My friend, this is THE ULTIMATE studio secret. Are you ready for this?
DO LESS
Yup— I said it. LESS IS MORE!
When you apply your brush to your canvas, PAINT IT and LEAVE IT. It’s as simple as that. The less that you move around the paint, the better.
There is a beautiful quality that comes from raw and organic brush strokes. Leaving that initial stroke on your canvas makes a statement! I know it’s easier said than done…
…which is why I want to challenge you.
I want you to start creating SIMPLE paintings. Start observing your reference photos more closely and use your brilliant brush strokes to imply shape, depth and movement with MINIMAL paint gestures. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn from simplify your paintings. You can TOTALLY do this.
Let me tell you, friend, putting less paint strokes on your canvas is NOT an easy task, but I have faith in you.
Give yourself permission to make a painting that feels a little out of the ordinary today. It will take some time, but this is a practice that will help you read your reference photos differently, thus creating better paintings!
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun, my friend.
Let me know when you apply this exciting secret to your own paintings! I can’t wait to hear about the outcome :)
I also have exciting news for you…
PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP
I started a PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP for my Studio Secrets so that you don’t miss a BEAT! In this group, you will connect with other aspiring artists (and myself) as a fun way to stay creative and keep those creative juices flowin’! This will be a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE for all of us to share our love for art & have fun:) JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK, friend!
