Often, good results aren’t due to a lack of skills, but rather a lack of mindfulness.
That’s why this year’s topic is all about mindfulness. To increase mindfulness while we paint will directly increase our results. So take notes, be open to new and exciting ideas as we explore relevant discoveries about the mind of you, the artist.
When my results aren’t working for me, it’s either my mind is somewhere else, my thinking is fuzzy, or I’m overthinking things. One of my instructors, Libby Tolley says, “when that happens, go back to the basics.” Keep things really simple and ask simple questions like, what’s happening?
When I find myself busy copying and describing instead of creating and implying, that’s when I know it’s not working.
When we recognize we are in this state we’ve taken the first step toward fixing the problem.
It’s time we set up the right conditions for our painting to succeed.
It’s time to pull out of your bag four fantastic elements to help our scene become all it can be.
When you and your art needs that something extra, try squeezing this set of these four elements out on your palette. Now, your local art supply store won’t carry them because they can’t. No one’s found a way to sell you what’s already free. The best part is, since they are totally free, everyone can use them at any time and in any amount. So start using these in your work.
Compassion – See and paint with compassion. It’s what our world needs most of at the moment. Don’t skimp on this one, folks. Like water, people thirst for any and all displays of it. And when used abundantly, people are drawn to it like a magnet. Compassion for your scene, compassion for your story, compassion for yourself, for the viewer, and for our planet, is essential to make art connect well. Compassion looks like sensitivity to your shapes. It looks like a softness to some of your edges, and it feels grounded to the connections you make.
Awareness – Some folks like to use the brand Mindfulness. Either one is good and makes for mental clarity, or a space your mind can work in without the baggage prejudging or knowledge brings. I really can’t overestimate the value that mindfulness can bring to your art. When used, it provides a presence and a space where freedom from fear and judgment can work. “Be still…,” says the good book, because in stillness we loosen the grip and quiet the clamor and control of past worries, and eliminate the clutter and chaos any future’s fears may bring.
Your awareness in the moment, without the curse of knowledge and weight of stress, is the best way to make your art shine.
Confidence – mix a little of this element in with each brushstroke. It will give you both freedom and joy. Your viewers will start to see and feel this same freedom and joy as well…it gives them permission to be a bit more free and joyful in their lives. Confidence in your ability adds not only lightness and grace to your work, but is absolutely necessary to make your art captivating.
Truth – some folks like to leave this totally off their palette, but I’ve found that a little goes a long way to make art ring true. Don’t be afraid to paint the truthfulness of your scene. The simple truth is often the best.
When you’re at that point where your project needs that something extra, try squeezing out and dipping into these essential four elements for fantastic results.
Questions:
- What are some other elements you can use to help see the invisible parts of your scene?
- What makes for courageous painting?
- Did I do my best to tell the truth?