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| Pink Rose 1, 6x6" (45 minute demo) Acrylic (Click to Bid) |
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| Pink Rose 2 (15 Minute Demo) 8x10" Acrylic (Click to Bid) |
This weekend I taught a 2 day "How to paint fast, loose and bold" workshop at my studio. In order to live up to what I am promising in the name, a certain amount of discomfort is involved. The workshop starts out pleasant enough, but I gradually keep turning up the heat, so to speak, with exercises that push everyone further and further out of their comfort zone. Towards the end of the workshop their brushes have grown larger while their time allowance per painting has shrunk exasperatingly small. It doesn't feel fair to inflict this torture on them, watching from the safety of the sidelines, so I jump in too, and we all feel the pain together. Such fun, eh?
The ah-ha moment comes when they look in disbelief at the paintings they have created in a timeframe that previously seemed un-doable. In my experience the only way to grow, in painting or in life, is to push the envelope and reach for things that seem too hard. What makes a great workshop, from my standpoint? Seeing the transition from doubt to confidence that happens when painters realize they "have what it takes" to reach their goals. Especially in those whom have not painted in many years, and leave inspired and enthusiastic. It is very rewarding, and a true win-win, as I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me.
Posted on a another page are some of their paintings, many created in 15 minutes! (See the link "Students Work 3-10-13" on the right, under the "Color Theory" book. BTW, in case it's not obvious, the goal of painting fast is not to break speed records, but to cure "detailitis". Or in other words, learn how to edit out unnecessary detail. Oddly enough, it's much easier to paint every detail we see, than to simply.
I'll end this post with one of my favorite sayings, " Life begins at the end of your comfort zone".
Upcoming Workshops:
Paint Fast, Loose and Bold in Tuscany (Expect plenty of red wine, italian feasts and chocolate ... you will feel no pain here). Sign up before March 30 and save $125.
9 comments:
Hi Patti, I'm trying to cure my detailitis with your advice!
Bruce - squint! at your subject matter AND your painting. its bad for the crows feet, but good for the painting :-)
Thanks for the great post. Beautiful demos. I am SO ready for your workshop next month!
Ever since I purchased your art byte I have seen a better result in my studio...I like the feeling of fear before the feeling of yeah! But I have it lucky I can rip up my crash and burn ones and I forget about them in about five minutes....
Today was an iffy day tomorrow will probably be great.
I envy your students....but I am also one too.
Meredith and Jo - thanks so much for the nice comments - you made my day! Glad the artbyte helps too!!
Just bought the color book on amazon...can't wait to "eat it up".
Hope you like it! it was quite a project but i think it turned out nice - i'm happy with it.
Love this, Patti! Reminds me of the great advice I read in the "Talent Code." I'm going to try it myself. Thx for the inspiration.:)
my pleasure, wendy!
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