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Subject: Can you help me loosen up my technique?!

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tami

Posts:32
10/18/2008 1:40 PM Alert 

Hey y'all,

I am working on probably the 4th layer on this painting, trying desperately not to fall into my habit of being too detailed. I want a painterly painting, more impressionistic but find myself smoothing out paint strokes and focusing on making the painting look like the photo. Right now I feel like it has become a mess. I want to enjoy painting but it becomes a source of frustration for me as I try to make it perfect. 

Are there any tips out there to help me stop this obsessive behaviour?!?!? I'm beginning to see a connection between my personality and painting habits...hmmm...maybe I need a therapist ... 





"Once you get yourself out of the way, you can see everything the way it is. Your self isn't blocking the world from you once you've side-stepped its shadow. ~from The Good Husband
jAlida

Posts:71
10/19/2008 9:35 PM Alert 
Hello, Tami. I think this is a lovely rendition. Personally, I wouldn't change it. Painters are usually not out to make something the camera has already done, so keep in mind it doesn't need to look like the photograph. Also, we rarely ever produce anything which comes out like what we pictured in our minds, so instead of striving for perfection, learn to settle for mere excellence.
One of the best tips I have ever heard regarding when to quit painting comes from PBS artist Stefan Baumann. He says that if the NEXT brush stroke isn't going to improve the picture, STOP. I have often remembered that, and found I was actually done.
Best wishes to you!
jAlida
Maggie429

Posts:467
10/20/2008 8:18 AM Alert 
I agree - I like it just the way it is. You've done a beautiful job and I know what you mean about working with detail - I too am trying to 'soften' or 'loosen' my strokes. This is great - keep up the style.
Mgi
www.hoviscreations.com
tami

Posts:32
10/20/2008 8:39 AM Alert 

Thanks for so much for the comments! Someone once said to paint upside down (the canvas of course, not me!) and use a bigger brush. I suppose it would help since you would be less likely to take in the whole image...  Have you ever tried that? I tried to use a posterized image to shake things up but then I had a painting that looked posterized!

tami
"Once you get yourself out of the way, you can see everything the way it is. Your self isn't blocking the world from you once you've side-stepped its shadow. ~from The Good Husband
LMB

Posts:455
10/21/2008 9:22 AM Alert 
Hi Tami,
I have the same problem at times. My significant other, who is an artist, always reminds me: Try standing up to paint, use longer brushes. This will make you physically more free. Also, move back from the painting more often, concentrating on composition and color. It will get you away from the fussy details.
Leon
Http://www.artabus.com/leonbayless/
http://www.catchlightartgallery.com/leonbayless.htm
quand le coeur est dans un bon endroit tout est possible
when the heart is in a good place all is possible
tami

Posts:32
10/21/2008 12:14 PM Alert 

Thanks Leon, I'll give it a try!  

 
"Once you get yourself out of the way, you can see everything the way it is. Your self isn't blocking the world from you once you've side-stepped its shadow. ~from The Good Husband
Bpier

Posts:77
10/21/2008 4:35 PM Alert 
Hi Tami. I like it the way it is. I agree with Leon and jAlida. I have had the same problem and sometimes it takes more dicipline to paint loosely than it does to go for more detail. I found that when I loosen up and go for a more impessionist work I am always more pleased with the end result. It depends on what you are after. Some are looking for that photo finish. Very nice work, by the way.
Brian
Brian
www.brianpierfineart.com
eyecandy

Posts:193
10/22/2008 10:47 AM Alert 
Why would you want to loosen your technique. How you paint reflects who you are. If you're a meticulous person, you will paint in more detail. If you tend to be a person who doesn't care about details, you skip them in your paintings and thus have a loose style. This painting is a portrait, I presume and if so, requires more detail. If it is intende to be a graphic represntation, then it is fine as is. I think each artist must paint as he sees his subject and learn to leave out what is not important in his eyes . The finished product must convey the feeling that he felt when he decided to create the painting.
I guess this is a philosophical approach the painting.
Phil Sydell
Boynton Beach, Fl
phil-4a@comcast.net or phil4a@msn.com
VirgilStreet
Posts:9
10/22/2008 5:57 PM Alert 
Quit blending. Decide on definite pieces of color/value and put them in. Don't worry about the transitions, you will find a way to make them happen. This is dark, this is light, this is midtone. Put the paint on in nice brushstrokes and then leave it alone. Use more paint. If what you put down doesn't work, scrape it off and try again instead of trying to make a mistake work. Stand back from the canvas and keep your elbow out so that you don't get up there and start drawing. Use enough paint so there's always a layer between the canvas and the brush - don't scrub - if you can hear the bristles scrubbing the surface, you're messing up. Believe you can do this because you can. Be bold. It's just a picture. You're almost there.
VirgilStreet
Posts:9
10/22/2008 5:58 PM Alert 
Also, put the photo away and look at what the painting needs. You are done with the photo, now you are creating a painting.
VirgilStreet
Posts:9
10/22/2008 6:02 PM Alert 
A "mistake" painted with confidence and juicy color will carry much better than something overblended and finally "correct."
tami

Posts:32
10/24/2008 1:34 PM Alert 

Thanks to you all for your input. I hope to put it to work soon and even show you my progress.

Phil, you ask a good question, but I don't think I know how to paint with "feeling", my brain is compelled to make it look like the photograph. I would like to tap into that place....if I could I feel like painting would be more of a joy and the end result would be more dramatic.

Virgil, you should be a coach if you aren't already! your comment is very encouraging and like Brian said, I need to become more disciplined in focusing less on detail so getting rid of the photo at this point is a good idea.

I like what you said about using plenty of paint, I am very stingy with the paint even though I know that stifles creativity....so needed to hear that. Just quit blending, huh? Reminds me of when some friends and I were making frozen margarita's...when I remarked that I would like to know how to make them on the rocks, she said just don't turn on the blender! You make it sound so easy! It makes sense though, how can you have a nice impressionistic brush stroke without gobs of paint?!

Thanks again, I appreciate you all giving this some thought and taking the time to comment.

"Once you get yourself out of the way, you can see everything the way it is. Your self isn't blocking the world from you once you've side-stepped its shadow. ~from The Good Husband
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