My Art Tips

Kick Start your Painting Process in 5 Easy Steps

The "Painting Process" is all about how to get yourself into a useful routine that allows your creativity to flow easily once you get to the easel (or kitchen bench or wherever you can clear some space!).

After 20 years of trial and error I have found that this process is what works for me.

1. OPEN EYES
Keep a journal, sketch book or pinboard handy where you can add notes of an idea/or something torn from a magazine…a sketch, a photo, a memory, something you notice that catches your attention. (For example, the shade of the apple tree has blues and purples in it.) Nature is a considerable resource not only for subject matter but also for colour ideas, and I find that the more I look the more I see. A journal allows you to record and store inspiration as you go through your day and gives you a unique personal resource for your work. When it comes time to paint, you can review your notes and easily assess your direction.

2. WORKING SPACE
A) Make sure you have the best possible natural lighting.
B) Purchase the best possible materials you can afford.
C) Work on a stable surface whether it’s a table top or easel. (When working on an adjustable easel keep the work at a height that your elbow is bent at, roughly 90 degrees from the body)
D) Play music - I love my collection of "music to paint by" which I change with my mood. Put on music that makes you feel great! Whether you like something to sing to ……… or background classical.

3. TIME
You need to give yourself a decent chunk of time when you can work, without rushing or distraction. Take the phone off the hook so that you can put yourself fully into the work.

4. PATIENCE
It is important to be patient with yourself. Some days you may feel like you are getting a lot out of it and improving dramatically and other days quite the opposite. Be patient with the process and remember to see the big picture… (I tell my kids this all the time…everything is improved with practice.) As artists we tend to be quite hard on our own work…that’s O.K., if we use it to improve and propel us into further evolvement, but not if it kills the enthusiasm.

5. PERMISSION
The greatest growth at any given time comes from giving your self "Permission". Permission to do something different - try new techniques, new materials or new colours. Permission to stuff up, make mistakes and ultimately … grow. I personally love this step the most and practice it often. It is freeing and brings fantastic growth.

Be encouraged to use these steps and let me know how it unfolds for you. As with life, remember that the ease of the steps is reflective of the enjoyment of the process….have fun and let the art flow!


	My Art Tips Kick Start your Painting Process in 5 Easy Steps The "Painting Process" is all about how to get yourself into a useful routine that allows your creativity to flow easily once you get to the easel (or kitchen bench or wherever you can clear some space!). After 20 years of trial and error I have found that this process is what works for me. 1. OPEN EYES Keep a journal, sketch book or pinboard handy where you can add notes of an idea/or something torn from a magazine…a sketch, a photo, a memory, something you notice that catches your attention. (For example, the shade of the apple tree has blues and purples in it.) Nature is a considerable resource not only for subject matter but also for colour ideas, and I find that the more I look the more I see. A journal allows you to record and store inspiration as you go through your day and gives you a unique personal resource for your work. When it comes time to paint, you can review your notes and easily assess your direction. 2. WORKING SPACE A) Make sure you have the best possible natural lighting. B) Purchase the best possible materials you can afford. C) Work on a stable surface whether it’s a table top or easel. (When working on an adjustable easel keep the work at a height that your elbow is bent at, roughly 90 degrees from the body) D) Play music - I love my collection of "music to paint by" which I change with my mood. Put on music that makes you feel great! Whether you like something to sing to ……… or background classical. 3. TIME You need to give yourself a decent chunk of time when you can work, without rushing or distraction. Take the phone off the hook so that you can put yourself fully into the work. 4. PATIENCE It is important to be patient with yourself. Some days you may feel like you are getting a lot out of it and improving dramatically and other days quite the opposite. Be patient with the process and remember to see the big picture… (I tell my kids this all the time…everything is improved with practice.) As artists we tend to be quite hard on our own work…that’s O.K., if we use it to improve and propel us into further evolvement, but not if it kills the enthusiasm. 5. PERMISSION The greatest growth at any given time comes from giving your self "Permission". Permission to do something different - try new techniques, new materials or new colours. Permission to stuff up, make mistakes and ultimately … grow. I personally love this step the most and practice it often. It is freeing and brings fantastic growth. Be encouraged to use these steps and let me know how it unfolds for you. As with life, remember that the ease of the steps is reflective of the enjoyment of the process….have fun and let the art flow!	home about us gallery my art tips past sales contact us
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