The aim of being an artist is the ability
to create. But with this desire of wishing to constantly achieve wonderful
paintings that can be framed or exhibited comes an enormous amount of pressure
on our shoulders. We expect to always succeed in our goal to capture a scene or
subject on paper or canvas. I strongly believe it is this stress factor that
can put off the beginner or lead to gaps in a professional artist's life, where
they simply don't feel like picking up a brush. Or it becomes a point of
despondency because one thinks he or she will never able to reach his or her goal.
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I painted this watercolor exercise (with cadmium yellow and French ultramarine blue)
for fun, for the bin, and with the aim of simply achieving
vibrant fresh color on
paper with texture effects for added interest. |
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In this watercolor painting for the bin, pigment
is breaking up by use of simple water
application. I refer to this watercolor painting technique as
"water flow." Indigo and
French ultramarine blue formed amazing
patterns in the experimental wash. |
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Abstract
result from purely experimenting with watercolor and textural effects. |
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In my studio I start and close each day
with color experiments that, over time, have improved my art and knowledge
of the medium I am working in
which is watercolor. In my
watercolor painting workshops I encourage everyone to experiment simply with color first rather
than always aim to create a
masterpiece straight away.
The fun and light mood in
the room whilst this experimental part of my sessions takes place is
incredible. I sometimes get
the feeling many artists are so
serious about their work that they have forgotten how wonderfully enjoyable the
experience of creating can actually be!
This fun process has aided my own growth as an
artist, led me to completely new and exciting discoveries in watercolor painting techniques, and increased
my passion for painting. While I
am painting for the bin (which is what we call the trash can in Britain), I often unintentionally create pieces that are perfect for framing.
I do constantly stretch myself by looking
for new color combinations and pigment reactions. And I am not alone in loving this experimental way of approaching each new day of painting. I am increasingly fascinated by the reactions of artists attending my
demonstrations. The joy they feel when told not to paint a subject but to simply
love working with color for a change is amazing. I think possibly being given
permission to "play" instead of always aiming for that special painting
frees our inner artist and pushes us on our own road of discovery.
So the next time you don't feel like
painting, how about letting go of
all your inhibitions and self-imposed restrictions, and free yourself by doing this exercise:
Paint four scraps
of paper with different colors. Set yourself the challenge of making each one
unique. Increase the challenge by not allowing yourself to use your favorite
shades.
Look out for great experimental results and use them in your more serious
compositions. Most of all have fun, aim for the (trash) bin in your warm up sessions
and surprise yourself at how amazing your experimental results become.
Paint for the bin more often and take the
pressure off of your shoulders. I was once told if your bin isn't full, you haven't practiced enough!
Although be warned, this exercise
can become completely addictive, and that means taking out "the trash" more often!
--Jean Haines
You
can read more about Jean's watercolors on her website and blog. Enjoy!