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What's Your Painting Personality?
// Artist's Network
How Your Painting Personality Affects Your Painting Process
A painting that was done on a failed, washed-off, previous painting; image courtesy of Richard McKinley
For many painters, the process of creating is filled with equal measures of enthusiasm and fear. This strange mixture of emotions comes into play in nearly every stage of a painting and, depending on the personality of the artist, can be either beneficial or detrimental.
The Beginning
In the beginning stages, painters often find themselves excited to start but intimidated by the blank surface. The apprehension to make the first mark can prove overwhelming. Where should it be? What value and color should it be? What if it is wrong? This is fear of commitment.
The crazy little voice in our head forgets this is the beginning and can easily be corrected. As I told a student one day in a workshop who was frozen at the easel pondering every possible pastel mark scenario, "Just close your eyes, pick up a pastel stick from the palette, and make a mark! Whatever and wherever it may be, you will have started the process and you'll have something to respond to."
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Middle Stages
The mid-stages of a painting are where we often confront two scenarios: boredom or confusion. For the impatient painter, boredom is a curse that leads to hurried marks. The enthusiasm for the painting has waned and the artist just wants to be done.
Confusion is that point in a painting where we just don't know what to do. We are driving along, liking what we see, and all of the sudden there is a tree across the road.
When these mid-painting scenarios occur it is best to stop, take a break and divert attention to a new project. This is much easier for pastelists than wet media painters who have to contend with drying. When you come back to the painting, a renewed motivation and clarity is often waiting.
Finishing Touches
For many artists, the finish of a painting is the most difficult stage. As Leonardo de Vinci wrote, "Artwork is never finished, just abandoned."
This stage is where both enthusiasm and fear can play a major part. While excited to complete and place the signature, there is always that fearful voice, "Is it good? Maybe a little more will make it better!"
This is a tough stage. Many good paintings end up weaker with overwork, and many OK paintings could have been better with a bit more attention.
Individual personality really comes into play here. Some artists need to have the painting taken away, and others need to be encouraged to do more. One thing is certain: Major growth is always accomplished through taking chances and experimentation.
The Runoff by Richard McKinley
We grow and learn from our mistakes–nothing ventured, nothing gained. Worst-case scenario, you wash it off and start anew.
It seems then, painters are not that different than children. There are those who fearlessly enter into every situation full steam ahead, and those who cautiously wait at the sidelines, tentatively analyzing. Understanding as an artist which personality best defines you can prove very valuable in nurturing creative growth. Just like children, some need to be pulled back and others shoved forward.
Understanding as an artist which personality best defines you can prove very valuable in nurturing creative growth. Just like children, some need to be pulled back and others shoved forward.
Want to learn more from Richard McKinley? Check out the preview below for his instructional video, Three Stages for Successful Pastel Painting, which you can stream at any time on ArtistsNetwork.tv!
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