ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roses! Roses! Roses! I’ll admit, I have become a bit obsessed. What started out as studies for some very large rose drawings, has turned into a passion. Either that or I’m using the small drawings as an excuse for not drawing the big ones. I am kind of scared to get them started. Read below on how I begin a painting when I’m feeling scared to begin. Each: 16”x 12”, graphite, charcoal, acrylic and collage on wood. © 2021 David Limrite
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.”
Twyla Tharp, Dancer/Choreographer
The Create Anyway Masterclass begins a week from tomorrow on Monday, June 28:
All artists are invited to submit their work by Thursday, June 24, to the Create Anyway Masterclass.
15 artists will have their work chosen, and I'll critique 3 pieces a day (June 28 - July 2).
Plus there will be 5 Empowerment Sessions. All free.
Click here to reserve your seat or learn more.
All You Need To Know
When I am having trouble starting a new painting, all I need to know is the beginning. Once I begin, I am off and running, with no looking back.
All I need to do is make one decision. That’s it!
I just need to decide what my first step is. Making this one decision allows me to find my way in.
I have developed two ways to begin.
My preferred method at the moment is to begin by glueing some abstract shapes of paper on to the surface, which at this point is wood panel. I usually glue down 3-5 pieces of paper of various sizes and shapes. And I always make sure they are touching or overlapping each other. I am not fond of having pieces of collage randomly or evenly spaced around the entire surface. These pieces of paper are an abstract response to the image I will eventually draw and paint.
Once I have “disrupted” the surface, I have begun, and the next steps seem to come more easily. And before I know it, I am in, working away and unafraid of the new painting.
My 2nd method I use to help me begin is to just get the surface dirty. I few smudges, fingerprints or drips of paint are all that is needed. The surface is no longer pristine and new. This is a no-brainer beginning for me, because now I have already started by making some marks. I have automatically begun, without even really trying.
Neither of my beginning methods involve drawing or painting a recognizable object or figure. I don’t have to begin by making something that looks like anything. The figure (or rose) comes later.
Blank canvases or empty sheets of paper can be very intimidating for me. If they are for you too, try finding a simple way to begin that works for you, and allows you to find your way in to a new painting.
Best,
David