Don’t think, just paint

This morning I painted this young woman. It was a beautiful day and I went out in the backyard to see if there was a place where I could paint her outdoors, but in the end I decided painting her in my studio was best. We spent a delightful three hours together.

This painting is fairly small, 8″x8″ oil on canvas. I like this size because I was able to complete the painting in one day. I’m enjoying painting a little faster, in my mind that is part of this “intuitive” painting that I’m working towards. On this painting I got to a certain point and I was trying to figure out how to mix the next color and instead of taking my time and thinking it through, I consciously forced myself just to grab color off my palette. I don’t even remember what exactly I was painting at the time, and who knows, I may have had to paint over what I did, but I like that I didn’t over evaluate a particular color I needed. Maybe that’s what intuitive painting is. Anyway, I feel like just that one little move, that little voice in my head that said “don’t think, just paint”, that was a big step for me.

5 thoughts on “Don’t think, just paint”

  4. Joan Breckwoldt

    Marian and Celeste, thank you so much for your compliments. I’m glad to be reminded that it’s the value that’s important, I’ve heard that too. It’s nice to hear a compliment on my flesh tones, there are so many different ways to paint them!

    Diane,
    Thank you for your compliments. I think getting freshness is partly knowing when to stop and that’s so hard to do!
    Joan

  5. Odd Chick

    This was so good for me to hear. And to see your beautiful painting – well, I think your intuitions are honed and sharpened far beyond where my skill lies- but i’m practicing and someday hope to close the gap between my taste for art and my own skill

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