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Go For the Gobs

Cheryl
Imagine: the most delicious dessert you know of is in front of you. Are you going to take one little tiny bite and set it aside? Imagine: it’s a sweltering hot day and you are beside a gorgeous pool. Are you going to only put one foot in? Sad to say, that’s what it’s like to try to paint with teeny tiny bits of colour on your palette or your brush. Why not put out generous gobs of luscious colour and load up that brush? It’s the only way to really enjoy painting. 
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6 Quick Fixes for the Artistic Soul

Cheryl
I have often thought that times we need our art most can be times when it’s hardest to get around to it. Although some thrive on being busy, others tend to feel overwhelmed with the long to do lists that happen this time of year. Here are some suggested ‘quick fixes’ for your artistic soul this busy season.       1. Make a habit of pausing now and then to think of one thing to be thankful for – perhaps your creative spirit! / 2. Sit down and, even though there is no time to paint, jot down what subjects or themes you would like to paint next. / 3. Get a soft pencil – 4B or softer – and do a few quick sketches. Use your finger to smear it for fast shading./  4. Keep your camera nearby for when something beautiful catches your eye. /  5. Set out a couple of your favourite art books and take a 15 minute break to flip through them. /  6. Bless a total stranger with a cheery smile while you are out and about. It’s one of the nicer things that can be contagious! 
1stSnoT

Quick Study

Cheryl
It doesn’t really matter whether you paint quickly or slowly, as long as you are enjoying it. However, there are some real advantages to giving yourself some timed exercises. This is how it works… You need a timer, the stove one would be fine. Have your reference near by, get your paints out and ready with a medium sized brush (no little brushes), set the timer for 20 minutes (or shorter), and push ‘start’. The idea is to see if you can capture the essence of your reference in a short period of time. This forces you to move the brush quickly and concentrate on the main shapes. It doesn’t give you time to fuss with details. Try doing several of these in a row with a different reference each time. You may be suprised by how well they can turn out, and what a fun way this is to hone your painting skills.