The Tyranny of
Perfection July
2013
Perfectionists
know exactly what they are going to paint and how they are going to paint
it. They tend to see the finished
painting before they start.
Perfectionists need to feel in control at all times. Obsessed by details and visual accuracy, they
have mastered techniques. Perfectionists
speak with authority and love to analyze using their unshakable logic. Listening to them can be both impressive and
intimidating. Indeed their skills get
often rewarded by praise.
I too am a great
believer of techniques and skills. As I
said in previous blogs an artist painter needs to practice the art of drawing
with accuracy; for this is the foundation of many art forms, even if your voice
takes you on the path of abstraction.
Yet, unless you
want to be a tight painter governed by logic and reason which is a choice, you
may want to practice the art of letting go and taking risks. You may not get the results you wish right
away, but in the long run you will paint with greater passion.
The following
suggestions are easy steps to encourage you to loosen up and paint with greater
freedom:
-
Come organized.
By all means, be a perfectionist with regard to your supplies and
materials. It will save you time and
frustration.
-
Have your personal ritualistic routine when
setting up. It is calming.
-
Play music that inspires you or that energizes
you. Awaken your senses!
-
Don’t outline your composition on the canvas. It will confine you. If you feel the need for an outline do so in
your sketch book.
-
Do a practice warm up painting on a small canvas
before you start your actual painting.
-
Tone your canvas. A big white and blank canvas is intimidating.
-
Once you started take regular breaks.
-
Don’t allow others to make unsolicited comments.
-
Don’t be discouraged when the process is not
going your way; tell yourself it is only paint, mistakes can be corrected.
-
Welcome surprises and experiment.
Remember
perfectionism is an obstacle to the creative process of discovery and
interpretation.
“Why should an
artist persist in treating subjects that can be established so clearly with the
lens of a camera?” Pablo Picasso,
1881-1973.
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