Is this why You Cannot LOOSEN UP Your Painting? (Plus Demo)
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Can you relate? You start off the painting loose and end up painting tight by the end. You try BIG brushes, but cannot resist the little ones and ruin a great start. These are two typical problems artists face. What is the need for perfectionism all about? How does the mental approach to painting influence your decisions? We take a closer look at the root problem. Then a demo painting exercise you can try today.
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I struggle with the same thing. I don't believe it's about what others will think. I believe it's about control. The artist cannot let go of a simple stroke defining a shape. One wants to pour more and more detail into it. Pulling from ones knowledge of light, color and shadow. Knowing when to stop and the ability to capture the essence of something with a couple of strokes is key and a real talent. Steve Jobs has said "It's easy to make something complicated, it's much harder to make something simple".
Truth!
💯
I agree, it’s not about what others think. It’s just about changing old habits.
Fear of rejection/failure is truly the foremost reason for not being able to let go. Really helps Malcolm. Thank you.
Thank you, it's a pleasure
Amen. That struck a chord DEEP. fortunately I have some family members that prefer loose realism. It's just not who I've been, since childhood I've been sketching in great detail, and LOVE IT!...but I'm more afraid that I won't be satisfied with looseness, or that it won't feel natural, or even, "impressive" lol very good episode friend!
@@DCweldingAndArt Its more important to love your creating process - pursue that and you will be happy. Experiment with paint too without any pressure and use it relax. A variety of mediums is important.
@@MalcolmDewey thankyou, this was the first loose technique vid that resonated with me. Lol I also tig weld and make metal art/sculpture, which is also very detailed. But this vid made loose seem possible and fun lol might have to try it this week on a little panel or canvas pad. Thanks again! We'll done!
It’s amazing how I watch these videos and try without major successes but the more I practice the better the light bulb moment , it’s a journey that will take time but the more I practice the more often the light bulb moments come along , I’m enjoying the practise and can only thank Malcolm for the opportunity
Happy to help, thank you
I love this style. I have lost my fear of perfection. Some folks don't get my paintings but I feel that after years of painting, I am where I want to be now.
Thanks for the validation.
Excellent, thanks Jimmy
A lot of people feel good art is like a photograph. I have a cousin who keeps posting these super extra realistic pictures on Facebook and I wish she would stop polluting my space with them. I think I am fortunate that my love of art started with the impressionists.
Yes, art tastes change over time as well. Some come around to Impressionist or more expressive painting as their tastes evolve.
Thank you! For me it helps to forget the details: I’ll put my glasses off, when looking to a reference photo! 😂
Its a good tip 😄
This was obviously made for me! I'm a tiny brush painter, and I will admit I LOVE the process of creating a realistic image. However, I have yearned to "loosen up" but my efforts have been a disaster. This video is SO helpful-it inspires me to make another attempt. The fact that you are doing a small painting eliminates the fear factor for me (I tend to paint large paintings), and your demonstration is absolutely perfect. Thanks so much.
That is great hear, have fun trying this out.
Malcom, this tutorial is exactly what I’m looking for. I didn’t get it when artist says paint loosely. I’m an amateur artist. I always paint in full details. When I aimed to paint loosely I fail into the old habits. Thanks also to the person asking that question. But most of all, a big thank you for explaining and answering that question in a demonstration. I will definitely put your advice into practice 🙏❤
Wonderful, enjoy it!
That is one of my problems. We have to learn when to STOP.
Thank you, you really made sense of the mental aspect of having fear .
I’m ready to enjoy the process and the progress .
Thank you
@@MalcolmDewey I just signed up for your course !
@@petraschultz7292 Excellent, enjoy it
I'm a new 'painter' and most of my friends are artists, in galleries, etc. Now, the difference between me and them is simply this. To me..it doesn't matter. I don't know what's good bad or ugly.I buy huge canvases and just play with paint! I love my work for the most part because I'm PLAYING with colors, playing playing playing and not caring one hoot if someone else likes it or not. Do it for the love of it not what anyone else thinks. And NO, someone's opinion doesn't matter, I don't even listen because I don't care. I have a ton of confidence simply because it doesn't matter what anyone thinks,
I don't know what I'm doing, but I love what I'm doing.
It goes on the wall if I like it..that's that. Get ego out of your artwork and do it for the joy. Remember color is 'food' so fill yourself with it and have a blast.
Thankyou 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋
That's a great idea if only you can afford huge canvases and loads of paint! Fear of using up (or in other peoples' eyes 'wasting' expensive materials) is another thing that keeps people tentative and tight. The 6" ones, maybe not so much!
That is a super-power Heidi!
Omg! Heidi! That is my attitude as well. Art is very new to me as well. I am untrained and never studied art. I just do what I love and just have fun interpreting life around me. My artists friends are amazed and speechless at how joyful my work is and responses from the public are amazing. I have explored all mediums and I hope that my joy never goes away! Keep painting Heidi!
Malcom, ….perfect and clear explanation about my fear, criticism and pleasing others. Since my wife is the first one to see what I paint, and being such an “art critic”, she will make statements such as: “I don’t like it or I love it”
I asked her to listen to the first part of your explanation on the hope that she will say: “I now understand and will stop my criticism “
Instead she said…:” I am not going to lie”
There…!!!! Another lesson about who I should listen to, thank you, thank you !!!!!!
Don’t show her your work!
My world 💯
@susan Hathaway these are wise words 😆
100% this is right on the mark . Its also the first time i have ever heard another Artist say it .
Thank you!
You expressed perfectly what happens when I paint! Thought it only happened to me, it was so reassuring to hear it’s a common battle! I feel the tightness and yes, the fear! In my case, it’s me who is the harshest self-critic! When I saw your tiny canvas and your big brush I was horrified 😳😂. However this exercise is one I will definitely do, just what my brain needs! You are very insightful, you’ve made me realise that I bring a lot of baggage to my painting. You made me realise why painting is such a valuable therapy for people who have undergone trauma. Many thanks and keep up the brilliant work. 🎨🧹🎨👏👏👏
Thank you Deirdre - yes it is therapy in many ways. Worth every minute!
Ditto! 😁
Having been a full time artist of various disciplines for decades, this looseness off stroke is something that has never come easy for me. This video is truly inspiring.
40 plus years ago, I'm in an independent study art class. I had begun a painting and had only begun to lay down colors, tree trunks, no leaves. My art teacher walked by and said, "Your done!"
I was confused. She gave ne an A on it. Based on your comments, I could see people questioning the piece as I and done. Now I finally see what she meant.
Meanwhile, she's putting out photo realistic oil pastels, what I felt an artist should aim for.
I like this technique. Enjoy your instruction. I'm a fan. 😊
Ha, yes it can be confusing - when is a painting done?
My problem with painting loose is I love painting tight/realism, but I love how good loose paintings look as well. I need to do these exercises to learn how to do it. Good tutorial, thank you ..
Go for it! A little fun with different styles gives balance to life.
Best lesson on this subject I've seen. I tell myself I'm going to paint a still life loosely then it ends up looking like a photograph of the still life. ARRGGG!
I will be doing these types of sketches now, exclusively, until I am confident that it is engrained in my mind and I can finally loosen up. Thanks for the great explanation and great example.
Excellent. It's the only way and a lot of fun too.
Best painting teacher ever. Love your Udemy course too! 🙏
Thanks so much 😊
You are exactly right about the reason for not staying loose....it is a fear of rejection and I never realized it until you put it in such good words! That's it exactly! I love this exercise and will definitely start trying it out! Thank you!!
Excellent 😊
I believe you hit the nail on the head with this reason. Fear of rejection is huge. Confidence is also huge. I have made some really good art that not many have viewed as good and other paintings that were so so and received amazing reviews. Thanks 😊
Well said! You cannot please everyone so try and please yourself instead 😉
@@MalcolmDewey art is in the eye of the beholder! Well said Malcolm!
Painting is a hobby for me, i am moving from acrylics to oils, your video help me a lot. thanks.
My pleasure 😊
You can get too precious about the work you create and that's the heart of the problem.
Thank you for your kind approach to this topic. I confess I badly needed that "talking to"! I'm going to be doing one a week to begin with.
You got this!
Thank you for talking about the friends and family critiquing thing. That has stopped me from getting back to painting. It paralyzes me. I'm going to paint and not show them what I do for a while.
Yes, break that negative cycle. Also nip things in the bud by asking that family not critique unless requested.
Very helpful!! Thank you.. and the end result is beautiful!!
So glad!
Love every idea you put in this video. Thanks a lot.
It's a pleasure
When I was a teenager I always painted loose. Then my mother decided painting was too messy and so I began drawing detailed ink drawings. That got me tight and ever since I've had trouble painting loose. I also mostly admire paintings with strong drawing underneath. I like loose ones too, but I do exaclty like you said. Fall back inot habits.
Try ink and wash for fun. A loose watercolor wash over your ink drawing could unblock your more carefree self 😊
Super helpful and quick. Thank you so much!
You're welcome!
Great job. This is needed for instruction. Good message, tips. Appreciate it. 🎉
Glad it was helpful!
This was very helpful! Can’t wait to try this as practice!
So glad!
Great demo. Just right to give me confidence. Really like your teaching style. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, great idea, small canvas, big brush.
💯 thank you
Please do more of these demos without the initial sketching! The sketching process is anxiety-inducing for me. For me, it's less stressful to just start putting paint on the canvas with a general idea of where everything should be. I have the same problem as others, not using a large brush & enough paint, & getting bogged down in the details. I've watched many loose-painting videos & yours are the best, by far! Thank you!
"Good to hear - I do prefer to get into the big shapes quickly too.
Great advice to try this once a week so that I can stay with this method. I also found your example very helpful!
Excellent!
Excellent teaching, thank you so much
Thank you, it's a pleasure
I am in love with this technique thank you
Excellent!
Thank you I really enjoyed this, plus the fact that you didn't paint florals as most people demonstrating do.
This is exactly my problem! I start by following the process, then I fall back into the details. I need to practice these small paintings and learn when to stop. Thanks for the reminder. Tomorrow I will try again.
Perfect! thank you
Yes I am a detail freak and it does my head in.
Same here and it really annoys me, the more detail try and put in the worse it looks too .
Yes, I have seen artists in tears over this. Follow the fun - its only painting 😎
Superb practical and motivational video! Thanks.
Thank you very much Jay
I really appreciate what you share with us thank you very very much 🙏
Always welcome
Many thanks for this encouraging video.
It's a pleasure!
Wow...now I understand
I really liked youopening comments. They resonated spot on for me.
Thank you Malcolm. You just answered my question. I don't care about other people opinions, not afraid of rejection or anything. I just did not know how to do it. Until now. So thank you, Malcolm.
Thank you very much
Look at that! I’m such a detail artist and what you are saying is me. I want to be looser in my painting and I want to try this! Thank you!
You can do it!
Excellent exercise, thank you
It's a pleasure, thank you
Malcolm, thanks very much. I am feeling that I am not alone now. Thanks
Excellent, thank you Joseph
you have answered so many of my questions in all your videos. thank you. Im a novice artist and oil paints are a complete mystery to me. im hoping to learn the secrets.
You are so welcome!
You nailed it on the head Malcolm. Brilliant insight.
Thank you very much!
Great. I tiki lots of photos of our community in lockdown whilst on my daily exercise walk. I’m going off now to try to do an impressionistic response. Thanks
I absolutely loved it!
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
Your videos - which I discovered recently - are more than a concentrate of very good pieces of advice: they are therapeutic! Thanks
Good to hear that, thank you
Excellent and very useful paintings
Thank you!
I really needed this lesson today! Fear of failure or disappointing others is what keeps me from being willing to experiment. I will try to do this once a week like you suggested! Thank you
Wonderful!
Yes. Yes. Fear of failure. I know that one.
This makes me happy. I am goining to give it a try 🤩
Enjoy!
Malcolm, your voice has a calming effect that would help dissipate tension. Good job..
😊 late night DJ?
@@MalcolmDewey From Sydney Aus. It is 4 50PM Sun.
😄
Wow not only did this help with getting loose but also getting back into painting again. Thank u you so much!
That's great to hear!
I loved this. Will do the excercise!
Enjoy!
Really good lesson, thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thank you, that's very helpful. I have no fear of reactions (i live alone with no important visitors) but it's my own thought of perfection what makes it difficult (and offcourse not enough practise and i do miss that masterpiece switch
You're so welcome! Sounds like you got the green light to go ... 🚀
I tried this technique today, really like what I was able to do, thanks!
Great to hear!
What a GREAT idea! I have been trying so hard to loosen up and often start that way but never stay that way. I can't wait to try this.
Glad it was helpful!
I found this really helpful. I’ll be honest, It freaked me out but I know it’s the way I need to go to help loosen up 😱
It is exhausting at first. Gets easier with time.
Thank you! You have explained in this brief video exactly what I needed. Fabulous.
Thank you Hazel
Thank you so much for the demo. This has been very helpful. I think this habit of working with a big brush has to be consciously cultivated. It is very tempting to pick up a smaller brush and put in the details. That definitely takes away the freshness.
Glad it was helpful!
Love this exercise Malcolm!! Thank you!!
You're so welcome!
Very inspiring! Thanks a lot ❤
Most welcome 😊
wonderful demo. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights on loosening up to paint! :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sticking with us on this topic, and continuing with helpful tips. Now, off to practice!
Excellent
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this demo. Thank you!
I would also want to give it a go! Just take some courage to be wrong. I think I need to let go of right and wrong in order to do this.
Yes, go for it purely as an exercise. Have fun.
Great advice. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you
This really helps! Thank you
Glad it helped!
Thank you so much for all your usefull informations.
You are welcome!
It's a great video! Thank you, Malcolm, for sharing your wisdom on this very important topic of the fear to be rejected(I have done it so many times, instead of stopping early, overworking the piece to be more appreciated) and lack of confidence! It really helps! It is really important to understand that there will be people that will connect with your art and there will be people that will think your pieces are unfinished. But you cannot lie to yourself, trying to please everyone. Thank you! Great exercise!❤
Well said - you cannot please everyone 💯
I love this. I want to get away from the more realistic paintings I have been doing as I love the Impressionistic style.
Thank you Dorry, enjoy it!
Brilliant video and lesson 💜
Thank you 😊
@@MalcolmDewey I wanted to add - it’s a mini piece but everything important is there - I think it is good to have the courage and just lay down the paint and not to fiddle. 😀💜 looks great - I am imagining it framed and on the wall 😊
Very nice, the best demonstration of loose brush work, something I can actually try. So often these videos are just too complicated to begin with.
Thank you 💯
Thank you.
Though I paint in acrylic, I love your tutorials. This is where I learned the basics and foundations. Thanks a lot!
Happy to hear that, thank you.
Good exercise. ❤
Yes, thank you
You hit it! I'd like to have you as my therapist :D ! Thank you, Malcolm.
😄 Painting is therapy too!
Thank you for this lesson. I have painted most of my life (80 yrs) in purist watercolour ), just a quirk of mine! with a fair degree of success. I can't stand contaminating the pure washes with mixed media. I have recently moved across to oils and I'm having difficulty in unlearning some techniques (leaving whites to come through and having to get washes right first time at the stage where I want to add strong colour which brings a painting to life). Your idea of fear is right too. I expect my oils to be as competent as my watercolours which I have developed over decades. I KNOW when I've done a successful watercolour and can STOP! I keep wanting to refine the oils because I'm not sure what I can add to the painting. My way around this is to leave the painting and look at it after a while.. then some things jump out at me.
This lesson will free me up considerably I think. Thank you again.
Best regards
Tom
Thank you. I agree that the best oil paintings are finished long before we decide to stop. If you know what I mean.
I have been trying to painting loose, however when you have a habit of painting realistic is hard work.Thank you for your help Malcoln, I really needed this class!
My pleasure 😊
Watching old videos. Cool teacher. Thanks.
This exercise is what I need. I've always like to put details, and it doesn't turn out for the better. I guess it's just that I thought less details seem missing. Big shapes are good that they can convey enough of the image. The exercise is really helpful. Thanks!
You're so welcome!
That was an awesome lesson, there's so much to learn to get rid of the FEAR, Thank you.
It's a pleasure
Great reminder that this is a journey.
Excellent advice from this gentleman, also see Bob burridge, big brushes.
Thank you!
I'm blown away by this video for some reason. Looking forward to the experiment, which looks like absolute fun...maybe break in my new oils...(yes, they're still waiting there...talking about fear). Funny how your words sound to me like a powerful life lesson. Thank you Malcolm, this is a real gem, for so many reasons.
Thanks Marina - it is a fairly extreme lesson and does not mean one has to paint so abstractly. But it is certainly a fun warm-up 😁
I don't agree wd the painting but I agree wd you. Always wanted to learn loose strockes ,your tutorial is very inspiring.thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.
I do find painting loose difficult I think in school we were taught to reproduce what we were looking at or it was no good. So your talk resonated with me. I also keep an eye on how much paint I’m using which I can see is unhelpful. Your demo is very helpful and I am more comfortable with using big brushes now but do still love the little ones and draw in pencil so I’m on a learning curve and am allowing myself to experiment more.
So true! We were taught drawing and that is good, but in the end, you must do what makes you excited and fulfilled.
I too try to conserve paint as I know how expensive it can be and I get annoyed if I have wasted any and have paint left over on my pallette when I'm finished but I watched another ytube channel and the guy said look you've chosen an expensive hobby so you might as well get over it and just use whatever you need to to do a good job , it helped , I can afford it but I just hate waste that's all , the other day I had quite a lot of paint left over and a canvas that I couldn't use because even though it was new it had a small hole in it so I whacked the paint on the canvas any old how but it started to look really good, it took me about 15 minutes just with up and down strokes ,it filled in the small hole and I've called it trees in the distance and I really like it , happy accident ,Bob Ross would be proud 😃
@@alisonmike2912 thanks for your response it is helpful and I too have found a way to use up the paint I haven’t used so that helps too.
I loved this video. Thick and juicy paint! Many thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is very helpful , I will certainly try to make one once a week. Thank you, Malcolm!
Excellent
Very helpful, Thank you,
You're welcome!
Thanks for the inspiration.
You are so welcome!
@@MalcolmDewey Hang in there with the load shedding in your country. The USA cities getting worse so I want to move to places my paintings depict=rural.
@@joannbaumann4028 yes cities are not good on so many levels.
I LOVED having only one brush to clean! That aside, it was a great exercise. I didn't like most of my finished painting except for one area and that really sang. So I will hold on to that and hope that, in time, I will have a harmonizing chorus in my painting. Thanks again.
Wonderful! Progress is good.