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How does an artist really make a piece of art? What goes through his or her mind? What kind of preparation is required? These are questions that I am asked, as people wonder how a piece of art is actually created.
The creative process varies in great measure from artist to artist – I guess that’s why there are millions of artists around the world doing their own thing. All in their own way. That’s what makes art exciting – you have a chance to create something different any time you begin!
I can only give you some insights into how I create my art. I work in watermedia. This means anything that is water-based (versus oil-based mediums). For me that includes watercolors, acrylics, gouache and sometimes collage. These mediums are luminous, versatile and easy to set up and clean up.
I work in many different ways – from pouring the paint on in a very free-flowing manner, to drybrush techniques that are very detailed. I try to begin each painting with a solid plan, or “intent” for that painting. It works best for me to have some idea where I am going with each piece, although that might vary from painting to painting. This is especially useful in watercolor. In this medium you don’t get many chances to correct mistakes, so a good bit of planning can really help bring about a successful painting.
If you want to see how I paint a very free-flowing watercolor painting, stop by my teaching site www.learnwatercolors.com. I have some great resources there about painting in watercolor using a pouring method I’ve developed over the years.
In my acrylic and mixed medium paintings I am more apt to let things happen as they may and adjust them later. Since acrylic is a more opaque medium it is easy to come back and add paint to change an area, or even go down a different path. With this medium I have fun and try to be more daring with my subject and the entire painting process.
Having two somewhat different ways to paint allows me to free up my creativity into arenas that I might not otherwise get into. This helps my paintings stay fresh and keeps me out of a painting rut – an area every artist tries to avoid. I am always looking to open up new avenues in my painting adventure. That’s what keeps me coming back to paint every day.
Hi Steve – I am enjoying your website. I came across an article in International Artist Magazine oct/nov 2002 that I have kept all these years and was reviewing again your article. I also attended a workshop in Lima, OH several years ago.
I enjoy very much your method of painting and in particular the finished product. I do pouring occasionally, and also teach it to my students. I teach homeschool children ages 9-17 and also some adults. I appreciate very much your witness through your art. My prayer is always that my art will bring glory to God ! What a wonderful gift God has given to you.
Sincerely,
Joan Crawford Barnes