How do I start a painting?

How do I start a painting?  I’m asked that often.  I used to be scared of a big blank canvas.  The bigger and more expensive, the scarier it was.  I was afraid I’d mess it up.   Having been a digital collage illustrator earlier in my career, when I started to paint again I quickly learned there is no undo button!  But I also didn’t want to start with a sketch…

So how do I start a painting?  I make marks.  Then the canvas is not pristine anymore.  I begin gluing collage and adding areas of paint trying to build up some movement and texture. I don’t think about the end result. All of this freedom leads me in new directions.  Whether these elements can be seen at the end or not, they are ALL part of the painting and add depth and history to a piece of living breathing art.  This is something that sets original art apart from a print.

Once I get the canvas activated I start to think about what areas I like and consider colors more carefully.  I often turn the canvas to gain a fresh perspective of the composition. But I’m still “playing” quite a lot and building more layers. At some point something sparks.  This might happen one hour in, one week in, or it may never happen and I sand down the piece and start again!  The trick is recognizing that moment where I need to slow down and shift from more intuitive painting to really considering the elements of design. There are times I go past that and it becomes a “lost painting.”  While it’s sad, it’s also often a sign I need a studio break.  

Starting is actually the easiest part of my process now.  Listening to the painting, refining the colors and composition, and most importantly knowing WHEN to stop, or at least when to let it rest… THAT is what takes skill, practice and a deeper understanding of your own art.  If you’d like to see how this large 36x48 inch painting turns out in the end, sign up for my email newsletter for the first look!