In the beginning it really helps if that beginning is totally new for you. The stakes are low but the potential is high. It can be really exciting to begin something new. The way you start is a big reason why.
How do you start your work?
In gratitude, Nicholas
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Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
Great point!
I like that you revealed this again. I cannot hear it often enough. It is a way of expanding the mindset. I have an old painting I’ve been diddling around with (moving it from corner to corner while I decide what to do with it). Well of course! I’m going to put stripes on it. What a great start. It feels revolutionary for me…I’ve never done that. I am excited. Thank you.
You are so right about looking at white paper. So scary and doesn’t stimulate creativity.
So good to have this reinforced. I’m finally learning to just mess around on the white surface, give me something to respond to. I’m starting to dread the sterile white surfaces and am enjoying going after them with gusto. Thanks again, Nicholas.
Sure Marti–glad it helps…
Yes! What a great reminder. I don’t even have to know where I want to go with the painting as I start. How fun!
Agree you’ve GOT to keep excitement in your work and by taking huge plunges at the beginning it really helps obliterate that empty space and get creative juices flowing. I sometimes grab a random image and do loose gestural work inspired by it to start off. Sometimes that initial image will appear in some form at the end, other times it won’t but the spontaneity is always helpful for starting or re-visiting a work.
That is it…
This reminds me of some advice I got recently. My friend suggested starting in a manner opposite to what you would normally. In abstract, one typically goes in a variety of directions, so where you start will likely not have a negative impact on where you finish…BUT, getting started with energy is always a good thing!
Helps me!!!! Thank you. Do you use a sander to sand through layers, Nick? I use sandpaper but I’m considering an orbital
Sander
Gail
Sometimes but I hate the noise so I tend to resist doing it–but yes it really is quicker when you have a big area…
Think different! Always fun and exciting to get out of the usual way of starting. Makes me want to go start something right now!!
Love the idea of something different than starting with white. Great advice Nick!
This is great advice Nick, starting with something different as opposed to staring into the white abyss. Love it!
Perfect timing. I might have to wake up a few paintings this afternoon! Thank you!
Ha–That is great–time to wake those paintings up…
Filled with gratitude for your messages. They nudge me in the right direction. I have been thinking of a title for an exhibit and maybe it will be called Awakenings. Paintings that laid dormant for months, maybe years and because of your messages they will Awaken:)
That’s great advice Nick, something that I had not considered but will now definitely try !!
I have really been enjoying your videos! Thank you so much for sharing your approaches and ideas! They are inspiring and motivating. And I love how your ideas transfer to a way of living life as well.
Great tip and thank you for this video! I am heading to my studio now and I will have to try this method…