March 12, 2023

How to move past the plateaus in your artmaking

When I start a painting, I feel free and go bold! It’s easier to cut loose in the beginning, and it gets the painting going faster. I know this is a big step for some and it can take time, but beginning bold triggers impressive possibilities. But here’s the thing: you can go too far.

Here’s what I mean…

The work plateaus, because you can only have so much boldness. Once you hit this stage, the real work starts. It’s time to bring in nuance and subtlety. Subtlety in combination with boldness is tricky to achieve but being mindful of this balance takes your work to the next level and right out of that plateau.

Do you think of the balance of boldness and subtlety this way? Let me know in the comments!

This week’s podcast is about igniting your art and life. I focus on identifying the feelings you want in your art before you start to make it. It’s an effective reverse-engineering approach to creativity. I hope you’ll join me this Wednesday for our next episode. Click here to subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast and catch up on past episodes, too!

Hope you’re having a great Sunday!

Nick

PS: Have you downloaded our Free Color Tips PDF yet? Click here to see the 5 key Color Principles I use in my own art. I hope you find them helpful.

Nicholas Wilton

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.

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