When finishing a painting, I find that small, simple adjustments are all that’s needed. This was the case with a painting I’ve been working on lately – it was almost done, but something about the composition irked me. Then I made a simple change and suddenly everything came together.
Click on the image to watch the video and see what I did.
In gratitude, Nicholas
28 Comments
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.
Thanks Nick! This is very helpful!!!
Great Danyelle!
Oh my, that’s what’s wrong with a painting I’m working on now! Can’t wait to get rid of the bully! Thanks!!
Perfect–super cool when these random videos help with a specific painting…
So great to see this example in real time! Thanks as always!
Hey Janet, nice to see you here!
Removing the blue made a remarkable difference. Thanks for your illustration of the bully in the room!
You bet
Scale and color are so important to understand and to work with. I love that you share your thoughts and discoveries concerning your painting! Thank you so much!
Thanks again…I think I have a bully issue with one of my recent paintings. Maybe I’ll submit it for one of the Art2Life discussions
Do … then we can dive into it a bit more…
Thank you. Very timely. Starting to work on a large canvas and this is great insight.
Great insight as always!
nice demonstration. (lots of words, Nice demonstration). Thanks.
Better to show than talk for sure…it is tricky lol!
Nick, Thanks so much for this. I have been struggling with the loud conversation and I think it is because I was doing exactly what you were explaining. The biggest shape, the most unusual shape, the darkest color, etc. etc. Wiping off that blue was huge. You can really see the difference. As always, I will go back and look at my work in progress and try to apply the Art2Life principle of the day. Yea!!
Great Debby…
Really like this idea about values and scale. Makes so much sense. Thanks Nick, as always….
Oops. “Piling on the differences!” So funny. Well, sorry to say, I’m guilty of that! Thanks for pointing this out in such a visual way. Love this video clip, Nick.Thanks.
Had to wait for the hurricane to resolve before I could enjoy your bully painting. Terrific demo and great lesson on balance, sensivity and colour. These are wonderful videos to watch. Thanks.
Thankyou for your video …. however I was abit confused when you took the blue paint away … I thought all paintings should have a Golden section/ focal point ? I had thought maybe the blue shape was it?
Thank you, Nick. Just what I needed!
Your concrete descriptions are really helpful, thanks!
Thank you Nicholas. I was so interested to watch your video about the bully in the room. As soon as I watched it I knew what was wrong with the seascape I am currently working on. The black rocks were definately the bully in the room. I wiped off the black (it’s a pastel work) and made the rocks grey. I felt so happy as it had made me feel that my picture was destined for success instead of failure. I just wanted you to know how helpful and practical your advice is and so very simple once you point it out.
Yours gratefully Jeanie
This makes a lot of sense thank you x
Great info Nicholas. One observation I did notice in your painting was those two gray shapes on the right of similar size, are also leading the eye out of the painting. Maybe turning one in could stop this? Just an idea. Thanks again.
I am amazed in the difference to the painting when the blue was removed! Really effective demonstration.
I love you Nicholas Wilton! Your
comments are invaluable to me Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit. Chris Averill-Green