Balancing act: How discernment enhances intuitive painting
A glimpse into my painting assessment process
I think there’s a common misconception about intuitive painting. Many assume it’s just about artists splashing paint everywhere until it feels done (though that can be fun too!). I view it more as a dance, with intuition and discernment alternating in the lead.
The intuition-discernment tango
Imagine a graceful tango where two skilled dancers move in perfect sync. Sometimes intuition leads, guiding the brush with spontaneous strokes and unexpected color choices. Other times, discernment takes control, analyzing the composition and making calculated decisions. This interplay creates a beautiful harmony, each element taking turns to guide our steps through the painting process.
For art collectors, understanding this dynamic can deepen your appreciation for the works you acquire. Each piece isn’t just a product of fleeting inspiration, but a carefully orchestrated creation that balances spontaneity with thoughtful consideration.
A glimpse into my painting assessment practice
Last fall, I expanded my art journal practice to include a reflective assessment at the beginning of each painting session. This more thoughtful approach, which only takes 5-10 minutes, has significantly improved the progress of my paintings. It also provides a valuable record of my artistic development that I can look back on.
Here’s a glimpse into my process:
1. Photograph the painting at the end of each session
2. Print photos from the previous session using an HP Sprocket mini printer
3. Stick the photo in my art journal and date the entry
4. Assess the painting, noting what I like and areas needing improvement
5. Plan the next steps and pose open-ended questions for areas I’m unsure about
Embracing the power of open-ended questions
Sometimes, I encounter areas in a painting that feel lacking, yet solutions don’t immediately come to mind. In these moments, I turn to a powerful tool: the open-ended question. I simply write in my journal, “What would make this area of the painting come alive?” This question, brimming with anticipation and possibility, sets the stage for creative problem-solving.
Our brains function much like search engines. By posing this question, I’m inviting my mind to sift through its repository of knowledge and experience, seeking innovative solutions. Simultaneously, I’m opening myself to the Universe, acknowledging that inspiration often transcends our conscious understanding.
Years of working this way have instilled in me an unwavering faith that answers will emerge, whether through personal insight or external inspiration. This approach was instrumental in the creation of “Where Wisdom Flows,” a painting that began with nothing more than a desire to portray a bear’s face up close.
As I painted the bear’s face and upper body, I relied on this process to guide me through the rest of the composition. The magical elements that now define the piece - the facial waterfall, soaring birds, surrounding woods, delicate ferns, and ethereal lunar moths - all emerged from this delicate dance between discernment and intuition.
This method exemplifies how embracing uncertainty and asking the right questions can lead to unexpected and beautiful artistic discoveries. It’s a testament to the power of combining structured reflection with openness to intuitive inspiration.
Embracing the dance
In conclusion, intuitive painting isn’t about abandoning structure or thought. It’s about finding a balance between spontaneity and reflection, between intuition and discernment. As an artist, I invite you to join me in this dance. And for those who collect and appreciate art, I hope this insight enriches your experience with each piece you encounter.
Resources:
HP Sprocket: https://rb.gy/mgd9y1
HP Sprocket Sticky Back Photo Paper: https://rb.gy/lw52f2