Being the sponge for new ideas and information that I am, my curiosity was piqued during a recent podcast episode of Artists Helping Artists where co-host Carol Marine was discussing her new book “Daily Painting – Paint Small and Often to Become a More Creative, Productive and Successful Artist.“
Although the focus of the episode was more about writing and developing an art book per se, I was suitably intrigued by the sound of the book itself that I ordered a copy that very day.
The general premise of the book is that by painting small and often, you have the freedom to experiment more as each day is a completely new project. If an idea doesn’t work out, you have only invested a small amount of time and materials into it and you can have another go at it tomorrow, or in a months time if need be. I know that one of the things that holds me back is that fear of wasting materials and time on a large piece that may not live up to the image I have in my head, so this method certainly appealed.
By being free to experiment in this way, coupled with the increased regularity, your skills (and confidence) are more likely to improve at a much faster rate which means those larger pieces don’t hold the same level of uncertainty and fear as they once did.
There is also a chapter on artists block describing the many struggles other artists have had in the past and how they were able to work through them. Comforting to know that everyone seems to have the same self doubts from time to time, no matter where they are in their art career.
This great little book has inspired me start the new year off with the goal to work smaller and more often to give myself the freedom to experiment and grow.
