Small space + short time = strong thinking.
Start with thumbnail sketches to think through the problems. Build your confidence by practicing. Remember that ideas will flow from doing.
Pick a subject. Choose something to investigate. If your goal is pure abstraction, write down the words that suggest what you want to convey.
Choose your palette. Limits set you free. Work with a few colors. Three cool and/or three warm primaries plus white is enough.
Lay out a gird. Use a template; draw small squares or rectangles. A view catcher lets you quickly mark out identical 2” squares.
Gather essentials. Substrate. Brush for painting. Glue and a spreader for collage.
Turn off your phone. Shut the door. Turn on music or just savor the quiet.
Set your timer. A deadline motivates. Set your alarm for 5 minutes.
Make a study. find the main colors, shapes, values. Where are they in the frame?
Repeat. Just keep your hands moving. in 20 minutes, you’ll know your subject better, and ready to work longer and bigger.
6x6” acrylic - first try after thumbnail studies
Many thanks to Lisa Daria Kennedy and her class, Daily Painting: Embrace the Practice, at Concord Arts. She reminded me how powerful small steps can be.