4 Tips for Painting Everyday

Here I am in week 5 of my 30 day painting challenge and I've learned so much about the way I create. Painting everyday (or every other day) hasn't gotten any easier but I have fallen into a routine which helps me stress less and just get it done.  

Brainstorm - Sketch - Paint - Move On

Brainstorm - Although I'm following the 30 day list I created I still need to figure out how to make each painting my own.  Do I want to go abstract or realistic?  Should I use pastels or muted colors? Do I need reference photos or is this from my imagination?  I noticed in my previous art journals the same colors and ideas come up over and over because I wasn't painting from life.  Real life observations brings variety to your work.

#15 Abstract Purple flowers.

Sketch - I sketch with watercolor pencils.  They dissolve nicely under the acrylic paint and you can use a regular eraser as well.  If I'm doing a realistic painting I take my time sketching to get as accurate as I can.  I'm not reaching for perfection...it's not that kinda party.  I like when things are a bit off.

#16 Mason Jar and drinking glass.  I practiced on the right as I painted the left side.

Paint - This step takes long and longer each time.  It's good to stop painting and just let it sit for a few hours.  When I come back I can look at it with a new set of eyes.  If you don't like something change it.  For my umbrella painting, I painted over the background at least 3 times before I was happy.

#17 Umbrella of Hope.  Calm after the storm.

Move On - I learned in art school that a painting should have the whitest whites and the darkest darks (full range of values).  I don't always go by that rule but it does help me gauge where I'm at in the painting.  If I find myself painting highlights and/or shadows then it's about time to wrap it up.  Each painting is a bit different but the highlights are usually the last thing I paint.

#18 Mmmmmm...donuts!

I allow myself to feel like it's good enough so I can move on.

Hope this helps!  How do you keep your artwork fresh?  Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, and Creative Every Day.