PROJECT
PROJECT
How to
Paint
Positively If you’re struggling for confidence as your painting develops, HASHIM AKIB has some simple strategies to try – and an exercise at the end to put it into practice
P
ositive painting requires positive thinking – and this generally develops through confidence. If you’re a beginner, improvements often come if you simply draw or paint more. However, as you progress, it is natural to want to tackle more challenging subject matter, pursue your own style, or seek approval from others, all of which can test your fragile confidence levels. I want to begin by sharing some of the ways in which I have developed confidence and a more positive attitude to painting.
1. Stay productive Firstly, contrary to popular belief, you should feel happy about attempting to create any type of art. The idea of the suffering artist is a romantic one. Try to stay productive. Judgements over whether a painting is “good” or “bad” should be secondary to the habit of producing art, as you will learn far more through practical experience. That said, don’t shy away from criticism entirely. Public opinion may be a driving force in your work or you may choose to ignore it completely, but critique is important. Ultimately, art has little to do with definitive answers so remember that you have the final word on the art you produce. 56 Artists
& Illustrators
2. Be prepared Before you start, set out the brushes and paint you need. Turn your phone off, as unnecessary interruptions will disrupt your concentration. The early stages of a painting are when I’m most liberated with marks and colours so it is important to make quick in-roads into a painting. This provides a greater sense of accomplishment and drives the momentum forward.
3. Know your medium I use acrylics and when it comes to positive painting with them, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Acrylic is similar to watercolour in that the more you work the paint, the duller it becomes. The quick drying time makes fussing problematic, while adding too much white to the mix can make the colours look chalky. Knowing the limitations of your chosen medium is important. Try painting with a big brush on a slightly larger canvas or sheet of paper than usual. Both factors will instantly transform how you apply paint and the scope of the marks you use. I use large, fresh applications of acrylic and while they lack the lustre of oils, they can still make artworks look weighty and substantial. Looking back on my older paintings, I like to
see how my confidence blossomed in conjunction with the expression and qualities of paint I began to use.
4. Don’t rely on drawing An initial drawing can provide confidence as it provides a guide, but relying too heavily on it can lock you into a certain finish. Aim for a quick sketch to establish the forms and composition. Creating a mini deadline for each stage will provide a sense of urgency and streamline your thinking. The tendency is the more time you have, the more you dwell and fuss.
5. Make a strategy Creating a strategy in your mind can resolve issues later on. My three-step guide for every painting goes like this: First, I start with the largest brush and create a bit of chaos. Next, I turn to a mid-sized brush and start to indicate forms with a little definition. Finally, I reach for the smallest brushes and chisel out details, ending with the strongest lights and darks. You needn’t follow my lead. You might give yourself some guidelines about the scale, the colours used, or the time taken instead, for example. Whatever you choose, developing your own guide can provide more focus for each painting thereafter.
