If you are an experienced artist, you know that paintings have a life cycle just like humans. The similarities are unbelievable. I’m in that process with my newspaper box right now. If you are new to painting (or any art form) this will be helpful, almost KEY info… and perhaps these photos will help you understand.
Infant: This is one of the best times, at least in terms of how you feel as an artist. It’s exciting and scary at the same time. You are ready to start, prepping your supplies, laying out the plan. You have a firm vision in your mind, a sense of a starting point, and an empty, clean slate in front of you.
Picking out my newspaper box.
Toddler: The early stage of a painting can be a roller coaster ride for the artist. Most things are going well as you lay out the foundation for the painting, such as the sky for a landscape painting. But as you start to take risks, adding the bulk of your subject matter, you might feel like the painting is fighting back with you. If the painting looks “finished” at this point, well, look out. That’s like when a kid is a breeze through the “terrible twos” and then you get slammed with the “tantrum threes.” If you aren’t struggling some at this point, then brace yourself because it’s probably coming. It’s nice to know that this is normal!
Getting the base color on.
Adolescence: This is the most awkward and uncomfortable stage. The painting has the majority of its “content” but you have not yet added the details and brushstrokes that will pull it all together. It’s very normal to feel that you went too far in one direction or another and that there’s nothing that is going to save this beast. Many a painting has been abandoned at this stage, but don’t give up! Channel all the patience you can and weather the storm. This is a time for either small tweaks or a big, bold move. Yes, that’s contradictory, but that’s what adolescence is all about.
I hesitate to even show these photos!
I’m starting to feel that I need to repaint the blue background and cover it all up.
Hm…I did not intend to make the dolphins so big!
Adulthood: Whew, you and your painting made it! There are plenty of details that need to be added, but it’s evident that your ugly duckling IS becoming a swan. This is the stage for the small adjustments, details and corrections to improve the overall balance and design in the painting. It feels like you are on the homestretch…because you are!
(No photos to show yet. I’m still wrangling a teenager!)
I’ll be sure to let you know how we make it to adulthood! Hopefully this analogy helps as you take artistic and creative risks.
Tell me, what are you working on right now and what phase are you in?
