December 23

Over the years I have collected many art practice tips. When I feel tight and off track I use this list to loosen up my painting. 

• Simplify.
• Enjoy the process, have fun and experiment.
• AMS - Avoid Masterpiece Syndrome. Don't pressure yourself into thinking every painting has to be a homerun. If you aren't happy with the end result you can always get more paper or paint over a canvas.
• Try working larger and aim to fill the entire space. 
• Use larger tools like bigger brushes and large pieces of charcoal or pastel.
• Use the whole tool not just the tips.
• ​Avoid drawing shapes and filling or coloring in.
• ​Try to put the color down in one stroke.
• Try a rougher surface. The rougher the surface the harder it is to put in details.
• Stop painting when you start to repaint areas.
• Forget the details and compose with large shapes.
• ​Accept what the painting gives you, embrace happy accidents and go with the flow. 

I hope you will give these ideas a try and add them to your own collection art practice tips. 

The Hippies- Pastel