Painting and Sex Part 2 Foreplay: Secrets of A Modern Painter

Some painters like to start their session with a perfectly clean palette, then mix all their colors before laying brush to canvas. They come at their art with their color wheel in hand as if it's a foregone conclusion how the harmonies will align.

They are afraid of getting a little of one hue into another, afraid of making their painting a little 'dirty.'

Some artists approach their work with a plan; they've taken the time to consider the upcoming piece enough to even draw up a few thumbnails, or a more complete sketch. And still, there are those artists that come to a new painting having already made a complete- albeit smaller version - of the artwork.

As with a partner, the way you approach your painting can have just as much, or more significance, than the act itself.

If you're going to climb a mountain or build a house, a plan is absolutely necessary; but how you plan for the creation of a work of art has more to do with being open and in the flow of time.

Are you just going to go through the motions, copying some idea you have had before of how it is supposed to be? Or are you going to give yourself to the moment and allow the freedom of creation to overcome you?

Strive to be in touch with who you are

and paint that way.