Graeme Smith

5b Graeme Smith

Photographs are a basis for learning about realism. Any photograph is of something. Continue with the subject matter you want to paint really well. Then you are continuing down the correct path (for you). Your focus is always on buildings or whatever you fancy. Like the Californian artist don't select any building focus on one (shed). Then even from the start you can become a specialist. You will also focus on something you are interested in. This will help maintain the necessary motivation while you learn. You get to understand buildings. Over time you will develop the individual paining skills needed. You will also know how to paint your subject your way. Move from a general focus to a narrower one. Say instead of houses you focus on old houses, or churches. You'll note the similarities and also the differences. Because they are all houses you will learn much quicker. Eventually you can focus on another subject. You'll note the similarities and also the differences there too. Because they are related to your original theme you will learn much quicker. From one type of building to another similar one is an example. People who do things well also do them faster than those who don't. That applies to painting just as much as anything else. It's one of the indicators of skill. By now you should notice repetition helps your skill development. Skill in art, sport or even medicine is basically the same phenomenon. It's practiced behaviour in action. Most artists don't do anywhere near enough to develop real skill. Work on several experiments at the same time increases productivity. For you reduce wasted time. If you run into a dead-end with one painting move to another for a fresh start. When the initial painting is returned to, there will be a different attitude. Otherwise set it aside again. Usually you'll find most works will finish fresh and roughly about the same time. Working on a number of paintings at the same time also saves materials. A particular colour can be applied to the experiment for which it was intended. BUT there are bound to be others where that same colour will be appropriate. When you buy paint, buy in quantity, but only use as needed. Avoid major works. They take time (years), usually done slowly and are often large and complex. You'll tend to labour over them as you try to do your best. Instead occasionally do a slightly larger experiment. Focus on learning what you can. Action with materials = technique. Practiced techniques = skill. Habitual technique + skill = style.