We all want to paint those big masterpieces, don't we?! It's exhilarating to sit down before a canvas and imagine all the possibilities and dream of lots of accolades, praise, a big commission, or that wonderful feeling: a sold art piece. 

 

In order to get to that wonderful piece, lots of practice is in order. But not just willy nilly practice, specific practice on your weak points. I know, I know, that's "no fun", but it can be if you make it a game! One of the ways to do this is through the time honored practice of doing small studies. Low commitment, huge payouts.

 

You can begin by using a piece of 120 lb or high weight, multi media or watercolor paper. If you gesso both the front and back it will feel more like a canvas, but is not necessary. I do studies on paper all the time and honestly, I've grown very fond of using the paper for quick oil sketches because the paper absorbs the oil and it dries much quicker. This allows me to layer paint if I want to and it dries much faster.

 

Using 1/4" masking tape, divide a 9x12" paper into four equal quadrants. Find something to paint that you know gives you trouble: perspective, atmosphere, portraits, foregrounds, trees, etc. Whatever it is that you feel you need more practice with, do that. It will be fun, and I'll show you how.

 

Next, put on your music that is fun and upbeat, or soothing like Mozart or Beethoven. This sets a positive mood for you and is important to be able to do your best work. Now here's the fun part: time your session for 15 minutes but no more than 30 minutes. Your painting is  small so this will also make it easier to help you paint a little looser and will also increase your speed as well as your hand eye coordination.

 

Before setting the timer, set up your palette with the colors you think you'll need, premix the main colors so it's easier to grab the colors you'll need, mixing the transitional colors easily in between the main ones. Remember, each main body of color should have an accompanying highlight and shadow color. If you do this stage, definitely set the timer for 15 minutes or less, not 30. No cheating ;-)

 

Now set your timer or phone for 15 minutes and go! Paint in one square your desired practice and play with the paint as it's going on. Watch how the colors interact. See the form in front of your eyes as you paint. This is magic folks! You're taking a plain white piece of paper and turning into a piece of art! You're creating! I can't think of anything more mesmerizing and hypnotic! Watch the forms and shapes materialize as you whip your piece together! It's amazing and gratifying. If you don't like the first one, do it again. On the second one, change it up a bit to see if you can improve the composition, the lighting, the colors, the forms, etc. Play with it. Create. Have fun. Make it a game!  Your favorite ones make great cards or framed little gifts!!

 

Switch subjects when you're bored of the first one, or satisfied. Whichever comes first. Keep it fresh, keep it simple. This is a great warm up exercise anytime you're feeling like at a loss for what to paint. When you've painted quite a few of these, you'll have a reference to see what works and what doesn't. These also work for plein air painting as well. Just preset up everything before you go to make it easier and not a burden.

 

 

And here's a larger one I did based on one of the studies:

 

As you can see, painting studies is a wonderful way to bang something out quickly to get an idea of the composition and what it will look like without the commitment of hours and hours or even days! Plus, you can then decide to paint a bigger version and it will be better and won't take you as long because you've practiced it so you know how it goes together. Incorporate the use of studies into your next painting session and I promise you, you will see big leaps of improvements the more you do it.

 

Happy Painting! ~Katie