Simple or Busy?
Some artists feel comfortable putting a lot of "stuff" into
their paintings; others prefer the uncluttered approach. I
admit to being a busy painter. but I also really appreciate
the meditative quality of minimalism. Neither approach
is the right way. It all depends on the effect you're aiming
for. Say you are creating a collage as a memento of a lively
family event like a fortieth birthday party. Chances are
you'll want to re-create the atmosphere of it through the
inclusion of several photographs, maybe some text, frag-
ments of greetings cards, even snatches of some favorite
music. You might add some diagonal lines to make it more
dynamic. All this will result in a busy but energetic compo-
sition, which is appropriate to the occasion.Now imagine that you are trying to re-create the mood
of a peaceful afternoon by a lake. The more detail you
include, the more you will disturb the peace. Horizontals
would work: large, plain areas of cool color, smooth texture,
simple shapes, nothing too geometric since this is a natural
scene. Get the picture?
The bottom line: Know what mood you want to convey
before you begin selecting your content.
"I
~ometimes you might have preserved one
part of your painting for the wrong rea-
sons. For example, you just love the color,
even jf it doesn't fit with the rest, or you
__ -,.. ~ to have a circle in every painting,
or those lines were so time-consuming to
do you couldn't bear to erase them. Be
bold; cover it up. You can always use the
technique or idea in a future painting.
30 I CREATIVE PAINT WORKSHOP
Symmetry or
asymmetry?
Here in the West, where I live, symmetry is not popular in
art. Art teachers will tell you not to place your focal point in
the middle. I've even heard symmetry described as "bor-
ing." If it is a mindless mirroring of shapes on each side of
the painting, this could be true. Again, you have to know
why you're aiming for symmetry. Symmetrical paintings
have perfect balance. Think of a mandala. The dictionary
describes it as "a symbol representing the self and inner
harmony." Symmetry doesn't have to be simple. If a sym-
metrical composition contains a variety of shapes, colors,
and textures, it might be quite complex.ABOVE ANO OPPOSITE:
Moonrise # f, #2, #3,
Ann Baldwin, 11" x 6"
(27.9 x 15.2 em) each,
hand-painted papers
on watercolor paper.