Lately I’ve been talking a lot about painting loose…and also trying to do so. It’s something I really want to learn and I suppose it has a lot to do with drooling over artists I admire that paint so freely and beautifully. I feel like that is what painting could be for me. Bold strokes, loosening up, freedom and color…that’s what I long for. Of course, execution is a whole other thing. I can dream and imagine all I want, but I certainly don’t have it down. I’m amazingly tight, even though I’m imprecise in the end. Amazingly wannabe perfectionist, even though I’m far from it. It’s madness…and maddening! This crazy battle of wanting one thing, but doing another. Isn’t that the definition of insanity?
My first attempts look sort of messy, rather than loose. There’s such a difference and I can’t seem to get it right. When I let myself go loose, I get sloppy. Ugh. I just have to keep practicing. I don’t know how else to approach this goal of mine. In a sense, I want the look of those luscious loose oil paintings, even though I use acrylics. I don’t even know if it’s possible. If you have any favorite bold and loose acrylic artists, please let me know! I guess, one good thing…I really like the vase in my painting, the mix of color. That makes me happy. 
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10 Comments
I think they’re both very nice, Linda. I especially love the flowers.
I do understand wanting to master a particular style, and it’s practice and patience that gets you there. But I’ve also learned how important it is to accept my style as it is, even if it isn’t a variety of other styles that I admire. If your painting is “tight,” call it “clean” or “precise” and put a positive spin on it. It’s ok the way it is! And if you go “loose” and think it’s “messy,” call it “free” and “naive.” I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s perfectly fine to practice and aim for certain styles, but don’t be afraid to accept what you have and be proud of it for what it is, too. You may start out emulating a certain style and then realize you’ve developed your own variation of that style, and that’s a good thing too!
Hi Gretchen! Thanks so much for your perspective…really helps… I’m so quick to judge certain aspects as a negative thing…when it fact it could be “my thing.” LOL… still learning…definitely still learning
I’m just so impressed by the fact that you just went ahead and painted. I love the idea of painting but sometimes the thought of not being good at it just holds me back.
Your paintings actually look really nice. You should be very pleased with what you’ve done there.
Ronnie
Thanks so much, Ronnie! I agree that the fear of the final result really blocks a lot of us…so it’s important to do a lot of practice and then paint over it…LOL! It’s my way of not caring so much about the result when I’m just wanting to learn and do!
Well, I’d have to say… you did a fantastic job here! :]
Love the flowers in the vase, fantastic artwork… my dear. <3
Thanks so much, April. Guess I just have to keep at it!
It looks like the loose painting style is so “freeing”! It’s just another one of these styles you just would love to try out. I see your point on the mad perfectionist part… Sometimes I just imagine all these great things I want to paint, but just don’t know how to execute because of the skills mostly! Keep on experimenting! It’s kind of terrifying, I found out, but is another step towards becoming more fearless
Thanks for the encouragement, I really appreciate it!
Oh, how beautiful! I love the bird, but I REALLY love that vase with the flowers. Just amazing!
Thanks so much
I will have to experiment more… I thought the vase and flowers were so normal… but I guess normal can be beautiful too!