SAMANTHA DASILVA | FINE ART
  • HOME
  • Fine Art
  • INSTRUCTION
  • COMMISSIONS
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • JOURNAL

How to begin an abstract painting: Developing a “fearless” relationship with your canvas

3/17/2020

 
Picture

The energy we infuse into our paintings is real, and others can feel it when they experience our work.

Several nights ago, I asked my new class of 12 beautiful, “fearless abstract painters” to share what they felt were some synonyms of fear.
 
An abrupt hush feel over the group. The answers came slowly at first:
 
“Trepidation, shame, contrived, not good enough, resistance, judgement, ridicule, a feeling of loss, worry, doubt, anxiety, a headache”.
 
Next, I asked them to describe the antonyms of fear. Oh I wish you could have been there to witness it for yourself! There was an immediate change to the quality of energy in the room. Smiles began to stretch across their faces as they spoke:
 
“Faith, hope, trust, calm, flow, confidence, courage, brave, love, and joy.”
 
Do you think you could tell the difference between a “fearful” vs. a “fearless” painting?
 
For many artists, fear of the blank canvas is paralyzing. 

The next time you’re staring at a blank canvas, try this:

Take a deep breath and say: “Thank You!” What a privilege and an honour it is, to use paint and mediums to channel the creative source.
 
Next, using your roller, brush or fingers, paint several inspiring words on your canvas - the antonyms of fear are perfect examples. 
 
This simple, but powerful exercise clarifies the intention for the work, and it puts you in a headspace that the canvas is a friend and ally rather than an enemy and something to be fearful of.
 
The energy we infuse into our paintings is real, and others can feel it when they experience our work.
 
Choose a “fearless” attitude as your anchor and guide, and enjoy the creative process flowing through you: free flowing, powerful, clear and energizing. 

Comments are closed.
    This blog was created to share my belief that the art-making process is a catalyst for transformation and personal empowerment. I am living proof. 

    Categories

    All
    Commissions
    DaSilva Method
    Fine Art
    Instruction
    Stories

    Archive

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    June 2015

  • HOME
  • Fine Art
  • INSTRUCTION
  • COMMISSIONS
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • JOURNAL