Imagination and the Development of a New Technique

An artist who develops his own unique style is more likely to become well-known and prosper in the art world. In an attempt to develop a new technique an artist must use imagination and think outside the box, experiment, take risks and try different methods. A ''never give up'' attitude is best as there will be much trial and error. A new original style won't happen overnight but rather develop over time as new ideas are continually introduced.

A new subject can be anything really. Quirky fish, flowers in a vase, house and tree theme or boats on water and their reflections. Subject matter doesn't matter. What is important are Shapes, Color and Contrast.

SHAPES - Use big, medium and small. Simple statements work best for composition.

COLOR - Receptors in the human eye are stimulated most when exposed to the full spectrum - so the more colors used, the better.

CONTRAST - To achieve impact, use the full range of tonal values.

Bearing these points in mind, then a good way to start is to seal some small boards then apply a coat of oil based paint. Begin scratching in drawings of your favorite subjects into these semi-wet surfaces. Whereas color and contrast can be adjusted anytime throughout the painting, producing a strong statement of shapes with these initial drawings is critical as it is the foundation of the artwork.

Allow to dry then apply color. Use thick paint and include texture using a sharp tool or wire brush. For example if your subject is quirky fish, then scratch scales, gills and fins into the thick wet paint. When dry the colors and texture can be enhanced with the application of transparent glazes.

Glazing is a technique which involves mixing paint straight from the tube mixed with liquin medium. This mix is brushed directly on areas in order to increase saturation and emphasize texture. Apply green over green, blue over blue etc. However, it is important to know that not all colors are transparent and glazing works best with those that are. Try glazing a single color over the whole artwork. The result will be a unifying effect as looking at a color through a color cannot be achieved by mixing paints in the ordinary way.

A different approach is required when trying a new style. It's all about trial and error, experimentation and risk taking. Compositions should be strong but simple. Use many colors and don't forget the importance of contrast. A new technique is never fully established but constantly evolves over time as new ideas are applied in a never ending quest for perfection.

Michael Cartwright paints in two distinct techniques. Quirky Cottages and Traditional Landscapes. His favorite painting method is Plein Air. However his whimsical style is produced in his studio as he relies on imagination only. Quality canvas prints of the two styles can be view on art-print-info Each print is produced with the expertise, skill and attention to detail, to faithfully reproduce the beauty of the original artwork. Please visit our website for further details. http://www.michaelcartwrightart.info/