Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice as a term is not a new concept and can apply to any skill that one wants to master or at least learn to a high level of proficiency. The original study’s findings debunk the myth of the artist as genius, which I personally find to be great news!
Most people will not fully accept, especially when it comes to artists, the idea that one is not born a genius or with an inherent talent. I mean look at the old masters. But really, if you think about it, these masters that we admire and respect all practiced deliberately and with an uncompromising intensity.
In the Palm Grove, Florida
Oil on Canvas
11 x 14″
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What is meant by deliberate practice is forcing yourself to repeatedly practice and consciously study your weaknesses, the areas of anything that you are learning that give you the most trouble. The places that make you stretch and grow. Practicing getting better in these areas is the key to mastering anything, but practicing with a specific goal in mind or having a vision of exactly what you want to accomplish.
I bring this up because even though I do not deliberately practice each time I go out to paint, I do give myself little tests to gauge my skills and to see for myself if I am improving. If I attempt and fail to produce a painting that is convincing or has problems with the composition, drawing or understanding of the value relationships or sometimes I am not even sure what is wrong, only that I’m sure that it isn’t right. Then I put it away but always go back to it later.
Sometimes I go back to a subject years later to see if I am now able to paint it when I was not able before. This grove of palm trees is one of those subjects. One that I have attempted unsuccessfully many times in the past. What is challenging for me in this particular subject are several things:
the drawing of all the trees close together, crisscrossing this way and
the light coming through the trees creates reflected light that is bouncing around even in the darkest darks.
Don’t get me wrong, painting is fun. Part of that fun is always searching for a new way to show what you’re looking at or how to really capture the light that is fleeting.
Painting is also a huge challenge and not for the faint of heart.
But who likes to just stick to what’s easy?
Susan Covert
February 1, 2015 at 12:21 pmHi Kelly,
This subject is exactly what I worked on yesterday. Number 1 getting work together for a show delivery Monday. Thinking the work I have doesn’t measure up and then trying something new. I put a white tablecloth on the table on our little patio, under the portico thing, placing a few things on the table and trying to paint the high contrasts and the shadows. The hardest thing was making the table proportions work. They did not but I will keep trying.
One of my strongest points is to keep being satisfied with daily life and the interiors that surround me. It was fun to read of your thinking journeys because I have them too. The light is always a challenge. But I love it. Will send a photo later.
Great post.
Colin Joyce
February 1, 2015 at 12:40 pmYou make so much sense Kelly.
Many times one starts painting and expects a perfect result every time rather than using the experience as practice. I am guilty, as many are, of not painting regularly enough to see improvement over time. This only leads to frustration with oneself. Your posts are inspiration to get going!
Bruce Katz
February 1, 2015 at 5:36 pmSo well said, Kelly, and encouraging and validating for me, as well, I believe, for all artists that are striving to grow in their work.
philippa
February 5, 2015 at 12:25 amKelly, it is always good to read about your approach to things as you include us in your experience. Palm trees seem so simple in concept but how complicated! I love the new air in your ‘holiday’ work!