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It's All About Perspective

08/18/2008 15:58:13 / happy

One technique that artists, particularly painters, employ is to step back from the art frequently to gain a different perspective on the work. By doing this, we can see the work within a greater context. Often, this perspective uncovers clues that help direct us to where we want to take the work.

As I paint, for example, I am only working at an arm's length, away from canvas. If it is a larger piece, more than say 12" in any direction, because of my close proximity to the canvas, my attention is focused only on the passage I am working on. Yet, there is still a larger area of the canvas I am consequently ignoring from this intimate view. In order to find harmony within the painting, I therefore need to step back to make sure the passage I am working on works within the larger composition. Additionally, stepping back enables me to more clearly see how the painting as a whole works.

By stepping back, I am providing myself opportunities to see things from a broader perspective and make changes that serve to unite the work, making it stronger. I believe this is a metaphor for looking at life beyond art.


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VIEWING 1 - 3 OUT OF 3 COMMENTS



From: artistcat1957
09/12/2008 16:15:21
Hello Jared   I also have learned to walk back from my work. I draw and while I sit at a table I get only a close up , then I set my work across the room and wow it is like a door opened up and brought me to a different realm .  I see too many people that try to just do the work without walking back and looking for those areas of lost attention.


From: keemosan
08/20/2008 09:51:56

Well said.  Thanks for sharing.

From: flstormz
08/19/2008 08:55:14

Very true on all accounts. I read about a painter who taped a long stick to his paint brushes and painted with them that way to help him stay back from the work and keep the strokes loose and stop getting locked into details. It's a good trick.

Unfortunately sometimes we get caught up in our own worlds and forget to step back and see the bigger picture in life. At least I do anyways, so that was a good reminder. 







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