Saturday, February 2, 2013

45-30-15: Cardio for your painting hand!

9 x 6"
oil on paper
45 minutes

 6 x 6"
oil on canvas
30 minutes

5 x 5"
oil on canvas
15 minutes

Today I did a test run of a painting exercise I read about recently. It's pretty straightforward - three quick paintings, done in 45, 30, and 15 minute time increments. I cheated and made my surface smaller each time too. It's so interesting to see how the paintings loosen up as the times decrease. Although it's rough, the third, 15 minute painting is by far the most successful.

Do you think you'd enjoy doing an exercise like this? If you decide to try it, send me a link!

6 comments:

kitblu said...

It took me a while to understand why you found the last painting the most successful as, initially, I found it the least realistic. Then I realized that was why.

Sarah Sedwick Studio said...

Hi, Kitblu - I think what I like about the third painting is the composition. I was in the zone by then, and everything was flowing. I know it's not very realistic, but I like the design of the painting, and I feel like I suggested a lot with fewer marks. Success, of a sort! Thanks for your comment.

juliefordoliver.blogspot.com said...

I like the painterly quality of the third one but you cannot take away the results of the other two. All good for different reasons. Neat exercise and I will try it. May I take longer?

Sarah Sedwick Studio said...

Hi Julie - Sure, you can take longer - I'll admit that I took a few extra minutes on the 30 minute painting myself! Do stop and consider where you are when the timer goes off, maybe even take a quick picture before you take those cheat minutes!

Diane Mannion said...

Wow... great exercise. Will torture my students with it next still life session.

Anonymous said...

DO you have any hints for doing the ellipses? I could take 45 minutes fussing with them!
Love the idea and your results.