Discover a Simple Antidote to Perfectionism with Melanie Morris
You’ve found the perfect reference.
In fact, it’s so good, you’re worried you’re going to mess it up by painting it. You begin to think that maybe you should save the reference for when you’re a better painter. That way when you paint it, it can be perfect.
Not so fast, says Melanie Morris (Ep.34). Give yourself permission to do this instead.
Paint it more than once!
There’s no rule that you can only use a reference once. And there’s certainly no rule that it has to be perfect the first (or even 10th) time.
In fact, Morris does what she calls “mining” a photo, and uses it many many times in her work. It’s one of the ways she keeps loose and creates unique color ideas in her work.
Put it to Work:
Here’s how Morris suggests you get the most out of your reference while also keeping perfectionism at bay..
First, paint your reference using what you see in the reference. That means the local color, the value relationships, the reference in its most accurate expression.
This will help you anchor you in reality. Plus, it’ll warm you up and help familiarize yourself with the subject. You’re working out the kinks.
But you’re not done after painting one. You're just getting started.
Now you’re ready for Pass #2.
In Pass #2, get more expressive. Keep your values the same but get inspired by the colorful world around you and use unexpected color combinations. Push yourself to go looser and bolder.
And when you finish, you’re absolutely allowed to do yet another and another and ANOTHER painting based on that one reference.
Each time you paint it, not only are you exploring new ideas, but you become less worried about this one painting turning out perfect. After all, you can just paint it again.