Lauri Waterfield Fine Art

Just a few moments ago I scraped off a day and a half of work on my current painting. Depressing and more than a little frustrating- but, like pruning a favorite azalea, it was necessary. I'm sure the resulting painting will be all the better for it. And, I never fail to learn something from every effort, sometimes more from the mistakes than the successes!
Here are a few other thoughts about painting…..

Don't fall in love with a brushstroke or an effect to the detriment of the whole.
Never be afraid to walk away. Or scrape off.
Keep it fun- if it becomes work, it shows.
Keep wet oil paint brushes in the freezer….but warn others if necessary.
In your mind if not on paper, capitalize Artist.
A confident artist is never threatened by other artists- help the next guy/girl up the ladder.
Beware of tentative brushstrokes!
Bugs and cat hair are inevitable- keep a scalpel or X-acto handy and learn to paint over the impossible ones.
Keep brushstrokes directional whenever possible- learn to "sculpt" your paintings.
Not everyone will like it.
Bristle brushes make the best clouds.
Your greatest talent may be in fixing your mistakes.
Save the thick paint for your focal point and highlights- and watch your painting come alive!
Never, never, never point out the mistakes to anyone- that's all they will ever see afterwards.
Those who love you will never give good critique.
Be careful where you leave your wet palette.
Never paint in your "good clothes" unless you're on camera.
Be nice to onlookers- even if you're struggling with your painting.
Always act like you meant to do that- unless you can't keep a straight face.
Remember- studio cat really does have better things to do, but chooses to honor you, even if he's laying on your foot or washing his unmentionables in your chair.
Watch each brushstroke closely and leave the best ones alone.
When someone buys a painting, it's one of the greatest compliments you can be given. Honor it.
Get to know the animals in your brushbox, and remember, a cry of, "Where's my mongoose?!!" will usually get attention.
Sometimes the side of the brush, the end of the handle, or a completely wrecked brush is better than a crisp point.
Not everyone has to "get it"- the world needs Engineers to build the Sistine Chapels before they can be painted.
Everyone is talented in some way- some of us just work hard to develop it. No one ever painted a masterpiece the first time out.
Save some of your first paintings (date them) to look at occasionally through the years- you'll be surprised at your growth.
Be aware of repeating shapes, brushstrokes or color dabs and avoid them whenever possible.
Even the top artists make big mistakes.
Paint what you love.
Know when to quit….