Is this why You Cannot LOOSEN UP Your Painting? (Plus Demo)

[@lucasdeaver9192]

I struggle with the same thing. I don't believe it's about what others will think. I believe it's about control. The artist cannot let go of a simple stroke defining a shape. One wants to pour more and more detail into it. Pulling from ones knowledge of light, color and shadow. Knowing when to stop and the ability to capture the essence of something with a couple of strokes is key and a real talent. Steve Jobs has said "It's easy to make something complicated, it's much harder to make something simple".

[@MalcolmDewey]

Truth!

[@irismaguire]

💯

[@wonkywhisker1036]

I agree, it’s not about what others think. It’s just about changing old habits.

[@GAURAVSINGH1530]

Fear of rejection/failure is truly the foremost reason for not being able to let go. Really helps Malcolm. Thank you.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you, it's a pleasure

[@DCweldingAndArt]

Amen. That struck a chord DEEP. fortunately I have some family members that prefer loose realism. It's just not who I've been, since childhood I've been sketching in great detail, and LOVE IT!...but I'm more afraid that I won't be satisfied with looseness, or that it won't feel natural, or even, "impressive" lol very good episode friend!

[@MalcolmDewey]

@@DCweldingAndArt Its more important to love your creating process - pursue that and you will be happy. Experiment with paint too without any pressure and use it relax. A variety of mediums is important.

[@DCweldingAndArt]

@@MalcolmDewey thankyou, this was the first loose technique vid that resonated with me. Lol I also tig weld and make metal art/sculpture, which is also very detailed. But this vid made loose seem possible and fun lol might have to try it this week on a little panel or canvas pad. Thanks again! We'll done!

[@ginabisaillon2894]

A lot of people feel good art is like a photograph. I have a cousin who keeps posting these super extra realistic pictures on Facebook and I wish she would stop polluting my space with them. I think I am fortunate that my love of art started with the impressionists.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, art tastes change over time as well. Some come around to Impressionist or more expressive painting as their tastes evolve.

[@demej00]

I love this style. I have lost my fear of perfection. Some folks don't get my paintings but I feel that after years of painting, I am where I want to be now. Thanks for the validation.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent, thanks Jimmy

[@annaday5646]

Malcom, this tutorial is exactly what I’m looking for. I didn’t get it when artist says paint loosely. I’m an amateur artist. I always paint in full details. When I aimed to paint loosely I fail into the old habits. Thanks also to the person asking that question. But most of all, a big thank you for explaining and answering that question in a demonstration. I will definitely put your advice into practice 🙏❤

[@MalcolmDewey]

Wonderful, enjoy it!

[@headingoutside]

This was obviously made for me! I'm a tiny brush painter, and I will admit I LOVE the process of creating a realistic image. However, I have yearned to "loosen up" but my efforts have been a disaster. This video is SO helpful-it inspires me to make another attempt. The fact that you are doing a small painting eliminates the fear factor for me (I tend to paint large paintings), and your demonstration is absolutely perfect. Thanks so much.

[@MalcolmDewey]

That is great hear, have fun trying this out.

[@stephendickens-pf1zd]

It’s amazing how I watch these videos and try without major successes but the more I practice the better the light bulb moment , it’s a journey that will take time but the more I practice the more often the light bulb moments come along , I’m enjoying the practise and can only thank Malcolm for the opportunity

[@MalcolmDewey]

Happy to help, thank you

[@starstuff5958]

I'm a new 'painter' and most of my friends are artists, in galleries, etc. Now, the difference between me and them is simply this. To me..it doesn't matter. I don't know what's good bad or ugly.I buy huge canvases and just play with paint! I love my work for the most part because I'm PLAYING with colors, playing playing playing and not caring one hoot if someone else likes it or not. Do it for the love of it not what anyone else thinks. And NO, someone's opinion doesn't matter, I don't even listen because I don't care. I have a ton of confidence simply because it doesn't matter what anyone thinks, I don't know what I'm doing, but I love what I'm doing. It goes on the wall if I like it..that's that. Get ego out of your artwork and do it for the joy. Remember color is 'food' so fill yourself with it and have a blast.

[@annadavis4205]

Thankyou 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@lynseyadams6584]

That's a great idea if only you can afford huge canvases and loads of paint! Fear of using up (or in other peoples' eyes 'wasting' expensive materials) is another thing that keeps people tentative and tight. The 6" ones, maybe not so much!

[@MalcolmDewey]

That is a super-power Heidi!

[@phoebe-annedwards8146]

Omg! Heidi! That is my attitude as well. Art is very new to me as well. I am untrained and never studied art. I just do what I love and just have fun interpreting life around me. My artists friends are amazed and speechless at how joyful my work is and responses from the public are amazing. I have explored all mediums and I hope that my joy never goes away! Keep painting Heidi!

[@charmawow]

Having been a full time artist of various disciplines for decades, this looseness off stroke is something that has never come easy for me. This video is truly inspiring.

[@Argyll9846]

You can get too precious about the work you create and that's the heart of the problem.

[@edbianchi8839]

Malcom, ….perfect and clear explanation about my fear, criticism and pleasing others. Since my wife is the first one to see what I paint, and being such an “art critic”, she will make statements such as: “I don’t like it or I love it” I asked her to listen to the first part of your explanation on the hope that she will say: “I now understand and will stop my criticism “ Instead she said…:” I am not going to lie” There…!!!! Another lesson about who I should listen to, thank you, thank you !!!!!!

[@shathaway13]

Don’t show her your work!

[@MalcolmDewey]

My world 💯

[@MalcolmDewey]

@susan Hathaway these are wise words 😆

[@kimlanoue2033]

I believe you hit the nail on the head with this reason. Fear of rejection is huge. Confidence is also huge. I have made some really good art that not many have viewed as good and other paintings that were so so and received amazing reviews. Thanks 😊

[@MalcolmDewey]

Well said! You cannot please everyone so try and please yourself instead 😉

[@kimlanoue2033]

@@MalcolmDewey art is in the eye of the beholder! Well said Malcolm!

[@alexis5350]

You are exactly right about the reason for not staying loose....it is a fear of rejection and I never realized it until you put it in such good words! That's it exactly! I love this exercise and will definitely start trying it out! Thank you!!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent 😊

[@lisapelino6618]

Great advice to try this once a week so that I can stay with this method. I also found your example very helpful!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent!

[@dez3332]

Best lesson on this subject I've seen. I tell myself I'm going to paint a still life loosely then it ends up looking like a photograph of the still life. ARRGGG! I will be doing these types of sketches now, exclusively, until I am confident that it is engrained in my mind and I can finally loosen up. Thanks for the great explanation and great example.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent. It's the only way and a lot of fun too.

[@bertiedewit90]

Thank you! For me it helps to forget the details: I’ll put my glasses off, when looking to a reference photo! 😂

[@MalcolmDewey]

Its a good tip 😄

[@mikram4559]

I also use this trick 😊 instead of going back and seeing my painting from away.

[@anthonyBD]

40 plus years ago, I'm in an independent study art class. I had begun a painting and had only begun to lay down colors, tree trunks, no leaves. My art teacher walked by and said, "Your done!" I was confused. She gave ne an A on it. Based on your comments, I could see people questioning the piece as I and done. Now I finally see what she meant. Meanwhile, she's putting out photo realistic oil pastels, what I felt an artist should aim for. I like this technique. Enjoy your instruction. I'm a fan. 😊

[@MalcolmDewey]

Ha, yes it can be confusing - when is a painting done?

[@deirdrehalstead6963]

You expressed perfectly what happens when I paint! Thought it only happened to me, it was so reassuring to hear it’s a common battle! I feel the tightness and yes, the fear! In my case, it’s me who is the harshest self-critic! When I saw your tiny canvas and your big brush I was horrified 😳😂. However this exercise is one I will definitely do, just what my brain needs! You are very insightful, you’ve made me realise that I bring a lot of baggage to my painting. You made me realise why painting is such a valuable therapy for people who have undergone trauma. Many thanks and keep up the brilliant work. 🎨🧹🎨👏👏👏

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you Deirdre - yes it is therapy in many ways. Worth every minute!

[@mrsmikster]

Ditto! 😁

[@joanleimkuehler7068]

Thank you for talking about the friends and family critiquing thing. That has stopped me from getting back to painting. It paralyzes me. I'm going to paint and not show them what I do for a while.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, break that negative cycle. Also nip things in the bud by asking that family not critique unless requested.

[@sabasami1454]

I don't agree wd the painting but I agree wd you. Always wanted to learn loose strockes ,your tutorial is very inspiring.thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

[@21ruevictorhugo]

Thank you SO much for this demo! It’s thrilling to see a painting come to life like that. Going to try that tomorrow morning, my painting time. 🎉

[@MalcolmDewey]

You are so welcome!

[@helenrivers7345]

Great. I tiki lots of photos of our community in lockdown whilst on my daily exercise walk. I’m going off now to try to do an impressionistic response. Thanks

[@etmoiaussi439]

Yes I am a detail freak and it does my head in.

[@alisonmike2912]

Same here and it really annoys me, the more detail try and put in the worse it looks too .

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, I have seen artists in tears over this. Follow the fun - its only painting 😎

[@josephspiteri6178]

Malcolm, thanks very much. I am feeling that I am not alone now. Thanks

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent, thank you Joseph

[@mmartin00055]

This is exactly my problem! I start by following the process, then I fall back into the details. I need to practice these small paintings and learn when to stop. Thanks for the reminder. Tomorrow I will try again.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Perfect! thank you

[@rfcmadem]

Painting is a hobby for me, i am moving from acrylics to oils, your video help me a lot. thanks.

[@MalcolmDewey]

My pleasure 😊

[@bodawei425]

Your videos - which I discovered recently - are more than a concentrate of very good pieces of advice: they are therapeutic! Thanks

[@MalcolmDewey]

Good to hear that, thank you

[@somethinglight6951]

Thank you Malcolm. You just answered my question. I don't care about other people opinions, not afraid of rejection or anything. I just did not know how to do it. Until now. So thank you, Malcolm.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you very much

[@petraschultz7292]

Thank you, you really made sense of the mental aspect of having fear . I’m ready to enjoy the process and the progress .

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you

[@petraschultz7292]

@@MalcolmDewey I just signed up for your course !

[@MalcolmDewey]

@@petraschultz7292 Excellent, enjoy it

[@laradas6043]

Malcolm, your voice has a calming effect that would help dissipate tension. Good job..

[@MalcolmDewey]

😊 late night DJ?

[@laradas6043]

@@MalcolmDewey From Sydney Aus. It is 4 50PM Sun.

[@laradas6043]

😄

[@nataliehachey4865]

I loved this video. Thick and juicy paint! Many thanks.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ed9395]

I really liked youopening comments. They resonated spot on for me.

[@ddbdbubbles]

That is one of my problems. We have to learn when to STOP.

[@sallylee2565]

I really needed this lesson today! Fear of failure or disappointing others is what keeps me from being willing to experiment. I will try to do this once a week like you suggested! Thank you

[@MalcolmDewey]

Wonderful!

[@josephined8576]

Yes. Yes. Fear of failure. I know that one.

[@DarkisArt]

Wow not only did this help with getting loose but also getting back into painting again. Thank u you so much!

[@MalcolmDewey]

That's great to hear!

[@jamesmullins6681]

Good advice regarding the connections to the mental work that has to be observed and then realized. I might add that part of that programming we have is in looking at the world from a 'realistic' bias. We think we physically observe the world in a certain way, and that way is made up of details that we know exist in the world. But we do not actually see individual leaves of a tree, nor blades of grass in a lawn, nor each hair on a sitter's head. Although we know they exist in our photographic reality, they are not observed as such because we largely see masses. As an artist, or a beginning painter, one has to teach oneself to accept the generalities of the painting and let the paint be paint. As one moves from generalities to specifics, it is important to know how much detail is necessary, while at the same time learning to be satisfied with this 'loose-style'. As for comments from other people? That is not an aspect of learning how to paint. That is an aspect of something in one's personality.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks James, all true!

[@josephined8576]

Ayyyyy.....so true. I copied (painted ) a still life flowers and they are stiff. Like well regulated marching soldiers. I said to myself, it is my personality coming out. DEFINITELY VERY UNLIKE THE ONE I WAS TRYING TO COPY

[@mspelleri]

What a GREAT idea! I have been trying so hard to loosen up and often start that way but never stay that way. I can't wait to try this.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melissamoran1750]

Please do more of these demos without the initial sketching! The sketching process is anxiety-inducing for me. For me, it's less stressful to just start putting paint on the canvas with a general idea of where everything should be. I have the same problem as others, not using a large brush & enough paint, & getting bogged down in the details. I've watched many loose-painting videos & yours are the best, by far! Thank you!

[@MalcolmDewey]

"Good to hear - I do prefer to get into the big shapes quickly too.

[@hazelmclister-brewer3786]

Thank you! You have explained in this brief video exactly what I needed. Fabulous.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you Hazel

[@a.r.4416]

You hit it! I'd like to have you as my therapist :D ! Thank you, Malcolm.

[@MalcolmDewey]

😄 Painting is therapy too!

[@riamaas]

Thank you, that's very helpful. I have no fear of reactions (i live alone with no important visitors) but it's my own thought of perfection what makes it difficult (and offcourse not enough practise and i do miss that masterpiece switch

[@MalcolmDewey]

You're so welcome! Sounds like you got the green light to go ... 🚀

[@jackbrown2325]

100% this is right on the mark . Its also the first time i have ever heard another Artist say it .

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you!

[@parkercummings1906]

You nailed it on the head Malcolm. Brilliant insight.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you very much!

[@timrosenthal46]

My problem with painting loose is I love painting tight/realism, but I love how good loose paintings look as well. I need to do these exercises to learn how to do it. Good tutorial, thank you ..

[@MalcolmDewey]

Go for it! A little fun with different styles gives balance to life.

[@shellyenglandart]

Thanks for sticking with us on this topic, and continuing with helpful tips. Now, off to practice!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent

[@Midgy21747]

Thank you I really enjoyed this, plus the fact that you didn't paint florals as most people demonstrating do.

[@nancysanford4741]

This was very helpful! Can’t wait to try this as practice!

[@MalcolmDewey]

So glad!

[@sandhyabodas3335]

Thank you so much for the demo. This has been very helpful. I think this habit of working with a big brush has to be consciously cultivated. It is very tempting to pick up a smaller brush and put in the details. That definitely takes away the freshness.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ldrake2047]

Super helpful and quick. Thank you so much!

[@MalcolmDewey]

You're welcome!

[@arts5980]

That was an awesome lesson, there's so much to learn to get rid of the FEAR, Thank you.

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure

[@GingerLeeH]

Great job. This is needed for instruction. Good message, tips. Appreciate it. 🎉

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlenekolesnik2399]

Love this exercise Malcolm!! Thank you!!

[@MalcolmDewey]

You're so welcome!

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

When I was a teenager I always painted loose. Then my mother decided painting was too messy and so I began drawing detailed ink drawings. That got me tight and ever since I've had trouble painting loose. I also mostly admire paintings with strong drawing underneath. I like loose ones too, but I do exaclty like you said. Fall back inot habits.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Try ink and wash for fun. A loose watercolor wash over your ink drawing could unblock your more carefree self 😊

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Great demo. Just right to give me confidence. Really like your teaching style. Thank you

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susanneves5666]

I tried this technique today, really like what I was able to do, thanks!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Great to hear!

[@africo9104]

Very nice, the best demonstration of loose brush work, something I can actually try. So often these videos are just too complicated to begin with.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you 💯

[@jenniferjames-mcginn97]

Thank you for your kind approach to this topic. I confess I badly needed that "talking to"! I'm going to be doing one a week to begin with.

[@MalcolmDewey]

You got this!

[@RozyLanger-lj4nb]

Very helpful!! Thank you.. and the end result is beautiful!!

[@MalcolmDewey]

So glad!

[@grasachig1]

This is very helpful , I will certainly try to make one once a week. Thank you, Malcolm!

[@teacher13531]

Look at that! I’m such a detail artist and what you are saying is me. I want to be looser in my painting and I want to try this! Thank you!

[@MalcolmDewey]

You can do it!

[@natalykenny2069]

It's a great video! Thank you, Malcolm, for sharing your wisdom on this very important topic of the fear to be rejected(I have done it so many times, instead of stopping early, overworking the piece to be more appreciated) and lack of confidence! It really helps! It is really important to understand that there will be people that will connect with your art and there will be people that will think your pieces are unfinished. But you cannot lie to yourself, trying to please everyone. Thank you! Great exercise!❤

[@MalcolmDewey]

Well said - you cannot please everyone 💯

[@scotthaston612]

Watching old videos. Cool teacher. Thanks.

[@玩物喪志-v5w]

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this demo. Thank you! I would also want to give it a go! Just take some courage to be wrong. I think I need to let go of right and wrong in order to do this.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, go for it purely as an exercise. Have fun.

[@rajatshanbhag]

wonderful demo. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights on loosening up to paint! :)

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@azaz-ty1bn]

Thanks, great idea, small canvas, big brush.

[@MalcolmDewey]

💯 thank you

[@vickireynolds7033]

I am in love with this technique thank you

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent!

[@luciamoir2641]

Love every idea you put in this video. Thanks a lot.

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure

[@redbaronlast]

Best painting teacher ever. Love your Udemy course too! 🙏

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks so much 😊

[@815tweety]

Though I paint in acrylic, I love your tutorials. This is where I learned the basics and foundations. Thanks a lot!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Happy to hear that, thank you.

[@tomtflyer9127]

Thank you for this lesson. I have painted most of my life (80 yrs) in purist watercolour ), just a quirk of mine! with a fair degree of success. I can't stand contaminating the pure washes with mixed media. I have recently moved across to oils and I'm having difficulty in unlearning some techniques (leaving whites to come through and having to get washes right first time at the stage where I want to add strong colour which brings a painting to life). Your idea of fear is right too. I expect my oils to be as competent as my watercolours which I have developed over decades. I KNOW when I've done a successful watercolour and can STOP! I keep wanting to refine the oils because I'm not sure what I can add to the painting. My way around this is to leave the painting and look at it after a while.. then some things jump out at me. This lesson will free me up considerably I think. Thank you again. Best regards Tom

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you. I agree that the best oil paintings are finished long before we decide to stop. If you know what I mean.

[@joannemurphy4636]

Great reminder that this is a journey.

[@ab_rose]

This exercise is what I need. I've always like to put details, and it doesn't turn out for the better. I guess it's just that I thought less details seem missing. Big shapes are good that they can convey enough of the image. The exercise is really helpful. Thanks!

[@MalcolmDewey]

You're so welcome!

[@jayfogelman]

Superb practical and motivational video! Thanks.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you very much Jay

[@saharm2454]

I really appreciate what you share with us thank you very very much 🙏

[@MalcolmDewey]

Always welcome

[@nicoleweddepohl]

This makes me happy. I am goining to give it a try 🤩

[@MalcolmDewey]

Enjoy!

[@rosietuszynska735]

Excellent teaching, thank you so much

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you, it's a pleasure

[@GreenlifeFin]

I loved this. Will do the excercise!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Enjoy!

[@leesaunders5495]

I do find painting loose difficult I think in school we were taught to reproduce what we were looking at or it was no good. So your talk resonated with me. I also keep an eye on how much paint I’m using which I can see is unhelpful. Your demo is very helpful and I am more comfortable with using big brushes now but do still love the little ones and draw in pencil so I’m on a learning curve and am allowing myself to experiment more.

[@MalcolmDewey]

So true! We were taught drawing and that is good, but in the end, you must do what makes you excited and fulfilled.

[@alisonmike2912]

I too try to conserve paint as I know how expensive it can be and I get annoyed if I have wasted any and have paint left over on my pallette when I'm finished but I watched another ytube channel and the guy said look you've chosen an expensive hobby so you might as well get over it and just use whatever you need to to do a good job , it helped , I can afford it but I just hate waste that's all , the other day I had quite a lot of paint left over and a canvas that I couldn't use because even though it was new it had a small hole in it so I whacked the paint on the canvas any old how but it started to look really good, it took me about 15 minutes just with up and down strokes ,it filled in the small hole and I've called it trees in the distance and I really like it , happy accident ,Bob Ross would be proud 😃

[@leesaunders5495]

@@alisonmike2912 thanks for your response it is helpful and I too have found a way to use up the paint I haven’t used so that helps too.

[@selmaabbott7234]

I have been trying to painting loose, however when you have a habit of painting realistic is hard work.Thank you for your help Malcoln, I really needed this class!

[@MalcolmDewey]

My pleasure 😊

[@gazzyd4102]

I love your videos, thanks for sharing. I will try this exercise but I think my eye is drawn to the amazing paintings in your studio. I often wonder how you go from painting the way you are in the exercise to the ones in the background in your studio.

[@MalcolmDewey]

The smaller the shapes the more detailed it looks. But keeping it fresh and loose is the challenge.

[@marinab106]

I'm blown away by this video for some reason. Looking forward to the experiment, which looks like absolute fun...maybe break in my new oils...(yes, they're still waiting there...talking about fear). Funny how your words sound to me like a powerful life lesson. Thank you Malcolm, this is a real gem, for so many reasons.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks Marina - it is a fairly extreme lesson and does not mean one has to paint so abstractly. But it is certainly a fun warm-up 😁

[@heinzerfurt5225]

Many thanks for this encouraging video.

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure!

[@photographedemode]

Excellent exercise, thank you

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure, thank you

[@henriettahuneycutt2156]

Interesting..may try it .Have been interested in trying for awhile ,but had no idea how to start ...thank you.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Best of luck!

[@dorryrice6797]

I love this. I want to get away from the more realistic paintings I have been doing as I love the Impressionistic style.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you Dorry, enjoy it!

[@janicesutton8301]

I think from age 4'ish and up we are praised for colouring inside the lines, the more exact you were the more praise you got and it is really hard to let go of that mentality. I absolutely do not paint loosely but I'm absolutely going to try this. I'm also too stingy with my paint so I need to work on that too. Thanks for your helpful and concise teachings, cheers from Canada!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, we were not being taught artfulness 😉 Enjoy exploring this approach.

[@nancykunik4370]

If paint expense concerns you try winton-windsor Newton or Georgian/daler rowney these paints have good pigment and are only about $12-$15 for 150ml tube @ Jerry's artarama

[@nancykunik4370]

Also Soho canvas panels about $1 each for small sizes

[@janicesutton8301]

@@nancykunik4370 thank you, I'm in Canada so Opus is our big store, or Michaels. Thank you for the recommendations!

[@nancykunik4370]

@@janicesutton8301 your welcome! I'm on cape cod ma.

[@annameier5000]

Вы меня удивили...это моя любимая живопись...именно на таком мини размере вы пишите такой большой кистью крупными мазками...здорово...красиво...абстрактно...невероятно..Очень впечатляет !!! Спасибо !!!!! ❤😊 Подписка и лайк !!! 👍

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lance2094]

Thank you Malcom.

[@dlp9282]

I LOVED having only one brush to clean! That aside, it was a great exercise. I didn't like most of my finished painting except for one area and that really sang. So I will hold on to that and hope that, in time, I will have a harmonizing chorus in my painting. Thanks again.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Wonderful! Progress is good.

[@conversationswithcanvas]

Awesome Malcolm!!! You are the most amazing teacher

[@MalcolmDewey]

Wow, thank you, glad you enjoy the channel.

[@samiakhunji257]

Excellent and very useful paintings

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you!

[@oty2012hy]

I will keep trying. Great demo and advice. Thank you!!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful! thank you

[@sophiereinecke8659]

Thankyou for this wonderful video Malcolm. Once again you hit the nail right on it's head! Fear of ridicule, perfectionism - ITS ALL IN THE HEAD!! I have realised this long ago but just do not manage to get out of it. I will do such exercises over and over again and it must help! I am sure. I think, however, I must lock away all my small brushes before I even try to do this. Even when trying to do a "Sprint" exercise, it is not long -- and the little brush jumps into my hand!!! They have a life of their own! Must be. Thanks again.

[@MalcolmDewey]

😄 so true! You are progressing all the time because you are enjoying yourself. When artists get wound up about being perfect the enjoyment disappears.

[@traceyferreira8042]

Thanks sooo much for that wonderful encouragement Malcolm! I hadn’t picked up the small brushes but was entangled with perfectionism again and too much detail. So very difficult to break the habit…

[@MalcolmDewey]

Happy to help Tracey - how is your painting coming along?

[@brendaparsons2823]

I also have this problem. I just get more & more of small brushes & can't seem to not get into perfectionism...........

[@MalcolmDewey]

Hide those little brushes away. Then paint the little details with a big brush. 💯

[@denisefarrell7786]

Wow...now I understand

[@mattylamb658]

Really good lesson, thank you!

[@MalcolmDewey]

You're very welcome!

[@creativeconexion]

I absolutely loved it!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you so much!

[@marinashaduri7836]

I am one of those you are talking about - no confidence! Confidence and brave strokes may come with practice (I started to paint 2 y ago). I know the theory, know how to analyze errors, but still do know little about how to use brushes and palette knives confidently. Maybe such exercises on small surfaces would help to accelerate the process of learning? Will try, definitely. Thank you, Malcolm.

[@MalcolmDewey]

You can do it Marina. We must visit Bato one day :)

[@karthikshanker9598]

Thank you Malcolm...a beautiful demo and you were spot on reason for not being to complete or proceed. You teach so well!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Very kind of you, thank you.

[@lgee6951]

Good point, Malcolm, thanks. Maybe you already have that in mind, but for me - i'm a life coach - perfectionism in 90% of all cases is based on vage fear as well. So no difference at all. Often the whole process begins with the type of interest in making art (that goes for music as painting): Do i choose this activity, 'cause i love it, or does it bear some promises for me like getting famous or acknowledged? if latter: not achieving acknowledgment can wake up old fears. If loving is the scource of my activity, negative feedback has not that threatening impact.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Right, you have to protect your creativity at all costs.