how to paint a better picture

Being an artist has over the years taught me many useful things, especially what it is that I am doing and Why !   I used to think that it was all about the art, about the painting I was working on at the time or even when it would sell… however It does not matter what business you are in or what you are doing the same rules apply. each small action you take is just one steep to an ultimate goal.

I business, painting or anything else you must focus on the big picture. however that is not say that you current action is not important. It is. If you want to be the best, everything you do must be performed to that level, while at the same time your focus remains fixed on your ultimate goal. Please let me explain: I don’t concentrate on the painting or the subject but rather the purpose. It is not the painting, action or brushstroke that matters it is where I as an artist wish to be or in other words what you as an individual define as success.

That depends on your personal viewpoint,  artistic success or about talent alone you still have to define what success means to you, but let me say.  Success is not about how much experience, knowledge or qualifications you have or how skilled you are at what you wish to do. Its about seeing the bigger picture.. its about understanding what and why you are doing what you do and it matters not one jot what that is, Business, Marketing, Painting or even social interactions. Knowing your purpose is more vital than the task at hand.

As a passionate artist I paint pictures about a subject, about a feeling, about a concept, it is an emotional experience and I found that I was concentrating too hard on what I was doing (on the painting) and as a results not getting the quality I needed. Stand too close you can’t see, stand to far away and clarity is affected. I realised that the solution required was just to make sketches, notes and drawings (outline ideas/objectives) then just, shut my eyes and paint! When ever I find myself getting too involved in the moment I learnt a number tricks to bring me back on line.

• Walk away: make a coffee, think about something else, play a game, whatever it is just allow yourself to recharge and reorder your thoughts.
• Review : your initial outline ideas/objectives and take the time to look at what you are doing and why
• Feedback: ask for criticism, look for ways to improve, ask friends, family, collages and mentors, let them know what you are doing and what you are looking to achieve then listen to the advice.

What I now understand is, to see the wood for the trees. I must set my standards high and trust myself, trust my skill, trust my knowledge and know that the actions I take will lead me to my ultimate goal and the successful artist I wish to be. 

You don't have to agree with this understanding of mine, you might even have your own, but it works for me! I would however be very interested to know if there is a better/different way to paint a better picture so please leave your comments or rebukes