Book Excerpts, New Thoughts about Painting

The Power of Intuition

Many times we talk about honesty in art. Our heart speaks when we honestly choose the best decision for us. Our intuition is that little voice that constantly suggests choices to act on at every given point. Listening will fine-tune your decision-making process. The multitude of decisions you make when creating a piece of art is far too complex to know in advance.

You will be influenced while making decisions by other forces, for example: will it sell, will your professor like it, or will this juror take notice? No matter how good or bad the influence, if it’s not related to your actual work and makes you act differently from what you wanted to do, it’s not an honest choice. Don’t get me wrong here; it won’t hurt to follow your teacher’s directions to try something new. If that’s the case, it’s an honest choice. You are wasting people’s time if you ask for their opinion and don’t even consider it. Your powerful intuition will make you aware of the possibilities.

Ignoring your intuition will diminish your ability as an artist. For example, when your intuition suggests “this shape would look better over here rather than there” and in laziness you decide, “the shape is fine where it’s at,” you are ignoring your intuition. I believe when you respond to your intuition by fine-tuning and making small adjustments, you will build its power to aid you. This is when sensitivity becomes valuable. Then of course, we can be overly sensitive and get nothing done. Take time to recognize and evaluate any force of influence.

Excerpt from Progressive Painting – Your Creative Journey by Ellen Jean Diederich RRWS, TWSA, WW,WSA

Rolling Hills II 40” X 60”

Rolling Hills II presented me with some challenges. My intuition was telling me that the the red barn should be painted on the right side of the canvas, as opposed to the left. Still not satisfied with the overall composition, I asked my husband for his opinion. He pointed out that the hills in the background seemed off. His input confirmed what my gut was telling me. I continued to make small adjustments, fine tuning the piece, till I was satisfied with my work.