Balancing Concept and Craft in Art: The Evolution of Painting

“Curiouser and Curiouser!” – Embarking on a Journey of Artistic Discovery

Introduction:

In the words of Lewis Carroll’s enchanting tale, Alice in Wonderland, “Curiouser and curiouser!” This exclamation captures the essence of learning to draw and paint. It is a journey of curiosity and wonder, where one must learn to see the world through new eyes. In this course, we will not only sharpen our drawing skills on paper but also practice the art of observation. As we step onto the path of becoming painters, the first crucial step is gaining confidence in our drawing abilities. Through this transformative course, we will progress from the basics to more intricate techniques, embracing the captivating process of artistic expression.

Embrace the Act of Creation:

To truly immerse yourself in this course, you must be prepared to draw and paint. The lessons are meticulously structured to build upon one another, taking you from basic contour line drawings to exquisite oil paintings. Each participant enters the course at a unique level of expertise. Embrace your current skillset, acknowledge your limitations, and focus on improving at your own pace. Drawing is akin to yoga; if you push yourself too forcefully and hastily, you miss the essence of the practice.

Understanding How Your Brain Draws:

Engaging in artistic activities can profoundly impact the way our brains function. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an instrument used to measure brainwave activity. In the accompanying photo, we witness a participant in a study with their brainwaves being recorded.

Our brains produce four primary brainwaves: Beta waves during normal, awake states; Theta waves during deep relaxation and problem-solving; Delta waves while we are asleep but not yet dreaming, and Alpha waves when we are relaxed yet retain our sharpness and creative vision. It is within the realm of Alpha Waves that we find our artistic sweet spot. As we progress through this course, not only will our hand-eye coordination improve, but we will also learn how to stimulate our brains to reach the Alpha wave state. Much like the gradual acquisition of drawing or musical skills, our brains learn and adapt step by step.

Mastering the Art of Consciousness: Unleashing Your Creative Potential

A great example of an activity that requires the mastery of Alpha wave functioning is archery. Picture an archer, pulling back their bow, closing one eye, and focusing intently on the target. In that moment, the sounds and words around them fade into the background, and their attention becomes solely fixated on the task at hand. Their fingers grip the string with unwavering determination, while their breathing becomes controlled and steady. A sense of calm envelops their mind, allowing their aiming arm to remain perfectly steady. With vivid visualization, they imagine the arrow gliding effortlessly towards the big red spot, the bullseye. As their fingertips release the string, the bullseye becomes increasingly still, and then, with a resounding snap, the arrow finds its mark. The archer inspects their work, evaluating their precision and technique.

This captivating story encapsulates the essence of all three major brain states. As the archer approaches the line, bow in hand, they enter a Beta state—alert, conscious, and aware of their surroundings. As they draw the string closer to their cheek, they begin to slip into the realm of Alpha waves. Their senses relax, blocking out external distractions, while their focus remains sharp. However, the most intriguing part occurs just before releasing the string, as their brain waves dramatically dip, almost descending into a near-sleeping state. This momentary transition is fleeting, quickly followed by the release of the arrow and a return to reality, back to the Beta wave state.

When we engage in the act of drawing, we too journey into the realms of Alpha and Theta brain waves. These states are familiar territory for individuals who possess any skill, be it a basketball player shooting a three-pointer with seconds on the clock, a concert pianist performing on stage, a sharpshooter aiming with precision, or even a gardener tending to their blooms or a mechanic repairing a vehicle. All these individuals have experienced the intensity of focusing so deeply on a project that they lose track of time. You, too, have likely encountered this state of mind.

Recall a recent moment when you slipped into the Alpha and Theta brain waves. Perhaps it was while fixing a vacuum cleaner, maneuvering around a deer on the road, or arranging a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Familiarize yourself with the sensation of being in this state.

Learning to Play the Tuba:

Every experience, every feeling, joy or sadness, and the entire world as you perceive it, stems from your consciousness. When you draw, you are essentially striving to translate this consciousness into tangible form. It doesn’t have to be a profound revelation; it can be as simple as capturing the way a guitar leans against a windowsill. You are sharing your unique perspective with others, making your mark on the world. While technical aspects and training play a role in drawing, enabling you to accurately measure distances between shapes, the fundamental aspect lies in knowing who you are as an artist and what you wish to convey.

This is where our approach diverges from other resources. We understand that you want to learn the technical skills of oil painting and crosshatching, as evident from the searches leading you to our site. However, these skills alone do not encompass the true essence of artistry. Rest assured, we will cover all the necessary skills to become a successful artist, teaching you techniques and introducing you to new materials. Nevertheless, we also aim to help you discover your artistic purpose and vision through the exercises presented in this book. We will sharpen your perception and steady your hand.

Evolution of Artistry: Balancing Concept and Craft

The definition of a “painter” or “artist” underwent significant transformations during the 20th century. In the past, emphasis was placed on draftsmanship and craftsmanship, valuing technical skill. However, the landscape has changed. Today, concepts often take precedence over craft, meaning that ideas carry equal importance to aesthetic appeal. Yet, you have chosen to pursue the path of a traditional medium artist—paint. The purpose of this introductory course is twofold: to cultivate technical proficiency through practice and to help you discover your unique message conveyed through imagery. Nothing is more frustrating than having a clear vision without the technical ability to bring it to life. If you possess a precise understanding of how and what you want to draw and paint, consider the following analogy.

Imagine an instrument you have no knowledge of playing, like a guitar. It is widely acknowledged that becoming skilled at playing the guitar requires dedicated practice. No one expects to sit down and instantly master the instrument. Typically, a person seeks guidance from a teacher or uses instructional materials, coupled with a strong passion for learning. The key is consistent daily practice. Even during times of not playing, they might listen to music and tap out scales with their fingers.

In many drawing and painting classes, or in art education, teachers often leave too much open-ended for students. They place excessive emphasis on self-expression without addressing the fundamental techniques required, such as how to make paint adhere to a canvas. Consequently, this approach often results in subpar paintings and drawings. No amount of pretense can compensate for a poorly executed artwork.

Let’s return to the analogy of a guitar player. Imagine listening to someone playing the guitar and singing. While the lyrics may be fantastic, the voice is off-key, the strumming is out of sync, and the chords are clumsily played. Would you consider them a great musician solely based on the lyrics? Certainly not. In music, we value craftsmanship highly. A skilled guitarist’s fingers develop calluses from pressing down the strings. Initially, the notes may sound clumsy, but with consistent practice, it gradually becomes easier. The same principle applies to drawing—it’s all about practice. When someone claims they are a terrible drawer, I often respond by saying that I cannot play the tuba, but I am confident I could learn with dedication.

Some of you reading this book may already feel comfortable with drawing but encounter recurring obstacles. This course will teach you how to identify problem areas in your drawings and become your own teacher. Remember, even concert pianists practice scales. Drawing and painting follow the same principle—practice makes perfect.