Week 1…
Week 1 of my Mastery Journey…
So let’s jump forward a few months.
As I explained last week, I quit my job after finding and being so inspired by the Milan Art Institute. I don’t think I actually realised how their Mastery Program was about to change my life.
(I will make another post about the reasons YOU should take the Mastery Program later, but for now, let’s get right into it)
When I started the Mastery Program, the first week itself ended with me creating one of my favourite paintings to date. A breakthrough piece.
I’ll explain.
The final task of week 1 was to create a painting of a bird of our choice, using an “Old Master” technique of subtractive glaze painting.
A quick run-down on the technique:
I started by applying a ground of a dark neutral colour (I used Vandyke Brown mixed with a little Ivory Black) and an underpainting medium (1 part linseed oil to 6 parts paint thinner), and then using various subtraction tools I wiped away the paint and loosely drew in my composition.
I enjoyed the process so much - it’s like drawing with a pencil and rubber except you don’t have to rub anything out. You can just paint over it again with the paint.
I worked this way slowly building up until my subject was visible and most details were there. This left a monochromatic underpainting.
Next, I went in and glazed with transparent paints and roughly mapped in the colours that I could see in the source. I fell in love with the jewel-toned hues that you get from transparent paints.
Lastly, I added final details with opaque paints, and highlights to finish.
This method of painting was life-changing for me in many ways…
Firstly, of course, it was my first ever oil painting.
I had always been scared of trying oils! Painting was never my thing!
I was someone who could draw. Not paint.
And oil paint especially just seemed so intimidating to me.
The fact that I was able to create this painting in just the first week of the year-long course, gave me so much confidence and self-belief.
It was my first ever oil painting and I was so proud of it. I still am. She’s a beauty 🥰
But more importantly, it goes a lot deeper.
A typical, or even ‘amateur’ way to paint when first starting out, is painting inch by inch. Painstakingly reproducing each square of the grid exactly as it appears in our source, copying every detail meticulously.
This process is not only long and tedious, but there is no room to get creative juices flowing.
You’re working in such a restricted space with small brushes, and there is no freedom to get loose and expressive.
And this doesn’t just apply to painting.
Living life by fixating on the minutiae can be so limiting. It constrains our ability to be spontaneous, explore new things, and embrace alternative solutions to our problems.
We become trapped in a rigid framework, unable to deviate from the predetermined path we've set for ourselves.
Building a painting layer by layer allows for creative freedom and flexibility, and the process becomes so much quicker and more fulfilling!
Similarly, in life, focusing on the broader strokes and overarching goals rather than getting bogged down by every tiny detail gives us the freedom to adapt, make choices, and express ourselves more authentically.
It allows us to find innovative solutions, take risks, and live with a sense of purpose.
Not only was I stopping myself from my full creative potential, I was restricting my potential in my mind too.
Why did I choose to paint a flamingo?
For me, ‘Beautiful Weirdo’ symbolises growth and uniqueness.
A flamboyance of flamingos standing and sleeping on one leg, turning pink from their crustacean diet, head fragging, living in what would be completely inhospitable environments for other animals... They’re just strange creatures.
They’re perfectly imperfect.
This painting has taught me to not take myself so seriously, to embrace my uniqueness and quirky traits.
To look at the bigger picture, and not get so consumed in the tiny little details.
I have proven that I can create something beautiful by letting myself be free and trusting in the unknown and new.
So here you are.
I present to you, my ‘Beautiful Weirdo’
“Beautiful Weirdo” 16x20 - original oil painting on canvas
‘With its vibrant plumage and that distinctive, crooked beak, the flamingo reminds us that beauty lies in the unconventional. In a world of ordinary, dare to be extraordinary. Embrace your quirks, your oddities, and your individuality.’
She’s available, or maybe an art print is more suited to you! 🥰
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