What I learned from the Quick Draw experience

The first thing I learned is I don't know how to 

paint all that well with acrylics.

I also thought about when I went to school for art and 

remembered the painting class I had.  This is what they

taught me;  these are the supplies you will need to paint,

here is the subject we want you to paint - now paint.

And that was about it.  

So, I decided to get some library books and learn how

to paint in the style that I like when I look at other people's work.

This is the first book I'm learning from;  

                                                  

There is so much information in this book that

I decided to try a little at a time.  His first suggestion is to

limit the amount of time you work on a study and think

of a painting as a study instead of a finished piece of art.

He says, "Don't be intimidated by the white canvas,

don't be afraid of mistakes, learn the difference between line

and mass, learn brushwork, understand how to see, and get

started - learn, explore, enjoy!"  All of that information

was on one page.  That's a lot to start with.

I decided to start with an hour, limit my colors to the basics - red, blue, yellow

black and white, and limit my brushes to 3.  I ended up exchanging the large brush

for a liner brush.  I was trying to keep it as simple as possible.  I also am using a

12 x 12 canvas, a lot smaller than I usually use. 

  

 This was after 20 minutes

Another 15 minutes

and the last 10 minutes.  He said 

not to think of your work as a finished painting

when you're learning but I want to finish this up

at least a little more.  I just want to see what it will look like.

 I'm happy with what I've learned so far and I'm only on

page 9.  Hopefully I will improve my techniques with acrylic

to a level I will be happy with.