Painting trick …Leaving a painting aside for sometime

Whenever we start with a project, we are eager to finish it and reach our destination. However, oil painting has taught me that patience is just so much important to get the best results. Let’s talk about one often ignored painting trick. While one gets direction as he keeps on painting and is consistent, there is another approach as well.

The painting trick that I am talking about is taking a break from the painting. Sometimes, it’s essential that you leave your painting aside for sometime even though you have put several layers of oil paint in it already.

While this approach/ painting trick can be applied in many cases, it works really well in two cases:

• When you want to give some effects that work well only if the painting is completely dried. For example, giving light effects like I did in my “Walking Ahead’ painting. The effects are so much better if done after a while especially for certain family of colors.

• Second case where this painting trick works really well is when you have lost direction or facing creativity block. If you are not sure where your painting is going & you are observing it daily; take a break. If you keep the painting aside for a while and then look at it with fresh eyes, finding a direction for your painting is a lot easier. It is like getting a fresh perspective on things.

A word of caution over here is that this painting trick or approach is easier said than done. In an age where everyone is looking for quick results and shortcuts, keeping patience while the painting is kept aside could be really hard. However, believe me; patience really pays in the long run.

How to utilize time while this painting trick is used?

Perhaps you can complete other tasks of your life that were not taken care of while you were busy painting. You can use this time to just relax. Maybe you can start another painting in the mean time and not lose touch with painting consistently. Whatever suits you the best, just make sure you give this approach sufficient time by leaving your painting aside (for as long as two weeks sometimes).