Five ideas for creating an artwork using control or release.
How do you begin an artistic work? Do you begin your process with control or release?
Control & Release
Control: the proficiency or mastery in executing a task or skill, something that impedes the progress or movement of something, avoidance of excess or extremes, or act of being calm and composed.
Release: to give over to something unrestrainedly, transference of power, easing of intensity or severity, relief from strong feelings or emotions, breaking free from confinement, freedom from being stuck, or to remove restrictions.
I used a lot more control than usual with this little chickadee drawing and collage. I started with a pencil drawing, ink and inktense pencils. Fluid ink was used to create a soft floating background and a little release of control. Transparent collage adds contrast to the detailed drawing and a softer disappearing background.
Curiosity 8” x 8” Hand Printed Collage, Ink, Graphite, and Inktense Pencils on Paper
Here are Five things to consider about your own art process.
Consider your starting process: Do you like to work from small studies, from a photograph, your memory, or imaginations? Each will yield different results. An emphasis on drawing tends to lead to more control compared to simplifying the subject to the bare minimum needed to communicate the idea. The same is true for working the artwork in sections compared to working the entire surface overall.
Consider your body movements: If you anchor yourself to a table, a drawing or painting will typically be more controlled. The shapes will be confined to the size of your arms reach. Allowing yourself to stand so that the entire arm and shoulder will be able to create loose motions. You will also have the ability to create larger marks and shapes.
Consider Speed: Music can be a great motivator. Slower music compared to a fast beat will automatically create different marks that are more controlled to more released. Consider what you need physically and the work will reveal the same.
Consider outline and fill: An outline will always contain what you place inside, You can contain flat strong color with precision or loose impressionistic strokes.
Consider leaving parts unfinished: Minimal details and white space can make a work feel very loose and open compared to filling the entire surface with detail right to the edges of the format.
What might you consider in your own process?
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Thank you for being part of my journey.
