Building a Sandbox

I recently held a class where I asked students to select an image, divide it with seven lines, and then use different colours for adjacent segments. I essentially gave the class a set of rules: I built a sandbox if you like. In about 20 minutes, I got masses of creativity, as shown above.

There’s an interesting dynamic at play with most creative endeavours: when you put some constraints into the mix, creativity increases. It may seem counter-intuitive but limiting choices means it’s easier to get started and then having less to work with brings out resourcefulness. A mass of options can be numbing – all those variables – leading many of us to wander about aimlessly. Creativity often flourishes because there are objectives and constraints.

In my class everyone just got stuck in and had fun. Whether it’s creating some abstract art or working on a new product, or troubleshooting a faulty service, setting constraints provides a motivating creative challenge. Had I merely said “go ahead – paint for 20 minutes” do you think I would have got much back? How much creativity flourishes when you set the stage is a real eye opener– for yourself and for teams.

“De ses mains” Exhibition by Carole Ince

I’m fascinated by hands – in fact, my figure classes probably emphasize hands more than anything. Carole Ince’s current exhibition, “De ses mains” (at the Shenkman until 14 August) is all about hands.

Carole explains: “Most impactful, hands are the most expressive part of the human body and have the ability to convey human emotion. I draw inspiration and images from relationships and life experiences by shining light on the activities of women that are often understated, automatic, intimate, private, skilled – yet seldom shared.”

Details on Carole’s website: https://www.cgince-art.com/. (If you can’t get out to the Shenkman Centre, check out the cool ebook!)

Hidden Van Gogh self-portrait found behind painting in Scotland

So much is known about Van Gogh that something new is rare these days: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/jul/14/hidden-van-gogh-self-portrait-discovered-behind-earlier-painting (Thank you Anne and Heather)

Announcing our Fall Schedule

This Fall we’re looking forward to an expanded course and education program: both in-person at the Ottawa School of Art (downtown and Orléans) and continuing on-line. There’s something for everyone: weekday courses, weekend workshops and webinars, covering a range of mediums and subjects.

Details and registration information now on our website: https://www.breakabrush.com/workshops/

Two pots of Yellow

These days I often paint with just one yellow, something bright and neutral (close to “primary”). From this I mix all of my greens and oranges. I’ve taken to putting out 2 pots of the same yellow, using one to mix towards orange, the other to mix towards green. This way I can always keep my colours relatively clean. I started doing this in my watercolour palette and of course quickly expanded the same practice to both acrylic and oil.

Wishing you a creative August!

David & France

¨That´s the wonderful thing about crayons, they can take you to more places than a starship. ¨

Guinan, Star Trek Next Generation