"This is a short exercise to help you have some fun with colour. It might even get you over the 'I can't paint' hurdle. It has a connection to the splodge and press together technique that I remember doing as a small child, probably the only art I remember until I became an artist in my thirties.”
You'll need some card or paper - I use a bit of cardboard box - and something fluid that leaves a mark (you can be creative with what you use as your 'paint'.) You could also have a go using digital tools.
You'll also need something to spread the paint, like a palette knife, stiff card, a ruler or your fingers!"
Play with your ‘paint’ to create an image. You could take inspiration from Sean and model your image on a landscape, or simply explore the colours and textures of your paint.
“A very general idea of a loose composition is useful, I went for a landscape. Start applying the paint thickly without worrying about any fine details. I find it easier to work from top to bottom. Next is manipulating the paint - the torn edge of scrap paper is useful to press and drag on the paint. Make more marks if it needs finessing.
I also use this when I have paint left over and I am always saving scraps of paper or card. Sometimes I use what I have created for a greetings card.
The activity is about having fun and moving colour about. The artists I mentor began with this technique and are now off in all sorts of creative directions.
Best of luck, Sean.”
