Sensory Perception in Painting

Anyone who has been to art school or has studied art in non-conventional ways might conclude that they learn much about the "hows" of art but often overlook the "whys."

There are subtle ways to delve into your "whys" on a profound level. This is what happens when we Paint Big!

Painting with our entire bodies, or what I like to call Paint Big, can lead us to these insights. When we engage in painting as a somatic act, using our whole bodies, we become attuned to our nervous systems. These systems hold stories waiting to be expressed, especially through painting.

In Progress, Lauren Mantecon

In our Paint Big workshop, we explore these concepts by starting with a prompt on a large canvas. This creates space for artists to fully explore these inherent patterns and what they signify. A prompt assists in delving deep into our psyche so you can uncover the "why" and "how" behind your creations and the deeper meaning of your painting practice.

When we embrace the act of painting on a grand scale, our entire being becomes an integral part of the process. Standing before a canvas as expansive as ourselves, every sense is heightened and engaged. We might bend, reach and use the full scope of our arms as we maneuver through the surface. 

I extend an invitation and an example of how we begin:

TO BEGIN:

Begin with a spacious canvas or a large sheet of paper, either laid out on the floor or mounted on a wall. Assure yourself that this is merely an underpainting, a foundation that can be altered or covered. This mindset liberates you from the pressure of permanence, allowing your creativity to flow freely.

Start by closing your eyes. Feel the entirety of your canvas. Sense its dimensions, its boundaries, and how it corresponds to your form. With a pencil, pastel, or charcoal in hand, locate the center of your canvas. Now, with eyes open yet guided more by feeling rather than sight, begin painting.  

PROMPT

Are there any shapes in your work that you find yourself repeating frequently? If they are representational, describe them purely as shapes. If they are abstract, detail the nature of these shapes." Write down your answers.

Bring awareness to these repetitive shapes, what is the deeper significance it might hold? (ask this question both in the creative process and when the artwork is completed). Consider, if you find yourself consistently drawing a circle, the result of turning your hand in a curved motion, how might this experience differ from, say, crafting a square? The way we might move our wrists to create a circle.

Connect with the specific hand movements and coordination required to create each shape, by feeling the movements. These movements are stored in the memory of the body. Magnify this shape on your expansive canvas. Replicate it, perhaps with a different medium like paint or marker. Then, once more, with another tool.

When we transition to a larger canvas, this gesture demands a greater commitment, a deeper connection to the marks we etch onto the surface. Step back and take in what you just did. Attempt this exercise on a smaller scale and observe not just the visual differences, but the contrasting sensations it evokes.

This immersive approach is the essence of our "Paint BIG" workshop.

Eager to dive deeper into this transformative experience? We have two spots remaining in our upcoming Paint BIG session. Join us and unlock a new dimension of your artistic journey.

If coming to Santa Fe, NM in early September is not in the cards at this time, check out our online virtual Paint Big Course to explore these transformative principles. 

Are you going to try to Paint Big?

Please leave your comments below!