Scared to Commit? This Painting Tip is for You!

Here’s an artsy tip to help you with canvas analysis paralysis. Do you find yourself frozen, afraid to “mess up” your precious painting? Do you dread adding an element or a layer and then finding that you need to cover it over? If so, this painting tip is for you.

You can audition a change by painting it onto a Mylar sheet or transparency sheet and then holding it over the painting. Use clear Mylar so you can easily see your painting through it. This allows you to try it out in different locations and decide whether you want to make the change at all. If you don’t like it, no harm done! You tried it without actually making the change.

As you gain confidence, you’ll find that you rely on this technique less and less. My goal for you is to paint freely and without anxiety—but I believe it’s totally fine to use crutches, especially early in our painting journey.

Remember: No painting is so precious that we can’t make changes to it. Go for it and be open to surprises and lessons!

What do you think? Will you give this technique a try?