5c - Graeme Smith - Bog

5C. FIGURESThree paths focus on a transition from experimenting to being an artist.Once you have done the hard yards this is an easy and natural step.The first follows the REALISM path.This continues from the previous pattern of experiments.Focus on photographs and pictures as a basis for a search for reality.The second pathway is based on OBSERVATION.This focus is a more traditional approach.But the foundation has been laid with the MMM experiments.The third pathway is linked to your IMAGINATION.This is more personal but there is a foundation from the MMM experiments.Perhaps you want to try them all but you could follow just one of the pathways?What if your particular MMM focus isn't one of those template Groups!That's not really a problem - select the one that's closest.For example if your focus is on fairies choose the People Group.Then substitute fairies for people when creating your MMM experiments.But your focus is quite different - say World War 1 military aircraft?If there's no group anything like that just select a group, substitute your focus for whatever is there.Your MMM experiments are like the athletes training program.An Olympic athlete wants to remain at the highest level must keep training.Your MMM experiments become a normal routine.So you need to construct YOUR OWN MMM experimental programs.By now this should not be difficult.Then training never stops.Perhaps start each day with a short period of experiments.Then move to your main artistic tasks.By actually painting you understand how to do what you want to!There's no other way for you learn by doing.You do not learn by someone telling you what to do.Then you only learn know what to do and if you get stuck you can ask them.By now you should have an experimental attitude.You are scientific about your art learning so set yourself challenges.See what happens here when you do this?Magic Multiple Miniature experiments can be copied several times too.Then you can compare different experiments with the same image.This highlights learning that would otherwise take much longer.Use ONE MMM experiment as a template for a series of explorations.Use the same materials in different combinations (black, grays, white).Use different materials entirely (pencil, felt pen).Use DIFFERENT MMM experiments for a series of explorations.Use the same element combinations (black, grays) on each one.Use the same materials each time (pencil, felt pen, paint).Explore further according to your curiosity.An experiment could be on gray or coloured paper, or distort the MMM image!Don't worry about whether you are doing the experiments correctly.Do something and it's just about certain to be right.In the process you'll discover whatever you find out.Once you begin, you can alter or change what you have done.It's better to do something and be wrong, than do nothing.Mistakes can be corrected, and you learn what not to do at the same time.An experiment does not even have to be finished!Knowledge grows from your own experiences and it's what learning is about.Most importantly any discoveries are yours.They're part of actual experience rather than just part of following instructions.Your experience and confidence grows for the more you do the better you get!Random starts do not necessarily have to be the case.You can plan your starts but take your time.Don't rush enjoy the experience and see what you can find out.