Big paint brushes, all artists have to use them at some point. Well, painters certainly, so often artists look for small brushes and fear using anything larger, especially when starting out. It depends on personality, that’s true, but fear of using large brushes comes with a lot of frustrations. Not least how to prevent hard edges and stripes from appearing in your large painted areas. Using small brushes gives the illusion of control, and can often result in static painting.
Obviously, I don’t identify with small brushes. These are my most used examples. And, if I’m honest. I due for retirement soon. Why the love of large brushes, when painting? I tend to use brushes for washes. And when laying down to wash, speed is off the essence. I haven’t got time to spend picking up paint repeatedly. Putting it down as quickly as possible.
I may even say without thinking, but that’s not true. Thinking about where the paint should be applied and what colours I should use. Sometimes I spend a long time deciding what should be applied and where. But once I start the painting process. I just do what I planned. To change my mind now would be a disaster. It’s a case of deciding on a course of action, and then carrying it out. Almost, but not entirely without thinking, thinking of what the plan was yes. But this is not the time to come up with something new. Commitment is everything.
Big Paint Brushes are a metaphor for life. You have to use what you’re given and make the best of it, and you always have to make a plan.
It’s like learning music. Initially, it’s hard, but eventually your fingers take over control. The memory is in the fingertips, not in the brain. You move on automatic. And if you think too hard about what you’re fingers are doing, you’ll trip up over yourself. You end up making a complete mess of the whole process.
And remember, a single brush can achieve a lot, coupled with experience and a willingness to work large. Try it one day, get a big brush and a large sheet of paper and see how many different marks, you can make. How big or small you can make them, what shapes and how they can fit together.
