Studying Painting

Sometimes I like to watch Youtube videos on painting miniatures even though I often disagree with the techniques presented. I do this to make sure Youtube continues to suggest other painting videos instead of people squeezing blackheads.

I just watched this video by Aythami Alonso Torrent which I found to be well presented and informative. I’m not sure how helpful it will be for me but it is certainly one way to paint miniatures.

This is not my normal reaction to seeing a painting video. Recently I watched a Beasts of War video on two brush blending that had me considering the technique. I find often when I watch a painting video, or read a tutorial or just hear someone describing their technique I want to try it.

For the longest time I attributed this to pure ego. My natural reaction to seeing someone achieving results that I envy is to deny their superiority and think to myself that “I can do that. I can do that better, even.” This natural reaction is quickly followed by the acknowledgement that if I want to think this way I must prove it. I only paint as well as I do because every time I see a higher standard I vow to surpass it. Strangely I don’t really want to be the best painter, I just need to be better than everyone I meet or who’s work I see in person or online.

Putting aside this ugly facet of my personality I had an epiphany of what my real fascination with painting tutorials. The reason I’m always driven to learn new techniques and adapt them for myself is a fear of becoming hidebound and formulaic with my painting. When painting becomes too mechanical I can see the quality of my painting decline while feeling a reduction in pleasure.

I encourage all painters to experiment with new techniques and styles of painting. All growth comes from experimentation and not simply copying painting steps by rote. I also suggest you indulge your inner egomaniac and view all other painters work as within your ability, then work to prove that you are not merely conceited.

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