Techniques for Painting More Loosely

_Elsa_

“OK, today you are going to start painting,” says Olivia. “I found this great article that offers some tips on how to free up your art to work in a freer, more painterly style. So let me read them to you.”

Use the 'wrong' hand - If you're left-handed, put your brush in your right hand, and if you're right-handed, put it in your left. It'll feel awkward and you won't be able to paint as precisely as you can with your dominant hand. This lack of co-ordination also means that you can't get into that automatic paint mode where your brain says "I know what an apple [for example] looks like" and you paint an idealistic apple rather than the one in front of you.

Work in the dark - Well, not complete darkness, but in reduced light where you can't see every last bit of detail. Try lighting a still-life with a strong lamp from one side (oblique light). Or if you can't change the light, squint your eyes so the lights and darks in your subject become stronger.

Leave stuff out - Our brains are quite adept at filling in missing details, so you needn't put down every single thing. Take a long hard look at your subject, trying to decide which are the essential bits. Put down these only, and then decide whether you want more detail or not. You'll be surprised at how little can be necessary to capture the essence of something.

Don't paint outlines - Objects are three-dimensional, they don't have outlines. If you're unsure about this, look at your body and see if you've got an outline or if you're 3-D. You do have an 'edge' when you look at e.g. your leg, but as you move, so this changes. Instead of drawing an outline (or painting one) and then filling it in, paint the object as a whole. ’ (Source)   

The five of them begin to paint. They are enjoying it immensely. Just then Jelly Queen and Chewy walk in and apologize for being late. Olivia tells them to get a brush and palette and she will be over in a few minutes to get them caught up. She looks at how the others are doing and she’s quite impressed.

“Guys, you are all doing fantastic!,” Olivia says. “You caught on much quicker than I thought you would. Keep up the good work!” 

Olivia now goes to help Jelly Queen and Chewy. When she finishes explaining what they need to do she tells them to get an empty easel and if they need help to please raise their hand.  

Let’s continue - Olivia shares some painting tips 

Start at the beginning – Olivia teachers her friends how to paint