speed paint in 2020

Hey everyone! Seeing my old 2020 speed paint really got me thinking about how much fun and how beneficial speed painting can be, especially if you're looking for new art ideas or just want to shake up your routine. It's not just about finishing something quickly; it's a fantastic way to practice, experiment, and even overcome creative blocks. If you're eager to try some speed painting yourself or need a fresh burst of inspiration, here are a few ideas that have really helped me push my boundaries and discover new styles: Timed Challenges: This is the classic. Set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes. The pressure forces you to make quick decisions and focus on the essentials. Don't aim for perfection – aim for completion! I often find my most energetic and expressive pieces come from these short bursts. You can try painting a simple object around your room, a pet, or even a quick self-portrait. Limited Color Palette: Pick just 2-3 colors (plus black and white) and see what you can create. This really challenges you to think about color mixing and value. It's surprising how much depth you can achieve with so few options. This is a great way to understand how colors interact without getting overwhelmed. Focus on Light and Shadow: Choose a reference photo, but instead of trying to render every detail, focus solely on blocking in the major light and shadow shapes. This helps you understand form and volume much faster than meticulously drawing outlines. It's like sculpting with light! Storytelling Prompts: Give yourself a short, imaginative prompt like "a wizard’s forgotten potion," "rainy city night," or "an alien breakfast." Then, speed paint a scene that tells that story. This helps with composition and conveying emotion quickly. Blind Contour Drawing (Speed Version): While not strictly painting, doing a quick blind contour drawing (drawing without looking at your paper) for a minute or two can warm up your hand and eye, making your subsequent speed painting looser and more expressive. Then, try adding watercolor or ink quickly over it. "What If" Scenarios: Take a familiar subject, like a flower or a cup, and speed paint it in an unusual environment or style. What if it was made of glass? What if it was melting? What if it was glowing? This sparks creativity. Speed painting isn't about creating a masterpiece every time. It's about the process, the practice, and learning to let go. Personally, I found it incredibly liberating during quarantine when I had more time to experiment. It allowed me to try new things without the pressure of a finished product. Don't be afraid to make 'ugly' art; often, those are the pieces that teach you the most! Give these ideas a try and see what amazing things you can create in just a few minutes. Happy painting!