Mindfulness

February 1st, 2024

Mindfulness is one of the most important things a young artist can learn. This is something I’m constantly reminding myself of as part of my ongoing artistic development. 

Painting from one's earliest years, like myself, is a huge gift, and gives one a big step forward over other artists who have started later in life. But, there are a few downsides, especially since, in my case, I was largely self taught. 

For one, you pick up a few bad habits! In my case, I’ve struggled with not being mindful of what I’m doing with each stroke, as well as basically just attacking the canvas without much planning or forethought! This has got me a long way, thanks to my God-given talent. But talent can only get you so far before you hit a wall. Then comes the time when it is really necessary to have a mentor/teacher/other artist to critique your work and point out your mistakes. 

Over the past few months I’ve finally been able to receive some instruction, as I’ve joined a painting group in our local city under the supervision of an excellent artist. Nothing she’s told me has been revolutionary, or even something I didn't know before, but “knowing” is different from “doing,” and what she has done has really forced me to be mindful. 

In other words, proper preparation and a disciplined, thoughtful, approach to every stroke of the brush. I still can get over excited, and start wildly brushing away, with dirty rags and paint flying everywhere, but overall I’ve noticed huge improvement, and I feel more energized and motivated than ever, as I see my work draw closer to what I hope it may be some day.

Dominic Keim