The Big Painting Challenge
Lynda Whiteman
5.3.15
Inspiration
Feeling inspired by the discussions and the art portrayed on the programme – it must be very daunting for the participants in The Big Painting Challenge. Doesn’t it always pull at one's resources.. the ability to be judged and criticised, and not take it too much to heart! Some of us may have a big enough inner critic of our own!
Intensity
The intensity and the time pressure being taken into account, (it is always good to have a little pressure!), and somehow it keeps the work fresh and dynamic!
Different vantage points
The different approaches and styles of working are always amazing, especially when we realise that the subjects can be the same for each of the artists, but everyone sees things differently – how refreshing to see these different approaches.
Always keen to be inspired, the artist that has most inspired me is Claire Parker, delighting as I have in all stages of the programme, the modesty and humility Claire Parker has is incredible. However, all those taking part are courageous in my view!
Competition
Obviously, programmes like the Voice and X Factor are similar, in as much as they are encouraging those who are talented to step forward and be seen and heard with their unique performances, and 'The Big Painting Challenge' is asking talented artists to step forward and be seen and heard. For the Artists, the publicity is wonderful, the methods and techniques are good for us all to see and the guidance and constructive criticisms are valuable too. Feeling for the artists though, when it seems the comments by the ‘Judges’ may seem quite brutal – but if they are, it seems they are perhaps only ‘brutally honest’, and there is strength to be gained through this process, ultimately!
In the course of the programme, there is a rapport developing between the viewer and each artist and their work, and as time moves on, seeing how the artists respond to each different challenge is interesting to observe. We all know how hard it can be to paint, and through the persistence of painting – the confidence can arrive, but it has to stack up with a greater self esteem, and valuing ones own work as well.
Getting people talking about art and painting!
The Big Painting Challenge has certainly had an effect, as I hear lots more conversations discussing art and painting now, how wonderful is that! It has seemed very quiet for a few years, so this is very welcome. Being a member of the www.saa.co.uk it is pleasing to know two saa members were in the line up. We can all like painting for different reasons, but one thing is for sure, you cannot think about much else when absorbed in this task - so it usually is, a very focusing occupation!
Sad to see Jan leave, as he was hoping to stay for much longer. It’s going to get tougher, one may predict, because it’s the same for the Voice and X Factor, and the ‘Judges’ expectations are higher as the competition progresses onwards!
Lyn's Workshop: tutoring in Acrylics and Acrylic inks, and Oils
Lyn's other events: Harbour House Gallery, Ox Market.
So lovely to hear so many more people discussing art, and The Big Painting Challenge!
Here’s to raising awareness of the benefits of creativity, art, relaxation, and painting in general, and more inspiration week by week!
Lyn Whiteman ©