The Rebel Artist's Secret - Slowing Down

Okay, 'lazy' might be a stretch, but in our gotta-see-it-all world, the real rebellion for artists is to slow down. We're talking ditching the visual sprint for the lingering gaze – what we cool kids call slow looking.

This isn't just about being a chill observer; it's about leveling up your art big time.

Slowing your gaze unlocks a secret level where you notice everything – light's gentle touch, a leaf's wild texture, the stories in rust. You learn to connect with juicy detail, making your art sing, and gain deep knowledge through pure attention.

Plus, you'll even tune into your own unique way of seeing, leading to seriously unique perspectives in your work.My creative playground just got a whole lot more interesting!

I slowed down this morning. Sun slanting across the foothills turned the chamisa right below the window into these crazy, bouncing golden fuzzballs – like tiny, joyful explosions!

And then, stretching out beyond? This whole landscape of warm, rosy-brown grit, all these subtle shifts in color and texture whispering secrets.

Honestly, just soaking it in for a while totally flipped a switch in my brain – suddenly, my art pieces are bursting with those exact sun-faded yellows and earthy, gritty feels!Want to give your art practice a major glow-up? Try "slow looking":

• Pick One Thing, Stare Like It's Magic: Grab an object. Now look. Really look. What's the secret it's been hiding?

• Sidewalk Safari: Take a super slow walk. What tiny treasures are hiding in plain sight?

• Art Detective: Choose a piece you love. Now, be a detective. What tiny clues make it sing?

• Sensei Stroll: Go outside and soak it all in. Now, pick one little thing and become its biggest fan for a minute.

• Describe It Weird: Look at something and describe it without saying what it is. Get specific and a little wacky!

Seriously, slowing down your eyeballs isn't just zen; it's fertilizer for your artistic soul. It helps you see deeper, connect harder, and ultimately create art that's got that extra oomph.

Ready to ditch the blur and dive into the details? Your art is waiting for it! 😉

Beverly Todd

B. Todd. Arts | Santa Fe Artist Getaway

P.S. Inspired to slow down and see more? Me too! I owe a huge thank you to The Thinking Museum for opening my eyes (literally!). Learn more -- web site or IG page.  

P.P.S. Your art is about to get more interesting! FREE download of See More, Create More: 5 Exercises to Fuel Your Artistic Vision (from my Abstract Studio workshops). For the full experience - Join a workshop!