PAINT TALK: 3 HABITS That Made Me a BETTER Painter FASTER

Painting Books I Like
Materials I like

Water Mixable Oils

Water mixable mediums

Filming

Hi, I am the son of two artists and began painting in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia before I could walk. I was a rare combination of artist and athlete so I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to play football for USC. I left the team my sophomore year to focus on painting and filmmaking, applying the same focus and discipline from my football career to my art. I primarily work in oils, and spend most free days painting "en plein air" in my new home of Sarasota Florida.

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[jockospillink]

I spent 3 1/2 years at an Atelier in California and one summer at an Atelier in NYC, and I can say from experience that your videos you’ve provided here for free, are excellent demos and instructions. Your positive attitude and personality is what makes you a great teacher/mentor/coach.

[gayleswellness]

You've really helped me let go of all the "shoulds" I was given from my the last teacher. When I began to feel confined by the rules I was given, during those classes, I began to feel very stifled and angry. I love painting too much to bring anger into this practice. I've been painting a lot during this past year--mostly because my brain needed a different focus. I don't consider myself any sort of "good" painter, but I love doing it. Each time I paint, I find something new and interesting I can bring into the next piece. I've come to understand that painting is not so much about "talent" as it is about practicing the art. I do look at the world differently because of this. I really appreciate your looseness and encouragement without the focus on how I "should" paint.

[kevinhawley]

My best habit.... is learning from you. You inspire, teach technical, give guidance on thought processes, philosophy, and make it all easy. 1 stop shop. Thanks again!!!!

[l.gaines]

"much further along in their abilities than I am" - thank you for saying that, I am going to replace "better than I am", with that. It also helps to see other artists as inspiration and not something to judge yourself against.

[ArtbyJasonABell]

...I do study’s with cheap paint now then transition to the more expensive artist grades for final paintings...but you for sure hit that spot on lol 😂 “ not putting out enough paint cause your afraid to waste them “ ...I struggled with that before i used cheap paints ...I guess we all go through that

[dianehoweart]

Great ideas. Another thing I have found that helps me, is to remember what something feels like as I am painting it. I think it might only apply to animals, but it works for me. Especially with horses, knowing what they feel like, how the muscles feel under your hand etc. I think with them in particular, you can always tell if they have been painted by someone that knows them or an artist that has never been near one.

[lostinthefaq]

You're my first source of knowledge and tips for painting! I mean there are a lot of teachers on youtube, but you are simple, direct and give useful advice, even psicologycal ones

[Polecat]

I love the paint talks, it is like you know me sometimes what you say to stop doing :) I have been painting 20 years and still find these videos inspiring as you are always a student when you are an artist.

[colourwheel]

Enjoyed watching the process of this painting come to life. Thanks for your advise.

[KiteSmiter]

I love this! It's so important to practice and understand you have everything to gain by killing your ego - embracing criticism & knowledge from others. I love communities that aren't about competition and intimidation, but building each other up & sharing their own insights to help others better themselves - that's a healthy art community IMO.

[gloriamastropole]

Honestly, thank you so much for this. I find that I often don’t know when to stop my paintings and I feel like I need to add more and more for it to be finished, but the most I’ve progressed has actually been by flying through many little 5x7” canvas panels. I looooved your video, many thanks!!

[RatusMax]

I agree with you. I find it a curse that I can never be satisfied with my work. When I was learning how to paint digitally last year, your words on moving on to the next thing helped me not get too deep into having a connection with my painting. It was quite liberating painting knowing if everything was deleted/burned I don't have to worry about it because I would have built the skills to make another one fast.

When I am stuck/giving too much time on a painting and trying not to move on I ask myself "What if somebody painted a BIG BLACK X on the canvas how would you feel?" If you feel to attached to the painting it's time to move on to the next lol. If not continue XD.

The truth is if you cannot either have the feeling to let go or repair the painting after that huge X is painted on it, then you are putting too much into it. It will hold you back from making the right painting decisions later on.

When I first started painting I stayed on one part and put too much details into it. I realized the dimensions were wrong and instead of painting over and repairing it. I tried to paint around the error and it never looked right. That's when I saw either paint coach or another YT artist just say "I messed up the eye here I will have to paint over this. Don't be afraid to paint over to fix the art." and they proceeded to paint over the whole eye and cheek area to get the dimensions right. It was at that point I realized what was holding me back my skills improved.

I plan to get on your patreon soon. I've just been dealing with stuff in Texas that set me back a bit.

[KathyBrooksArt]

Excellent tips and advice. Thanks Chris.

[artwithmycoffee]

Great little discussion. I think this is all very true and helpful 👍
Thanks for sharing

[---hmuy]

I didn't watched it yet, but I already know it's gonna be another one cool and useful video, thx PaintCoach

[keiserkeiser]

"Reps"! Love it! "Bruh do you even paint?" LOL. Definitely has been making me view the world different since I started a couple weeks ago. Was filling the dog bowl with water this morning and was appreciating the different values of light on the bowl... thanks for these videos.

[crislawson]

thank you for your practical approach...very relatable and such an encouragement! Keep up the great work!

[emilynewton]

You're really great at explaining things. I'm very much just beginning (drawn into painting after doing painting by numbers in lockdown). You were spot on when you explained "when painting, you're studying how the world works visually". Friends have been trying to explain how painting is all light/shade and now I'm at the point where it's naturally coming to me and I'm noticing light and shade when I walk around now (and taking a lot of reference photos!). I love the idea that painting is a way to express why you are interested in something without needing to use a lot of / any words.

Thanks for your videos!

[mariannaagh]

Until I found your videos on YT and Patreon I was really scared of oils and you just make it seem so easy, whether it concerns oilpainting or painting in general or the actual attitude and all that not only help me transition to oils but it also helps me with acrylics... so a huge thank you is in order 👍

[alexpick]

This is good advice even as an acrylic painter. It’s improving is so important.