By bad marks I mean exploratory marks. Exploratory marks allow for loose and dynamic paintings to be created. So how do you make an exploratory mark? Look for the overall shape of your drawing, you want to have the subject in mind but keep an open mind and don’t get caught up in preconceived ideas and images. You will need to find angles and shapes within the work, if the piece is not working, introduce some messy marks into your drawing. By doing this you allow more shapes and angles to emerge. When you're prepared to make messy exploratory marks it's surprising what details emerge of their own accord. Throughout, you need to remain mindful of the composition as well as the general feeling of the painting. Exploration is risky and can leave us on unfamiliar ground, but to take a step in this direction will open up a world of opportunities.
"This is a way of painting where the sky’s the limit. The possibilities are endless. The reason is that this neither depends on what you’ve got in front of you, not what you can see, nor does it depend on the extent of your imagination. Because we’re going to paint in a way the paint comes first." - Bob Booth
This concept is not widely taught, Bob uses this successfully and, as an experienced teacher, he is the perfect guide to lead you on this exciting path through the exploratory drawing workshop.
The idea of following an exploratory style is likely to be daunting for many artists. Artist Bob Booth is now working on a series of workshops to guide you on this path. The latest workshop is to be released in May, 2015 it will help to bridge the gap between exploratory and observational drawing. Bob has a FREE webinar available for those who are interested in learning more about loosening up in painting. He talks about the essential elements needed to achieve such a style, “If you want to create a loose painting then you will need to start as you mean to go on. You cannot create a loose painting from tight deliberate brush strokes.”
More info: trinitypaintbox.com
Exploratory Drawing by artist Bob Booth
www.trinitypaintbox.com Bob Booth uses a truely creative process to produce loose and dynamic drawings and paintings
Demonstrating the exploratory drawing process
This workshop is about an exploration not imitation of an image or even what is in front of you. He will guide you through creating space and form as well as drawing and composition. He teaches how to follow the medium and let it lead you to exciting possibilities.
Beginning an exploratory painting
The first brush marks of an exploratory oil painting sketch.
An image is starting to emerge
Here you can see that the subject is beginning to show itself. It is important at this point to remain open to as many options as possible. You must keep your distance and view the painting as a whole.
Oil painting sketch by artist Bob Booth
This oil painting sketch was produced using an exploratory style. Next it will be used for producing a larger painting.