Coffee and the painting process

With every year that passes I am reminded that learning to paint is not instant. It’s not something that just happens overnight. You don’t wake up one morning at the start of a brand new year and are able to paint. No, it can be a slow and painful process, taking years, if not your whole life.

While this may sound gloomy, it actually isn’t. It’s great! it means that we have our whole lives to explore new ideas, new ways of working, new subjects, and by doing so we are growing in our knowledge and our ability to paint. Every time we put brush to canvas or pencil to paper, we are learning something new and are achieving something that no-one has ever done before. It is enriching, rewarding and fascinating!

Imagine how bored you would be if you could just produce a masterpiece every time! Where would the challenge be?

Coffee mugs (Gouache) Andy Walker

A slow learning process is a bit like the process of making coffee. Sometimes an instant cup is just what we want, and it gives us that caffeine hit in a moment. But for a better taste and a more gratifying experience we have put in the time and effort and make a “real” cup of coffee.

I once went to learn some glazing techniques for ceramic tiles from a well-known potter in the Lake district in the UK. She was an elderly lady, and the first thing she asked me was if I’d like a cup of coffee. Having said, “Yes”, she then disappeared into the kitchen and for about twenty minutes I could hear the grinding of beans, the boiling of water in a steam kettle, the slow percolating of the coffee through a filter, and the pouring of milk into a jug. When she finally emerged I had a perfect cup of coffee that tasted and smelt so good! But it took time!

Coffe Cup and Figs (Oil) Andy Walker

So, don’t try for, or expect, instant art. Work at it bit by bit. Allow things to percolate slowly into your mind and hands. Enjoy learning a little bit more with each painting. Respect the process. And I am certain that with each painting you will grow and develop and become the artist you are meant to be!

Wishing you a Happy New Year, Your friend, Andy Walker

#painting #learningtopaint #oilpainting #stilllife #coffee #paintingtips