Exercise InnovationExploring painting as an innovative problem

solving process

Whether you are new to painting or you practice often, if you focus on the process of painting versus the product, it will provide a valuable exercise in problem solving.

I often paint pictures that don’t turn out like I envisioned. I simply paint over them and begin again.

With very little instruction and a few supplies, painting serves as a direct link between thought and action.

The difference between painting as a problem solving exercise and traditional problem-solving exercises is that painting promotes

learning to make innovative decisions in a situation where there are no standard answers.

Examine Basic Shapes

Paintings usually have only a handful, if that many, basic shapes and/or lines. This painting has a horizon line and one large triangular shape. The problem-solving exercise is to avoid the appearance of evenly-distanced objects or lines.

Lights and DarksA little practice with light source, lights and darks will go a long way. This painting’s light source is coming from the left. In a very short time and with a few quick tips, you can make some objects look near and others look far away. Objects that are farther away have softer edges and less intense coloration.

Innovative Problem Solving

I am concerned that the distance between the top of the cliff in foreground and top of painting is too much the same as the distance between the bottom of the same cliff and bottom of the painting. I need to make an effort to change the appearance at the bottom (on the nearest beach).

Lights and Darks

Adding darkest darks and lightest lights enables an effective look at mid tones that make visual sense.

Innovative Problem Solving

Too much sameness with colors in different areas. All within the largest triangular cliffs are looking too much the same. Sometimes it is difficult to know exactly what will make a visual difference. I have to figure out how to make the rocky cliff closest to viewer look somewhat different than the grassy hill behind it. I’ll try color first.

Palos Verdes, CA

Sometimes paintings come together and sometimes they don’t. If your painting doesn’t turn out the way you had envisioned – paint over it! Either way, without fail, innovative thinking is involved. There are only a few guidelines to follow and it’s beneficial to participate in a problem solving process in which there are no standard answers!

Try it for yourself!

There are many instructional videos on You Tube no matter what your skill level in painting. A few links are on this web page for you. David

Dunlop and Bob Ross model simple landscapes.

If you are a corporate trainer, you may want to begin with Daniel Pink’s motivational link.