Perhaps a real understanding of less being more, comes with age. I have certainly found this to be true with painting and life in general.
I met someone yesterday who is at a turning point, and wanting to put more emphasis on being an artist rather than endlessly driving from A to B and organising a house full of STUFF.
This quick watercolour study of a model at the Boathouse Studio is an example of less being more. Note that all the techniques I have been showing in my tutorials are in this quick sketch.
Perhaps one of the many lessons we learn with watercolour painting is the art of letting go. Getting out of the way and allowing the paint to do its own thing.
It was only when I began to understand this concept in my own life that I was able to let go of all the unnecessary stuff, which in turn freed me up to immerse myself into the creative process.
In today’s fast paced world, it’s very easy to live our lives in boxes, all the time being plugged into some sort of technology. A little of this is necessary, however, too much of it deadens the senses….and consequently our creativity.
This quote from the book Buddhist Offerings, says it all.
‘Our five senses are like openings through which we receive all the perceptions that are then transformed into concepts and ideas.’
Wishing everyone a magical hummingbird weekend:)
A Bientôt
My Life as an Artist (2) 
Oh Janet, I just love this beautiful painting. mmmmmmm. If you say so, I tend to agree with you… though I would say, less is best, and more is a bore… but then I’ve been getting so much for so long, that I touch the content gingerly with just a touch from the very edge…
Good morning Shimon and thank you for your lovely comment.
Actually I do like your take on the old adage ‘less is more’ much better…because you are so right….that less is best and more is a total bore!:)
I will be thinking of you as you begin to celebrate your holidays…..and of course special love to Nechame:)
(I’m not sure if this will come up as a new comment, – as I intend – or as a reply to Shimon.
I too love this quick portrait, Janet, and especially seeing how you’ve used the techniques in the tutorials.
As to Less is More – and your comments about overwhelmed by technology, computer users often complain of always being urged to upgrade to the next version which has “Even more exciting features” [that only 5% of us will use] . This is especially true of Microsoft, of which it’s, sadly said, “Microsoft’s motto is More is Better!”
Thanks for your comment, Tony. It has come up as a new comment:)
Writing can be like that. Just let the fingers go. Great post and image.
YOu are so right….thanks you Peter:)
Oh completely agree with you Janet, it’s amazing how we think so alike.
I love the way you call this a sketch….to me it’s a stunningly beautiful painting. Your talent takes my breath away.xxx
Good morning and thank you for this lovely comment. Yes, indeed we do think alike. I look forward to the day when we are sitting in the same room exchanging ideas:) Have a lovely weekend:)xxxx
Brilliant paint, brilliant words..one my favourites of your watercolour studies,
as in architecture, the technical tools are very important to realize the structure, but it is the concept, freehand sketch of the idea, the vision of the building, the place, the materials, the play of light, the movement of the people and how it satisfy the senses that defines the art in architecture.
Thank you Miss Janet.
Thank you so much Jose for this lovely comment. It is much appreciated, and so lovely to see you here:) Wishing you, my fellow artist, a lovely weekend.x
So brilliantly coloured. .as soon. as I saw your work I loved it :)xx
Thank you so much.:)x
I have read this post with a lot of interest. Great post. The concept of less is more is true in many situations.
Thank you so much…enjoy your day:)
Enjoy yours as well Janet.
Less is more, an idea that seems to allude me at times. There is something distinctive in my DNA that makes me confused that I always think and act as if Bigger is Better, more and more and more and more is better..(yikes!)
I don’t think you are alone with this…..I often find when I am struggling with a painting that the answer is very simple….Actually my blog today addresses this. Thank you for the comment and have a creative Thursday…janet.
That is so true of so many things in life.