Nothing More, Nothing Less

“Canopy” 30x40 inches; mixed media on wood panel

We tend to complicate, rather than simplify things. Adding more to the to-do list feels more valuable than dropping responsibilities. But don’t confuse complexity with value…simplicity is a worthwhile target. In art-making, as in life, it’s easier said than done. 

Many artists paint to better understand a subject. It’s not so much that simplicity is the goal, but in carving away the things that don’t matter, we more easily find the essence of something. A simplified painting is the by-product of eliminating the unnecessary. This takes years of practice to fully master, because when you only have one, two, or three elements on your canvas…they have to be good. They have to be just the right size, and placed in just the right way. Details matter more.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Creating simple-looking paintings is a complicated process! It means editing the work down to it’s barest, most basic elements. Sometimes we can take it too far. Finding the sweet spot takes a trained eye. 

Anne Truitt

An un-trained eye may not even appreciate the sophistication of simpler things. We humans seem averse to simplicity. We look at minimalist art and think, “I could do that!” We look at our toast and see the Virgin Mary. But maybe it’s worth just noticing the warm aroma of the butter melting and the promise of a new day. Maybe the magic is found by allowing just one idea to fill the canvas.

Our life is frittered away by detail...simplify, simplify. ~ Henry David Thoreau