I struggle with the same thing. I don't believe it's about what others will think. I believe it's about control. The artist cannot let go of a simple stroke defining a shape. One wants to pour more and more detail into it. Pulling from ones knowledge of light, color and shadow. Knowing when to stop and the ability to capture the essence of something with a couple of strokes is key and a real talent. Steve Jobs has said "It's easy to make something complicated, it's much harder to make something simple".

A lot of people feel good art is like a photograph. I have a cousin who keeps posting these super extra realistic pictures on Facebook and I wish she would stop polluting my space with them. I think I am fortunate that my love of art started with the impressionists.

Fear of rejection/failure is truly the foremost reason for not being able to let go. Really helps Malcolm. Thank you.

I love this style. I have lost my fear of perfection. Some folks don't get my paintings but I feel that after years of painting, I am where I want to be now. Thanks for the validation.

This was obviously made for me! I'm a tiny brush painter, and I will admit I LOVE the process of creating a realistic image. However, I have yearned to "loosen up" but my efforts have been a disaster. This video is SO helpful-it inspires me to make another attempt. The fact that you are doing a small painting eliminates the fear factor for me (I tend to paint large paintings), and your demonstration is absolutely perfect. Thanks so much.

I'm a new 'painter' and most of my friends are artists, in galleries, etc. Now, the difference between me and them is simply this. To me..it doesn't matter. I don't know what's good bad or ugly.I buy huge canvases and just play with paint! I love my work for the most part because I'm PLAYING with colors, playing playing playing and not caring one hoot if someone else likes it or not. Do it for the love of it not what anyone else thinks. And NO, someone's opinion doesn't matter, I don't even listen because I don't care. I have a ton of confidence simply because it doesn't matter what anyone thinks, I don't know what I'm doing, but I love what I'm doing. It goes on the wall if I like it..that's that. Get ego out of your artwork and do it for the joy. Remember color is 'food' so fill yourself with it and have a blast.

Having been a full time artist of various disciplines for decades, this looseness off stroke is something that has never come easy for me. This video is truly inspiring.

Malcom, this tutorial is exactly what I’m looking for. I didn’t get it when artist says paint loosely. I’m an amateur artist. I always paint in full details. When I aimed to paint loosely I fail into the old habits. Thanks also to the person asking that question. But most of all, a big thank you for explaining and answering that question in a demonstration. I will definitely put your advice into practice 🙏❤

40 plus years ago, I'm in an independent study art class. I had begun a painting and had only begun to lay down colors, tree trunks, no leaves. My art teacher walked by and said, "Your done!" I was confused. She gave ne an A on it. Based on your comments, I could see people questioning the piece as I and done. Now I finally see what she meant. Meanwhile, she's putting out photo realistic oil pastels, what I felt an artist should aim for. I like this technique. Enjoy your instruction. I'm a fan. 😊

Thank you for talking about the friends and family critiquing thing. That has stopped me from getting back to painting. It paralyzes me. I'm going to paint and not show them what I do for a while.

You are exactly right about the reason for not staying loose....it is a fear of rejection and I never realized it until you put it in such good words! That's it exactly! I love this exercise and will definitely start trying it out! Thank you!!

When I was a teenager I always painted loose. Then my mother decided painting was too messy and so I began drawing detailed ink drawings. That got me tight and ever since I've had trouble painting loose. I also mostly admire paintings with strong drawing underneath. I like loose ones too, but I do exaclty like you said. Fall back inot habits.

I believe you hit the nail on the head with this reason. Fear of rejection is huge. Confidence is also huge. I have made some really good art that not many have viewed as good and other paintings that were so so and received amazing reviews. Thanks 😊

You expressed perfectly what happens when I paint! Thought it only happened to me, it was so reassuring to hear it’s a common battle! I feel the tightness and yes, the fear! In my case, it’s me who is the harshest self-critic! When I saw your tiny canvas and your big brush I was horrified 😳😂. However this exercise is one I will definitely do, just what my brain needs! You are very insightful, you’ve made me realise that I bring a lot of baggage to my painting. You made me realise why painting is such a valuable therapy for people who have undergone trauma. Many thanks and keep up the brilliant work. 🎨🧹🎨👏👏👏

Malcom, ….perfect and clear explanation about my fear, criticism and pleasing others. Since my wife is the first one to see what I paint, and being such an “art critic”, she will make statements such as: “I don’t like it or I love it” I asked her to listen to the first part of your explanation on the hope that she will say: “I now understand and will stop my criticism “ Instead she said…:” I am not going to lie” There…!!!! Another lesson about who I should listen to, thank you, thank you !!!!!!

This is very helpful , I will certainly try to make one once a week. Thank you, Malcolm!

Great advice to try this once a week so that I can stay with this method. I also found your example very helpful!

That is one of my problems. We have to learn when to STOP.

Love every idea you put in this video. Thanks a lot.

Watching old videos. Cool teacher. Thanks.

Thank you Malcom.

Thank you! You have explained in this brief video exactly what I needed. Fabulous.

Best lesson on this subject I've seen. I tell myself I'm going to paint a still life loosely then it ends up looking like a photograph of the still life. ARRGGG! I will be doing these types of sketches now, exclusively, until I am confident that it is engrained in my mind and I can finally loosen up. Thanks for the great explanation and great example.

Great. I tiki lots of photos of our community in lockdown whilst on my daily exercise walk. I’m going off now to try to do an impressionistic response. Thanks

I really liked youopening comments. They resonated spot on for me.

Very helpful!! Thank you.. and the end result is beautiful!!

So helpful! Amazing to see how such a simple painting comes to life.I’m going to try that one, thank you!

Thank you Malcolm! I always enjoy your demos!

Great job. This is needed for instruction. Good message, tips. Appreciate it. 🎉

Wise words and charming painting, Malcolm. Thank you!

Thank you again for your excellent teaching! OK, I am going to start using this method once a week! Thanks so much!

This was very helpful! Can’t wait to try this as practice!

Good advice regarding the connections to the mental work that has to be observed and then realized. I might add that part of that programming we have is in looking at the world from a 'realistic' bias. We think we physically observe the world in a certain way, and that way is made up of details that we know exist in the world. But we do not actually see individual leaves of a tree, nor blades of grass in a lawn, nor each hair on a sitter's head. Although we know they exist in our photographic reality, they are not observed as such because we largely see masses. As an artist, or a beginning painter, one has to teach oneself to accept the generalities of the painting and let the paint be paint. As one moves from generalities to specifics, it is important to know how much detail is necessary, while at the same time learning to be satisfied with this 'loose-style'. As for comments from other people? That is not an aspect of learning how to paint. That is an aspect of something in one's personality.

Thank you for sharing this Short n crisp small painting for practice I have already started practising your demonstration 👍

I will keep trying. Great demo and advice. Thank you!!

I am in love with this technique thank you

Thank you Malcolm...a beautiful demo and you were spot on reason for not being to complete or proceed. You teach so well!

thank you soooo much for these two videos, they are just what I needed to hear and I will view them over and over until they make a dent in my drive for perfection!!!

Great demo. Just right to give me confidence. Really like your teaching style. Thank you

Malcom, thank you so much, this is exactly what I was looking for and needed to hear. I will try my best to do this exercise regularly and will try to be fearless in showing my work.

Love this exercise Malcolm!! Thank you!!

It's a great video! Thank you, Malcolm, for sharing your wisdom on this very important topic of the fear to be rejected(I have done it so many times, instead of stopping early, overworking the piece to be more appreciated) and lack of confidence! It really helps! It is really important to understand that there will be people that will connect with your art and there will be people that will think your pieces are unfinished. But you cannot lie to yourself, trying to please everyone. Thank you! Great exercise!❤

You are so much help for me and prob many others. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thanks, great idea, small canvas, big brush.

I really appreciate what you share with us thank you very very much 🙏

That was an awesome lesson, there's so much to learn to get rid of the FEAR, Thank you.

I loved this. Will do the excercise!

Excellent teaching, thank you so much

Also, human beings think and act linear, very direct, so painting loose we have to let go of lines. Squinting my eyes helps me. Love your lessons!

Awesome Malcolm!!! You are the most amazing teacher

Superb practical and motivational video! Thanks.

Very nice, the best demonstration of loose brush work, something I can actually try. So often these videos are just too complicated to begin with.

Your videos - which I discovered recently - are more than a concentrate of very good pieces of advice: they are therapeutic! Thanks

Thanks for sticking with us on this topic, and continuing with helpful tips. Now, off to practice!

I'm blown away by this video for some reason. Looking forward to the experiment, which looks like absolute fun...maybe break in my new oils...(yes, they're still waiting there...talking about fear). Funny how your words sound to me like a powerful life lesson. Thank you Malcolm, this is a real gem, for so many reasons.

wonderful demo. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights on loosening up to paint! :)

Many thanks for this encouraging video.

You nailed it on the head Malcolm. Brilliant insight.

This makes me happy. I am goining to give it a try 🤩

Malcolm, thanks very much. I am feeling that I am not alone now. Thanks

Thankyou for this wonderful video Malcolm. Once again you hit the nail right on it's head! Fear of ridicule, perfectionism - ITS ALL IN THE HEAD!! I have realised this long ago but just do not manage to get out of it. I will do such exercises over and over again and it must help! I am sure. I think, however, I must lock away all my small brushes before I even try to do this. Even when trying to do a "Sprint" exercise, it is not long -- and the little brush jumps into my hand!!! They have a life of their own! Must be. Thanks again.

I don't agree wd the painting but I agree wd you. Always wanted to learn loose strockes ,your tutorial is very inspiring.thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

Thanks for this video, Malcom. Just the pep talk I needed! I too get bogged down by details.

I absolutely loved it!

Wow not only did this help with getting loose but also getting back into painting again. Thank u you so much!

Thank you for your kind approach to this topic. I confess I badly needed that "talking to"! I'm going to be doing one a week to begin with.

you have answered so many of my questions in all your videos. thank you. Im a novice artist and oil paints are a complete mystery to me. im hoping to learn the secrets.

Though I paint in acrylic, I love your tutorials. This is where I learned the basics and foundations. Thanks a lot!

Great advice. Thank you.

I tried this technique today, really like what I was able to do, thanks!

Thanks for the great advice, Malcolm.

Love this video. Great advice. Thank you.

Thanks for this video. Very informative and well presented. I will try this.

Thank you so much for the demo. This has been very helpful. I think this habit of working with a big brush has to be consciously cultivated. It is very tempting to pick up a smaller brush and put in the details. That definitely takes away the freshness.

Really good lesson, thank you!

Great!

Thank you so much for all your usefull informations.

Thank you.

Interesting..may try it .Have been interested in trying for awhile ,but had no idea how to start ...thank you.

You can get too precious about the work you create and that's the heart of the problem.

Excellent exercise, thank you

Thank you again for such a helpful example to follow. I keep on trying to be loose and bold, even using acrylics, to work faster, as they dry soon.

Very inspiring! Thanks a lot ❤

What a GREAT idea! I have been trying so hard to loosen up and often start that way but never stay that way. I can't wait to try this.

This is really great! Will give it a go! Thanks, Malcolm

This exercise is what I need. I've always like to put details, and it doesn't turn out for the better. I guess it's just that I thought less details seem missing. Big shapes are good that they can convey enough of the image. The exercise is really helpful. Thanks!

Excellent

Thank you, that's very helpful. I have no fear of reactions (i live alone with no important visitors) but it's my own thought of perfection what makes it difficult (and offcourse not enough practise and i do miss that masterpiece switch

I have been trying to painting loose, however when you have a habit of painting realistic is hard work.Thank you for your help Malcoln, I really needed this class!

You hit the nail on the head, Malcolm! Fear and wanting instant results from a new technique create a vicious cycle. It's hard to let go. I think the longest-lasting results are found in giving up a little perfectionism at a time because perfectionists aren't willing to give it all up in one go! ha. It takes a lot of practice and building up that confidence you were talking about. Thank you for the insight. This is very helpful.

I loved this video. Thick and juicy paint! Many thanks.

100% this is right on the mark . Its also the first time i have ever heard another Artist say it .

Hi Malcolm. I just finished my second big brush - thick paint painting! The first one was a disaster but this time round I used this very reference that you used in your video and I now feel much better! I did it for you, and , wow, did I enjoy it! I Will look for suitable references and do more. Thanks again for this, Both will be on your student group community site soon.

I LOVED having only one brush to clean! That aside, it was a great exercise. I didn't like most of my finished painting except for one area and that really sang. So I will hold on to that and hope that, in time, I will have a harmonizing chorus in my painting. Thanks again.

I am new to painting and I absolutely love it but, the fear does always holds be back. I'm glad I came across your video. I will try your technique

New subscriber here. Thank you for taking the time to show this exercise to us. I found you just looking for a review on the Bob Ross master set. I feel I have discovered gold. Can’t wait to see more of your videos. In the meantime, I’m going to work on loosening up!

Thank you so much

Great helpful video anyway! Will definitely try this!

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this demo. Thank you! I would also want to give it a go! Just take some courage to be wrong. I think I need to let go of right and wrong in order to do this.

Best painting teacher ever. Love your Udemy course too! 🙏