26 Comments
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E Daggar Art's avatar

This is a brilliantly concise, yet detailed delineation of your approach to painting. It is difficult to 'think' about all of this while trying to maintain spontaneity of marks, but of course over time, much of this becomes intuitive. But not all! It's very easy to get stuck— this list of questions seems like a great way to find where edits are required. So good— thank you!

I really love this question (one I always need to watch out for) “Does it suffer from neat disease?” haha

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

lol….I’m glad you enjoyed! :)

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Sarah Jennings's avatar

You share your advice so generously. Much appreciated. Love your work

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thanks, Sarah!

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Frankie Meitou Carboni's avatar

This is wonderful Harry, so much here that I can learn from - one of my downfalls is ignoring principles and elements of painting precisely for the reason you state, that I'm frightened that 'rules' will stifle my spontaneity. I'm taking on what you've said here and will learn from it. So grateful 🙏🏻

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thanks, Frankie!

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Terri West's avatar

I hope you decide to teach classes someday. I get little pieces of wisdom out of your newsletters. Thank you!

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thanks, Terri. I taught for so long…I got sick of hearing myself…:)

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Anna's avatar
Mar 2Edited

That's too bad. But I understand if you're tired of it. However, you did write:

“I still dream very regularly about teaching art classes.”

What does that suggest? Lol.

“I’ve just taught a fresh art lesson that I’ve never really given! And the artwork students produce in these dreams is often fantastic……and much better than much of what I see in contemporary galleries.”

Maybe because you have something original to offer, or what you offer here is inspiring others in ways you can only imagine — in ways you can only visualize in your dreams.

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sarah hoenicke flores's avatar

I love your work and your approach so much, Harry. Bookmarking this so I can return and learn more from you.

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thank you, Sarah! :)

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Victoria Gastón's avatar

This is better than 8000 tutorials

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thank you, Victoria. So glad you find it useful!

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thanks, Victoria....so glad you enjoyed it! :)

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Heather Murray's avatar

Thank you for sharing your painterly approach and wisdom Harry .. I love your unique style !

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thank you, Heather!

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Gary Smith's avatar

I loved reading this, and will return to it. I definitely suffer from 'neat disease' in my own painting efforts. Now that I have such a good name for the affliction, maybe I can start to overcome it.

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thanks, Gary. Glad you found it useful!

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Jen's avatar

Really appreciate the time you took to articulate all of this - and still feel your book would be exceptionally well received.

My eyes are gratefully greedy when you post; your students were so fortunate to have had your attention!

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thank you, Jen! :)

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Doug Hilborn's avatar

Thank you; some good advise.

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Lydia Velarde's avatar

Thank you so much for this wonderful post. A great lesson and a lot for me to think about.

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thank you, Lydia!

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Randall Casaer's avatar

Thank you for sharing. Your work embodies perfectly what you preach. Exhibiting a deep understanding of what you do, this is mastery. Very inspiring

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Harry Stooshinoff's avatar

Thanks, Randall!

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AzcrazyArt's avatar

my favorite too..."does it suffer from neat disease?" and I do need to focus on touch. Thank you!

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