Patti Mollica - How to Paint Fast, Loose and Bold: Simple Techniques for Expressive Painting

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To my childhood babysitter, the enchanting Sheila, who always showed up for the gig with sketchbook and pastels in tow. She thoroughly dazzled and inspired this impressionable young girl, and forever changed the course of my life. I have many precious memories of afternoons spent wide-eyed, mesmerized and spell-bound, beholding raw talent flow effortlessly from her fingertips.

To my parents, Jack and Shirley Mollica, who have always whole-heartedly encouraged and supported my interest in being an artist.

To my husband, Mark Hagan, my soul mate and partner in living the artistic life.

Hardboard panel or canvas board, white mat board

Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Carbon Black, Cerulean Blue, Diarylide Yellow, Green Gold, Manganese Blue, Neutral Gray N6, Paynes Gray, Permanent Violet Dark, Phthalo Blue (Green Shade), Phthalo Green, Quinacridone Magenta, Raw Umber, Sap Green, Teal, Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre

1 4 "2" (6mm-51mm) flats or filberts, 1 16 " (2mm) script brush

black and white vine charcoal, color wheel, eraser, value scale

RED UMBRELLA| 8" 10" (20cm 25cm) | Acrylic on canvas | Private collection

PAINTING FAST, LOOSE AND BOLD is what happens when you approach a painting with confidence. When you feel confident in your method and process, it shows in the finished painting. Fast: If you work with a value plan, a painting can be executed relatively quickly. Loose: If your color values are matched correctly, you can lay down definitive brushstrokes that have an overall looseness, without over-working. Bold: If you use fresh, unexpected colors that are matched to a strong well-composed design, your painting will read well from a distance and exude boldness.

Many people show up to my workshops with the impression that they will be learning to paint fast and furious. Yet, my approach would be better described as mindful. After all, anyone can paint fast and furious just give some paint to a two year old and watch the speed and energy that ensue. My method, however, is mainly geared toward representational painters who want to let go of all those little details that hold them back from being more expressive.

The question then becomes, how do you gain the artistic confidence that is required to produce paintings that look fast, loose and bold? It took me many years to hone the essential skills that helped me become a consistently better painter. Consistentis the key word here. You want your paintings to succeed on a consistentbasis. For that to happen, you have to lay the necessary foundation on which to build strong, successful paintings.

My painting method is based on several building blocks that offer a solid foundation for painting with confidencevalues, color and brushwork. Once you are able to understand, practice and implement these basics, the door will open wide to a much freer painting experience.