Episode 153: Painting Composition Mistakes: Why Your Art Feels Off (And How to Fix It)

Your paintings might not be boring because you lack skill. They might be boring because you're overworking them.

In this episode, Jodie dives into a totally different way of thinking about composition. This isn't another lesson about the rule of thirds or focal points. This is about what happens when artists become so focused on balance, beauty, and "doing it right" that they accidentally suck the life out of their work.

You'll learn why:

• Over-resolving your paintings can make them less memorable

• Tension and imbalance often create stronger compositions

• The weird, risky decisions are usually the magic

This episode is packed with practical questions you can ask yourself while painting so you can stop making safe art and start making Honest Art® that actually says something.

Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a thing! And don't forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_.

Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email me at [email protected]!

Resources mentioned:

• I just released seats to my next few in-person workshops. Check them out and grab your spot: https://jodieking.com/workshop

• Stop doing art alone! Join The Honest Art® Society and start making your best art yet: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has

• Reach new heights in your art with Studio Elite, my 6-month mentorship program: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite

• Want more on composition? Listen to Episode 40 - https://jodieking.com/episode-40-how-great-composition-takes-our-art-from-meh-to-amazing/

• Want more on composition? Listen to Episode 101 - The Need for Speed: How Speed Painting Can Enhance Your Art: https://jodieking.com/episode-101-the-need-for-speed-how-speed-painting-can-enhance-your-art/

• Joan Mitchell, City Landscape, 1955 - I love how it's so unresolved! https://www.artchive.com/artwork/city-landscape-joan-mitchell-1955/

• Degas, Place de la Concorde, 1875 - I love the cropping. It feels so weird and off-balance. https://www.artchive.com/artwork/place-de-la-concorde-edgar-degas-1875/

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• Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF

• For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast