Simplification: How to Stop Overcomplicating Your Paintings

As artists, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overcomplicating our work—adding too many details, layers, or elements until the painting feels cluttered or heavy. But sometimes, simplicity is the secret to a stronger, more effective painting. When you focus on the essential elements, your artwork has more room to breathe, and the message becomes clearer.

Let’s talk about how to simplify your paintings without sacrificing depth or interest.

1. Focus on the Big Shapes First

When starting a painting, it’s tempting to jump right into the details. But before you get caught up in the fine brushwork, take a step back and focus on the large shapes in your composition. These are the foundation of your painting and will guide the viewer’s eye.

What I Do:
Start by blocking in the main shapes and areas of value. Keep your brushstrokes broad and loose. The details will come later, but for now, focus on creating a strong foundation.

2. Limit Your Colour Palette

Using too many colours can overwhelm your painting and lead to muddied or confusing areas. Limiting your palette not only simplifies the process but also helps create harmony and cohesion throughout your work.

Penny’s Tip:
Try using a limited palette of 3-4 colours, plus white. You’ll be amazed at how many different shades and tones you can create from just a few colours.

3. Less Detail, More Impact

It’s easy to think that more detail equals a better painting, but that’s not always true. Too much detail can dilute the focal point of your work. Simplifying the details in certain areas can help your main subject stand out.

Where to Focus:
Prioritize detail where it matters most—often, this is the face in a portrait, or the focal point in a landscape. Let the surrounding areas remain loose and abstract to draw attention to the main subject.

4. Use Values to Create Depth

Simplification doesn’t mean your painting has to be flat. By focusing on values (the light and dark areas in your painting), you can create depth and dimension without needing a lot of detail.

How I Approach It:
Squint at your reference or subject to see the values more clearly. Paint these values in broad strokes before adding any smaller details. This gives your painting a solid sense of depth and structure.

5. Know When to Stop

One of the hardest parts of painting is knowing when to stop. We’ve all been there working and reworking a section of the painting until it loses its freshness. Learning to step away at the right moment is key to maintaining the vibrancy and energy of your work.

My Trick:
Take frequent breaks and look at your painting from a distance. If it’s communicating what you want it to, it might be time to put the brush down!

Final Thoughts

Simplifying your paintings doesn’t mean losing depth or interest—it means focusing on what truly matters in your artwork. By concentrating on shapes, values, and focal points, you’ll create more expressive, impactful paintings without the clutter of overcomplication.

Until next time, Keep splashing colours!
Penny 😊🎨✨