The Secret to Test New Ideas Without Risking Your Painting
Have you ever stared at your painting, wondering, What if I added a tree here? or Would a shadow make this pop?—but you were too afraid to commit and possibly ruin it? Read on to learnThe Secret Trick to Test New Ideas Without Risking Your Painting.
You’re not alone. Every artist, especially beginners, has wrestled with the fear of adding something just a little too bold. That’s why I’m excited to share a painting trick I’ve been keeping under wraps… until now. Because you’re ready to take this secret and run with it and I’m ready to show you the painting secret reveal.
In my latest video, I reveal a technique that lets you “try before you apply.” It’s the perfect tool for artists who want to experiment with confidence—whether you’re working in acrylic, oil, or even watercolor. And the best part? It doesn’t involve any digital tools or complicated software, cause I can’t take anymore technology. What about you?
The magic tool? A piece of clear glass. Shhhh! Did I mention it was a secret?
Here’s how it works: you lay the glass over your painting and paint directly on the glass. This allows you to visualize the addition—be it a bird, a tree, a shadow, or a splash of color—without touching your actual canvas. If you love it, great! You can then add it to your painting with confidence. If not? A quick wipe and you’re back to your original work, no harm done.
I walk you through this technique in the video and even keep it a mystery for the first half—just to make the big reveal more fun. It’s a practical, beginner-friendly art hack that can completely shift the way you approach your work. You’ll start thinking more like a planner and less like a guesser.
👉 Watch the video now and see how this invisible layer can unlock your artistic freedom.
I wish I could take credit for this great idea, but I can’t. I learned this from one of my all time favorite artists, Julie Ford Oliver. Click HERE to view her amazing art. Julie has a fabulous technique that I wish I could do but so far I haven’t mastered it.
Thanks so much for being here today. I really appreciate your interest and your support. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think would be interested.
Click HERE for more secrets for beginning artists.
Sharon Durbin Graves
P. S. If you’d like to view my available art click HERE.
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