All artists know that when you stand back from your work, anywhere from 8 to 20 feet, you see it in a new perspective. I’m working on a large oil right now at Ree Art Studio. It is a city scene with a lot of detail and numerous changes in perspective. I often stand back to see how it looks. Standing back shows me the flaws in my seeing when I’m too close to the canvas. The other day I realized I was painting a part of a building that was literally in the wrong place! I think this is analogous to our everyday lives. Sometimes we have to “step back” to get perspective, especially when we are in an emotional situation. I remember my mother-in-law, who raised 8 children, saying she had to take a walk once in a while just to “get her head on straight.” Wise woman. And, wise artist who routinely takes a step back to get a clear vision of her painting.
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