Featured artwork Fleeting Moment by Ruth Maude
I’ve often said that I paint intuitively, but over the past year, I’ve realized that I’m often painting impulsively rather than intuitively. At first glance, there might not appear to be a big difference between painting impulsively and painting intuitively, but for me, it’s significant.
What’s the Difference Between Impulsive and Intuitive Painting?
The difference between painting impulsively and painting intuitively comes down to how much thought you put into each stroke. Impulsive painting is all about acting on the moment’s energy, while intuitive painting is about tuning in and letting your inner sense guide each step.
Impulsive Painting
Impulsive painting is evidenced by a lack of restraint or consideration, where the artist creates based on random urges rather than a deeper artistic process. At times, impulsive painting can be freeing and therapeutic (as with Expressive Arts Therapy), but without grounding in intention, it may not fully capture the artist’s vision.
Impulsivity often translates to immediate, unchecked actions without foresight. This spontaneity can bring exciting bursts of energy to a piece, but it sometimes leaves me feeling frustrated—like when I’ve just painted over something I quite liked! I’ve come to understand that, for me, impulsivity is strongly linked to living with ADHD, where the urge to act quickly without thought takes over. To develop a more intuitive style, I need to work on channeling and controlling my impulsive tendencies.
What does it mean to paint intuitively?
Painting intuitively, as opposed to impulsively, involves a process of creating art that’s led by inner guidance, awareness, and intentional choices rather than reacting without active thought. Intuitive painting taps into an artist’s emotions, experiences, and subconscious cues, but it’s not rushed or random. Instead, intuitive painting combines freedom with mindfulness, allowing artists to trust the process while staying connected to their artistic voice and goals.
When an artist paints intuitively, they rely on an inner dialogue, building on a blend of emotion, memory, and artistic instinct. Each stroke, colour, and mark has a purpose that may not be fully conscious or planned but is nonetheless reflective of the artist’s inner world. The intuitive artist is deeply connected to the flow of creation, listening to subtle cues from their own intuition, and responding to the evolving artwork with curiosity. This approach often leads to work that feels organic and layered, with meaning emerging over time, sometimes even surprising the artist with its complexity or emotional resonance.
Controlling Impulsiveness to Paint Intuitively
1. Let impulsiveness have its place
Distinguishing between impulsivity and intuition has been both eye-opening and incredibly helpful for me. Recognizing the differences allows me to choose between the raw, expressive energy of impulsive strokes and the thoughtful connection of intuitive painting. Impulsive gestures can add wonderful energy to a painting. And so, I begin paintings with play, allowing impulsiveness to have its day.
2. Work on multiples
Working on several pieces at a time helps me manage impulsivity. It’s easy to get hyper-focused on one painting, but moving between several pieces diffuses the intensity and gives me fresh perspectives. Read more here about Working on Multiples.
3. Set intentions and slow down
After a playful start, I bring my conscious mind into the process. I stop painting completely and hang it up on my easel wall and spend some time looking at it in different orientations. Setting even a loose intention gives the painting direction and helps control impulsive urges.
Intuition doesn’t ignore spontaneity but encourages a slower, intentional pace that lets the artist listen to subtle cues from within. Taking time between strokes to assess the composition helps me to respond thoughtfully to the evolving piece. Pausing to step back and examine each layer creates a mindful, intentional flow. I’m learning to check in with myself more frequently, giving space to each decision instead of acting on every urge.
4. Create digital reference photos
Another strategy that works well for me is creating digital reference photos. I take a photo of my work in progress, open it in Photoshop (Procreate works well too), and experiment digitally. This process lets me control impulsive urges, and I can always “undo” as needed. When I’m satisfied with the digital version, I bring it back to the studio as a guide.
Accepting my impulsive side and learning to channel it with intention has deepened my self-understanding and strengthened my growth as an artist. I hope these tips help other artists who share similar struggles as much as they’ve helped me in creating the works for my solo show “A Sense of Place” opening today at Propeller Art Gallery in Toronto.
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Great analysis & articulation of the interactive process between the artist and the art.
Thank you. So helpful.