I don't know about you, but when I paint, I need a distraction. Perhaps it's for the other parts of my brain that won't shut up, or maybe just painting needs a little more excitement. Now, that doesn't mean I want an evil monkey constantly pointing at me while I work or a marching band stomping by my desk every five minutes, but something in the background that other parts of my mind can pay attention to.
In the past, I had limited desk space for painting. Well, not so much limited - just less than I do now. Also, consider there was a time when not only did LCD monitors not exist, but neither did YouTube, and you wouldn't consider watching other media on a computer. During this time, my stereo was my friend. It played stuff from the radio, CDs and mix tapes. If you've got a computer anywhere in your room, toss a bunch of your music on random and hit "Play".
Speakers are key for me, because I find headphones/wires distracting when I'm trying to paint. However, I know that other people prefer headphones, as they can help make the world disappear. If you have but a laptop, go out and buy a cheap $5 set of speakers and an 1/8 inch audio extension cable / headphone extension cable. Set the speakers up on your painting desk, just because it'll sound nicer. If you go the headphone route, an extension cable is still a good option, so the cable's not pulling at you.
These days, I usually prefer to watch TV shows and Movies while I paint. I've got a computer beneath my desk and an LCD monitor on my desk (previously, next to) that I can look to now and then. I prefer things that I've already seen, and don't rely on visuals too much. If you find yourself paying too much attention to the video, find something else to watch or resort back to music. Think of it like listening to an audio book you know the story to. It's background noise.
Needless to say, anime is a tricky option here, because you're not going to be able to paint and read subtitles... and dubs suck.
Speaking about audio books, that's another option. Libraries have lots and tend to offer a wide selection. Alternatively, you can always find a program that reads text and there are plenty of free out of copyright books at Project Gutenberg and Project Gutenberg Canada.
Painting with friends is also a great way to pass the time. Either get together at someone's place, or see if your LGS does painting nights. Not only can you "geek it" with friends, chatting about your favorite hobby and be social, but it can be a great way to see what others are doing, help each other, trade ideas, and get inspired! You could even share paints and other supplies this way.
Today's homework is this:
What about you - do you enjoy distractions while you paint, or require utter silence? How do you achieve either?
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
I view listening to new something as a timesaver. I usually want to listen to something anyway and the content doesn't really distract me - I am using two different faculties when painting and listening. Granted, I pick gaming podcasts and music rather than university lectures or audiobooks for just the reason that they seize less of my attention.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely another good reason to play things in the background.. you're right, that it could be used productively, but then you might get distracted from the hobby. It really is important to recognize if your background noise is distracting you from the task at hand.
ReplyDeleteI almost always have the TV going while I paint anymore, or I find myself listening to Paul Simon's "Graceland." The interesting part is though I do manage to catch some of what's going on around me, I can rewatch all of the shows again and they almost seem new to me.
ReplyDeleteMy absolute favorite part is when I've heard a commercial 50 times, but never really seen it. It's amazing how different TV is with pictures!