Two Ways About It

March 22, 2025


When you pick up a brush and stand before a blank canvas, you’re faced with a decision: how will you paint today? There are countless ways to approach the act of painting, but when it comes down to it, there are really only two broad paths you can take. You can either follow a structured, traditional method—what some might call the “academy” way—or you can paint from your own instincts and intuition, creating something deeply personal and uniquely yours.

The beauty of painting lies in this duality: both approaches yield compelling results, but they lead to very different artistic outcomes. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way, just two divergent paths that reflect the artist’s personality, training, and creative vision. Let’s explore both of these ways of painting, the strengths they bring to the canvas, and why neither is superior to the other.

Academy Approach

One way to approach painting is to follow the classical route—learning the rules, techniques, and principles established by the great masters. The academy tradition is about studying the craft in depth, understanding color theory, mastering the use of light and shadow, and learning the intricacies of composition. For centuries, artists have spent years honing their skills under the guidance of mentors or through formal education at art schools.

This method emphasizes precision, discipline, and technical expertise. The academy approach provides a framework within which artists can develop their craft and refine their abilities. Think of the precision of Renaissance artists, the fine details of a Vermeer, or the structured yet emotionally resonant works of the Impressionists. These painters adhered to certain principles that governed how they approached form, perspective, and color.

By training in this way, artists can explore their creative boundaries within a well-established system. They learn to replicate the techniques of the past, and, in doing so, find their own voice within that tradition. The mastery of technique allows for a level of control and finesse that many artists value deeply.

Intuitive Approach

On the other hand, there is the path of intuitive painting—a method that relies on personal expression, spontaneity, and trusting your inner creative voice. This way of painting isn’t about following established rules or learning specific techniques; it’s about exploring what feels right in the moment.

Intuitive painters often throw themselves into the process, allowing their emotions, thoughts, and instincts to guide them as they work. They may use color and form in unconventional ways, relying on their gut reactions to direct the brushstrokes. The result can be bold, raw, and incredibly personal. It’s a freedom of expression that is often unpredictable and non-conformist, reflecting the artist’s emotional state or subconscious mind.

Some of the most famous modern artists, such as Jackson Pollock or Wassily Kandinsky, are celebrated for their intuitive approaches. Pollock’s chaotic, abstract works came from a place of total immersion in the act of painting itself. He didn’t follow the rules of perspective, composition, or realism; instead, he created from within, letting his unconscious dictate the flow of his brush and body. In doing so, he allowed for a more visceral connection to the artwork—one that bypasses intellectual control and goes straight to the heart of the human experience.

The Value of Both Approaches

So, which approach is the right one? The short answer is neither—and both. The academy approach, with its emphasis on technical mastery, offers a strong foundation for any artist. But the intuitive approach, with its focus on personal expression, taps into the raw, unrefined aspects of creativity. There is no objective hierarchy between the two.

What matters is not whether one is more “correct” than the other but whether the artist is being true to their own process. Some may find joy in the precision of technique, while others thrive in the freedom of expression. In fact, many artists blend elements of both approaches—learning the rules, then bending or breaking them to suit their personal creative needs. This hybrid approach can lead to rich, multi-layered works that are both technically impressive and deeply emotive.

Trusting Your Intuition

Painting is not just about learning how to hold a brush or use color. It’s about listening to your intuition and embracing what feels right in the moment. Both approaches—the academy way and the intuitive way—are just vehicles for expression. Whether you are carefully crafting a detailed portrait using classical techniques or throwing paint onto a canvas with wild abandon, what matters most is the truth in your work.

Painting is an act of connection—connection with the canvas, with your materials, and with your inner world. And while there may be times when one approach is more appropriate than the other, there is no single path to creating meaningful art. The most important thing is to trust your instincts and embrace the unique way that you express yourself on the canvas. Your way is the right way—because it’s yours.

Painting isn’t just about technique or rules. It’s about finding your own voice, whether that comes from the academy or from the purest depths of your intuition. And perhaps that’s the most powerful thing about art: the freedom to create in the way that feels most true to you.