I was so inspired by a video about Sargy Mann, who is an amazing painter who happens to be blind. His paintings are stunning. Watching him create captivated me. I could not stop thinking about it. So I decided to try to paint without my eyes. And did I ever learn a few things…
Watch Painting without my Eyes on YouTube.
Here’s what I learned…
Where you place you supplies is critical….I thought I had it all organized so I could easily put my brush in paint but NO.
I thought I would be able to feel when the brush hit the paint…but NO.
I thought I was getting color on the entire piece evenly but NO (in fact it seems I completely ignored one whole corner of it).
I thought I’d be able to remember where colors had been placed but NO.
After trying painting without my eyes, I watched the video about Sargy Mann again with a new appreciation. I couldn’t keep track of what color went where in just the few minutes I was playing, let alone an entire composition filled with so many precise details.
Watch Blind Painter Sargy Mann on YouTube.
In the end, I did not create fine art. I played. I let go and got lost in the experience. As a bonus, I have a great start to an art journal page.
Supplies Used
I loved this. Nothing more to say.
How very freeing, painting without pressure.
Thank you so much for sharing the video about Sargy Mann. It is so inspiring.
That was great, Carolyn! Good for you for taking on that challenge. I have a major fear of going blind. I have some vision issues that remind me constantly to not take my sight for granted.
Thank you so much for sharing that video and your experience. Truly an inspirational painter.
Wow. Thank you for sharing the videos with us–very inspiring!
Wow – great test run, and kudos to you for trying that at all!
Thank you for introducing me to this remarkable artist. You have given me much to think about.
I LOVE experiments like this… you learn so much (about your art and yourself!) I never painted blind but I did some awesome ‘blind drawings’… ever heard of that? You should try it! (See this blogpost http://www.maritspaperworld.com/blog/?p=8099
Pretty amazing video about Sargy Mann, that’s true trusting the brush and your inner vision to “see” what you want to be seen. xox
I have enough trouble painting with my eyes open! Not sure how I would fare with them shut! Might have to try this!
I love how this came out! We all forget how to paint like a 6-year old. I would have to wear gloves, though. My mother ruined me.
My son and I really enjoyed watching the Sargy Mann video, so inspiring! I found it interesting how he marked his canvas. Thanks for sharing it and your own experience as well.