Time Savers?

[Michele Rushworth]

I've recently realized that I usually take much more time to complete a painting than many other artists, including others whose work is taken to a considerably higher level of finish than mine. I realize that part of one's speed in working is experience, but perhaps there are other things, too.

I'd like to use this thread to share with others any tips or techniques we each use that save us time.

I'll start with one thing I learned in Bill Whitaker's class, from students Carl Toboika and Craig Luzum. (Thanks, guys!) They were using tools they called calipers, but which others call "dividers", to measure the model. Dividers can also be used to measure a photo when it has been printed at the size at which it will be painted.

I'm finding these are great tools for improving my accuracy and thus minimizing reworking.

Any other tips?

[Michael Georges]

I use a plum bob to help me establish verticals and angles from true.

Here it is, along with my calipers:

[Mike Dodson]

When executing life oil studies I integrate John Sanden's "Pro Mix Colors" with my current palette. By adding one or two colors to these pre-mixed colors you can quickly achieve the desired mixture in a reduced amount of time.