The Art of Exaggeration: A Painter’s Approach to Better Learning

I confess, I was never a big fan of palette knife painting. To me, it felt linked to a fast-paced, commercial style that didn't resonate with my personal artistic sensibilities. However, for a recent term, I tasked my students with an exploration of textures, impasto mediums, gesso, and molding pastes—all to be applied mostly with a palette knife.

As expected, initial resistance and a flurry of questions ensued from my adult learners. They were hesitant to step outside their comfort zones and experiment. I didn’t have all the answers at the start (and probably still don't!), but my goal was simple: for them to be playful and relaxed about the results. The only hard rule was a basic one: use acrylics, gesso, and water-based media for the initial layers, and reserve oils for the top, never the other way around.

Then, during a session with my wonderful Qigong teacher*, everything clicked.   

He suggested exaggerating a specific movement to teach the body its optimal range of motion—its "sweet spot"—without pain. It was a revelation. This term, the core principle was exaggeration.

It wasn't the first time I'd seen the parallel between Qigong, a moving meditation, and the art of painting. Painting can be interpreted as a physical act of moving materials across a surface while in a semi-meditative state. Enjoyment in the activity is crucial to both arts. While Qigong leaves no physical trace, painting provides tangible evidence of the process.

The Learning Power of Pushing the Limits

Exaggeration proved to be an essential part of the term's learning. Some students discovered a passion for texture; others found a way to relax and paint faster, freeing themselves from overthinking details. Playfulness in mixed media flourished, and many discovered new styles that fit them better. The work was all a bit exaggerated, but now they can relax into this new approach and deploy it whenever appropriate, whenever it fits the idea they are working towards.

Here’s why embracing exaggeration is a valuable learning practice for any artist:

Heightened Observation

By pushing proportions, colours, or values beyond reality, artists are forced to meticulously observe and understand the underlying structure and essential characteristics of their subject. The conscious decision to exaggerate requires a deeper understanding than simply copying a subject as it appears.

Emphasis on Fundamentals

Exaggeration helps isolate and stress basic ideas like form, composition, and colour. For example, by exaggerating the contrast in a value study, an artist can better grasp how light interacts with form to create a sense of three-dimensionality.

Developing Personal Style

The choices an artist makes regarding what to exaggerate and how to do so are integral to their unique artistic voice. Experimenting helps artists discover preferences that resonate with their personal vision.

Breaking Creative Boundaries

Focusing on exaggeration encourages artists to move past the pressure of realistic representation. This freedom fosters experimentation and risk-taking, which can lead to more dynamic and original work.

Mastering Expression and Visual Impact

Exaggeration is a powerful tool for conveying emotion, mood, and a narrative in a more direct and impactful way. Art that utilises exaggeration often stands out and commands attention, making the subject matter more memorable and compelling to the viewer.

*Learn Qigong with Sifu Anthony,  https://flowingzen.com/

Experimentation with Gesso and Textures