If you are interested in growing as an artist, you should get familiar with the different modes of painting.

Separating these modes let’s you focus with intention on different outcomes.

I learned these from Tim Packer, established gallery artist and teacher.

These modes all start with “P” for convenience.

Practice

Practice mode is where you intentionally learn, iterate, and grow. You practice specific techniques like composition, values, color mixing, etc. You are copying, remixing, or making studies. Like sports or music, these are exercises and drills. You are not creating artwork in practice mode. This is a big stress relief! You do not have to share your practice. You are only improving your skills.

Production

Production mode is where you intentionally apply your practices and skills. You produce to your highest degree possible. Production mode is where you make your artwork. Like sports or music, this is the game or concert. Production artwork is meant to be shared and sold. It exhibits your best skills.

Play

Play mode is completely experimental. Unlike practice, you are trying crazy new things. “What if I paint with my hand!” or “What if I only use 3 colors!” or “What if I use a different medium!”. Unlike production, you are not trying to sell your experiments. You do not need to share them. No obligations in play mode! You are playing, and learning. Maybe you discover something that becomes practice. Maybe you learn something you can incorporate into a future production.

Tim Packer’s modes, completely changed the way I think about painting. Each mode allows you to grow. Each mode focuses on a different intention.

Give these modes a try.