Focus, Flow, and Freedom: The Power of Single-Tasking in Art
"To me focus isn't just about creating artwork. It's a way of thinking - a way of being."
The Essence of Artistic Focus
I was around 14 or 15 years old when I first discovered the transformative power of painting through seeing - yes, painting with your eyes. I was working on a paraphrase of one of Picasso’s early masterpieces. As I focused intently on the subject, I realized I could capture what I saw - more or less - if I maintained a soft yet steady focus. The experience thrilled me and set me off on a journey to explore a new way of painting, one that was markedly different from the expressive, loose style I had previously embraced.
Much has changed in my art and life since then, but the importance of focus remains a constant. It’s not only crucial for the quality of my work but also for my overall wellbeing.
The Power of Controlled Focus
No two artists are the same. While I deeply appreciate how iconic figures like Jackson Pollock harness the power of expressive, uncontrolled movements in their work, my own artistic journey has led me to a different approach. Early in my career, I experimented with that kind of freeform expression, but I’ve since found that a controlled, focused approach aligns best with my vision and current practice.
Close-up of "Lifeguard tower", an example of my graphic style of painting.
In my paintings, I often work with relatively large, solid-colored fields that give my work its characteristic graphic style. Achieving this effect demands a uniform, rhythmic technique when applying paint. Because I work with acrylics, which dry relatively quickly, maintaining a steady and consistent hand is essential. Any deviation can result in an uneven surface, disrupting the clean, bright expression I aim for in my compositions. This process requires a high degree of focus.
Close-up of "Somewhere in Jutland", an example of my highly detailed style of painting.
Focus is equally crucial when I paint highly detailed features - often from an image. In these moments, I find myself looking at the reference image most of the time, carefully translating what I see onto the canvas. This act of looking is central to the work and demands intense concentration.
Focus as a Form of Meditation
However, the type of focus I employ is not rigid or strained. It’s a soft focus, similar to the mindful attention I experience when immersed in nature. It’s about being fully present without the stress of overexertion. Just enough attention is required to keep me grounded in the moment, allowing thoughts and feelings to pass by without engagement - much like in meditation.
Focus time in the studio.
A lot of people who struggle with meditation are frustrated over their inability to maintain focus for long periods. I can certainly relate to this experience. I find that the most beneficial type of meditation is one that allows the mind to focus on something pleasing, bringing a sense of mindful joy by eliminating worries and distractions. This approach is much more effective for me than "clean" meditation styles that encourage the complete release of all thoughts, although I recognize that such practices are beneficial for many people.
The mental health benefits of meditation are well-documented in psychology. People under stress often suffer from impaired concentration, while those who are thriving tend to have stronger focus and concentration skills - though many factors, like neurological conditions such as ADHD, can influence these abilities. The meditation-like focus I practice in my art brings together the best of both worlds: ensuring artistic quality in my work while also protecting my mental health by honing my concentration and focus.
The Challenges of Maintaining Focus
As an artist, I encounter a wide range of distractions. Some are “benign,” like a new idea popping into my head for a painting or something I’d like to write about. To avoid getting sidetracked, I keep a sketchbook close by while I work. This allows me to quickly jot down ideas, helping me return my focus to the painting without the fear of losing or forgetting them. I like to think of it as a “parking lot” for ideas - where they can wait until I’m ready to engage with them fully.
Other distractions can be more detrimental, such as worries about how the work might turn out. It’s natural for artists - and people in general - to experience self-doubt. In these moments, I try to be gentle with myself, reminding myself that my work is good enough and that the process will unfold as it should, even when it’s going through uncertain stages. One of my most effective strategies for managing this type of distraction is my morning pages routine. Every morning, I write three pages of whatever comes to mind. This practice helps me process any lingering thoughts or concerns, allowing me to address them constructively.
My morning pages in the front and my notebook in the background - two of my best strategies to stay focused.
In the digital age, I also grapple with the urge to check social media. The comfort of a "like" or a supportive comment can be reassuring, especially during moments of doubt. However, more often than not, I find myself lost in mindless scrolling if I give in to this urge. To minimize this distraction, I’ve set up some rules for my social media use. One of my key strategies is “Enter with intent,” meaning I only open social media when I have a clear purpose in mind. This helps me avoid getting caught up in endless scrolling.
While focus is crucial, I’ve also learned the importance of balancing it with the natural flow of creativity. My ideas often emerge at different stages of the process than the actual painting, so I recognize the value of having distinct phases for ideation and execution - though, of course, ideas can also arise during the act of painting. This is where my sketchbook comes into play, as mentioned earlier. By understanding and respecting the different phases of the creative process, I can ensure that each phase is approached with the attention and care it deserves.
5 Practical Tips for Cultivating Focus
To conclude this post, I’d like to share some practical tips that I find helpful for maintaining focus. These strategies can be beneficial not only in an artistic practice but in any kind of work where staying focused and productive is key:
Use an Idea "Parking Lot"
Keep a notebook handy to jot down new ideas as they come, so you can return to your current task without losing focus.Embrace Single-Tasking
Focus on one task at a time to improve the quality of your work and reduce mental fatigue.Set Boundaries with Technology
Limit your time on social media and other distractions by scheduling specific times to check them.Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks
Divide large projects into smaller, more achievable tasks to maintain momentum and avoid feeling overwhelmed.Take Regular Breaks
Short breaks help refresh your mind, keeping your focus sharp and preventing burnout.
By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you can improve your ability to focus, stay productive, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Final Reflections
Focus is not just a skill; it’s a practice that, when nurtured, can profoundly impact both the quality of our work and our overall well-being. In my own journey as an artist, I’ve found that maintaining focus is as much about setting boundaries and being mindful as it is about the act of creating itself. Whether I’m working on a detailed painting or planning the next steps in my business, the ability to single-task and stay present is what allows me to produce work that I’m proud of and stay balanced in the process.
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Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey with me!
