One Brush, a blank surface, and an opportunity for creative discovery
It happens to all of us at least once: the moment when it feels like your creativity has hit a wall. Ideas feel uninspired and lack momentum, sketching feels like a chore, and motivation seems nonexistent. In the past, you may have felt tempted to take a trip to your local art store, hoping that you would find your muse in a new tool, medium, or canvas as you explored the aisles. Instead of adding to your collection, we at Trekell have a challenge proposition for you. The One Brush Challenge is about sparking a new way of thinking with a ‘less is more’ approach. By using one, yes one, singular brush of your choice, you become less focused on perfection, but instead on the movement and fluidity of creating something with what is right in front of you. This isn’t about limiting yourself or creating a masterpiece. It is a challenge focused on removing yourself from a creative rut, loosening up, and finding your rhythm again. Like Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
First, you need to pick your brush. If you want to challenge yourself, choose a brush that is one of the least used in your collection. Because you are only selecting one brush, the shape you choose will dictate your entire experience, so be mindful of the personality of your choice. Did You Know? Monet was known to often paint with worn-down flat brushes. The fraying let him create unexpected textures and markings. Perhaps you will consider using one of your seemingly retired brushes?
What would we pick? Well, there are no wrong answers to this question. Part of the beauty of this challenge is the countless options you could uncover. But here are some of our initial thoughts.
● A Filbert Brush for its ability to beautifully render figurative works, or a Long Filbert for more spontaneity and looseness in creation.
● With its unique knife-like shape, the Dagger Brush renders precise lines ideal for detailed shapes and forms. It is undoubtedly a brush choice that may not get as much attention as it deserves.
● Last but certainly not least, the Round Brush. Fine lines, detail work, curves, fluidity, and pressure influence outcomes. This is an excellent brush option to experiment with for this one-brush challenge.
The second tool you will need for this challenge is a timer. Setting a timer for 30 to 60 minutes will enable you to stay loose as the time ticks by, you will be less distracted with worrying about potential outcomes, and instead paint by using your intuitive artistic instincts.
Our tip for this leg of the challenge? Start small on a sketchbook page, scrap paper, panel, or a small canvas. The objective here is no pressure, just pure expression and play.
If you require more of a plan or structure when participating in a challenge, consider painting something new every day of the week. You could use the same brush daily or swap it out for a different one in your collection for each session. Try as many techniques, positions, angles, or apply more or less pressure on your brush to unlock its full potential.
● Day 1: Abstract marks and shapes
● Day 2: Still life (something from your desk or kitchen)
● Day 3: A quick landscape
● Day 4: An animal form (real or imagined)
● Day 5: A self-portrait or human figure
● Day 6–7: Free choice or redo your favorite
(Artist: Eric Johnson)
Want to add another bonus level to this challenge? Try limiting your color palette. Keep your color selections tight or within a theme. Working within a focused palette puts you into a mindset that is focused more on composition, value, and brushwork, not just color choice. A restricted color palette in art history that you may recall is Picasso’s Blue Period. During this time, his nearly monochrome works captured raw emotion using the few materials he had.
Color pallets you may consider are:
● One color plus black or white for shading.
● A triad (3 harmonizing colors)
● Grayscale
After participating in this challenge, take a step back and observe (without criticism). What has your subconscious been trying to tell you during the progression of this challenge?
● What surprised you?
● What felt good to paint?
● Did a new idea or technique show up when you weren’t trying?
Sometimes, the best way to get through a creative block is not by adding more options but limiting them. One brush, palette, a block of time, and space away from overthinking. Remember that our artwork isn't about control but rediscovery. Let the brush do what it was made to do, let the work be raw and emotional, and let yourself be surprised.
Start with one brush. Start with Trekell.