The Cure for Masterpiece Syndrome

I was once warned to not get caught in Masterpiece Syndrome. This is getting stuck on one piece of art, working and reworking it until you can’t even see it anymore and it grows stiff and lifeless. The only cure is to beat that Syndrome back with energy, verve and life. And if you don’t really feel like you have any vitality left in you don’t worry, a workshop with Ellen Rolli will get you back on track.

I was very lucky to find Ellen Rolli and take part one of her one-day workshops this past November. All she asks of you is to bring many canvases, big brushes, lots of paint. I spent a wonderful day in her bright studio painting with energy and joy. I did five paintings and two of them are much better than other pieces that I worked on for weeks. I am thrilled and excited about painting for the first time in a long time. Ellen reminded me of why I took up painting in the first place.

I cannot wait to get back to my studio and paint every day. It is the best part of my day, no - week. I feel passion for the moving the paint around for getting the light right while tossing blobs of color at other blobs of color. And all of it is accomplished with an eye on making the picture look right.

I have such appreciation for Ellen’s workshop, her teaching and her work. Visit her website and better yet, sign up for a workshop.

Amantha Tsaros, Untitled, Acrylic on Panel, 6x8". © 2010

This painting was one of five pieces completed in Ellen Rolli's workshop.