Slow Art Day - April 11, 2015

by Gregg Chadwick

Today is Slow Art Day at galleries and museums across the globe. The idea behind Slow Art Day is simple. In our hurried lives, we rarely take time to look deeply at anything - whether it is our lover's eyes, our child's smile, or the new leaves on the tree outside our window. Slow Art Day helps us stop and look. The technique is quite easy, but can lead to deep insight. 

First, visit one of the galleries or museums listed on the Slow Art Day site. (Deep appreciation to the Slow Art Day site for the comprehensive guide.) Second, while at the art venue, look at five works deeply and slowly.  Third, after viewing the work meet up with other participants and the volunteer host for a bite to eat and a time to discuss what you saw and how it made you feel.

Most of all - breathe and enjoy!

The 2010 ARTNews article, Slow Down You Look Too Fast, provides a nice overview of Slow Art Day. And noted art writer Peter Clothier has been leading participants in his Slow Looking (One Hour/One Painting) events for over fifteen years. Peter held one of these events in my studio a few years ago. I highly recommend attending one of Peter's Slow Looking events. As I write this (10 am Saturday, April 11, 2015) Peter is holding a Slow Looking session at the Craig Krull Gallery in Santa Monica with the richly evocative paintings by Astrid Preston.

Peter Clothier Leading A Slow Looking Session With the Work of Gregg Chadwick
photo by Joanne Warfield

Video Demonstration

Made along with the participants at Gregg Chadwicks studio in Santa Monica, this video was filmed live by David Lowther.  It provides a full length example of my One Hour/One Painting sessions and demonstrates the techniques involved in this guided meditation and contemplation.

Image at Top of Post:

Nicolas de Largillière (French, 1656-1746) - Portrait of a Woman (detail), 1696 

Metropolitan Museum, New York