Couple Painting

Couple Painting is a painting game where two people paint a picture in turns to evoke an image that is unique in its style, being comprised of elements from each of the participants as well as its own personallity. This type of painting may be done by any two painters. Participants should be capable in the common medium to be used, and familiar with each other's style. The skill levels of each painter is immaterial as the painting that emerges will be different than that of either painter alone.

The game is played by setting up a canvas or board to be painted. The size may vary, but 20" X 24" or larger will give the players enough room to develop complex themes without running over the other players work. A good starting medium is 22" X 28" poster board and acrylic paint. Be sure there is good lighting and that each player is comfortable painting on the canvas as set up. Each player is given a palatte and a selection of brushes. The paint selection is shared (and the brushes may be shared, but better results may be had when each player is responsible for their own brushes.)

The more asertive player begins by choosing a brush and color and painting some marks on the canvas. These may be of any complexity and color, but limit the color changes to two or three colors, or blends between two colors, plus black and white. Do not paint for too long - let the complexity of your addition determine the actual time but remember the other player is waiting for you to finish. A practical limit is 15-30 min.

When the element is finished, the other player takes over. The only guidance is the presence of the previous turns marks. Any new colors may be chosen and any forms, lines areas, etc. may be added to the picture. When the second player is done it becomes the first player's turn again. Turns alternate until a consensus is reached that the picture is done.

Couple Painitng may be used as a party game, creation of experimental art or as a way of exploring issues between couples. Below is a couple painting made by myself and SAAS wherein we explore our 'signature' styles and elements in a competitive manner. We completed this painting quickly, in about an hour or so, using less than a dozen different colors. We often painted right through each others areas, but didn't obliterate any elements. I made no attempt to follow any color scheme that SAAS was developing, but did follow contours that emerged as a result of our combined elements. Who made which marks is not apparent even if familiar with either of our styles.

Untitled	acrylic on poster board, 56cm X 71cm