The Artist's Road

The Artist's Road

The Pivot

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

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The Artist's Road, Ann Trusty, and John Hulsey
May 06, 2026
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Altoids Tin Painting © Shere Chamness

We received a response to our article “Living in the Ow” from artist Shere Chamness, who shared with us her challenges with having to limit her outdoor painting time in the bright sun due to eye surgeries.

Her solution? Creating tiny fifteen-minute-only paintings using Altoids tins. To her surprise, it was not only fun but improved her overall skills. We, too, have found it interesting that unexpected forced limitations often kick our creativity into new exciting spaces.

Shere writes: “Somehow, doing the quick little plein air paintings helped me move past my previous weaknesses!

It forced me to work on composition, proportions, color mixing and capturing a non-detailed image in a short time. And, the little tiny paintings are still fun.

I just completed my 60th one. Each canvas is just 1.75” x 3.25”. I carry all the supplies I need in a child’s insulated lunch pack.

Anyway, my main message is that your injury might end up pushing you beyond your lim…

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