The Connection between Modern Impressionist Style and Big Picture Thinking
I have been a painter for as long as I can remember. One of my first ‘self-commissioned’ projects was painting the interior of my dollhouse. I was probably 7 or 8 years old, and what I don’t remember is my parents being quite ‘on board’ with that project, or if I even looped them in on my plans. Actually, I am quite sure I did not loop them in. But what can I say? All’s well that ends well….and painters need to paint.
Fast forwarding a few years…I have climbed scaffolding to paint walls. I have painted cabinets, furniture, and even clouds on nursery ceilings. When I was younger and on a tight budget, it was the easiest way to refresh furniture or repurpose items instead of buying new. Even now, I will look at things and think, “Could a coat of paint save this?” Many times the answer is yes.
There’s nothing quite like feeling the brush in my hand as the smooth slick of paint sweeps over the surface, all the while observing the transformation of an old or plain object into something new and beautiful.
Painting has always been one of those things I return to, no matter how many other passions or DIY projects I try. It’s also one of the few activities where I become completely absorbed in the moment. The brush, the color, the movement all pull me in. My mind, which usually has a hundred tabs open, finally quiets down.
For the past few months, I’ve been taking the occasional painting class at a nearby studio. The instructor, a local artist, is warm and authentic. She creates a low-pressure and welcoming environment for everyone. Her technique is a painterly, modern impressionistic style. Loose brushstrokes, visible texture, no over‑blending. You paint in layers, starting with darker base colors and building up. Early on it feels like there is no way anything good can come of this, but somehow it always does. She reminds us throughout class to ‘trust the process’. I appreciate this reminder. And if that doesn’t work..you can paint right over it. This is not the time for stress.
Water‑based paints blend beautifully and dry quickly, which means you can finish a whole piece in a couple of hours. The style is relaxed and forgiving making it perfect for anyone.
It’s been a nice counterbalance to the faster pace digital transformation work that usually fills my mind.
Impressionist painting is all about capturing the feeling of a moment rather than perfect detail, which is why the technique depends so much on stepping back. Up close, the brushstrokes can look chaotic, but from a distance the image becomes clear. This is a valuable reminder that perspective changes everything. That same shift in distance is often what we need in corporate life, especially when we’re buried in details.
As a systems thinker, I naturally toggle between big picture and details. And impressionist painting mirrors that mindset in such a clear way. Up close, the canvas looks like a jumble of strokes and colors. You can’t see the shape, the intention, or the story. But when you step back, or even squint your eyes, the image reveals itself and everything comes into focus.
That moment of stepping back is everything. And it raises the question: what does stepping back actually give us in a corporate setting? What clarity do we gain when we put a little space between ourselves and the work?
When you’re buried in the weeds.. answering emails, attending back to back meetings, putting out fires, with a tendency to keep your head down and focused on the details…it’s easy to lose sight of the larger strategy. In leadership, stepping back is necessary. Leaders need those pauses to breathe, zoom out, and ensure they remain aligned with the overall objective.
Stepping back does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a break, going for a walk, stepping away from your laptop, or stepping away from people. Protect your energy. Protect your calendar. Give yourself moments to think. Build in time to reflect on the big picture instead of letting the day sweep you away.
When I walk into painting class, I never expect to create a masterpiece. That would be entirely too much pressure. For me, it’s all about the process of art. In fact, painting is commonly used to promote relaxation and stress relief and enhance self-awareness. When I’m swirling colors, creating shadows, building depth, I’m not thinking about anything else. That’s rare for me. My mind is usually running nonstop, but painting pulls me into the present in a way almost nothing else does. I will always make time for it.
I’m sharing a few examples of my work here to show you the difference stepping back makes. Also, that it does not matter if you think your finished product is good or bad. What matters is that you spend time doing the things that put you in flow state. And when you find those things, share them with others because it may help them, too.
The painterly, modern impressionist style has become a reminder for me: if you’re too close to the canvas, all you see are the messy details. But when you step back, the picture comes into focus. The same is true in work and in life. Making time for activities that let you reflect, reset, and see the bigger picture is essential for well-being.
We all need those moments that pull us out of the weeds.If you’ve found a creative practice that helps you zoom out and reconnect with the big picture, in work or in life, we can talk about it here.
