“Yes, and” is the foundation of improvisation…A cooperative venture in creation. You receive the offer of your partner and add to it.

If you and I were doing a scene together, or better yet let’s pretend it’s real life…it would go like this.

Me: “I know we are supposed to go to work this morning, but let’s go join the circus.”

By improv rules, you can’t go, “Are you crazy? No, I don’t want to join the circus!” You have to “Yes, and” me. Accept my offer of joining the circus and enhance it.

You: “Oh Alicia, I would love to join the circus today. I don’t want to go to work anyway. And maybe you can be a paint thrower in the circus.”

Well, you get the picture.

So what does improvisation have to do with painting?

Everything!

My process is one of spontaneity with constant flow (“Yes, and”) into any avenue of paint that happens. The color orange got muddy because I over painted; ok, then I will go with mud color for this work. That line is not moving; ok, it’s now not a line, and let it be still. The space in the painting feels constrained; yes, now this painting is about restrictions and breaking free.

Sometimes my painting finale is grand; sometimes it’s a flop.

But there is nothing more energizing than “Yes, anding” painting and life. And yes, I do “No… but.” And yes, I am trying to “Yes, and” when I say No.

Want to jump into the “Yes, and” pool?

I study with Jude Treder-Wolff at Lifestage in Long Island and NYC. I have also been brave and gone to drop in classes at the PIT (Peoples Improv Theatre).

I hope to see you on stage (ok, classroom stage).

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