What Are Other Artists Doing?

One of my morning routine activities is exploring works by other abstract painters. I use Instagram, applying different hashtags. I save images that interest me for their color, composition, and energy. Some images that really move me, I save. I follow some artists, so my feed is flooded (that’s the hope) with inspiration.

It’s Impossible To Replicate the Work of Others

Even if I wanted to, I’m not that kind of painter. My mind quickly overrides what I see and allows my imagination to take over. I can’t even replicate work from my own sketches. Each piece has a life of its own. Using the sketch on the left as a reference, the finished painting is a horse of a different stripe!

Abstract sketch for reference and final painting, Water on the Rocks.

What I’m Trying To Achieve With Every Painting

Until I began intentionally painting in the abstract, I enjoyed painting, but I always did it hoping to make sales. The pieces I sold were more abstract than illustrative. I didn’t realize for years that abstraction is how I tell my story – the inner story – of how I experience my existence. As I continue to paint, I hope my mind will continue to step away and allow me to express to the fullest whatever part of the story is ready to be released. It often interrupts with cautions about audience and money – will this sell? Why don’t you make it friendlier? Why don’t you do something different?

I’m trying to quiet the negative noise and have at it. I’m always surprised by what happens next.

 See you next time. Thanks for reading.