There are many ways to approach creating art. Some artists meticulously plan every detail, while others use a rough sketch as a guide. Then, there are those like me, who rely on intuition, letting the process lead the way. In my case, I balance this intuitive approach with fundamental principles of art-making.
For me, painting is a journey of discovery. Each layer informs the next, guiding me until the painting reveals itself. The layering of marks, combined with the transparency of these layers, creates a sense of visual depth that can feel almost infinite.
My goal is to create an emotional landscape - a space that invites the viewer to look beyond the surface, through the layers, and into the distance.
I've outlined the most important elements of my process here to offer insight into how I work and to provide some tips for adapting these ideas into your creative process. Take what resonates with you, experiment, explore, and don’t hesitate to take risks. After all, what’s art without a little risk and a lot of fun?
THE POWER OF PLAYFULNESS
I never feel intimidated by a blank canvas because I see the initial layers as the foundation for what’s to come. They are the catalyst that sets the stage for everything that follows.
In these early stages, I give myself complete freedom to explore - making marks, experimenting, and changing course when something doesn’t feel right. It's a time for unfiltered, unrestrained expression.
Some of these early marks may remain visible in the final painting, but even if they don’t, they’ve still played an essential role. Their presence is felt, even if only through the texture they leave behind. This is the part of the process where you can truly let go and allow the work to evolve naturally.
AVOID EARLY ATTACHMENTS
In the early layers of your painting, you’ll often find moments of unexpected brilliance - those 'happy accidents' that feel exciting and fresh.
However, there’s a risk of getting too attached too soon. You might end up with a painting that feels thin, with just one striking element tucked into a corner. Or, even worse, you may continue working but avoid touching that beautiful section, which disrupts your ability to create a cohesive piece.
One approach is to be bold: appreciate that stunning mark, but remind yourself that more will come. You can always create something just as beautiful later on.
If you’re not ready to let go completely, a gentler option is to let that area shine beneath layers of transparency. By pushing it back into the painting, you retain its presence while allowing the piece to develop further. This technique adds a sense of depth, drawing the viewer into a rich, layered composition.
EMBRACE THE ‘MESSY’ STAGE
This is a studio battle I face regularly. My paintings can get so unbelievably ugly in the mid-stages that I cringe when I look at them. I’d be mortified if anyone walked into my studio at that point.
Why do they look so bad? Usually, it’s because the painting is in a state of confusion - chaos on the canvas without any clear direction. But this mess is part of my process, part of the search for the final painting. I must keep training myself (and my ego) to tolerate this ‘ugly’ phase.
Trying to clean it up too soon is tempting but dangerous. It’s like running for cover and thinking, “I know how to make this look nice!” But by doing so, I risk falling back on old habits and simply repeating what I’ve done before.
Many artists hit this vulnerable stage and panic. They either paint over the work entirely, starting fresh, or worse, doubt themselves and question their potential as artists. But this is where mindset and self-belief come in. Starting over won’t help you push through the ugly phase the next time it happens. So instead of retreating, accept where you are and keep pushing forward. The breakthrough will come.
EXPERIMENT DIRECTLY ON THE CANVAS
While I do occasionally use a sketchbook to draw in, I don’t plan my paintings. If I get an idea for a certain mark or technique, I don’t test it elsewhere - I dive right into the painting itself.
For me, the authenticity of the finished piece comes from leaving evidence of the search. Every so-called ‘mistake’ is a vital part of the process and the final result.
Changed my mind halfway through? It’s part of the process.
Accidental splash of paint? Again, part of the process.
A sudden shift in the colour palette at the last minute? Still part of the process.
Decided the painting looks better upside down? You guessed it - part of the process.
It’s all an expression of me: my visual wanderings, questions, and experiments. I leave traces of every decision, every shift, and every exploration right there on the canvas.
STAY OPEN TO CHANGE
While I don’t plan my paintings, I sometimes catch myself imagining how they’ll turn out. I'll think something like, "This one’s going to be cool blues and greys.”
Well, there was one painting that had other ideas. It refused to be cool and made that clear by giving me endless frustration for weeks. It just didn’t feel right, but I kept forcing it.
Finally, I gave in, grabbed my warmer colours, and everything fell into place. The painting practically completed itself after that.
The lesson? Stay open and be willing to change direction when your painting demands it. Art is a collaboration between you and your medium, not a matter of trying to control the outcome. Let it lead you sometimes - you might be surprised where it goes.
EDIT BOLDLY
At some point, something compelling will start to emerge on your canvas. But chances are, it’s going to be surrounded by a mix of other elements - some equally interesting, others not so much.
This is the moment to step back and ask yourself, “What’s important here? What do I love?” Then comes the hard part: you might need to clear some space and remove what’s not serving the painting. It can be tough, but remember, you can’t say everything on one canvas. Prioritising is key.
Ask yourself: What is this painting truly about? What can I let go of? Where does it need quiet space? Then, take a deep breath and start deleting. You might be surprised by how worth it the process is! Suddenly, your painting gains clarity, and the contrast between opaque and transparent layers starts to bring everything together. And that focus could be exactly what the painting needs to come alive.
HARNESS THE DEPTH OF TRANSPARENCY
The key element in my work right now, the one that creates real visual depth, is transparency. I rely on thin layers of paint and glazes, which let me build colour on top of previous layers without completely covering them up.
Over time, some marks from those early layers become so subtle that they’re barely noticeable unless you look closely. But that’s what adds to the painting’s intrigue.
Even if you have bold marks and strong shapes on your canvas, try balancing them with this kind of delicacy. Using transparency can create a richer, more layered experience - a visual treat for anyone who steps in for a closer look.
MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS
The principles of art-making are essential. Creating a painting intuitively doesn’t mean creating it randomly or without purpose. It’s important to step out of ‘play mode’ now and then to assess your work - take stock of what’s in front of you and whether it needs adjusting.
Colour theory and the principles of composition are valuable tools that help convey your visual message effectively. Just as writers need to craft their words in a way that captivates readers, painters must create something visually compelling to draw the viewer in. It’s not just about what you’re saying, but how you say it.
Learn the principles, and if you choose to break them, make sure it’s a deliberate choice.
TAKE RISKS
And finally, what makes an artwork truly exciting? The presence of risk. Without risk, can we even call it art? The role of an artist today isn’t to reach a place of competence and stay there, endlessly repeating the same work with predictable perfection, always knowing the outcome will be good. Sure, take a break on that plateau when you need to, but don’t settle there. It’s the risks that reveal an artist’s soul, and that’s what needs to shine through in your work.
Is it easier said than done? Absolutely! You’ll often hear that little voice in your head right after a wild idea hits, saying, “No, don’t do that - it’ll look terrible!” Take the risk before you let that voice convince you otherwise. That’s not the voice of your creativity; it’s just fear, trying to keep you safe and comfortable.
But this isn’t brain surgery - no one’s life is on the line if your risk doesn’t pan out. What is at stake, though, is the possibility of creating something truly extraordinary. So take the leap!
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