Curious Exploration, Endless Fascination

I don't always share the abstract exercises that I work on but I want to pull back the curtain and share a glimpse of the daily evolution of what happens here in the studio. The reality is that I am at the easel Monday through Friday; I simply tend to lose myself the moment I remove the caps from the paint tubes. Once the palette is set, the room shifts into a space of rhythmic meditation. As the brushes move across the canvas, my analytical mind settles, and a quiet, focused freedom takes over. 

     

 

Lately, that energy has been directed toward abstraction. I am currently immersed in a dual practice of independent studio work and an abstract online course. To say I’m inspired is an understatement—I am captivated by the specific language of abstract marks. I’m in a season of seeking, learning how to translate internal vision into tangible gestures. 

For now, the physical boundaries are clear: the canvases remain small. While limited storage space dictates the scale, I’ve always had a soft spot for these "little gems." There is an intimacy in a small work that a massive canvas often misses. 

The current coursework focuses on Flexible Forms, and the fascination is endless. These exercises force me to let go and remind me that nothing should be too precious. Working on 9x12 panels with a limited palette of Payne’s Grey, White, and Yellow Ochre has been a revelation in simplicity. 

The next hurdle is color. I’m eager to introduce a broader spectrum, but the technical execution is a deliberate puzzle. When the process involves pulling a palette knife through wet layers, adding a stray pink or green can instantly result in mud. It requires a high level of intentionality and a steady hand.

Abstraction keeps the mind churning. Every session sparks a new set of possibilities: What happens if I shift the visual weight here? How can I incorporate this specific mark into my broader practice? In the studio, the questions are often just as valuable as the finished pieces.