Curious Exploration, Endless Fascination

I have a frequent internal nudge to pull back the curtain and share 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 the caps are off the tubes. Once the palette is set, the room shifts into a space of rhythmic meditation. As the brushes move across the canvas, the 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 are a forcing function to let go; they remind me that nothing should be too precious. Working on 9x12 panels with a restrained 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.