Concept to brush

Got a feeling? Translate your vision on canvas.

Know your inner self

“Don't obsess in wanting to obtain perfection with each and every visual project, leave that to the eyes of the beholder. ”

Why beat yourself up with self criticism? Let your creative energy flow and push forward. Sure some projects will be more challenging than others; painting is always fluid. Be patient and enjoy what you're doing. Once you have a concept in mind, sketch it directly on canvas. I'm a bit old fashioned and use a hand drawn grid for proportion. Math plays into my projects as I need to figure out dimensions for my grid. I hand sketch everything but I know computer software or projection can help along with that. For me personally, I feel my works are truly original if everything comes from my hand; (impaired or not).

Concept on canvas

Once you have a concept and give yourself a guide for proportion; i.e. like the grid approach, it's time to start paint layering. Remember it's only paint. The concept goes through a visual transformation with layers and color blends. It's not speed painting, so take your time. Many years ago I used to be exclusively an oil painter (it's still a preference), but I changed to acrylic for a couple reasons. I like the faster dry (but that can work against you) and my color pallet choices these days work better for me with acrylic paints. I have a tendency to use a variety of blues, purples, reds and orange in a lot of my works. Makes me happy to use bright colors. The sizes of my canvas varies on my concept. I've painted 8x6 and the largest for me personally has been 24x36. Find what works for you.

I'm an impressionist

“In somnis veritas." Latin for Truth in dreams. Yes, that's my mantra. What's yours?

Nothing I do these days would be considered 'fine art', so I self labeled myself a modern art impressionist. I'm not into every little detail. I'm satisfied when a painting looks visually great a few feet back! Since my long journey back from 'strokeland', I had to modify how I would tackle ideas for work to my, lack of a better term, hand limitations. It took me a long time to get over the frustration of not being able to draw or paint the way I used to. So, I adapted and changed. My artwork reflects the zone I'm in now and I'm OK with that. I breathe therefore I am.

Stay Inspired and keep painting

A song, an image, a point in time, a plant, an animal etc... Whatever gets you inspired, run with it. Painting is a learning process, the more you paint, the better you'll get at it. I am most inspired during late night. It's my go to de-stress time and it's my time. Nothing to interrupt my thoughts except my rewired brain.