Each art work has its own story.
To explain a little bit about the art process itself, let me share an example.

This oil painting is called : “The Voyage” (detail).
I was given an old canvas which was found hidden under another painting.
I felt very inspired by its old and fragile fabric.

Here is the key : INSPIRATION
If you feel inspired, you are on the right way :)

The first steps of this art work:

I deliberately used the remnants of paint which were on the old linen canvas. If you look closely you can see the uneven texture on the sail boats and in the sky.

The little red characters on the main boat are from the original painting. I have no clue what they initially were, but I saw “people”, and my intuition showed me boats on the sea.

How did I develop the story ?

The art process can find its root in anything that triggers the imagination. Life is a journey, and every experience is part of it. So having a playful approach allows to unfold your personal imagery and meaning.

For instance here, the full painting represents three boats heading towards a thick mist and heavy clouds drifting in from the ocean. For me, it symbolises how we need to go ahead blind folded, believing that everything will be alright. And of course, for you, you may have another experience with it. It is what I call “the triangular relationship” between, the art work, the artists and the viewer. I will write soon an article on this subject.

The process requires trust and to not overthink about your creative ideas.
Typically here, I could have wondered about the technical aspect of painting over old bits of paint, and how things would last. But I just decided to not care about this aspect.

Having a mindfulness based art process will help you let go and dive in your imagination.

How to unfold YOUR story ?
Ask yourself the W questions :
What can you see?
Who is there?
Where are they?
What is happening?
What is the weather like?
When is this happening?
How do things unfold on the canvas (journey)?
What is the meaning of it for you?
etc …

How to proceed?
Use a graphite pencil to outline your ideas, then paint with the flow. Remember that your brush is like a pencil, it spreads colours but it can also shape your ideas. If you struggle to visualise a concept, just look for reference photographs for a little bit of help of course!

Enjoy the process :)

Do you need some help?
Sometimes, a one off lesson is enough.
To develop your creativity and find your stamp at your own pace, I offer private sessions, face to face tuitions and monthly discovery workshop to allow expand the boundaries of your art process. You are welcome to contact me for any enquiry, I am happy to help :)