Abstraction Distraction
Mesa, AZ in the early morning.
After a few weeks of kicking myself over a disheartening (and annoying) art block, I've decided to forget what I know and follow my instincts with some abstract landscape pieces. I'm not sure what to think of the paintings I've done so far, but it honestly felt good to not have to worry about color, form, composition, value, etc.
“Mire” - Oil on canvas board (2025)
I've been painting in oils for a little over three years, and I know I still have a lot to learn. My ego sees this as an irritating intrusive thought, but I need to start giving myself more credit. I've grown so much artistically over the past few years and am proud of what I've accomplished so far. Three years isn't a long time in the grand scheme, and dreaming of what and how I'll be painting in the next few years is a much healthier way of thinking.
Another update in my art block battle: I bought a really nice digital camera. I've always loved taking pictures, artistic and documenting, and getting this opportunity to be creative in a different way is helping me feel inspired again. In fact, I attribute all of my composition knowledge to an obsession with snapping photos most of my adult life. I love to document my life, and getting to capture moments in time in an artistic way feels rewarding and healing.
Me with my new Canon Eos Rebel T7 Camera
As of writing this blog post, I've completed a few small oil paintings I'm excited to share, plus am currently finishing up on my third "Trees I Like" piece. I think I'm learning that, in order to grow as an artist, sometimes a change of style and media is the perfect palate cleanser.
