Abstract artwork with blue, pink, red, yellow, green, and light blue colors, featuring dots, pointillism, a landscape, flowers, sky, clouds, and the text "Feel Lost".

Abstract Art & Emotion: My Personal Journey from Inner Feeling to Canvas

Join me on a deeply personal journey: translating raw, complex emotions into abstract art. Discover how color, marks, texture, and intuition converge to create a visual language that speaks volumes, inviting you to find your own truths within the work.

Sometimes, words just aren't enough, are they? For me, abstract art isn't just a style; it's a deeply personal language, a way to speak the unspeakable. It’s not about depicting a recognizable scene or a literal representation. Instead, it’s about taking that swirling, often unspoken mess of emotion and giving it tangible form, vibrant color, and even a subtle, unfolding narrative on canvas. On the canvas, my artistic vision truly comes to life. This is my attempt to demystify the magic, to share the how and why behind translating the often chaotic, beautiful mess of human emotion into abstract art, making it accessible and relatable to both aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike. This isn't a new idea, of course; I stand on the shoulders of giants. Pioneers like Wassily Kandinsky, who championed abstraction in the early 20th century by believing art could speak directly to the soul through the spiritual and emotional properties of color and form, and Kazimir Malevich, with his pursuit of geometric purity in Suprematism, paved the way for artists like me to explore deeply personal philosophies and artistic visions. I often reflect on this freedom to explore inner worlds, something I delve into regarding the core of my practice: it's not just about painting, but about channeling my entire being onto the canvas, a philosophy I often reflect on in why I paint abstract: my personal philosophy and artistic vision.

Abstract painting by Wassily Kandinsky titled "Brown Silence," featuring a complex arrangement of geometric shapes, lines, and vibrant colors including blues, greens, oranges, and browns, creating a dynamic and non-representational composition.

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Catching a Feeling: The Ineffable Starting Point

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel something profound, but if someone asked you to describe it, you'd just shrug? That's often where my process begins. It's rarely a clear-cut emotion like "joy" or "sadness"; it's more like a resonance, a vibration, a complex chord of feelings that defies simple words. I think of it as trying to capture mist in a jar – the moment you try too hard to define it, it might just evaporate. This deep emotional resonance forms the very foundation of my artistic practice, something I often delve into regarding the emotional resonance of my abstract art and how feelings guide my brushstrokes. But how do I even catch these elusive emotional whispers? It’s less about actively seeking an emotion and more about cultivating a quiet receptiveness, like leaving the studio door ajar for whatever might wander in. Sometimes, these whispers aren't just internal; they're echoes from the world outside – a haunting piece of music, the poetic rhythm of waves against the shore, a powerful documentary, or even a line from a book that lodges deep within me. Often, music is the silent conductor in my studio; a haunting cello piece or a driving drumbeat can dictate the rhythm of my brushstrokes, directly translating sonic emotion into visual energy. A powerful documentary might ignite a simmering anger that demands stark, clashing reds, while the poetic rhythm of waves against the shore could inspire flowing, layered blues and greens. Other times, it's simply giving myself space to feel whatever hums beneath the surface, whether through quiet reflection or even just sketching without intention. My hand often seems to know before my mind does.

This is precisely what happened one morning: I knew trying to articulate that peculiar mix of melancholy and shimmering hope aloud would have made it disappear. So, instead of wrestling with words, I headed straight to the studio, my mind already buzzing with muted blues and sudden bursts of orange, envisioning soft, permeable edges where the blue gave way to light, almost as if hope was just breaking through a cloudy sky. The canvas wasn't just waiting; it was actively listening. Of course, sometimes I start with what feels 'right' only to realize later, 'Oh, that intense magenta was definitely not quiet anticipation; that was pure chaotic Tuesday.' (I swear, Tuesdays have a specific hue of energetic dread, don't they?). Distinguishing between similar emotional states is a constant learning process. Consider this: a gentle melancholy might manifest as diluted grays blending seamlessly into soft violets, almost like a lingering twilight. Deep sorrow, however, often demands starker contrasts, perhaps heavy, opaque blues pressing against fractured blacks, with a raw, almost violent brushstroke revealing its weight. The subtle shifts in a hue, the pressure of a brushstroke, or the quality of a line become my vocabulary for these nuanced differences, trying to capture the exact 'flavor' of a feeling. It's a bit like trying to discern subtle spice notes in a complex dish – it requires a sensitive palate, or in my case, a sensitive eye and hand.

The Challenge of Complex Emotions

But while these strong initial impressions are vital, the true dance begins when I try to translate the more intricate, ambiguous feelings that defy easy categorization. Translating complex emotions like ambivalence, nostalgia mixed with regret, or a bubbling sense of existential wonder can be particularly tricky. Imagine trying to paint ambivalence, that swirling mix of two opposing feelings. It's rarely a direct translation; instead, it often requires a soft, yielding curve of warm apricot bleeding into a sharp, almost metallic grey line that bisects it, representing the clash of tenderness and detachment. I might use a delicate, almost hesitant texture for the apricot, contrasting it with a gritty, assertive texture for the grey. Or perhaps, for that swirling mix of nostalgia and regret, I'd layer muted, faded hues reminiscent of old photographs over sharply fractured lines that speak of loss, but also add a subtle, shimmering metallic sheen to some areas, representing the fragile beauty of what was, intertwined with the sharp pain of what's gone. For existential wonder, I might use expansive, open compositions with deep, cosmic blues and purples, punctuated by tiny, almost iridescent sparks of gold, suggesting both the vastness of the unknown and the fragile beauty of existence. This is also where the concept of "liminal spaces" comes into play – those in-between states that abstract art excels at capturing. The challenge is in allowing these conflicting visual elements to coexist without canceling each other out, creating a tension that is the emotion itself. It often requires a layering of elements: a hint of a familiar shape overlaid with discordant colors, or a texture that suggests both comfort and unease. This is where the true detective work of abstract expression comes in, trying to find the visual equivalent of a paradox.


From Inner Landscape to Outer Canvas: My Intuitive Approach

Once that elusive feeling has been 'caught,' the real work begins: the intuitive, often messy, translation from my inner landscape onto the waiting canvas. My initial approach is almost always intuitive. There's rarely a detailed sketch or a grand plan. It's more about letting the body take over, responding to that internal feeling with immediate, gestural marks. It's a dance between impulse and observation – observing how the initial mark feels, what it suggests, and allowing it to guide the next spontaneous action. Beyond mere translation, the physical act of painting becomes a powerful emotional release in itself, a catharsis where raw energy is channeled directly onto the canvas, transforming internal turmoil into tangible form. This physical engagement is particularly profound with larger works, where the sheer scale demands full-body movement, turning the painting process into a truly immersive, almost choreographic, experience. I often catch myself thinking, "Is this wild splash embodying the feeling, or am I just making a beautiful mess?" (And spoiler: sometimes, the beautiful mess is the feeling). And yes, while it's deeply intuitive, there's also a subtle discipline required – knowing when to step back, when to let a gestural mark stand, and when to consciously refine a composition to truly serve the emotion, rather than just being a 'beautiful mess'. This kind of creative flow, embracing intuition, is something I delve into quite often, and it's truly the heart of my work. If you're curious about how I embrace this spontaneity, take a look at my creative flow: embracing intuition in abstract painting or even my creative journey from concept to canvas in abstract art.

The Visceral Act: Intuitive Mark-Making

Sometimes I'll start with a wash of color that just feels "right" for the emotion. Other times, it's a furious scribble or a tentative line. It's about translating that visceral experience into a physical action, allowing the canvas to become a kind of emotional receptor. And it's not just the paint itself; there's a certain dialogue with the materials. The smooth glide of oil, the quick dry of acrylics, the way charcoal scrapes across paper – each medium has its own personality, almost, shaping how that inner turbulence or calm manifests physically. The physical engagement extends from the full-body sweep of a large brush to the precise tension in a wrist for a sharp, decisive line, or the relaxed arm that allows for a broad, flowing wash. The speed of a mark, too, holds expressive power; a furious, rapid stroke can embody raw urgency, while a slow, deliberate movement might convey a thoughtful contemplation or a heavy weight. Sometimes the very viscosity of the paint becomes part of the expression, like thick impasto building up layers of perceived struggle or thin, translucent washes suggesting fleeting thoughts. It's chaotic, liberating, and sometimes, a little messy. It's also deeply physical, a full-body engagement where the energy and movement of my being are translated directly onto the surface, making the act of painting itself a part of the emotional expression.

Cluttered artist's workbench with brushes, paints, and tools. Abstract painting visible in background.

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The Language of Color: Speaking Without Words

Have you ever stopped to consider how a single color can evoke a universe of feeling? Color is arguably the most direct path to emotional expression in abstract art. It's a fascinating thing, isn't it, how a certain shade of blue can feel utterly different depending on its context? A deep ocean blue, for instance, might transport me back to the vastness I felt gazing at the Atlantic, evoking both immense peace and a quiet sense of my own smallness – a duality that different shades of blue can articulate beautifully. For me, color isn't just decorative; it's the primary vocabulary of my emotional language. A deep indigo might represent introspection, while a splash of bright yellow could be a fleeting moment of clarity. For instance, a particular shade of muted green might take me back to the quiet solace of a childhood garden, instantly translating a feeling of gentle calm onto the canvas. This idea, that color carries intrinsic meaning beyond mere representation, resonates deeply with pioneers like Wassily Kandinsky, who in the early 20th century, explored the spiritual and emotional properties of color, believing that hues could vibrate with inner meaning, a concept I wholeheartedly embrace in my own practice. Artists like Mark Rothko, with his luminous color fields, sought to evoke spiritual experiences, demonstrating color's profound ability to transcend mere representation. Similarly, Helen Frankenthaler's innovative staining techniques created ethereal color washes that seeped into the canvas, embodying fluidity and spontaneity. These pioneers showed us that color doesn't just describe a world; it is a world of feeling. You can learn more in the emotional language of color in abstract art.

Abstract art with vibrant splashes of red, blue, yellow, and green paint on weathered wood panels, suggesting a messy artist's workspace.

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While I have my own deep connections to certain hues, it's a fascinating truth that color perception is deeply personal, often influenced by our own histories and even cultural contexts. A vibrant red might scream passion for one, and alarm for another. In some Western cultures, white symbolizes purity, while in others, it's associated with mourning. That complexity is something I find endlessly intriguing, and I often play with these expectations, sometimes subverting them to create a fresh emotional impact. But how do we move from personal feeling to intentional visual language? While I don't follow rigid rules, a basic understanding of color theory often informs my intuitive choices. For instance, placing complementary colors – like a fiery orange against a tranquil blue – can create an incredible visual tension because they are opposite on the color wheel, creating high contrast that speaks to conflict. Conversely, analogous colors – hues that sit next to each other on the color wheel, like blues and greens – can evoke harmony and serenity due to their natural visual flow. I remember once trying to convey a very specific, almost hopeful grief, and traditional 'sad' blues just weren't cutting it. I ended up with a combination of glowing ochres and muted lavenders that, to me, perfectly captured that bittersweet nuance. I spend a lot of time observing how colors almost 'gossip' with each other on the canvas, influencing each other's emotional weight and telling a richer story together. This intuitive play can sometimes be informed by basic color theory – not as a rigid rulebook, but as a framework that offers a deeper understanding of how colors interact, allowing me to consciously decide when to adhere to its principles and when to playfully subvert them for maximum emotional effect. If you're curious about how I play with more than just the basics, take a look at beyond the primary: how I use secondary and tertiary colors to create complex abstract worlds or even the psychology of color in abstract art: beyond basic hues.

It’s not just about selecting a color, but how it’s applied. Thin, translucent layers can suggest a delicate, ephemeral feeling, while thick, impasto strokes convey raw power or dense emotion. It's the difference between a whispered secret and a shouted declaration, all in how the paint meets the surface. If you're interested in my specific choices, explore the emotional palette: how I choose colors for my abstract art.

Artist's hands holding a paint palette with various colors and a paintbrush mixing blue paint.

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Marks, Layers, and Movement: Giving Form to the Formless

Beyond color, the actual marks I make, the textures I build, and the overall composition are crucial for expressing those intangible emotions. I often think of this process as being part of a grand conversation started by the pioneers of abstraction. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky believed lines and colors held intrinsic spiritual vibrations. Mark Rothko, with his monumental color fields, sought to evoke profound emotional and spiritual experiences through sheer scale and luminous layering. Jackson Pollock, with his dynamic drip paintings, revolutionized gestural mark-making, allowing the raw energy of the artist's body to become part of the work, a direct translation of feeling. Willem de Kooning's fiercely gestural abstractions also resonate, embodying raw human emotion through powerful, almost violent brushwork. And Helen Frankenthaler's innovative staining techniques created ethereal color washes that seeped into the canvas, embodying fluidity and spontaneity. These trailblazers laid the groundwork for this kind of deeply personal, emotional abstraction, and I feel like I'm very much part of that ongoing dialogue. My own approach often leans towards lyrical abstraction – allowing fluid, organic forms to express a poetic, musical quality of emotion, rather than strict geometric patterns or pure action painting, though elements of both might subtly appear.

Each stroke, scrape, and layer contributes to the emotional landscape of the piece. Here’s how these elements work together to form a rich emotional tapestry, and the questions I often ask myself in the studio:

The Architecture of Emotion: Composition and Negative Space

  • Composition: The silent choreographer of emotion. How forms, colors, and textures are arranged guides the eye's journey and profoundly impacts the emotional narrative. A composition can feel stable and harmonious, or wildly chaotic and unbalanced, all to mirror the internal state being expressed. I'm constantly asking: "Is the chaos I'm feeling mirrored in an unbalanced composition, or does it demand a stable anchor to ground it?" A strong diagonal line, for instance, might convey a feeling of dynamic tension or even struggle, while a central, symmetrical arrangement could speak to peace or resolution. Discover more in the unseen structure: how composition guides my abstract art.
  • Negative Space: It's not just what's on the canvas, but the intentional 'breathing room' within and around the elements. These empty, or less activated, areas aren't truly 'nothing'; they're pauses, moments of silence that amplify the intensity of the active elements. A single, vibrant red dot against a vast expanse of cool white, for example, feels incredibly potent and isolated, unlike the same dot nestled within a crowded, colorful composition. I wonder: "How much 'silence' does this emotion need to amplify its intensity, and what story does this emptiness tell?" Discover more in the role of negative space in abstract art: finding balance and focus.

The Voice of the Brush: Marks and Texture

  • Marks: From a furious, almost violent slash across the canvas to a gentle, feather-light whisper of a line, each mark is a direct imprint of an emotional state. Jagged, broken lines often convey agitation or discord, while sweeping, unbroken curves might sing of grace or tranquility. The directionality of marks also plays a role; a sweeping upward curve might convey aspiration or hope, while a downward, heavy stroke could speak of resignation or weight. I find myself asking: "Does this frantic, jagged line feel like the agitation I'm trying to convey, or is it merely noise? Is this gentle curve truly capturing the tranquility I seek?" It's the raw calligraphy of feeling, the immediate transcription of inner tremor or calm. You can dive deeper into the definitive guide to understanding line in abstract art: from gestural marks to geometric forms.
  • Texture: The physical feel of the paint can scream or soothe. Thick, impasto textures, almost sculptural, can convey raw power, dense despair, or exuberant joy, giving the emotion a tangible presence. A rough, gritty texture, for instance, might embody feelings of anxiety or frustration, while smooth, fluid transitions could suggest calm or acceptance. Conversely, thin, almost translucent washes might suggest ephemerality, vulnerability, or a fleeting memory. I often ask: "Does this thick, almost sculptural impasto truly convey the raw power or dense despair I feel, or does it feel merely decorative?" It's the material substance given emotional weight. I have some favorite techniques for this, which I've shared in exploring texture: my favorite techniques for adding depth to abstract paintings and the role of texture in abstract art: a sensory exploration.

Echoes of Time: Layers

  • Layers: I often build up layers like geological strata of emotion, allowing previous feelings to peek through, creating a rich history on the canvas. A serene blue might underlie an agitated red, hinting at a quiet strength beneath turmoil, or the lingering echoes of a past joy. It's like finding old letters tucked away beneath a new coat of paint – each layer reveals a part of the emotional journey. What echoes of past joy or lingering unease are still visible beneath this new surface? It's like seeing the different emotional states that have comprised a lifetime, all present at once, creating a profound depth. I explored this in the unseen layers: my process of building depth and narrative in abstract mixed media.

But here's the thing about this intricate dance of elements: it rarely goes exactly as planned, and often, the most profound expressions emerge when I let go of control and embrace the unexpected. While these elements provide a framework, the true magic often happens when the plan dissolves, a journey where intuition and happy accidents often take the lead, shaping the emotional narrative in ways I never consciously anticipated.

Abstract expressionist painting with bold strokes of red, blue, orange, yellow, black, and white.

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Embracing Imperfection and the Unknown: The Art of Letting Go

Here's a secret: not every brushstroke is intentional, and not every path is planned. Sometimes, I make a "mistake" that suddenly opens up a whole new emotional avenue. I remember one piece, a landscape of inner quiet, where I accidentally smeared a patch of vibrant crimson right through the middle while reaching for a different brush. My first thought was, "Oh, brilliant, I've just ruined it." But then, stepping back, that unexpected crimson felt like the exact jolt of raw, unedited passion I'd been trying to hide in the quiet. It shifted the whole narrative, making the quiet more poignant with a sudden burst of energy – a mirror of life's own unexpected detours, where disruption often reveals a deeper truth. It was a happy accident, a true gift from the universe (or maybe just my clumsy self). Another time, I was trying to create a smooth, ethereal wash, but the paint clumped, leaving a textured, almost scarred area. Instead of fighting it, I leaned into the imperfection, and it transformed a simple feeling of longing into a deeper exploration of resilience and the marks life leaves on us. It's taken me years to truly trust this process, to move past that initial "Oh, brilliant, I've just ruined it" panic. My younger self would have frantically tried to fix it, but now, a lifetime of navigating my own messy emotions has taught me that sometimes, the 'mistakes' are where the real truth lies, a mirror of life's own unexpected detours. This embrace of the unexpected is akin to 'serendipity' – finding something valuable or agreeable when not specifically looking for it. It's about being open to chance, letting the art take its own course. And honestly, my own internal critic is often the loudest voice in the studio, but learning to tell it to sit down and watch has been key to allowing these organic discoveries to unfold. Embracing these accidents, allowing the painting to evolve beyond my initial intention, is a huge part of my process. It mirrors life, doesn't it? The unexpected turns often lead to the most profound discoveries. I even have a whole article dedicated to the power of imperfection: embracing accidents and evolution in my abstract art.

There are moments when I feel completely lost in a painting, unsure of its direction or what it's trying to say. This feeling of being adrift often manifests in the work itself, with fragmented forms or ambiguous colors. It's in these moments that the art truly becomes a living thing, changing and revealing itself as I continue to engage with it. How do I recognize these? It's often a feeling of 'rightness,' a sudden click where an unplanned mark or an unexpected color combination resonates deeply with the initial feeling I was trying to capture, even if it wasn't the path I consciously intended. It's like the painting itself is whispering a truth I hadn't yet articulated. I've learned to trust the process, to let the emotion guide me, even when that emotion is confusion or uncertainty. And paradoxically, that's often when the painting tells me it's finished. It's when the emotional expression feels complete, whole, and capable of standing on its own, achieving a kind of internal balance or a harmonious dissonance. It's less about perfection and more about resolution. And sometimes, you just have to walk away, let it sit, and then come back to see if it's still singing.

Abstract artwork with blue, pink, red, yellow, green, and light blue colors, featuring dots, pointillism, a landscape, flowers, sky, clouds, and the text "Feel Lost".

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The Dialogue with the Viewer: A Shared Experience

Once a piece is finished (or rather, when it decides it's finished with me), it steps out into the world. And this is where the magic truly happens: the dialogue with you, the viewer. My intention isn't for you to feel exactly what I felt when creating it. Instead, I hope the visual expression resonates with your own experiences, sparking your own emotions and interpretations, perhaps even helping you articulate a feeling you hadn't quite named yourself. It's an invitation to a deeply personal conversation. The artwork, then, isn't a locked diary; it's a mirror. Its scale also plays a profound role: a small, intimate piece might draw you in for a close, reflective moment, while a large, expansive canvas can create an immersive, almost overwhelming emotional environment, inviting you to literally step into a feeling.

Beyond personal expression, abstract art carries a unique purpose: it challenges our perceptions, inviting us to see beyond the literal and engage with raw form and color. It fosters empathy by allowing diverse interpretations to flourish, and ultimately, it offers an entirely different way of experiencing the world and our shared humanity. I remember one occasion when a viewer saw a profound sense of 'ancestral memory' in a piece I had felt was simply about the fleeting nature of joy. Initially, I was surprised, but then I realized how perfectly their interpretation fit – adding an entirely new layer of meaning I hadn't consciously placed there, yet it was undeniably present. Abstract art, by its very nature, invites this kind of personal engagement. It offers a space for introspection, a visual prompt for your own inner world. I've often thought about how viewers "decode" abstract art, and if you're interested in that journey, decoding abstract art: a guide to finding meaning in non-representational works might offer some insights. Each person brings their own history, their own emotional landscape, to the viewing experience, and that's precisely what makes it so rich. It's a beautiful, silent conversation. If you're curious about the symbolism and narratives I weave into my work, you can always explore my abstract language: decoding the personal symbolism and narratives within my work.


FAQ: Your Questions About Emotional Abstract Art

These dynamic interactions with viewers often lead to fascinating questions about my process, which brings me to some frequently asked inquiries.

How do you choose which emotion to paint?

You know, it's never quite as simple as picking an emotion off a menu, like 'Today I'll paint 'Exuberant Joy'!' (Though that would be quite efficient, wouldn't it?). Instead of picking, it's more about feeling a certain persistent hum or a sudden, almost insistent surge of a particular emotional chord – perhaps the bittersweet echo of a memory, or a restless energy demanding an outlet. It becomes an undeniable presence that says, 'Paint me. Now.' I remember one time, I tried really hard to paint 'serene calm,' but the brush just kept wanting to make frantic, jagged marks, like clashing reds and fractured lines. Turns out, my subconscious was screaming 'restless anxiety' that day, and the painting eventually became a vibrant, chaotic expression of that! It's about listening to that inner whisper, not dictating to it.

Is it always intense emotions? Can you paint subtle feelings?

Absolutely not always intense! The subtle nuances are often the most fascinating to explore. A quiet sense of peace, a fleeting moment of nostalgia, the faint echo of a dream – these delicate feelings are just as rich a source as any passionate outburst. Sometimes, they even make for more profound works. In fact, capturing that delicate, almost imperceptible shift in mood can be far more challenging and rewarding than expressing raw intensity.

What role does the subconscious play in your artistic process?

Oh, a massive role! I often think of my subconscious as the silent collaborator. While I'm consciously responding to an emotion, there are deeper layers – memories, dreams, unspoken anxieties – that surface through the gestures, the accidental color mixes, or the evolving forms. It's like my hand knows things my mind hasn't quite articulated yet. Trusting that subconscious flow is crucial for truly authentic expression. It’s like a conversation with the deepest parts of myself, sometimes surprising even me with what comes out.

Does light and shadow play a role in abstract art?

Absolutely! Even without depicting literal light sources, the interplay of lighter and darker hues, or areas of high contrast versus subtle gradations, creates a sense of depth and mood. For instance, a stark contrast between a luminous, almost blinding white and a deep, velvety black can create dramatic tension or profound introspection. A bright, luminous area of soft yellow and peach could evoke a hopeful sunrise, while deep, shadowed regions of indigo and charcoal might suggest mystery, quiet contemplation, or even despair, guiding your eye through the emotional landscape of the piece. It's all about creating visual weight and emotional intensity through tonal relationships.

How does the physicality of the materials themselves contribute to emotional expression?

It's not just about what the paint looks like, but how it feels to apply it, and how that tactile quality translates into the perceived emotion. The resistance of the canvas under a heavily loaded brush, the satisfying drag of charcoal – these physical interactions become part of the emotional imprint. Thick, textural impasto can embody a sense of struggle or raw energy, while delicate, transparent washes might whisper of vulnerability or a fleeting thought. The very medium becomes an extension of the feeling.

How do you overcome creative blocks or emotional numbness?

That's a tough one, and it definitely happens. When I feel creatively blocked or emotionally numb, trying to force it never works. Sometimes, I step away from the studio entirely. I might go for a long walk, listen to music, read, or simply observe the world around me. It's about refilling the well. Other times, I'll switch mediums or try a completely different, low-stakes exercise – just making marks without any intention, like sketching with my non-dominant hand. It’s less about waiting for an emotion to strike and more about creating space for it to emerge again, gently, at its own pace. Sometimes, the brain just needs a break, or a playful distraction, to reconnect with that deeper emotional current.

What's your relationship with critics or the art market?

That's an interesting question. For me, the primary dialogue is always with the canvas and the emotion itself. While I acknowledge the role of the art market and critics – after all, my work does need to find its way to others – I view it almost as a secondary layer, a necessary evil, perhaps. My focus remains on the integrity of the emotional translation, ensuring the work truly speaks what it needs to say. The most important 'critic' is still that gut feeling when a piece finally clicks and says what it needs to say.

How do you feel about a finished piece after some time has passed?

It's fascinating, actually. Sometimes, I look at a painting years later and discover new layers of emotion or meaning that I wasn't consciously aware of when I created it. It's like the piece has continued its own journey, evolving in my mind, and I'm just rediscovering an old friend with new stories to tell. Other times, it's a pure echo of that initial feeling, a frozen moment I can revisit. The dialogue never truly ends, even with myself.


My Continued Journey: A Lifelong Translation

Translating emotion into abstract art is a continuous journey, a lifelong pursuit of understanding myself and the world around me. Each canvas is a new exploration, a fresh attempt to capture something intangible and make it visible. It’s a commitment to learning and endless experimentation with new techniques, mediums, and ways of seeing. Every new artwork is an experiment, a question posed, and hopefully, a small step further in understanding this boundless language of feeling. My influences are vast, ranging from the foundational pioneers to contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of what abstraction can express today – from those experimenting with digital tools and AI to sculptors finding new dimensions in emotional form or performance artists incorporating abstract elements. It's challenging, vulnerable, and utterly rewarding. For me, art isn't just something to look at; it's a visceral experience, a way to feel deeply and personally. If you're ever curious to see these emotional dialogues materialized, I invite you to explore my latest works for sale here, delve into my artistic evolution on my timeline, or even experience them in person at my museum in 's-Hertogenbosch. Perhaps one will speak to a feeling you hadn't quite put into words yourself – and that, for me, is the ultimate connection.

This process isn't neat, linear, or always pretty. It's raw, human, and wonderfully imperfect, just like the emotions it seeks to express. And honestly, that's precisely why I love it. What feelings does abstract art evoke for you, and has it ever helped you articulate a truth you couldn't quite name yourself?