Why Abstration changed the way I work

Abstraction can be a stand alone art form or part of the creative process to make paintings that include representative elements like florals and plants as well as themes including still life and landscape.

In the making of my own art I’ve used abstraction as an integral part of the evolution of almost every painting on canvas for the last 20+ years.

How it changed my art

By allowing a more intuitive approach to the creating process and staying curious about possibilities, new ideas will appear. I apply a variety of techniques and materials for layering of shapes and textures that inform how my paintings evolve into something different. See examples below.

An immersive course

In 2023 I developed a course dedicated to creative processes and understanding how acrylics and mixed media can be used in layers to create a different way of art making, one with many possibilities. This course is now offered once again.

Explore Abstracts, is a six week long transformative course where the focus is on:

• Techniques and processes in acrylics & mixed media

• Simplification

• Colour and contrast

• Layering to create rich surfaces and

• Developing a unique vocabulary of marks and shapes to build upon 

Explore Abstracts I will run for the final time as a 'live' scheduled course from 6 October to 16 November and you’ll have access to course material until the end of 2026 or longer if required.