How I found my own style as an abstract artist
(2018) Experimenting for the first time with acrylic, attempting to find my style.
As an artist, my quest towards finding my painting style has been filled with exploration. It began in my grandparents art studio as a child, the walls were adorned with their masterpieces. During each visit they generously imparted their techniques, and we would practice side by side. I found it hard to emulate their style, trying to capture the essence of what made their art so captivating made me feel amiture.
As I continued to paint, I discovered new brush stroke techniques that allowed me to express my ideas in unique and compelling ways. I found that not fully mixing each color left an array of colliding colors on the brush. My paintings became more and more abstract as a focused less on recreating reality, and more on the color pallete of the painting and how it made me feel.
However, not every painting was a success. I encountered pieces that didn't align with my original vision or failed to convey the emotions I wanted to evoke. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned to embrace the learning process and paint over those works that didn't resonate with me. Each layer of paint became a canvas for growth. The layers were a new feature of the work itself.
I found myself drawn to blending different styles together in one piece. Instead of starting over, mixing and merging 2-3 paintings to create works like nothing I had never seen before. I finally started to feel like my work was actually mine.
(2023) Close up of an abstract Iowa landscape commission. My style has evolved to include many free-falling lines and textured brushstrokes.
Colors became my playground, and I eagerly explored new combinations. I fell in love with the vibrancy of fluorescent pinks and oranges, infusing my art with an electrifying energy that made it stand out.
As I continued to paint, a profound realization settled within me – I felt most alive when creating bold and happy art that brought joy to others. Seeing the delight on my audience's faces filled my heart with immense satisfaction, and I knew I had found something worth pursuing.
Now, I paint with a renewed sense of purpose, embracing the uniqueness of my style, and unapologetically sharing my intuition through my art. Each stroke, color, and brush technique comes together to create a visual symphony. I embrace the messy.
My painting style is a reflection of my journey – an amalgamation of influences, experimentation, and self-discovery. It is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that art brings to my life, and I am excited to continue growing and evolving as an artist, forever committed to bringing my bold creations into the world.
—Lauren Liz