Abstract Painting Progress Video: 'Stacked'

Charlotte Wensley
Apr 8, 2021
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Come along as I share how this abstract painting came to life! Creating art is such a vibrant and sometimes wild ride, and I love to capture the twists and turns with my camera at different stages.

Abstract shapes and circles painting in multicolours — 'Stacked' Progress Video

Photographing the stages leaves me with a kind of little time capsule of my creative process.

One of the main reasons I take these photos is to keep track of how things are shaping up.

By checking in on the light and dark balance, I can make sure I’m hitting that sweet spot of contrast and depth that really makes a painting pop.

These snapshots also act like a visual diary for me.

| Choices in the Creative Process

They let me look back at my choices throughout the creative process. Each photo tells a story about what I was thinking and how this encouraged the artwork to evolve. When I flip through these images, I can figure out if my decisions were right ones or if I took a detour that didn’t feel quite right. This kind of reflection is really important for me as it helps me learn and tweak my approach for future abstract paintings.

| The Back and Forth of Abstract Painting

There are times when I feel like I’m moving backwards instead of going forwards. It can be a bit of a downer to see an earlier version of the painting and think, “Wow, that was actually better!” But I remind myself that feeling this way is totally normal in the creative journey. Every step, whether it feels like a win or a stumble, is part of the big picture. I embrace these bumps in the road because they’re really just chances for me to grow and learn.

| Tenacity is the Key

I’ve found that sticking with the work and committing to it, is what really matters. Even when I have doubts and I second-guess my choices, I trust that I’ll eventually come to a place in the painting process that feels right. Creating art isn’t just about the final piece; it’s all about the journey and everything I discover along the way. Each painting tells a story of my growth as an artist, showing not just the visual changes but also the emotional and intellectual adventures I’ve had.

When I look back at these photos, I see a narrative filled with growth, resilience, and creativity that leads to a piece of art that truly reflects my vision and has meaning related to the creative journey.