What is intuitive painting?

Intuitive painting is a process of connection in which the art leads the way. It steps away from head-based questions, building the painting from the heart. This doesn’t mean it’s random. I carefully consider each element of a painting as it develops. What it does mean is that when I start with one idea, the painting quite frequently takes an unexpected turn.

I paint intuitively because…

Painting is something that should be full of creative expression. Jackson Pollock said that every good artist paints what he is. Technique is important if you want to express yourself, but overthinking can kill a painting. If I begin with an idea and stick rigidly to it when the painting wants to take another direction, the result is never a success. On the other hand, by feeling my way with my critical eye closed, I can often create something better than I had hoped.

It’s a good way to explore feelings and experiences

In this painting I began with a pencil drawing of a girl. The drawing was rough and ugly, but something in the stance felt determined and strong. I was inspired by wallpaper patterns and in the back of my mind an ongoing conversation about stepping out of the shadows and being seen. The result became a sort of self-portrait – to paraphrase Jackson Pollock, all my paintings are me to some extent. The pattern on the dress evolved and spread out to the background. The girl stands defiantly in the centre, too hard, too straight, not quite blending in, ready to step forward. I didn’t plan the painting like this but this is how it emerged.

Isn’t it a bit self-indulgent?

Although painting in this way seems self-absorbed, the aim is not self-indulgence. I’m learning that the best way to connect with others is to be authentically myself, and that things I have experienced can be valuable or resonate with other people. Often I have found that a painting I made that ended up exploring sad feelings actually transmuted that sadness into joy. This painting, The Garden, was painted over a few weeks following the death of a favourite elderly dog. The lovely lady who bought it saw love and happiness in it, and it hangs on her kitchen wall where it makes her happy every day.

I believe anyone can make an intuitive painting

I learned a bit of drawing technique. I had a painting lessons. But I taught myself to paint in oils and I am developing my own style away from what I think art ‘should’ be. I used to believe that real art was representational. I’d look at photorealism and feel inadequate. I took some portrait classes just to see if I could draw an accurate portrait. It turns out I can – this can be taught. What has made a big difference to me is that I’ve stopped trying to paint like anyone else. To an extent this means the process has to be intuitive.

Art is intuitive

Whether you make it or enjoy looking at it, it speaks to the soul, not the intellect. Everyone is born creative. It’s just a case of peeling back the layers of anxiety and expectation and setting your personal expression free. Intuitive art is joyful to make, even if it’s expressing sadness. And it’s joyful to look at, because it creates human connections, clarity and recognition.

Next steps: If you want to buy original art online, visit my shop to browse my intuitive art.