Stages of abstract painting

As I see it…

The first layers often represent the surface-level thoughts and emotions that spill straight from the mind. They’re like drifting clouds—fleeting impressions gathered from here and there, passing through without much purpose.



Then come the next layers are the stubborn feelings that tend to bully the mind. There’s something unsettled about them, yet the ego clings to them just to prove its strength. These layers add character, yes, but they’re also messy—the turbulent middle stage of both a painting and a learning process.



Finally, deeper and more intentional strokes begin to take form. These are the mindful thoughts and honest emotions that bring clarity and resolution. It’s the stage of making amends, correcting mistakes, and finally settling into the emotion that feels right. That’s the moment the painting—and the painter—reach a quiet sense of completion.