Art, for me, is less about rendering a preconceived idea and more about embarking on a journey of discovery. My process typically begins with a spark—a detail that catches my eye, a sketch on my iPad or a fleeting moment I capture with my phone camera. These images, along with sketches, AI-generated artwork, and digital paintings, have become my digital sketchbook that provides a fount of inspiration.
However, I rarely start a piece with a fully formed vision of the final artwork. My approach is intuitive, akin to wandering through a forest, guided by an instinctive sense of direction but no set path. This exploratory process can lead to dead ends, but sporadic moments of success make the journey immensely rewarding.
At the heart of my creative method is layering. I love combining pencil marks, brushstrokes, textures, and snippets from my digital sketchbook into a single work. Watching the art evolve, as I experiment with these elements, feels less like steering the process and more like being led by it. Each new layer adds depth and complexity, transforming the piece in surprising ways. It’s this spontaneity that fuels my passion.
My predilection for layering likely stems from my training as an architect. In the pre-digital epoch, architects relied on reams of yellow tracing paper to refine designs. Sheets were stacked one on top of the other, each layer testing a new idea until the final solution was committed to ink on mylar or vellum. That tactile, iterative process is mirrored in how I approach digital art, though the digital medium offers even greater flexibility and opportunities for experimentation.
One of the unique advantages of working digitally is the ability to create multi-level collages with a level of precision and control that would be impossible in traditional media. I can experiment with and refine colors, textures, and compositions in real time, selectively applying changes to specific areas of an image. The capacity to fine-tune these elements without fear of undoing past work gives me the freedom to take risks and push boundaries.
Once I’m happy with the layers, blending becomes my next focus. This stage is particularly exciting because it transforms the piece from a simple stack of elements into something cohesive. Blending allows the best aspects of the individual layers to merge seamlessly, creating a unified image with its own unique character. It’s at this stage that the piece truly begins to feel alive.
The final product is often a bit of a surprise, but for me, the joy lies as much in the process as in the outcome. Each piece is a record of the steps I took—both the deliberate choices and the happy accidents that led to unanticipated discoveries. Even the missteps play a crucial role, often prompting me to explore new directions I might not have considered otherwise.
This process of layering, blending, and discovery keeps me engaged and excited about making art. It allows me to leverage the best of digital tools while staying connected to the hands-on, iterative approach I’ve always loved. Ultimately, the finished piece is not just an image but a story—a reflection of the journey I took to create it. And for me, that memory is the most rewarding part of all.
