The Creative Journey: Does a Painting Originate from the Mind's Eye or Through the Canvas?

Many artists, particularly beginners, often find themselves questioning the origins of their artistic creations. Is a painting an expression of their mind's eye, a carefully planned out design, or a spontaneous development on the canvas? This article explores the dichotomy between the initial vision and the evolving process, and how both can lead to surprising and enriching outcomes.

From Idea to Completion: A Necessary Process of Invention

Art students and emerging artists often struggle with the notion that a painting is a continuous process of invention rather than a direct reflection of a preconceived idea. This can be a radical concept for those who are accustomed to having a clear plan before they begin, and completing the work to meet that plan. As an artist, I can attest that this process is a fundamental part of my artistic journey. Only upon finishing a work do I truly feel that the concept was fully realized. It’s akin to the idea that great dishes often evolve as the cook adds unexpected ingredients, revealing the true essence of the meal.

The Ideal vs. Practical Approaches

The debate between having a clear idea before starting and allowing the creative process to unfold naturally is not a new one. Many schools of thought in art education have influenced artists’ thinking in this regard. One of the most notable shifts came in the late 1970s with the introduction of the Right Brain Left Brain theory in art teaching. This approach emphasized the idea of freeing the mind and allowing the subconscious to take the lead. Techniques like single-line drawing without stopping or looking at the model were advocated to promote this idea. However, as intriguing as these methods are, they often fail to help students transition back to conventional drawing, thus bypassing the crucial step of visualizing the final outcome.

Embracing Both Conscious and Subconscious Creativity

Ultimately, the best approach seems to be a mix of both conscious planning and spontaneous creation. I have found that the initial idea serves as the starting point for the painting, but it evolves as new ideas and insights emerge during the painting process. Sometimes, I have a clear concept in mind, and other times, the painting reveals itself through the subconscious, much like a flash of inspiration. Both methods are valuable and can lead to unexpected and rewarding results. It is the dialogue between the artist and the canvas that truly drives the process.

A Personal Approach: A Conversation with the Canvas

As an abstract painter and sculptor with over three decades of experience, I often engage in a dialogue with the canvas. The painting tells me what to do, and it is this ongoing conversation that guides the creation. My approach is simple: do not think, just feel. I am always surprised by the outcome, which can be a delightful or disappointing experience, especially when I begin to impose my will too strongly. A painting that is too influenced by my ego often ends up being lifeless, much like "mud or meaningless."

The Role of the Audience

Just as important as the artist’s role is the concept that art is ultimately a conversation with the audience. What makes a piece of art meaningful is not necessarily the artist’s intention but the emotional and intellectual response it evokes in the viewer. Even illustrations, which are often highly detailed and literal, invite the audience to discover deeper meanings. All art, whether abstract or representational, is an abstraction of an idea, propagating emotions and contexts that resonate with the viewer.

Therefore, the journey of a painting is not just about the artist’s vision but the interplay between the artist and the canvas, and ultimately, the audience. The process of creation, whether driven by the mind's eye or the canvas, is a dynamic and evolving one, reflecting the artist's growth and the ever-changing dialogue with the world.