My Journey to Creating Abstract Paintings and Becoming an Artist

I'm often asked about how I became an Abstract Artist so here is my journey. The path to becoming an artist was not straightforward. After years of working in a busy corporate career and burnout I decided to leave work to focus on my family. It was during this time that I started to crave something just for me, to explore my creativity. I had a desire to explore art and experiment to find my voice and style. Today, I create original abstract paintings that reflect my emotions and thoughts through bold colours and textures. In this post, I will share my story.

Me in my studio

Early influences and discovery: The path to creating abstract paintings

As many an artist will tell you, I loved art and drawing as a child, my mum was very good at drawing and this inspired me. I took Art in school but the system was very regimented and didn't allow much for experimenting and mostly focussed on drawing. As a result, during my teenage years my interest moved away to other distractions and I put the pencil down for many years.

At university I studied social sciences and this took me down a corporate path which lasted for over 20 years. Once I left to stay at home and focus on my family, the space this gave me reignited my interest in art, and I joined a local art class. It's fair to say I was hooked after the first session!

Developing my style and technique

Finding my unique style has been a journey of patience and experimentation, one that's still evolving. I spent hours throwing and pouring paint onto canvas before discovering what is now my favourite tool: the palette knife. I loved dragging paint across the canvas and watching colours combine.

I learned the fundamentals, colour, values, composition to name a few. Mostly through online and in-person classes, and although I work intuitively, that understanding shapes every decision I make.

From the beginning, abstract art drew me in. Unlike realistic painting, it lets me express feelings that words can't capture. Abstract kept calling me back.

During the Covid pandemic I began experimenting with oils, and they quickly became my medium of choice. Their texture, depth, and richness allowed me to build layers and mood in ways I'd always been searching for. This led me to working large. I wanted my pieces to have a physical presence, to invite viewers to step inside the experience rather than observe from a distance.

Working at that scale with oil demanded new skills: mastering drying times, layering, and blending. Over time I developed a process that balances planning with improvisation, resulting in work that feels alive.

The role of emotion and storytelling

Abstract paintings are a way to tell stories and convey emotions without literal representation. Each artwork reflects a moment, a feeling, or a memory. I often start with a colour, mood or idea and let the painting guide me.

This emotional connection and energy is what I hope viewers experience when they see my work. I want my art to evoke curiosity, reflection, and a personal response. Large artworks help create that impact by surrounding the viewer and inviting them to explore every detail.

A few of my favourite tools

Sharing my work and connecting with others

Building a career as an abstract artist involves more than creating art. I have learned the importance of sharing my work through exhibitions, online platforms, and collaborations. Connecting with other artists and art lovers has enriched my practice and opened new opportunities.

One of the ways I have connected with other artists is through my role in Warwickshire Open Studios, I have been volunteering with the team for a number of years and recently took on the role of deputy Director for the organisation. This venture runs a yearly open studios event and provides marketing and opportunities for artists to show their work in the homes and studios across the region.

Continuing the journey

Becoming an abstract artist is an ongoing process of growth and exploration. Every new painting teaches me something new about art and myself. I am excited to keep pushing boundaries and creating original art that speaks to people’s hearts.

Thank you for reading about my journey. I hope it inspires you to explore the world of abstract art with curiosity and passion. If you want to see more of my work or learn about upcoming exhibitions, visit my website, www.jaimievolkaertsart.com where you can see my available work or maybe sign up for my email list.

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