My latest art work is a departure from the sea scapes and nature scenes that have so charecterized my focus. I’ve been following abstract artists of skill and passion and it has awakened in me the curiosity to explore this style as it appeals to me so much.
What I have found out is that it is not as easy as it looks, especially if you are held back by tight lines, realism in presentation, and the opinions of others. It has taken three years and many canvases to let go of the “rules” in my head and simply enjoy the freedom of expression I long for in creativity and art.
I love color and the contrasts of light and dark. I love the creative flow of abstract art and the interesting ways an abstract painting can be perceived and interpreted. I found out it’s harder than it looks to create the beauty I see in some of the abstract artists I follow. But the hardest part is simply to let go and take risks and freely paint what you feel and see with no fear of failure.
If we cannot be free in art, there is no place where we can be free. We must be free in our creative pursuits and not held down by rules. What is art? It is our own interpretation of a subject, an idea, a vision or even a dream. Art is whatever we create, even if it is not liked, appreciated, or well understood. It is our creation. In this way, we are made in the image of God, our Creator. We have the ability to make something from our own mind and bring it into being.
Many years ago, a wise artist once said to me, ” Paint what your soul feels.” I never forgot this advice. I thought, if I can do this, then my work will be good, genuine, creative. I hope I am beginning to learn the essence of his words. Let’s celebrate art and the uniqueness God gives each one of us to express the beauty that is inside all of us.
Sarah Hopkins Art 