Becoming an abstract painter is a deeply personal experience, marked by highs and lows, creative revelations, and moments of profound self-doubt. My journey, like many others, has been shaped by the interplay between struggle and success, and through it all, I’ve learned more about myself and my art than I could have ever imagined.
The Beginning: Finding My Voice in Chaos
I’ve always been drawn to art, but abstract painting became a sanctuary for me during one of the more chaotic times in my life. It offered a sense of release when words couldn’t express what I was feeling. The transition to abstraction wasn’t planned; it was more like an emotional impulse. I didn’t set out to make meaning or send a specific message. Instead, I found beauty in spontaneity—throwing colors on a canvas, seeing them collide, blend, or resist each other.
But that lack of planning also made it harder to understand whether my work was “good.” When you create abstract art, there’s often no reference point, no concrete subject to guide you. My early works were often met with confusion, even criticism. I had to grapple with the question every artist faces: Is this art valuable if no one understands it?
The Hardships: Doubt, Fear, and Self-Criticism
As a young artist, there’s an unspoken pressure to conform to what others consider "good art." Early in my career, I struggled to balance between creating what I felt deeply connected to and producing pieces that would be “accepted” or appreciated by the larger audience.
Abstract art, by nature, doesn’t always connect immediately with viewers. I’ve had people glance at my work and dismiss it as “just splashes of paint” or “something a child could do.” It’s tough to hear that because, while the result may seem spontaneous, there’s an emotional process behind every piece.
The Turning Point: Learning to Trust My Process
What helped me overcome those periods of doubt was learning to trust my process. Every artist’s journey is different, but what I realized was that, at the core of abstract painting, is the act of letting go. It’s about releasing control and allowing yourself to embrace the unexpected. For me, success wasn’t about creating a perfect painting; it was about being authentic to my emotions and experiences.
Over time, I developed a rhythm. I stopped caring so much about whether people understood my art immediately and focused on how I felt while creating it. I began to see that not all art needs to be explained—sometimes its power comes from how it makes you feel, even if that feeling is undefinable.
I started experimenting with new materials and techniques. Layering paint, using unconventional tools, and even embracing imperfections became central to my work. The more I let go of expectations, the more I started producing pieces that felt true to me. And interestingly, once I stopped trying to please others, my art began resonating more deeply with people.
Small Wins and Personal Success
A turning point in my journey came when I received my first major commission for a large canvas. The client asked for something bold and abstract to brighten the meeting room of his company’s headquarters but left the creative vision entirely up to me.
When the client saw the piece, he was speechless at first, then broke into a smile, saying it was exactly what he had envisioned. His joy was a huge validation for me. Knowing my art could connect with someone on such a personal level was incredibly rewarding.
Reflection: Embracing the Journey
For anyone reading this who’s just starting their own artistic journey, my advice would be to stay true to yourself. Your art may not resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. The most important thing is that it resonates with you. Success isn’t always measured in exhibitions or sales—it’s in those moments when you look at a piece and feel a deep sense of connection. That, in itself, is the greatest victory.
My journey as an artist is far from over, but I’ve come to realize that the struggles, the doubts, and even the failures are as much a part of the process as the successes. And in that, I find both peace and purpose.
Website: www.joanpfart.com
Instagram: joanpanell_art