Dreaming of Spring
by Megan Jefferson
How do you begin an abstract painting?
I generally begin an abstract painting by dividing up the canvas with lines and shapes. Doing this creates a loose composition and gets the process started. A blank canvas is exciting, full of so many possibilities. However, it can be a bit intimidating, too. By putting lines on it, I am able to start the process in a loose, organic way.
Explain why you describe your art as a “conversation” or “dance.”
As I work, I respond to what’s created as if conversing or dancing with what is happening on the canvas. I direct the painting in a certain way, but then step back, look and feel the movement, line and colors. These components reveal and suggest ways that I can respond. When I react intuitively it feels right, and I am happy with the emotion and outcome of the piece. For me, staying flexible, open to change and free of expectation during the creative process are all crucial to creating authentic, beautiful works of art.
How do you decide the composition of a painting?
I make a linear composition. I generally create large paintings, so I draw in a way that feels good. I let my arms make large sweeping motions, make long lines or a pattern of quick small marks. I step back and take it in. If the composition feels right, I continue on; if it doesn’t seem balanced, I break up the space with more lines.
How do you decide on the color palette?
Color is one of my favorite things ever. I usually feel like painting in the mood of a certain color. When I begin, I mix that color with all sorts of other colors, applying the paint to the canvas. Colors start to form two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. I respond with more color and an understanding of color theory.
I make time to paint often, so I have a relationship and understanding of the paint I use. I often put dots of bright color on my work in progress to see how it responds to the color that is there already. If it works, I will use more of it; if it doesn’t, I paint over it.
I also take photos of color combinations I see that inspire me. I have these around me in my studio to guide and persuade my color choices.
When do you feel connected to your intuition? Are there times in your life where you followed your intuition and times when you didn’t? What were the outcomes?
How do you connect to your intuitive spirit?
Connecting takes practice. The more time I spend in the space where intuition resides, the more comfortable I become acting on the direction of those vibes. I believe intuition is the source of an all-knowing truth, and I desire to pay close attention to that energy.
I can sense when I am not connected to my intuition. Doubt creeps in, my inner critic’s voice is loud, and my thinking mind is in overdrive. When I create from an intuitive space, the marks and colors flow, and I lose track of time.
Recognizing my intuitive voice, whether it is a physical feeling (a fluttering in the stomach, etc.) or becoming aware of a sign or signal and having an “aha” moment, acknowledges its presence and allows me to incorporate it into my life more.
How do you get into the flow?
I feel connected to my intuition when I practice meditation. Those moments when my thinking mind is quiet, there is a comfortable, loving, all-knowing presence of peace in a vast space—intuition’s home. The more practice I spend just being, not thinking and not doing, the easier it is to access intuition while doing things, like making decisions or creating art. It is from this connected, centered place that I create paintings that feel right, flow with ease and grace, and visually convey emotions of joy, peace and gratitude. When I practice quieting my mind, it feels like magic.
Spring Wonder
by Megan Jefferson
A big part of creating in an abstract way is to be able to ground oneself and connect to one’s intuitive spirit.
—Megan Jefferson—