10/27/2026
“Time to Say Goodbye”
This painting is a great example of intuitive painting and trusting the creative process.
It started as an abstract piece that I just wasn’t happy with, so I set it aside. When I came back to it, I started seeing the back of a car emerging from the abstract shapes. From there, I developed the posts and the car, then allowed the sky and light to evolve naturally.
Sometimes you just have to let a painting tell you what it wants to become.
🌿A few tips for artists wanting to elevate their work:
• Look for your highlights and lowlights. Developing the contrast between light and dark adds depth, dimension and drama.
• Don’t be afraid to let shapes emerge from your abstract layers. You might discover something you never intended to paint!
• Try a glaze or transparent wash over parts of your painting. It can unify colours, soften transitions and create beautiful depth.
• I often begin with acrylics until I’m happy with the composition, depth and highlights, then move to oils to develop the final layers.
I recently gave an art lesson, and my student was absolutely overjoyed with the difference we were able to make by tweaking her acrylic paintings. Sometimes a few small adjustments can completely change how a piece feels. 😍
If you’re an artist wanting to elevate your work, have questions about your painting, or simply want to learn how to bring more depth and life into your artwork, please reach out. I’d love to help you explore what’s possible with your own paintings.😍
Every painting is a learning experience, and sometimes the ones we almost abandon become our favourites.
ArtistLife CarleyRangenArt
