Lately, I’ve been feeling a little stuck with my creative pursuits, perhaps caught up in focusing too much on the outcome instead of allowing myself to simply create. Inspired by the great Canadian outdoors I was holding onto realism, but a part of me was getting bored of using reference photos for every piece. So, I decided to take a step back, let go, and explore the unknown.

This new direction has been inspired by “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron and specifically my morning stream of consciousness journaling practice. In art, the process similar to stream of consciousness is often referred to as intuitive painting. This method encourages artists to create spontaneously, without a predetermined plan, allowing their thoughts, emotions, and instincts to guide each brushstroke. The focus is on the process and personal expression rather than achieving a specific outcome or realistic representation.

This technique aligns closely with automatic drawing or painting, which was popularized by Surrealist artists like André Breton and Salvador Dalí. It’s a method that taps into the subconscious, much like stream of consciousness writing, where the artists lets go of control and allow the artwork to evolve naturally.

Many artists find this approach freeing, as it bypasses the analytical mind and allows deeper emotions and thoughts to surface visually. It can be an incredibly meditative and healing practice, often revealing unexpected themes or imagery.