How is an abstract painting born? The secrets of a painter's creative process
In progress...
The journey from inspiration to creation
Among the most frequent questions I get asked is: "What does this painting represent?" "But Kellestom, how do you start? What does it represent?"
Yet, in abstract art, the approach is often different. An abstract painting does not 
always seek to represent a landscape, a face, or an identifiable object. It arises primarily from an emotion, a sensation, or an inner energy.
These elements become the starting point for a dialogue between the artist and the canvas.
When I start painting, nothing is completely defined. The first strokes are spontaneous. Colors meet, forms appear then disappear, some areas are covered while others gain importance. Here is a journey to the heart of my creative process, from the blank canvas to the final signature.
1 - The Spark : Intention rather than a model
- Inspiration: each work begins with an impulse, a color that particularly attracts me, a memory that comes back, a piece of music, a light glimpsed during a trip, or simply a current state of mind.
- The palette: Before even touching the brushes, I choose my colors. They are what will tell the story. Muted and melancholic tones, or an explosion of vibrant and contrasting pigments? The dialogue begins here.
2 - The first stroke: Breaking the ice
The blank canvas can be intimidating. To tame it, you have to act fast. This is the most physical and intuitive phase.
I draw the first lines, I throw the first masses of color without overthinking. It's a liberating act. At this stage, I don't look for "beauty", I look for movement. I use large brushes to structure the space.
