Abstract art is more than just paint on canvas. For me, a painting acts as a living diary that safely holds my changing emotions. Sometimes, a single canvas undergoes a dramatic transformation right alongside my own life. My monumental piece, Harmony (93″ x 60″), is a deeply personal testament to this beautiful evolutionary journey. Ultimately, it shows the power of a second chance. It proves that an artwork’s true story is never fully finished.
Face-to-Face with the Canvas: The Artistic “Facelift”
Harmony went through numerous changes in my studio over the years. It lived with me through different chapters of my life, serving as a visual record of my personal growth. However, I stood in front of the piece one afternoon and knew it was calling for something new. The textures required a complete artistic “facelift” to elevate the surface into something sublime and ethereal.
To bring this vision to life, I utilized a precise airbrushing technique to create a soft, smoky veil across the upper layers. Because handling an eight-foot canvas is an intensely physical act, I collaborated closely with my talented studio assistant, Jesse. Together, we executed the technical foundation to build a flawless, atmospheric mist. This trusted partnership allowed me to step back and focus entirely on the emotional magic.
Behind the Brush: My Personal Reflections
When the smoky backdrop was completely set, I stepped up to the canvas alone with my brushes, colors, and inner thoughts. I wanted to create a clear dialogue between the heavy, historical textures underneath and a fresh sense of hope on top. As I layered the harmonious blues and gold accents, the canvas suddenly came alive.
“Harmony went through many changes, especially a new facelift. It’s the circular motions that I love… the drying is slow and meditative.” — Clara Berta
Consequently, the creation of Harmony became a deeply tactile, emotional ritual. I work in continuous, fluid circular motions that naturally engage my whole body. The specialized mediums I choose dry at an incredibly slow rate. Therefore, the long curing process forces me into a state of pure, unhurried meditation. In those quiet hours, my racing thoughts slowed down.
I soon realized that this painting reflects life itself. No matter how many heavy layers of history we carry underneath, we can always apply a beautiful new perspective on top. The shimmering gold lines are my way of capturing that breakthrough. It represents the light finally finding its way through the smoke.
The Psychological & Meditative Process
Beyond its large scale, Harmony reflects my deep-seated background in psychology. I truly believe in the restorative, meditative power of art. When I approach this massive $60 \times 93$ inch canvas, I never use rigid sketches. Instead, I treat it as a fluid emotional landscape. I constantly work and re-work the surface. First, I build up thick, tactile textures using paste and acrylics. Then, I let them collide with spontaneous, watery pours. This physical act of building up and smoothing over mimics the patterns of life. For me, painting is a silent, intuitive ritual. It is about listening to my inner voice. Ultimately, Harmony serves as a true respite from the storm. It is a therapeutic, Zen environment designed to quiet a cluttered mind.
