"Exploring the Cathartic, Expressive Nature of Art

The Power of Art to Transform and Renew

Acrylic abstract landscape  “On the Horizon,” depicting farm fields with a bricklayer's trowel  with rough edges on unstretched canvas

“On the Horzon” 8 ft x 8 ft acrylic on unstretched canvas

Art has a unique way of cleansing the spirit. It offers something that goes beyond the ordinary and touches on the deeper layers of what it means to be human. When I stand in front of a blank canvas, there’s a sense of anticipation. It’s not just about creating something new; it’s about releasing what’s been pent up inside and transforming it into something that others can feel and connect with.

Creating "On the Horizon"

When I created "On the Horizon," I used a bricklayer's trowel, not a typical tool for painting, but it felt right. The trowel allowed me to spread the paint in ways that traditional brushes wouldn’t, creating the rough textures and lines that you see in the painting. I didn’t want it to look perfect. I wanted it to feel real, almost as if the fields were reaching out to the viewer. Each stroke was like shedding another layer of the mundane, revealing something more profound underneath.

Art as a Cathartic Process

"'On the Horizon' by artist John Robertson is  an acrylic painting on unstretched canvas depicting farm fields painted with a bricklayer's trowel.

For me, painting is a release. It’s about taking all the thoughts and emotions that build up from daily life and pouring them onto the canvas. With "On the Horizon," I felt like I was letting go of all the noise around me. The sweeping lines and the earthy colors reflect that sense of letting go, of clearing the mind and focusing on what’s important. It’s about more than just the physical act of painting; it’s about the emotional journey that comes with it.

Expressing Originality Through Art

There’s a certain bravery in putting yourself out there, in showing your true self through your work. Art is one of the few places where you can be completely original, where you can express something that’s uniquely yours. With "On the Horizon," I wanted to create something that wasn’t just a representation of the landscape, but a reflection of how I see the world. It’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity and the courage to be different.

The Emotional Impact of Art

Art has the power to evoke emotions in ways that words sometimes can’t. When I look at "On the Horizon," I feel a sense of calm, but also a connection to the earth and the life it sustains. The painting might be abstract, but there’s a story there, a sense of place and time that resonates with those who see it. That’s the beauty of art—it can mean different things to different people, but it always leaves an impression.

And Finally

"On the Horizon" isn’t just a painting; it’s a reminder of the power that art holds. It’s a reminder that art can wash away the dust of everyday life, offering a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. Every brushstroke, every color, every texture is a testament to the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.

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