What is Intuitive Art?

If you know me, then you know that I believe very much in the connected purpose of beings. I truly believe in kindness, karma, and the healing power of art. 

So often, we stop ourselves from trying because we compare ourselves to others. In this article, I felt it important to introduce readers to Intuitive Art to take away the pressure of having to be a classical master on your first try! 

In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about intuitive art: 

• What is Intuitive Art? 
• Tips on intuitive pricing
• How to try intuitive art
• Questions to ask yourself as you create 

 

What is intuitive art?

I define intuitive art as a connectedness the creator has to the subject and medium of the artwork they create, the process revealing deep emotions and feelings in the end result of the work. 

Tips on intuitive pricing

One lesson that I have learned is not to price your work for people who can’t afford it! If someone makes an offer and your gut instinct is telling you it is too low, then refuse it. Your work is valuable and it will be purchased by someone who believes in the value of your work. Have patience, and be kind to yourself. 

How to try intuitive art

You don’t need a step-by-step, you just need awareness. Using instinct to guide decisions, movement, Intuitive art is all about choosing materials to work with, textures you gravitate towards, shapes that please your eyes, colours you’re drawn to, exploring new styles– or sticking to ones you love. 

Intuitive art is a conversation with yourself, but you must be willing to listen to hear what your senses are telling you!

Questions to ask yourself:

All you need to try intuitive art is asking yourself questions that create dialogue to unearth how you feel. Try these questions next time you pick up a brush or other medium: 

• How do I feel about what I’m making? 
• What colour represents how I am feeling?
• What is missing? 
• What does this remind me of?
• If I try another angle, how does the piece change? Do I like this more? 
• Do I like how the stroke feels? Should I change the movement? 
• Am I tired or frustrated? Should I take a break, and come back to the problem tomorrow?

 

What part does your intuition play in creating?

Depends on who you ask! For myself, an abstract-realist artist, I depend on my intuition to create. As my process heavily focuses on pareidolia, which can be defined as the perception of shapes in an object, the pattern being interpreted with a deeper meaning known to the observer. Think of finding shapes in clouds– this is how I describe my art style. 

Since my work is a reflection of what I see and feel, my intuition plays a large role in making work that others can connect to. I use colours I am drawn to, and create movements that are pleasing to the eye, but also to me, as I’m making. 

How to listen to your intuition

When someone asks you to decide on a restaurant, how hard is it to answer the question? When you are in tune with how you feel in that moment, a craving for something specific pops up, or when you want a suggestion, you know if your answer is an immediate “yes” or “no”. 

Being able to listen to your intuition starts by acknowledging that we are led by our “gut” feelings. (Yes, I did use the restaurant example on purpose!) 

To conclude, I hope you tackle a blank canvas without the pressure of following a reference and tune into your feelings to create. Intuitive art is not following a trend, or pressure to complete a perfect piece, it is connectedness with yourself and your medium, your movements, your colours and creating work that reflects your current state rather than making for the end result. 

I hope you make something today!

 

 

Dominique Hurley is an intuitive visionary artist, lightworker and certified naturotherapist who guides you to explore and express your True Self as you connect to your intuition. Grounded in her love of beauty and the beauty of love, Dominique uses her energy-infused art, intuitive services, and inspirational offerings to help you see yourself through the eyes of your soul and live in alignment with your Higher Self. Nourish your transformational journey here.

How did you discover your passion for art?

I always loved being creative, but almost failed art in high school because I had trouble copying what the teacher wanted me to produce. Soon after that, I discovered acrylic inks, freeing my heart & soul to discover my own artistic voice.

How did you discover intuitive art?

I discovered intuitive art intuitively in the late 80s. Self-taught for the first few decades, it was a series of happy accidents & intuitive play – a spiritual practice of grounding, connecting, visioning & creating. It was either based on feeling & vision or a process of discovering what the painting wanted to become, layer by layer.

What is intuitive art?

Intuitive art is the process of allowing each step of the process to inform what comes next. It’s a mix of self-love, embracing the mystery, and non-attachment – all to explore and express your own unique voice. In my case, it’s also about connecting to Spirit to allow the energy to create through me.

Is intuitive art for everybody? 

Intuitive art is a great process to help let go of fear, expectations, and control. The process can be very therapeutic, meditative, playful and wise – teaching us as much about ourselves & life as it does about creating art. If that sounds good, it’s for you!

How do you tackle a blank canvas? 

The beauty with intuitive acrylic painting is that it evolves layer by layer, so it doesn’t matter how you start. The energy and texture of what you created in those first layers may still be there, but you may have completely painted over them. Once I’ve smudged and blessed a canvas, I usually start with mark-making in warm or cool colours or creating colour washes.