I'm Based On A True Story - The Artistic Process

Based on a True Story: The Artistic Process Behind the Collection

Art is an extension of passion—a feeling so deep it often defies explanation. For many artists, including myself, the process of creation is just as important as the final piece. My latest collection, “I’m Based on a True Story,” is a reflection of this journey, capturing raw emotion, lived experiences, and the complexity of love in all its forms.

This collection isn’t just about what’s on the canvas. It’s about the process that brought each piece to life—the moments of inspiration, the challenges, and the discoveries along the way.

“For me, art isn’t something I do—it’s something I feel. Every piece I create is an extension of what’s stirring inside me.”

Step One: The Spark of Emotion

Every piece begins with a feeling—something that demands attention. It could be triggered by a fleeting memory, a lyric from an old-school ballad, or the quiet stillness of a particular moment. These emotions are often intangible at first, more of a whisper than a shout. To capture them, I turn to journaling.

“I don’t force inspiration. I let it come to me, like an old friend who’s been waiting to share a secret.”

In these early stages, I write without structure or rules. Thoughts, sketches, and even fragments of poetry find their way onto the page, allowing the initial idea to take shape organically. This step isn’t about clarity; it’s about freedom, giving myself permission to explore what I feel without judgment.

Step Two: Discovering the Story

Once the emotions are laid bare, I dig deeper to uncover the story they’re trying to tell. What is the core message? How does this connect to my own journey or to universal experiences?

“Every piece I create starts with a question: What am I really trying to say? The answer usually surprises me.”

For “I’m Based on a True Story,” this process led me to the theme of love—not the idealized kind, but the real, messy, and multifaceted love we encounter throughout our lives. From star-crossed romance to the enduring bonds of friendship, each piece became a reflection of love’s ability to shape and transform us.

Step Three: Planning the Canvas

With the story in mind, I begin to imagine how it will translate visually. This stage is where emotion meets technique, and every decision becomes deliberate. Colors are chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their emotional resonance. Textures are mapped out to mirror the complexity of the feelings I’m portraying.

“Each color, each texture—everything has a purpose. It’s not just about how it looks; it’s about how it makes you feel.”

Music plays a significant role during this phase. I often immerse myself in old-school love ballads, letting their rhythm and tone guide my creative instincts. The melodies influence not just the mood of the piece but also the movement of my brushstrokes, adding another layer of depth to the work.

Step Four: Creating Without Constraints

The act of painting is where everything comes together. It’s a process of letting go, trusting my instincts, and allowing the art to unfold naturally. Mistakes are welcomed, often becoming opportunities to add unexpected dimensions to the piece.

“When I’m painting, I’m not trying to control the outcome. I’m just there to let the story happen.”

This stage is deeply immersive, almost meditative. Time seems to fade as I lose myself in the work, each brushstroke carrying the weight of the emotions and intentions behind it.

Step Five: Embracing Imperfection

One of the most challenging parts of the process is knowing when to stop. No piece ever feels entirely complete, but at some point, I have to step back and ask, Does this feel honest? If it captures the essence of what I wanted to express, I let it go, imperfections and all.

“The beauty of art is in its flaws. Perfection isn’t real, but honesty is.”

This acceptance of imperfection is integral to my work. It’s a reminder that art, like life, is never about achieving perfection but about embracing authenticity.

Step Six: Sharing the Journey

Presenting my art to the world is both a celebration and a moment of vulnerability. Each piece from “I’m Based on a True Story” carries a piece of my life, inviting viewers to connect with it in their own way.

“When someone connects with my art, it feels like they’re seeing a part of me I didn’t know how to share.”

The responses I’ve received have been a testament to the universality of emotion. Viewers find their own stories within my work, adding layers of meaning that extend far beyond what I could have imagined.

A Love Letter in Layers

“I’m Based on a True Story” is more than a collection; it’s a reflection of life’s complexities, captured in paint and texture. It’s about love in all its forms, the beauty of imperfection, and the power of storytelling through art.

“Art isn’t just what I do; it’s how I understand the world—and how I hope others might, too.”

Every piece in this collection is a chapter in an ongoing narrative—a testament to the emotional depth and transformative power of creativity. Through this process, I’ve come to see art as not just an act of creation but as a way of understanding and honoring the journey we’re all on.