Art Questions, Answered by Lorraine

I am still learning and experimenting with my art. Here I share my creative process, what inspires my paintings and some fun moments from the journey.

Art questions on how I create my work, what inspires me, the materials I use, and the creative moments that shape each piece
How did you start painting and what made you want to try it?

Lorraine
I did not start painting with any big plan in mind. At the beginning, I simply wanted something to do. We were living in Rovinj and there was not much going on for me at the time, so I looked for something creative to fill my days.

I first tried painting by numbers. That was my entry point. Through that, I slowly felt inspired to try creating something of my own instead of following a guide. Around the same time, I had the idea to paint a gift for my parents in law for their anniversary. That became my very first acrylic painting and it was made with a lot of heart, even if I had no real experience.

I remember enjoying that painting a lot, even though it was not easy. There were moments when I felt frustrated because it did not turn out the way I imagined. But when I finally finished it, I really loved the result. That feeling stayed with me. Seeing the final piece made all the struggle during the process worth it.

From then on, I kept painting. At first, it was just a hobby, something I did for myself. Painting helps me relax and clear my thoughts. When I paint, I do not have to think about anything else. It brings me peace and joy, even when the process feels challenging.

Looking back, I realise that creativity has always been part of me. As a child, I loved drawing, even if I only had pencils and paper. I enjoyed colouring and creating things, but I never paid much attention to art as something serious. I was always drawn more to creative activities like dancing and other expressive things rather than traditional school subjects.

Now that I am in my 40s, I feel like I am finally discovering this artsy side of myself. Painting started as something simple and personal, and over time it became something that truly inspires me to keep going. It is still a learning process, but it feels right.

What inspires you?

My inspiration mostly comes from my own experiences and what I see around me. I do not follow a specific theme or idea when I paint. It usually starts from my surroundings and from nature, because I am naturally drawn to it.

I especially love mountains. There is something about their scale and mystery that really moves me. I find them powerful and calming at the same time. The moon is another big source of inspiration for me, especially when it is full. I love the soft glow of the moon in the night sky and the quiet feeling it creates.

Nature in general inspires me. Sometimes it is something very simple, just what I see around me in a quiet moment. I also enjoy painting most when my mind is calm and I am not thinking too much. When I can simply paint without overthinking, that is when my ideas come naturally.

Do your paintings have a meaning or are they more about feeling?

My paintings are mostly about feeling rather than a specific meaning. I do not usually start with a clear message or an elaborate explanation in mind. I paint based on how I feel in that moment and what comes naturally to me.

Most of the time, I try not to think about anything else while I paint. It helps me clear my thoughts and just follow where the brush wants to go. Sometimes I begin with an idea, but I often end up with something completely different. I might plan to paint one thing and then realise it is not working, so I change direction and follow my instinct instead.

For me, painting is not about sticking strictly to a plan. It is more about responding to what feels right as the piece develops. If something does not feel right, I adjust and move in another direction until it does.

There are moments when I do need to think more, especially during collaborations. In those cases, there is usually a theme that needs to be respected. For example, when I painted a piece inspired by Rovinj for a pizzeria, I had to make sure the painting matched the space and the collaboration. Even then, my feelings are still part of the work. The theme guides the painting, but the emotion is always there.

What materials do you use for your paintings?

At the moment, I use acrylic paints for my paintings. I am currently working with Shuttle Art, it’s a non toxic acrylic brand, which I really enjoy using. Acrylics feel right for where I am now in my creative journey.

In the future, I would also like to explore other types of paint, especially oil paints. That is something I am curious about and want to try when the time feels right.

For my canvases, I use cotton canvas made in Italy from Fleur. I like working on good quality surfaces because it makes a difference in how the paint behaves. I also use a variety of brushes, depending on what I am painting and the effect I want to achieve.

These are the materials I work with right now, and I am open to experimenting more as I continue learning and growing as an artist.

Do you plan a painting in advance or paint intuitively

I do not usually plan my paintings in advance. I paint intuitively and only when I feel like painting. I do not force myself, because when I do, it never goes well.

There are moments when I know I want to spend time painting, but I do not follow a strict schedule or specific plan. There is no set day or routine for it.

When the feeling is there, I paint. When it is not, I wait. That approach works best for me and allows the painting to come out naturally.

How long does a typical painting take you?

How long a painting takes really depends on the size of the canvas. I usually work with a 70 by 50 proportion. Smaller paintings take much less time, while larger ones naturally take longer.

For a 70 by 50 canvas, a painting usually takes me around 10 to 15 hours in total. Sometimes it is closer to 10 hours, other times it takes longer. It really depends on how the painting develops and how complex it becomes.

There is no fixed rule for timing. Some pieces flow more easily, while others need more time and patience.

What do you enjoy most about the painting process?

What I enjoy the most about the painting process is the final result. Seeing the finished piece makes everything worth it for me.

When I step back and look at the painting once it is done, I feel satisfied and proud of what I created. That moment, when the painting finally comes together, is what I enjoy the most.

What part of painting do you still find challenging?

The part I find most challenging is usually the middle of the painting process. At the beginning, I often have a clear idea in my head and feel excited to start. The challenge comes later, when the painting does not turn out the way I imagined.

Sometimes the execution is different from what I originally saw in my mind. Certain parts feel difficult, or the colours do not work together the way I expected. When that happens, I often repaint sections, change colours, or even redo parts of the painting completely.

There are moments when this can feel frustrating. When I reach that point, I usually step back and let the painting rest. I do not force myself to finish it in one go. I leave it for the day and come back to it later.

More often than not, when I return the next day, something clicks. A new idea comes, or I suddenly see what needs to change. That pause helps me understand how to improve the painting and eventually complete it in a way that feels right and closer to my original vision.

Do you listen to music or need silence when you paint?

Most of the time, I prefer silence when I paint. I like hearing my own thoughts and focusing only on the painting. Just me, the brush, and the canvas.

Sometimes, though, I do enjoy listening to music. When I do, I prefer calm and relaxing sounds. I like music with a gentle rhythm, even if it has lyrics, as long as it feels chilled and not distracting.

It really depends on how I feel in that moment, but silence is what I return to most often when I want to fully focus.

Are your paintings based on real places or imagination?

My paintings are mostly based on imagination, but they are also influenced by places I have seen while travelling. Many of those places are in Europe, especially countryside areas and natural landscapes. I am particularly drawn to mountains and nature, and those impressions often stay with me.

I also get inspiration by looking at other artists and their work. I spend time observing amazing art and learning how different artists use techniques. I do not have formal training as an artist, so learning by watching and studying others has been an important part of my journey.

Through travel, imagination, and learning from other artists, I find ideas that slowly take shape in my own way when I paint.

What do you hope people feel when they see your art?

I hope people feel peace and joy when they see my art. I want my paintings to feel light, not heavy.

There are many artworks that feel dark or intense, and while those have their place, that is not what I am drawn to. I prefer creating something calming and relaxing, something that allows the viewer to breathe and simply enjoy the moment.

For me, painting is about softness and lightness. It reflects how I try to see life. Even though we all go through difficult times, with family, work, and many challenges, I like to let go of heavy feelings as much as possible.

I hope that sense of calm, light, and peace comes through in my paintings, and that people can feel it when they look at them.

How has your style changed since you started

My style has changed since I started, even though I have not been painting for a very long time. In the beginning, I was much more careful and stayed on the safe side. I avoided bold colours and tried not to take too many risks.

At first, painting was just a hobby for me and a way to relax. I was not very confident yet, so I preferred working with smaller canvases and keeping things simple. I was still figuring out how to start and how to trust myself.

Over time, I noticed myself becoming more adventurous. I started using bolder colours and experimenting more, even stepping outside my comfort zone. My canvases also became larger, which felt like a natural progression as my confidence grew.

Now, I feel more open to trying new things and allowing myself to be expressive. I still see painting as something calming and personal, but I am no longer afraid to be bold and explore where the process takes me.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start painting?

I am still at the beginning myself, so my advice would be simple. Just start and enjoy the journey. Do not expect too much from yourself.

Paint in a way that makes you feel at peace. Do not think about results or outcomes. Painting can be very therapeutic. It helps you relax and clear your mind. When you paint, focus only on that moment.

That is how I started, as a hobby. I did not begin painting because I wanted to be known or get something out of it. I painted because I enjoyed it. Over time, if you feel ready, you can share your work with others, but there is no rush.

Listen to yourself and to your imagination. Create in a way that feels right for you. And if you can, learn from other artists who are more experienced. There is always something to learn, and having a humble heart makes that learning possible.

Most of all, enjoy the process.

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