One way to practice paying attention to value is to make drawings and paintings in just black and white including mid-tone grays. It is a great exercise in learning how to see and understand value. It can be a great way to loosen up and play while strengthening your value memory.

If you are an abstract painter or wonder how abstract artists find inspiration, you might also ask, does meaning and intention drive the painting and/or the title?

Early on in my progress as an abstract painter and as part of my art journaling journey, I was inspired by my handwriting as a mark making tool. The personal “hand” to create lines and texture and communication feels raw and authentic.

My name is Heather Neilson and I am an artist. I live in Northwestern, Connecticut with my husband, two teens, a dog, and an infinite number of back yard friends. I feel a deep connection to the natural world, especially the trees, plants, sky and earth. I feel most alive when I am expressing this connection through my art and my soul feels most at ease here amongst all the sounds, smells and sights.