The Beauty of the Process
One of the things I’ve learned most through painting is that creativity rarely moves in a straight line. And patience! Although, I’m still working on that.
Some paintings come together quickly, almost effortlessly. Others sit unfinished for days, weeks, or even months before they finally become what they were meant to be. I’ve learned not to force the process.
Sometimes the best thing I can do for a painting is walk away from it for a while.
Starting with an Idea
Most of my work begins with a feeling, a color palette, or a small spark of inspiration rather than a detailed plan. Some pieces begin with loose sketches and soft layers, while others start boldly with color and movement.
The early stages are often my favorite because everything still feels open-ended. There’s room to experiment, change direction, and let the painting evolve naturally.
The unfinished doorway painting sitting on my easel is a perfect example of this stage — where structure begins to form, but the story of the piece is still unfolding.
Letting Paintings Evolve
Not every painting works immediately, and I’ve learned that stepping away can be just as important as continuing. I don’t want to overwork something and end up hating it.
There are times when I’ll put a canvas aside and begin something completely different:
floral studies
abstract texture work
landscapes
smaller practice pieces
or colorful collections that allow me to reset creatively
“Shades of Becoming” was done one day when I just needed to paint something but wasn’t looking to go back to the open doorway painting. Working on different styles and subjects helps me return to unfinished work with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective. Sometimes all a painting needs is a better headspace.
Finding Balance Between Structure & Emotion
One thing I love most about creating art is the balance between technical detail and emotion. Some paintings require precision and patience, while others are built through intuition, movement, and layering.
My floral pieces often feel soft and peaceful. My abstract collections lean more expressive and energetic. Other works are deeply inspired by places, symbolism, or personal moments that simply stayed with me.
No matter the subject, I want each piece to feel alive in its own way.
The In-Between Stages Matter Too
It’s easy to only share finished artwork, but I’ve started appreciating the unfinished moments just as much:
paint sketches
layered backgrounds
works in progress
color testing
partially completed canvases
and the pieces that change direction halfway through
Those stages are where growth happens.
The process behind the artwork tells its own story — one filled with experimentation, frustration, excitement, inspiration, and sometimes learning when to pause and come back later.
Frustration.. wanting every piece to be absolutely perfect is frustrating!
Creating Without Pressure
As I continue building Kimberly Nichols Art, I want this space to reflect the full creative journey, not just polished final pieces.
This includes:
original paintings
commission work
collections and series
unfinished works
behind-the-scenes process
evolving ideas
and the quiet moments in between
Because art isn’t always about immediate perfection.
Sometimes it’s about trusting the process long enough to let the work become what it’s meant to be.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk!
-Kim ❤️