Do you plan out your abstract paintings before doing them?

No. I never have a plan for my abstract paintings in terms of what I want them to look like when I finish them. Painting like this is very visceral for me, I like to combine my practice with music but sometimes just my mood and feelings are enough to carry me through. I work on my abstracts layer by layer until I feel a sense of resonance with the work. Once it makes me smile, I know I’m done.

Have you always done art, or is it something you picked up later in life?

I’ve seen myself as an artist since I was a child—I never really thought that I wasn’t an artist or that it was something to strive for, because it just seemed right to do art and think of myself as an artist. I was fascinated by the craft (thank you Bob Ross) but also loved the way that an artist’s eye was useful in making sense of complexity and beauty (thank you Leonardo da Vinci). I trained as a designer (and have worked in publishing and UX for digital products). I also have a taste for other craftwork, like quilting and collage. I am lucky that in all areas of my life, my creativity is useful.

Have you always painted abstracts?

No. I took a bunch of art classes when I was at university and learned to paint and draw in traditional ways, using photos as references. I got really good at the craft of reproducing images from references, and so got good at really seeing things and connecting my eye to my hands. But many years after university, after going through a period of creative block, I decided to completely let go of the need for detail, and even threw away my paint brushes for a while to just paint with my hands. This practice opened me up, it was incredibly freeing and allowed me to find some expressions that felt really true to my spirit. Since that breakthrough, I’ve continued to work this way, and don’t paint with my hands as much these days 😅 and I’ve even started exploring painting from photographs again, except this time I’m bringing a style I’ve cultivated into that practice.

Do you do art full time?

Not right now. One day I hope that art is my primary occupation, but for now I have a career in technology that I actually really love and enjoy, and so art is something that I do on the side. I’m in a great place with it right now because my day job gives me a secure place from which to be experimental with my work and with the business side of art. I don’t have to put all my eggs in one basket, and I think that that helps me to keep my art practice in a rather sacred place. I would never want to place too many dependencies on my art practice. So, it is good.

Do you take commissions?

I don’t typically take commissions, but am happy to chat with you if you’re looking for something specific, or if you’d like to come and have a look at my original paintings in person before you decide to purchase any artwork. I’m always happy to chat or host you for a visit and a cuppa—without any pressure on you to commit to anything—just email me at hello@courtneykyle.com if you have any questions or would like to visit the studio.