The Art of Embracing the Scribble: A Journey Through My Creative Process

Abstract painting by Viviana Stone titled 'Lounge Muse', featuring a woman sitting on a red couch, surrounded by green leaves and colorful geometric patterns.

Some of my most soulful pieces have started with nothing more than a scribble. There’s something raw and honest about that first unfiltered mark. It’s a spontaneous gesture, imperfect and unplanned.

That scribble becomes the seed. My job as a painter is to listen for what it wants to become. In a world that often craves polish and perfection, I’ve found freedom in embracing the mess. The scribble is where the soul begins.

Trusting the First Gesture

Whether I’m working in silence or with music playing, I always begin a canvas with movement. I grab a pencil, oil stick, or even a bit of charcoal and just start. I might be thinking of a memory, a feeling, or nothing at all. Sometimes, I’m just responding to the light in my studio.

Those early marks are loose and instinctive. I don’t worry about what it looks like; I care how it feels. This is the heartbeat of my creative process. Let the hand move. Let the paint speak. Sometimes, I also write words directly onto the canvas, whatever is stirring in my heart. A scripture, a short prayer, or a phrase I need to anchor me. These words are rarely visible in the finished piece, but they remain part of its foundation. Hidden beneath the bursts of color is a quiet proclamation, a layer of intention that infuses the painting with meaning before the first brushstroke even begins.

I call this stage “the honest scribble.” It’s not trying to impress anyone. It’s simply showing up.

Building on Chaos with Intention

Once the energy is on the canvas, I slow down. I step back. I look for what's hidden in the layers, a form, a rhythm, a story that’s waiting to emerge.

Some paintings stay wild and expressive. Others surprise me with quiet structure. But all of them go through this dance: from loose to refined, from chaos to clarity. It’s never about covering up the scribble; it’s about elevating it. Letting it shine through in some way. A faint pencil line here, a crayon arc there. These marks carry soul. They remind me that what’s raw can also be beautiful.

Painting With Feeling, Not Rules

This way of working has taught me to trust myself. It’s also allowed me to teach others, to give permission to beginners (and even seasoned artists) to begin before they’re “ready.” As a California-based abstract artist, I find that the landscape, the light, even the ocean breeze influence how I move on canvas. But it all starts the same way: with a gesture that’s unafraid.

So next time you see one of my paintings, know this, beneath the layers of oil, color, and texture, there’s almost always a scribble still holding it together. And sometimes, if you look closely, a whisper of a word. A quiet beginning with something bold to say.

The Importance of Color in My Work

Color is the heartbeat of my paintings. Each hue tells a story, evokes a feeling, and adds depth to the narrative. When I choose colors, I think about the emotions I want to convey. Bright yellows can bring joy, while deep blues might evoke calmness.

I often find myself lost in the mixing of colors. It’s a dance of shades and tones, a joyful exploration. Each stroke of the brush adds a layer of complexity, creating a world where viewers can immerse themselves.

The Impact of Light

Light plays a crucial role in my creative process. It transforms the colors on my palette and the canvas. The way sunlight filters through my studio windows can change my entire approach to a painting. I love how light can create shadows, add dimension, and bring life to my work.

As I paint, I often pause to observe how the light interacts with my canvas. It’s a reminder that art is not just about the colors I choose, but also about how they interact with their environment.

Engaging with the Audience

Art is a conversation. When I create, I think about the viewers who will experience my work. What emotions will they feel? What stories will they uncover? I want my paintings to resonate, to spark joy, and to invite reflection.

I often host workshops where I share my process. It’s a joy to see others embrace their creativity. I encourage them to start with that honest scribble. It’s a powerful moment when they realize that their unique expression is valid and beautiful.

The Journey of an Artist

Being an artist is a journey filled with ups and downs. There are days when inspiration flows effortlessly and others when I struggle to find my voice. But through it all, I remind myself to trust the process. Each piece I create is a step along the path.

I believe that every artist has a unique story to tell. My journey is intertwined with my experiences, my emotions, and my surroundings. It’s a tapestry of moments that shape my art.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

In the end, art is about embracing the journey. It’s about allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to explore, and to express. Each scribble, each layer of paint, contributes to a larger narrative.

So, as you explore my work, remember the scribble. It’s the heart of my creative process, a reminder that beauty often lies in the unrefined. Let it inspire you to embrace your own journey, to trust your instincts, and to find joy in the messiness of creation.

Let’s celebrate the art of being human, together.