May 2025: The Most Important Part of My Painting Process Might Surprise You

A good chunk of my time in the studio isn’t spent painting—it’s spent looking. I stand there, letting the work breathe.

I used to rush through this quiet pause, but now I understand it’s a core part of the contemporary artist studio process. It’s foundational to how I make original artwork for interiors, fine art for curated spaces, and contemporary art for galleries.

Letting the Paintings Speak

When I pause, I can hear the paintings talking to each other. I watch how they relate, where the tension lives, what feels resolved, and what is still unfolding. In my practice I watch my art (as above) and it feeds into the slow art movement—letting each painting find its voice. You can read more about this movement in Carl Honoré ‘Slow Art and the Power of Slowing Down’ which fosters a deeper engagement through extended looking and reflection.

For years, I equated progress with action—putting on layers, adjusting form. But pausing brings clarity. It reveals what the painting is really trying to say.

Why I’m Sharing This Now

It’s taken me years to trust that pause and know it’s a component of the contemporary artist studio process. If you’re an interior designer sourcing thoughtful art for interiors, an art consultant curating spaces, a gallery looking for evocative pieces, or an art buyer investing in original art for collectors—know this: my work carries that quiet layer of reflection. Every piece is layered not just in paint, but in time, thought, and breath. If you are struggling to get your head around this way of thinking try reading this post by ArtCore on studio habits.

Learn More About My Painting Process

Visit my Creative Journal – for a realistic look at my life as an artist.

Read How to Start Buying Art–  a great guide from my perspective for art buyers, collectors, and art consultants.

Explore my new floral series of paintings- I’m really excited about this body of work!

Book a Studio Visit

You can book a visit at my London studio here. I work from Delta House Studios and host open studio events several times a year—ideal for interior designers, galleries, art consultants, and buyers looking to connect with the work in person.

By pausing, I tune into what a painting is trying to communicate—not what I expect it to be. And that’s where the real magic happens.

Thanks for reading, Aisling