Creativity: A Journey of Intuitive Art

Creative Process

Greetings, fellow creatives! I hope your day is brimming with inspiration.

This blog is focused on  sharing my experience creating the Series called “Ancient Messages”.

As an experimental artist, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected sources of creativity that come my way. One of the most profound experiences I’ve had occurred during that subliminal state between sleep and wakefulness, where my daily meditation practice often leads to vivid spiritual visions.

 I experienced an incredible deluge of images—hundreds flashing before my mind’s eye, each one distinct yet fleeting. This download of inspiration was so intense that I could barely process each image before the next appeared. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of staying open to inspiration, wherever and whenever it may strike.

During this creative period, I was fortunate to have a dedicated art studio built by my husband in Brier, WA. This spacious area, complete with high ceilings and ample room for both creating and teaching, became my sanctuary. My daily routine involved practicing meditative Tai Chi before settling in to paint, allowing the intuitive images to flow through me onto the watercolor paper.

To provide some context, prior to this event, I had been working on a series of  very colorful watercolor ink paintings called “Quest for Why”. My process involved using wax to draw intuitively on watercolor paper, guided by my connection to my higher self. However, after participating in sacred drumming events with Martin High Bear in Oregon, I noticed a significant shift in my artistic expression.

The downloaded images began to feature more earthy tones and depictions of indigenous peoples, often incorporating ancient-looking symbols and letters. Many of the images looked like ancient cave drawings.  This new direction gave birth to a series I named “Ancient Messages,” which ultimately grew to include around 215+ pieces. Interestingly, once the series felt complete, the inspiration for it seemed to naturally fade away.

My creativity process was to gather watercolor paper and place on top of clear plastic to protect my painting surface. Pull our my Watercolor inks and brushes, salt, vinegar, water and spices from the kitchen ( Story- My husband does all the cooking and often would find himself in my studio asking where specific spices are. ) As a mixed media artist almost any interesting substance goes to use in the process. I often have handmade papers, paper towels to blot on the wet paint for more texture. 

I experiment with the above  items to see what different and interesting effects will show up. 

Then when I am ready to begin, I did about 1/2 hour of Tai Chi to bring up the healing frequencies to enhance the Reiki Energies then meditate and connect with my higher self and spiritual guides. 

This creativity method is so fun. I never know what to expect and just follow my intuition. When I feel that the surface of the painting is complete with wet fresh colors, I then with my eyes closed I place my hands over the painting and channel healing love and joy while praying and asking for the highest frequencies of energy to place healing into the artwork.  I often pray while painting. This method is totally intuitive. 

When that part of the process is completed I need to get out of the studio and let the piece dry for at least 24 hours. 

Next day I am biting at the bit to go back and see what shows up on the dried paintings. The healing energy often create images of spiritual beings and symbols. It is a delightful experience using my creativity to view how different the dried artwork loos.

The last step is to remove the drawing lines of wax with my fingernails. Then place the artwork on the wall to study. It is my habit to take a mirror and look at the art backwards, There are always more interesting images that show up. At that point I go back in with a paintbrush enhance any imagery.

*Note it is always hard as an artist to know when to stop working on a piece of art. This is where I connect to my higher self and guides. When I hear in my head “STOP” the painting is complete. 

‘m excited to share a few examples of these paintings with you. If you’re interested in viewing more from this series or perhaps acquiring a piece for yourself, please visit https://catherinefostersart.com   and https://www.catherinefoster.com for more inspiration and encouragement to develop your unique creativity.