As intuition develops, one learns to access a sense of knowing that bypasses all of the tedious linear steps of exploration to create a mental concept that is holistic - philosophical and emotional. And here I believe can be found a rich deep meaningful source of abstract art.

Today I revisited the Georgia O'Keefe Museum after a long hiatus. There were quite a few paintings of desert trees. I've been pondering how to integrate found nature objects with abstraction, while also reflecting on how to capture the spiritual quality of the magical high desert.

"I look at Nature, I see myself. Paintings are mirrors. So is Nature." - Arthur Dove. | Part of my explorations yesterday involved applying colored pastel chalk on top of a layer of watercolors. Today, revisiting the Book of Earth by Heidi Gustafson, I think I understand why - these chalks feel very earthy as this photo shows - a sandy desert-like affect, the product of rock itself.

I spent the day Painting. Exploring different approaches, colorways, techniques. A friend of mine let me know for the first time today that he doesn't really understand Abstract Art. > ? / Is part of appreciating Art understanding it?

Just when I resign myself to the ordinariness of existence Nature unveils a mindful moment of marvel to snap me out of my complacency and into gratitude. Moving my awareness back from the head to the heart. New Mexico can feel like an alternative reality and no wonder so many movies are shot here. Today we witnessed a double rainbow after eating dinner.

Creative exploring for nothing more than the joy of discovery when new to being an artist and not limiting one's self to being a tried and true "brand." Discovery is open and uncharted. A brand is defined. I'm embracing the fear of the unknown and excited to see what is possible through the lens of experiences and aptitudes that make up "me" in this world - beyond any reward other than the experience itself.