The Beauty of Less
It’s about the journey, not the destination
Life

In recent years, I’ve noticed a welcome shift toward minimalism—not just in daily life but in creative expression as well. There’s a strong connection between art and intentional living. By embracing simplicity, artists can create powerful, more meaningful works.

Spring is the perfect time to declutter—not only our physical spaces but also our creative minds. Clearing away excess allows room for fresh inspiration and energy to grow.
Nature is a master of minimalism. It uses simple lines, muted tones, and balanced compositions effortlessly. I often remind my art students to focus on big shapes, remove unnecessary details, and find harmony in nature’s simplicity. Reducing clutter in a composition can enhance an artwork’s emotional impact.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the prairies—a lone tree against an endless sky, the quiet elegance of a weathered fence, or the delicate beauty of a single flower in a garden. Even a monochromatic winter scene can be incredibly soothing—at least from the warmth of indoors!

Minimalism isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a mindset. In the studio, simplifying your artistic practice—using fewer tools, colours, or techniques—can be freeing. A limited palette not only creates harmony but also makes the painting process more intuitive.

After three intense years working on my Canadiana Series, producing 25 paintings, I made a conscious choice to slow down. I now spend more time on each piece, fully enjoying the process rather than rushing toward the final result. This shift has relieved the pressure to constantly produce and has brought more joy into my creative life. As the saying goes, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.”

As the world spins faster, I invite you, dear reader, to slow down. Observe the world around you with a quieter, more intentional lens. Whether in art or in life, there is beauty in less.

Let’s welcome the simplicity of the season and see where it leads us. ~