**[Darlene Watson](https://www.cohart.com/darwatson/profile)** is a Canadian artist known for her large-scale, gestural abstract originals, inspired by the natural world and her everyday surroundings. Her work often features the turquoise, deep blues, and greens of lakes, paired with earthy neutrals from sandy trails. Her gardens contribute soft pinks from peonies and bold clematis hues, while autumn leaves, forest greens, and fiery sunset tones inspire her vibrant palette.

Watson’s technique blends layers of acrylic paint with ink, pen, pencil, and other materials, creating rich depth and texture. Swirls, bold brushstrokes, and using her hands bring movement to her compositions, while hidden scripts and graffiti-like notes add narrative layers. Each piece invites viewers to explore her world, where bold color pairings and intricate textures tell a story of connection to nature and creativity.

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##### Can you walk us through your creative process? Which materials and techniques have become integral to your work?

My creative process is deeply intuitive, beginning with a spark of inspiration that often comes while finishing one piece and envisioning the next. I frequently imagine ideas as I work, allowing the rhythm of painting to guide my imagination. While I sometimes think through concepts in advance, the process truly takes shape in the studio as I respond to the layers and textures on the canvas. 

I primarily work with acrylics, as they allow for the layering and vibrant energy that define my work. Layers are the cornerstone of my process—each one adding depth and dimension. I occasionally incorporate materials like oil sticks, markers, pencils, or charcoal to create lines and details. I often use my hands alongside brushes of varying widths to apply paint, adding spontaneity and energy. 

These elements serve as the final touches, bringing the piece to life. Each piece becomes a journey, a conversation between the canvas and me, with layers of thought and emotion embedded in the process.

##### What emotions or responses do you hope viewers experience when engaging with your art?

When viewers engage with my art, I hope it invites them into a moment of reflection, joy, or inspiration. My work is intuitive and layered, so I aim to create pieces that evoke curiosity or spark a personal connection. I want viewers to feel the energy, depth, and movement in my work—whether it resonates with a memory, stirs their imagination, or simply offers a sense of warmth and beauty. Ultimately, I hope my art creates a space for viewers to pause, explore, and feel something unique—a sense of calm, passion, or even excitement. For collectors, I aspire for each piece to add a layer of meaning and energy to their space, becoming something they love and cherish for years to come.

##### How do you approach starting a new piece of artwork? Is there a particular routine or mindset that helps you begin?

Starting a new piece is always an exciting moment for me. My approach begins with a dark roast coffee—it’s a simple ritual that helps me ease into the creative mindset. Then, I collect and organize my paints, which feel like part of the art itself, as it sets the stage for the process ahead. Before diving in, I spend a few moments with the blank canvas. It’s already been stretched onto the studio wall and lightly spritzed with water to ensure it’s smooth and ready to receive the first layers. This quiet moment, staring at the blank canvas is crucial—it’s where ideas begin to take shape, and I prepare myself to bring them to life. From there, I let intuition guide me, trusting the process and allowing the painting to evolve naturally.

##### How do you handle moments of doubt or insecurity about your work?

I’ve reached a point in my career where I no longer experience doubt or insecurity about my work. I approach each piece with a clear vision, and as long as it turns out the way I envisioned, I feel secure and proud of the result. I especially enjoy commission projects—they allow me to combine my design background with my collector’s personal preferences, creating something truly unique and meaningful.

Early in my career, I did face moments of uncertainty, particularly with doubters questioning my path. But I leaned on my determination (perhaps inherited from my mom!) and made the decision to keep going. I realized that negativity from others—those "Negative Nancys"—could only stop me if I let it. Now, I focus on staying in my zone, creating work that resonates with me and, ultimately, with those who connect with it.

##### Do you envision your artistic journey evolving in the coming years?

Absolutely, I see my artistic journey continuing to evolve in the coming years. Since my early days as an artist, my work has changed and grown, and I imagine that will only continue. I believe it’s essential to keep moving forward, exploring new ideas and compositions to ensure my art remains dynamic and fresh. That said, my foundation will always be in non-objective abstraction—whether colourful or neutral, it’s the core of my work. Inspiration is never in short supply for me—I have more ideas than I can keep up with! I always keep a notebook close by to jot down ideas that might pop into my head at the most unexpected times. 

True story: I’ve gotten up in the middle of the night to write down an idea, and once, early on, I even pulled over in my car to scribble a note with eyeliner! The journey is all about growth, and I’m excited to see where my imagination and creativity take me next.

##### What lets you know a piece is complete? Is it an instinct, a feeling, or something else?

Knowing when a piece is complete is entirely instinctual for me. It’s not something I can fully explain—there’s just a moment when I feel it. I trust that feeling completely, and it tells me the work is ready to be shared.

##### Does being part of an artistic community impact your work or connection to the art world?

Being part of an artistic community does impact my connection to the art world. It’s inspiring to see how others express themselves and explore new ideas, and it provides opportunities to share experiences and insights. However, when it comes to creating, I work alone. That solitude is vital for me—I feel like I’m in my own world, or even on a vacation, when I spend hours in my studio. For me, creating is a deeply personal process, and that time alone is where the magic happens.

##### Have any social expectations or family influences shaped or challenged your identity as an artist?

Early on, there were some that thought it was not a great idea, but my family was never really artistic in that sense. This was shown when my parents, especially my mom, thought being an RN might be the perfect career choice. I have always been artistic but it didn't show up enough for me to take some sort of action in that direction until I was going through a separation and divorce; it wasn't until I was 55 years old that I started to sell art professionally. 

It was my third career actually, and it started when I consulted with design ideas for clients. It doesn't matter when you meet your passion but that you do. These experiences reinforced my commitment to staying true to myself as an artist. They’ve also taught me the importance of self-belief and the value of creating work that resonates with me and others. It is important to nurture your passions and keep them close to your heart. Negativity can be crippling.

##### What’s the most unconventional material or technique you’ve experimented with in your art?

While I’m not sure it’s entirely unconventional, I’ve used coffee grounds rubbed into the underpainting to create a rich, earthy brown shade. It was a natural extension of my love for organic textures and tones, and it added an extra layer of depth to the piece. I enjoy exploring materials that bring unexpected elements to my work, always aiming to push creative boundaries while staying true to my style.

If you could change one aspect of the art world to better support artists, what would it be, and why?

If I could change one aspect of the art world, it would be to continue expanding and enhancing online galleries. They’ve revolutionized how artists connect with audiences, allowing work to be seen from every corner of the globe. When I first started, getting into physical galleries was a significant hurdle—not to mention transporting large pieces with a small car. I’ll never forget my son saying, “Why aren’t you online?” 

Platforms like Cohart are incredible for showcasing imagination and reaching other artists and art lovers worldwide. Art has the power to transform spaces, and the more people it reaches, the better. Walls love art—it’s like their jewelry or accessories. If you’re ever unsure of art’s impact, take it down for a moment. The wall looks bare, and the room feels incomplete. Art matters, and I hope the art world continues to embrace innovations that make sharing it more accessible and widespread.

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Darlene Watson's bold, gestural abstracts merge nature, intuition, and creative energy into vibrant, layered paintings.


Spotlight: Darlene Watson on Transforming Natural Hues into Emotional Narratives

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