How to find your style of painting: A Life in Color: My Journey into Abstract Painting

From the moment I picked up a brush I knew color would be my language. Bright, expansive hues—each one carrying energy, emotion, and movement—became the foundation of my artistic expression. Color Field Painting, with its immersive washes and luminous tones, felt like home to me.  

I’ve always been drawn to the way color speaks without words. How a single hue can evoke joy, nostalgia, or introspection. The layering, the blending, the sheer presence of pigment—it’s more than just paint on canvas. It’s a feeling, a space, an experience.  

As I refine my craft, I find myself chasing light, depth, and vibrancy. Every stroke is intentional, yet fluid. My goal? To create pieces that don’t just decorate a space but transform it—offering viewers a moment of energy, serenity, or wonder.   As a former interior designer, I experienced how my client's had an immediate reaction to colors.  

The Power of Color  

Color has an uncanny ability to shape mood and atmosphere the moment someone steps into a space. I saw firsthand how warm tones like magenta could evoke vibrancy and golden yellow optimism. While blues and greens fostered calm and contemplation.  

In Color Field Painting, the same principles apply—but on a more immersive level. When large expanses of pure color dominate the canvas, the viewer is invited into an emotional dialogue. There’s no subject matter to distract, just the raw experience of hue, saturation, and interplay.  

Emotional Resonance Through Color  

Beyond the aesthetics, color triggers deep psychological responses. Certain tones spark nostalgia, others radiate optimism, and some create introspective quiet. In my work, those luminous washes and vibrant transitions aren’t just decorative—they’re transformative.

                                       Blue Tides 6' x 5' x 2" 

  The Language of Color in My Work 

The deep turquoise expanse anchors the lower three-fourths of the canvas, evoking calm, depth, and quiet contemplation—perhaps the recollection of the ocean’s steady rhythm. Above, an orange and yellow glow pulses with warmth, like the last golden light of day slipping beyond the horizon. Suspended in between, a floating band of magenta and lavender clouds drifts across the canvas, soft and transient, like thoughts carried by the wind.   Color is more than pigment—it’s emotion, movement, and conversation.                                                   

Earth & Amber 39" x 39" x 2" 

 In one of my recent paintings, Earth & Amber a deep grass green sets a serene foundation, grounding the eye with its natural richness. Purple, contained within a striking square, adds mystery and depth—a focal point that invites meditation.  A brilliant orange expanse breathes warmth and energy into the composition, infusing it with vibrancy and contrast.  

Each hue plays its role, shaping the viewer’s experience in distinct ways. Green fosters balance and renewal, while purple evokes introspection and creativity. Orange, lively and radiant, demands attention, pulling everything together in a harmonious dance.  This interplay reflects my approach to Color Field Painting—inviting viewers to step into a world where color isn’t just seen, but felt. 

                                           Love Lives Here 52" x 52" x 2"

Love Lives Here: Art as a Reflection of Home  

When creating a commissioned piece, I always think about the emotions it will carry—the atmosphere it will cultivate within a space. Love Lives Here was born from that intention.  

This painting is a celebration of warmth and tranquility. The deep pinks and blended corals envelop the canvas in softness, creating a gentle yet radiant presence that feels welcoming and intimate. From the left, sage green and subtle touches of teal emerge—like whispers of renewal and balance threading through the composition. At its heart, a yellow rectangle rests in quiet confidence, a beacon of light and grounding energy.  

Commissioned by a couple embarking on a new chapter—the children are now adults and launched, time to buy a new home. Shaping their space—this piece embodies what a home represents: a place where love settles, grows, and flourishes. The colors blend seamlessly, offering peace, movement, and emotional resonance all at once.  

Art, especially abstract painting, has a unique way of making spaces feel alive. It’s not simply decoration—it’s an experience, a feeling, a story. This piece reflects not just an aesthetic but a deep emotional connection to home and belonging.  

       Love Lives Here 52" x 52" x 2"

A note from the owner of Love Lives Here: "I’ve been drawn to Kimberlee Jaynes’ art for years—her use of color and distinctive style resonate with me in such a powerful way. When I finally reached out to commission a piece, the experience was everything I hoped for and more. Kimberlee took the time to understand my vision, asking thoughtful questions about where the piece would live, the size, and the palette. She listened closely and then worked her magic.

When she delivered the finished painting to my home, I was absolutely blown away—it was perfect. So perfect, in fact, that I immediately knew I needed a second piece for my entry hall! Kimberlee is truly amazing. If you’re considering working with her, I highly recommend letting her take the lead with your color palette and trusting her creative instincts. You’ll end up with something truly beautiful and uniquely yours." Susie Hunt Moran

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What colors  move you most? Drop a comment below and let’s start a conversation.  

Want to see more of my work and artistic journey?  Visit Kimberlee Jaynes Fine Art  and follow along for updates, new paintings, and insights into Color Field Painting.  

Until next time, keep finding beauty in the colors around you!