Personal Journey
05/03/2024
7 min read

The Evolution of My Artistic Style

A personal journey through the development of my artistic voice and the influences that shaped my work.

JA

Jillian Agnus

Contemporary Artist

The Evolution of My Artistic Style

Looking back at my early work, I can trace a clear evolution from tentative exploration to confident expression. My artistic style didn't emerge overnight—it developed through years of experimentation, failure, and gradual understanding of what truly resonated with my artistic vision.

In art school, I was heavily influenced by the abstract expressionists of the mid-20th century. Rothko's color fields and Pollock's energetic gestures initially dominated my approach. But over time, I realized I needed to find my own voice within this tradition.

Finding My Voice

The breakthrough came when I stopped trying to emulate my heroes and started responding authentically to my own experiences. My work became more layered, both literally and metaphorically, as I began incorporating mixed media and developing my signature textural approach.

I discovered that my natural inclination toward introspection and contemplation translated into paintings that invited viewers to slow down and engage more deeply. This realization helped me embrace a more meditative approach to creation.

Technical Development

Technically, my style evolved from broad, gestural strokes to more nuanced layering techniques. I began working with palette knives, incorporating sand and other textures, and developing a more sophisticated understanding of color relationships.

Each series builds upon the last, but I'm constantly pushing myself to explore new territories while maintaining the core elements that define my artistic identity.

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Jillian Agnus

About Jillian Agnus

Jillian Agnus is a contemporary fine artist whose abstract expressionist works explore the profound connections between emotion, memory, and visual language. Based in Brooklyn, New York, her artistic journey spans over two decades of dedicated exploration into the transformative power of color and texture.