Planning an Art Collection with Purpose: What This Process Has Taught Me…
If I’ve learned one thing about creating a collection, it’s this: planning is everything… but so is leaving room for the unexpected.
My goal in this process hasn’t been to plan every detail of my final paintings but rather to create a sense of cohesiveness in the collection—from its inspiration and core theme to composition and colour palette. It’s also been about sharpening my tools and building a reservoir of ideas for my subconscious mind to draw from.
I explain the plan in more detail here, but in short, I should be painting on canvas by now. And I’m really not ready. At least, I wasn’t when I started writing this post! But I’ve given myself a little more breathing space this week, and I can already feel things starting to come together.
The key here is breathing space. Over the last three to four weeks, I’ve created many ‘ugly’ paintings. I felt like I was painting myself into a corner, unsure of where to go next, while also feeling the pressure of my self-imposed deadline.
The moment I allowed my brain to work without worrying about timescales, it delivered. For me, that meant revisiting my colour palette and producing some experimental work that didn’t initially draw from any of my previous inspiration—essentially, starting again.
Creating is a constant seesaw of emotions, swinging from “I love it” to “I hate it all” as frequently as waves crashing on a shore. Most artists will relate to this! But as I worked more freely, elements of my previous exploration started to peek through, and I’m absolutely loving it all again. For now.
In all honesty, I’ve been struggling personally too. Running my art business and planning this collection have been so consuming that I haven’t felt fully present for my daughter, and I’ve been riddled with guilt as a result. But I’m working through those emotions—practicing a little self-care and allowing myself to completely detach for the sake of my little girl.
And yet, I think this is what will make the collection even stronger. My recent creative routes have been playful and energising, igniting a well of new ideas. I feel the most excited and empowered I have in weeks. I know I’m a resilient person—sometimes I have to dig really deep to get back on track, but I always find a way. And I truly believe these themes are starting to shine through in my work.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to the Kate Bush song Cloudbusting and the lyrics “I just know that something good is going to happen.” So, I already know that this collection is going to be the Cloudbusting Collection—perfect for a spring launch!
Ultimately, there’s only so much planning I can do. Sometimes, it just has to start with the painting itself. My paintings tell me where to go next—what to push, what risks to take. Not every risk works out, but that’s where practice and exploration come in. The risks become more calculated, and even when things don’t go as planned, the results can be far more exciting.
So with that, I’m going to finish the week strong—exploring the new ideas floating through my head (there are definitely stencils and fluorescent pink spray paint in there somewhere!). Free of pressure, free of judgment. Then, hopefully, I’ll start on canvas next week…
Anyway, stay tuned for more updates! If you want to be first in line for the release, sign up for the mailing list. I’ll also be sharing my materials list soon…
Take care,
Krissy xx