We’re so excited to introduce you to Courtney Senior, a Toronto abstract artist. Courtney’s artistic style is primarily non-representational. In her words “what seems like serendipitous movement is actually a reflection of life – it’s the journey of making bold decisions, connecting with your inner renegade and embracing the highs and the lows and everything in between”. We hope you enjoy getting to know Courtney Senior as much as we did.
Courtney Senior Toronto Artist
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
Positive energy is the essence of all of my work. No matter what the source, the energy I embody from daily experiences, musings, encounters and often music, is what I am trying to convey through movement, composition and a wide range of colour palettes.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
Painting is my meditation and my liberty. While I seek comfort in it, I also strive to deliver uplifting, positive and tranquil energy through each piece I create.
What’s your favourite thing about being an abstract artist?
The freedom. Abstract art has no boundaries. No matter your location, your mood or even the tools you have on hand, you can create brilliant abstract work. Give me a single bottle of paint and I will find a way to create something beautiful.
Have you always created abstract art or did you start out creating other styles?
I started in landscape realism and quickly transitioned to abstract. Again, it’s all about freedom and the ability to put your energy onto canvas. Besides, “mistakes” in abstract are usually breakthroughs, but if you mess up a tree or a cloud, people are going to know.
If you could describe your art in three words, what would they be?
Tranquil, energizing and unique.
What’s one thing people might not know about you and/or your art journey so far?
I spend more time on the business side of art than I do actually painting.
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
I never had the aspiration to be a professional artist, but I knew that art and creativity would also be a huge part of my life – it feeds my soul. After a number of years working in marketing full-time, I understood how to build brands from the ground up. This is when I started my art business because I knew I had the foundation to build my own artist brand.
In your opinion, what’s the most important personal characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
There are a lot of qualities required in starting and running your own art business: intelligence, creativity, ambition, but for me I think a big part of success boils down to perseverance. From day one, I knew I wanted to make this a successful business and every day I strive to improve my artistic technique while simultaneously evolve the marketing side of my business. And while so much of the process presents exciting opportunities, it also presents enormous barriers that can really only be overcome by perseverance and persistence.
From the early stages of not even knowing how to pack and ship a painting or set up an e-commerce website to the ebbs and flows of inspiration and even sales, I could have easily let any of these issues break my stride. Every challenge must be met with to desire and dedication to work through it until you reach your goal. None of us will get to where we want to be in life without some level of grit and perseverance.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
Evolving as an artist requires two things. First, you need to find your artistic style and once you do never stop evolving. Try new techniques, mediums, tools, colours, subjects etc. Always strive to get better. Second, you need to understand the fundamentals of running a business. Take time to develop and deploy various marketing strategies. Commit to a consistent social media plan, build a beautiful website, participate in local art shows and galleries, connect with the artist community, say yes to new opportunities and never stop growing your artist brand.
Do you have any favourite podcasts or books that you love and that have contributed to your journey as an artist?
I once fell into a deep creative funk. I was uninspired and unmotivated to create for a few months. I decided to read The Artists Way which is essentially an activity-based self-help book for artists that helped change my entire perspective of my creative journey.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
Being part of the super supportive and immensely talented artist community which constantly keeps me inspired and motivated.
Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?
If I am just as happy and satisfied in 5 years as I am now, I will consider that a huge win.
What do you love most about abstract art?
Do you have any favourite quotes?
To learn even more about Courtney Senior, a Toronto abstract artist, and see more of her paintings, head to her website.
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