Experiencing Color: The Studio Practice
Each month in my studio, I dedicate time to exploring a single color. This approach goes beyond simply observing the hue; it involves immersing myself in the experience of the color. Through this process, I uncover the layers of history, symbolism, and energy that each color carries.
For the month of April, my focus is on White — expressed through the idea of “White Diamond.” This color serves as both inspiration and subject, inviting reflection on its qualities and meanings.
At first glance, white appears to be the most straightforward color in the palette. It is clean, seemingly empty, and neutral in tone. Yet, as I engage with it more deeply, the simplicity of white gives way to complexity, revealing its distinctive presence and impact within my creative practice.
The Truth About White
Scientifically, white light contains the entire spectrum of color. This means that, instead of representing emptiness or lack, white encompasses all possibilities within itself.
So rather than absence, white represents potential. It is a color of opportunity and possibility, holding within it every hue that could emerge.
Across cultures, white has carried powerful meaning. In Western traditions, it symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings. In other parts of the world, it represents transition—even the souls return to spirit. Not an ending, but a passage.
That dual nature—beginning and return—is what gives white its depth. It stands as a color that marks both the start of something new and the journey back to what was, reflecting a cycle of renewal and transformation.
Diamond — Light Formed Through Pressure
Viewing white through the metaphor of diamond reveals deeper layers of meaning. Diamonds are born deep within the earth, emerging only after enduring tremendous pressure and spanning vast stretches of time. The very name “diamond” is rooted in the Greek word adamas, which translates to unbreakable.
Yet, when we encounter a diamond, our perception is dominated by light. Light enters the gemstone and refracts, scattering in multiple directions and unveiling clarity through the diamond’s structure. This interaction between light and form is significant, as it demonstrates how clarity and brilliance are achieved through both the inherent qualities of the diamond and the external forces it has endured.
There is something meaningful in this relationship: the diamond, shaped by pressure and time, becomes a vessel for light, revealing its inner clarity and strength. In this way, the diamond stands as a symbol for transformation, resilience, and the beauty that emerges from enduring challenges.
What Color Reveals
Through my work creating Personal Energy Portraits, I’ve come to understand that color often tells a deeper story than form. In these paintings, the role of color goes beyond simply representing what is seen. Instead, color becomes a language that communicates emotional depth and meaning, offering insight that form alone cannot provide.
Objects within these portraits rarely appear in their literal colors. For instance, something that is brown in reality might show up as blue in the painting. This choice is intentional: the color expresses the energy and meaning behind it, rather than merely depicting its physical appearance. The colors chosen are meant to evoke the feelings and significance associated with the subject, rather than provide a straightforward visual representation.
White, in particular, appears in a very specific way within these works. It is not simply a symbol of clarity; it embodies a conscious awareness of connection. White serves as a bridge, highlighting the interconnectedness between elements in the painting. It brings a sense of unity and presence, inviting the viewer to engage more deeply with the artwork.
The energy conveyed through color, especially white, is an essential part of this painting. It is this energy that animates the work, offering a sense of vitality and connection that transcends the boundaries of form and appearance.
The Experience of Painting with White
Working with white alters the painting process in significant ways. Unlike other colors, the nuances and depth of white are not immediately visible on the surface. Instead, white invites us to look beyond the obvious and explore what lies beneath, both in the paint and in its meaning.
This hidden depth reflects the symbolism of white itself. Just as its significance is not easily captured at first glance, the full impact of white in a painting emerges gradually, revealing layers of connection and presence as the work progresses.
Painting with white requires patience. Each application calls for careful attention, allowing time for the subtle qualities of the color to unfold. Through this process, white becomes a teacher—encouraging a slower, more thoughtful approach and reminding us that meaning often develops over time.
A Year of Color
This painting is part of my ongoing project: The Color Symbolism Series — Where I am exploring the energy and emotion of color.
Each month, I explore a different color—its history, its symbolism, and how it shapes both art and experience.
This journey is also leading toward my upcoming book on color symbolism, where these ideas will come together more fully.
Experience the Work
If you’d like to experience this piece as it came to life, I’ve created a video that explores these nuances of the color white as I paint the image. The video offers an intimate look at the evolution of the painting, capturing the subtle shifts and delicate moments that define the creative process. As you watch, you’ll see how white transforms and reveals its depth, echoing the patience and presence required to fully appreciate its role in the artwork.
Watch the White Diamond painting video here:
For Artists
If you’re an artist who wishes to explore color, creative processes, and the foundations of building a creative life more deeply, there are opportunities to engage further. I offer detailed guidance, practical tutorials, and weekly insights within my Patreon community, designed to help artists nurture their skills and expand their artistic journey.
Join the Artsy Spirit Community on Patreon:
A Final Thought
White is often seen as a blank beginning. It represents a space where nothing has yet taken shape, a canvas waiting for expression and imagination. In its openness, white invites endless possibilities, embodying the purity and clarity before anything is defined.
Perhaps it is the moment before creation—the quiet pause that holds anticipation. In this space, there is a sense of potential, as if everything is possible but nothing is certain. White becomes the silence just before a new idea emerges, the breath taken before the first stroke of paint.
And maybe, in learning to see it more clearly, we come to appreciate the value of beginnings and the beauty found in simplicity. By noticing the subtle nuances within white, we can recognize the importance of the spaces in between—the moments that quietly invite us to create and to see with new eyes.