I’ve found that pushing myself into a creative challenge is the best way to expand my potential and go beyond my artistic edges. I’m completely self taught in everything I do, and didn’t get to creatively stretch, cultivate my style or develop my personal taste in traditional art school. Add in a big helping of perfectionism, and you’ve got a recipe for, well, not much at all.

After diving down the rabbit hole of hand lettering and revealing quite a natural capacity to craft precise, beautifully cohesive letters, I found myself desiring to create more loose, organic, unplanned work.

Enter: The Pantone Postcard Challenge.

I had a box of postcards (iykyk) that sat unused for years and decided it was time to use them. I challenged myself to a limited color palette, no sketching or preplanning, a new medium of gouache acrylics, and a 30 minute time limit. Just show up and paint (easy, right?).

At first I found it quite difficult to make such quick choices. I could feel my inner perfectionist squirming around inside and it took a bit for me to settle.

But after a while, I started to enjoy playing with the texture of the paint and a style emerged that I’m so in love with now. The Pantone Painting Series is a reminder to me just how powerful pushing myself outside of my comfort zone can be.

Translating these little paintings into prints is thrilling for me as I love to see an idea evolve and grow into something beyond its initial inspiration. The contrasting colors and playful shapes really delight me and are a perfect addition to a gallery wall, but equally bold enough to stand alone and make a statement.

(This painting was originally painted on the Pantone Whisper Pink 13-1107 postcard. Pantone is a registered trademark.)

I personally sign each print before shipping, sealing in all the juicy vibes from me to you.

Xoxo,
Coco