I used the composition from a landscape drawing, simplifying lines and shapes for this abstract painting. When I blocked in the colors initially, I had to stop because it felt so right and I didn't want to lose that. It was months later that I returned to the piece and decided to softly blend my colors and strengthen just a few lines with shading. What emerged as I brushed the paint was this sky like opening and the effect of swirling towards and into it. It's as if the painting's telling me to retrieve what is needed within that opening—but to savor that trip into it.

Available March 7 at the opening of Lost and Found, Dare Gallery, Charleston SC