Colors of the Soul
Original Paintings by John Bowling
Beyond the Surface
We are complex beings, and what we reveal on the surface rarely reflects the fullness of who we are at our core.
Over time, life experiences shape the people we become—moments of love, joy, and excitement, as well as fear, loss, and sorrow. Each experience adds another layer to our story. Some layers we willingly reveal, while others remain hidden from view.
Truly understanding one another requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to look beyond the surface.
Much like people, the finished surface carries the influence of everything beneath it.
One Layer at a Time
Each painting begins with a foundational layer of high-quality acrylic color. Over the course of several days to weeks, I add, blend and scrape acrylic paint to reveal new layers. Some works contain up to fourteen layers before it’s considered complete.
Fragments of earlier colors remain visible, while others disappear completely beneath the surface. Even when hidden, each layer influences the final composition through its texture, movement and interaction with the colors above it.