Intuitive Art Making and Returning to Authenticity

Since learning to create intuitively, my life has changed drastically as an artist. I rarely overthink a piece the way I used to. Instead, I lean into the intention of flow and authentic self-expression.

So what is intuitive art making? It’s actually not complicated, it’s what most of us did naturally when we created art as children. It’s about letting instinct, curiosity, and raw expression guide your work. Intuitive art is about creating from the heart rather than the mind. It’s letting go of the need to plan or control and instead allowing your inner world to guide the process. You're not thinking about how it will turn out, you’re tuning into how it feels.

In practice, it looks like sitting down to create and leaning into trust. You might take a deep breath, meditate for a moment, or simply check in with yourself before starting. But there doesn’t need to be a process at all. You can literally just go with the flow.

Maybe you’re drawn to a certain color, or you start by making random marks on the paper. Your hand moves how it wants to, your body leads. Any materials can be used—paint, pencils, your fingers, scraps of paper. It’s all valid. It’s all welcome.

The beauty of intuitive art is that it’s loose, philosophical, and deeply personal. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It can't really be taught like a technique, it’s something you feel your way through. What works for one person might look totally different for someone else.

It invites you to step out of your head and into your body, your emotions, your spirit. To express what words can’t always reach.

“Cosmic Opening” by Kara Olson

As we grow up, we start learning how art “should” look. We’re taught art rules, and we start to believe in the idea of “good” vs. “bad” art. Some of us learn to create from the mind instead of the heart. And while that may work for some, it can also lead to overthinking, harsh self-criticism, or even giving up on art altogether.

So, what’s a healthy balance between instinctive expression and having a critical eye? For me, it comes down to perspective. There’s a difference between wanting to grow and stay curious vs. always trying to be “better” and constantly improve. It really depends on your intention as an artist.

Personally, my intention is to express whatever my heart wants to say in the moment. That might mean releasing built-up energy, celebrating the beauty of life and the earth, or exploring something I can't quite name. My goal is simply to be present and flow with whatever wants to meet me and pour through me. In this way, I become a vessel for magic—for pure energy and expression to move through.

Instead of being the overthinking artist I once was, I now trust the process and try not to judge whatever comes out during creation. I see it as a dance with something greater than myself. That perspective takes the pressure off, because it’s not just me behind the work. I’m co-creating with something much bigger than the mind can fully grasp.

When you look at my artwork, I hope you feel that intention. I’m not creating from ego, I’m creating from the heart. And this art isn’t just for me to understand, it’s for you too.
What do you see?
How do you feel?
What does it bring up in you?

This art is a mirror to your world just as much as mine.

Check out artworks and the shop here.

-Kara