Discovering Intuitive Abstract Art Through a Lifetime of Creative Exploration
Welcome to my very first blog post! My name is Billie Bourgeois, and I’m an artist from South Louisiana. Art has been at the heart of my life for all of my 81 years, and now feels like the perfect time to share more about my journey, my process, and the experiences that have shaped me—both as a person and as an artist.
As a visual artist, I have always seen the world a little differently. I interpret life through color, texture, and form, finding inspiration in the quietest of moments or the most fleeting of memories. This perspective has been with me for as long as I can remember.
My Artistic Practice
My artistic practice is built on a deeply personal investigation of the principles of art, honed through dedicated study and hands-on experience. From the beginning of my journey, I explored arts principles and techniques, learning to observe and recreate the world around me with precision and care. I studied the fundamentals of drawing, painting, composition, and design, and these lessons remain central to the way I approach every piece I create.
Over time, my work has evolved into something more intuitive and personal, but that foundation of study continues to inform my choices. Whether it’s the balance of a composition, the interplay of light and shadow, or the emotional power of color, everything I create builds on the knowledge and experience I’ve cultivated over the years.
A Life of Teaching and Sharing
Art isn’t the only passion that’s shaped my life—I’ve also spent decades as a teacher. From elementary classrooms to college lecture halls and workshops for lifelong learners, I’ve been privileged to guide others in discovering their own creativity. Today, I focus on one-on-one lessons and small-group workshops, ranging from single-day sessions to immersive five-day experiences.
Teaching has taught me as much about art as creating it has. Watching others explore their own creativity reminds me that art is, at its core, about connection—connection to ourselves, to our emotions, and to the world around us.
Navigating the Business of Art
Over the past 40+ years, I’ve also worked with galleries that have represented my work. This experience has given me insight into the business side of art—another layer of this journey that I’m happy to share with others who may be navigating similar paths.
Exploring Intuitive Abstract Painting
Now, let’s talk about my current style: intuitive abstract painting. What does that mean? For me, it’s about tapping into the subconscious, creating without a predefined subject in mind. Instead of relying on objects in front of me, I draw from memory, dreams, and emotions. My artistic practice gives me the confidence to trust this process, knowing that the structure and principles I’ve explored for decades will support the spontaneity of my work.
When I approach a blank canvas, I begin with marks—sometimes made with a brush, other times with my hands. From there, I let the painting guide me, layering colors, textures, shapes, and lines as the composition unfolds. It’s a process of discovery, and while it’s fun and freeing, it also challenges me to stay present and open to what the work wants to become.
Looking Ahead
Through this blog, I hope to share not just my art, but the stories and moments that have shaped me as an artist. From the dedicated study of artistic principles to the intuitive explorations of today, every step of this journey has brought me closer to the art I feel called to create.
Thank you for joining me on this new adventure! I’m excited to share more in the weeks and months ahead.
Warm wishes,
Billie