Original artwork description:

Children can't understand why people act in ways that hurt them. They can only react as best they can. Only later, as adults, can we begin to understand that wounded people act out of their pain in ways that hurt others. By the time we're old enough to understand this, we've developed repeating patterns of behavior that began as defense mechanisms in childhood. These behaviors can hurt us, too, though we're often unaware of it, since we've been acting and reacting, in an almost unconscious way, since childhood.

But the good news is that, once we recognize that we're behaving in patterns, we can decide to break the cycle. Awareness is the key, and sometimes even small changes are enough to create lasting improvements in our lives. This painting was created to celebrate that positive change, in a tangible and visible way. Every time you look at it, you'll know that you're no longer trapped in a repeating pattern. You're moving forward to claim the future you've always wanted.

This abstract has been painted in oil on a wood panel, and a "keyhole" has been routed into the reverse side for ease of hanging. A satin varnish has been applied for long life and protection.

Materials used:

oil on wood panel

Tags:

#mixed media #abstract art #art on #oil and #art for #wood panel #modern abstract #minimalist abstract #abstract on #red black #18 x #18x24 inches