Essays
These essays explore the ideas, experiences, and questions that shape my work as a contemporary abstract painter. They examine painting, observation, memory, creativity, music, culture, and the creative process through the perspective of my own evolving practice.
Together, they extend the conversation beyond the paintings themselves, offering insight into the philosophy, influences, and experiences that continue to shape my work.
Featured Essays
“From Witness to Maker” traces my evolution from documenting the world through photography to creating it through paint, and explores the experiences and philosophy that continue to shape my practice. Read From Witness to Maker →
"The Labor Behind the Myth" explores the quiet discipline behind artistic practice, challenging the mythology of inspiration and revealing the unseen work that gives art its lasting power. Read The Labor Behind the Myth →
Identity & Practice
Artist Statement
Contemporary Abstract Artist
Contemporary Artist
Abstract Artist
Abstract Painter
Mixed Media Artist
American Abstract Artist
Texas Abstract Artist
Austin Abstract Artist
Abstract Painter in Austin Texas
The Artist Behind the Work: Christopher Durst
Meet Christopher Durst
Christopher Durst: Professional Biography
The Journey From Photographer to Painter
From Photography to Painting
Why I Chose Abstraction
Why Large Scale Matters to Me
Why I Paint Abstractly
The Work
Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Original Abstract Paintings
Large Abstract Paintings
Large Scale Abstract Art
Large Scale Abstract Paintings
Large Scale Contemporary Art
Large Contemporary Paintings for Modern Interiors
Textured Abstract Art
Mixed Media Abstract Art
Mixed Media Painting Process
Materials Used in My Paintings
Working on Large Scale Canvases
Understanding the Work
Understanding Abstract Art
How to Understand Contemporary Abstract Painting
Why Abstract Art Matters
The Creative Process Behind Abstract Art
The Role of Texture in Contemporary Painting
Texture as Visual Language
Atmosphere in Contemporary Painting
Why Scale Matters in Art
How Abstract Art Changes a Space
Atmosphere, Scale, and Presence
Abstract Art and Emotional Connection
What Makes Abstract Art Valuable
Why Original Art Matters
Texture & Process
Inside The Studio
My Studio Practice
How I Build a Painting
The Role of Materials in My Work
Creativity, Curiosity, and Process
Observation as a Creative Practice
Creativity and Observation
Learning to See
Paying Attention
Texture, Atmosphere, and Human Experience
Layering, Revision, and Surface
Why Scale Matters in Contemporary Abstract Painting
The Importance of Scale in My Studio Practice
The Evolution of an Abstract Painting
When Is a Painting Finished?
The Importance of Process in Contemporary Art
Influences & Perspective
Why I Make Art
What Inspires My Paintings
Atmosphere and Memory
The Spaces Between Moments
Art, Memory, and Place
Art as a Reflection of Experience
The Role of Experience in Abstract Painting
The Influence of Travel on My Work
Cultural Abstract Art
From Rock Photography to Large Scale Abstraction
The Difference Between Documenting and Creating
How Photography Still Influences My Painting
Why I Left Photography for Painting
Lessons From Photographing Musicians
What Touring Taught Me About Creativity
What I Learned From Life On The Road
Backstage, Between Cities, and In Between Moments
Art, Music & Culture
The Influence of Music on My Paintings
Music Culture and Abstract Art
Music-Inspired Abstract Art
The Influence of Live Music on My Work
What Music Taught Me About Visual Composition
Rhythm in Abstract Painting
Finding Visual Rhythm Through Painting
Painting and Improvisation
Austin, Texas & Culture
Contemporary Art in Austin
Texas Contemporary Art
The Austin Creative Community
Austin’s Creative Culture and My Work
Being an Artist in Austin, Texas
Why Austin Inspires My Paintings
Why I Chose Austin as a Creative Home
Collecting Contemporary Art
Abstract Art for Collectors
Contemporary Art for Collectors
Collecting Abstract Art
Buying Contemporary Art
How to Buy Original Art Online
What to Ask Before Purchasing a Painting
How to Collect Contemporary Art
Living With Abstract Art
How to Live With Art You Love
Living With Art You Love
Living With Large Scale Art
Choosing the Right Large Painting
Commissioning a Large Scale Painting
Caring for Large Scale Paintings
Shipping Large Contemporary Art
Why Collect Original Art
Investing in Emerging Artists
Building a Meaningful Art Collection
Contemporary Art Collections
Living With Contemporary Art
Contemporary Art in Modern Interiors