When a client, who deeply adores Wassily Kandinsky, came to me looking for a truly special project, I knew we had to step outside the traditional bounds of portraiture. Instead of a likeness, why not capture the essence of a family’s story using abstract visual language?
The result is "A Homage to Kandinsky" - a deeply personal, narrative-driven piece where every geometric shape, line, and splash of color tells the story of a family member, their unique personality, and their relationship to one another and the birthday recipient at the center.
Diving into Kandinsky’s Visual Language and Synesthesia
To create this piece, I immersed myself in the pioneering world of Wassily Kandinsky, a visionary artist who fundamentally changed the trajectory of modern art. Kandinsky experienced synesthesia - a neurological condition where senses cross over - meaning he could literally hear colors and see sounds. To him, yellow was sharp and piercing like a trumpet, blue was deep and resonant like a cello, and circles and triangles danced with distinct emotional frequencies.
Interestingly, Kandinsky (1866–1944) wasn't the only one pushing art into the realm of the spiritual and the non-representational at the time. He revolutionized modern art during the early 20th century by completely severing painting from the obligation of depicting physical reality, establishing himself as a pioneer of pure abstraction. Alongside contemporaries like Hilma af Klint - who was similarly breaking ground through spiritual and geometric abstraction without their paths crossing - Kandinsky permanently redefined the canvas as a window into an inner, non-material universe.
Telling a Family Story Through Abstraction
Translating a family dynamic into abstract composition is an exercise in storytelling. Just as Kandinsky believed that abstract forms could evoke deep spiritual resonance, every element in this commission serves as a symbol:
The Focal Points: Anchoring the composition are key focal points representing the birthday recipient and her central role within the family constellation.
The Interlocking Shapes: Triangles, squares, and sweeping arcs represent individual family members. Their placement, proximity, and the tension or harmony between lines mirror their real-life relationships, support systems, and bonds.
Color as Emotion: Vibrant yellows, deep blues, soft pinks, and sharp geometric grids map out individual temperaments and shared histories, turning a canvas into a visual symphony.
Artwork Specifications
Series: Commissions
Title: A Homage to Kandinsky
Completed: Nov 9, 2026
Dimensions: 20 inches X 16 inches
Foundation: Wood panel
Media: Watercolor and pen on watercolor paper
Think Outside the Box: Custom Commissions
This piece is a celebration of what is possible when we push past conventional ideas of what a gift or a portrait can be. If you are looking for something entirely unique - something that captures a story, a family bond, or a deep passion that words simply cannot express - consider a custom commission.
Art doesn't just have to mimic the world we see; it can create a brand new world to tell your story.
Interested in collaborating on a custom piece that tells your unique story? Visit my Custom Commissions page to start brainstorming your vision today!
