My First Circle Grid Painting: Step-by-Step Process and First California Show
An inside look at how my first circle grid painting grew from a sketch into a work shown in my first California exhibit
Introduction
This past weekend, I stepped into the California art scene for the very first time — and walked out with a First Place ribbon. The Santa Clarita Classic marked both a milestone and a beginning, and the piece that won carries a story of experimentation, surprise, and renewal.
Setting the Stage
When I left Indiana, it was almost exactly a year after my last solo exhibition, which took place in May 2024. That show marked a turning point, built around an entirely new body of work.
Arriving in California, I had every intention of entering the local art scene, but life’s transitions kept me busy. Joining the Santa Clarita Artists Association was my first step. A month ago, the president called to invite me to enter the Santa Clarita Classic — a juried show for members. That call felt like a real welcome into a new community. I would have missed the opportunity had I not received that call.
The Piece: Step-by-Step
Here are some of the in-process photos — there are many other stages that I could include, but this gives you a sense of the overall development of the piece.
Unlike my more familiar ink drawings, this work was mixed media — acrylic paint, ink, and printmaking combined. It started as an experiment: teal and yellow layered in large and small circular motions, built up over at least ten rounds of painting until the colors and textures felt balanced.
On top of this, I stamped black ink using linocuts. Because ink doesn’t easily transfer onto acrylic, the stamps came out imperfect, leaving each square unique. That raw unpredictability gave the piece life.
It wasn’t the “right” way to do printmaking — and that’s exactly why I did it. I don’t like being boxed in by rules. This spirit of experimentation has always guided my work, and this piece grew into a whole series that eventually led to my 2024 solo exhibition.
The Show
When I dropped the piece off, a volunteer remarked, “That’s a really wonderful piece.” It was a small comment, but it lifted my confidence.
I’ll be honest — I almost didn’t go to the show at all. Anxiety can be a big hurdle for me, and the thought of walking into a new space full of people I didn’t know was overwhelming. The fact that my parents went with me made all the difference. Their presence helped ease the tension enough that I could focus on the art instead of the anxiety.
The next day, I went with my parents to see the show. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as soon as we found my work, I saw it: a blue ribbon hanging on the frame. First Place in Mixed Media.
It was my first time ever winning first place. Back in Indiana, I had placed second a couple of times, but never reached the top. This time, it felt like a breakthrough — recognition not just of one piece, but of a direction I’ve been pushing toward for years.
Afterglow
On the way home, I couldn’t sit still. Once back, I shared the news with friends, my daughter, and on social media. The response was overwhelming — dozens of congratulations, and more likes than I’d ever received on a post.
That evening, I celebrated in my own way: sitting on the patio with a cold beer, one of my old Indiana favorites, reflecting on a “day of firsts” — my first California show, my first blue ribbon, my first sip of that familiar taste in this new place.
Looking back, I’m glad I pushed through that hesitation. It reminded me that the art world — even in a new place — doesn’t have to be closed off or intimidating. With the right support, I can step into it on my own terms.
And before bed, I scribbled myself a note: Draw all the time.
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Since this is a post about firsts, here’s another one: I’ll soon be posting my first videos on YouTube, alongside a new Studio Days series here on Substack. More ways to share what happens between the sketchbook and the gallery wall.