JJ Worden

Mixed Media Artist

February 18, 2026

Behind the Scenes

I often worry...well, at least wonder...if other folks see what I see when they see my work. I mean. Does it really matter? After all, it's the viewers VIEW that decides whether they want to take a piece of art home with them. But. Maybe. My reason behind the artworks makes them more interesting or more relatable or more, I guess, palatable? Or not. I have no idea, to be honest with you.

And  maybe I really shouldn't think about how my art is perceived. Because let's face it, I can't have the general public dictate what or how I make art. (that's called "being a graphic designer" and oh baby! I am done with pay for service.) That's really not what I'm talking about here. Stick with me as I wallow into the depths to get to what I want to explore. 

A Funny Depiction of the Last Supper as seen through the eyes of a Graphic Designer.

When I start a new painting, sometimes it's from a prompt, as was the case for Let's Face It:
an instructor has an idea for a lesson, they choose a reference photo, a specific medium along with a particular palette and this is passed on to us. Last year, I followed along verbatim because I felt that gave me the best shot of learning. And, y'know? I think it panned out.

This year however, I'm moving along in my own direction, so the only thing really adhered to is the technique and occasionally the colour palette IF that is an integral part of the lesson. So. What goes into the choosing of my reference photo...media...palette? THAT'S what I'm trying to hone in on and pass along.

For the most part it is a "je ne sais quoi", one of those I don't know until I know kinda things. But very often it starts with a feeling. Maybe something I saw online, a funny meme or these days, more likely, some infuriating political BS that is passing as reality and I get angry or sad or frustrated. So when I go looking for my next photo reference, that totally informs my choice. Uhm. Hello Angry Bunny and  Just Don't!
Angry Bunny acrylic on paper Just Don't watercolour on paper

On occasion though, it's something else. Something less obvious, more hidden, that determines my choice of reference and, maybe, that's where an explanation might be more helpful. (It's A Process) I think? Maybe. I don't know. You tell me!

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