Meditative Art | Balance and Flow: A Deep Dive into the Zen Stack Series

The Zen Stack series, a meditative art practice, is a reflection of balance, simplicity, and the quiet beauty found in nature’s transitions. Inspired by the changing of the seasons, these paintings embody a meditative process where paint flows and layers naturally, creating organic shapes that feel both grounding and serene.

The Inspiration Behind the Series

The seasons are nature’s way of teaching us about change, balance, and renewal. From the warm, earthy tones of autumn to the cool, misty hues of winter, the Zen Stack series draws from these transitions, capturing the essence of shifting energies.

For me, these paintings are also about finding balance—not just in the composition, but in life. The stacked forms echo a sense of stability, while the flowing paint reminds us of the importance of letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally.

The Creative Process: a meditative art practice

This series was created on unprimed or raw canvas, which allowed the paint to seep into the fibers, creating soft edges and organic blending. Using water as a key medium, I encouraged the colors to flow into one another, forming shapes that felt both deliberate and spontaneous.

Here’s how each piece comes to life:

• Preparation: I leave the canvas unprimed, letting its natural texture become part of the artwork.
• Layering: I use watered-down acrylics, letting each layer dry partially before adding the next to create depth and subtle interactions between colors.
• Balance: The stacked forms are carefully placed, yet the flowing paint brings an element of unpredictability, echoing the balance between control and freedom.

Themes of Balance and Transition

The stacked shapes in this series symbolize stability, while the fluidity of the paint represents movement and change. Together, they reflect the duality of life—holding steady while embracing the inevitable flow of time.

Each piece is a meditation on a specific season or moment. For example:

• Autumn Stacks: Warm tones of burnt sienna and dark orange blend with cool Paynes grey, capturing the tension between summer’s fading warmth and autumn’s crisp air.
• Winter Hues: Muted blues and greens create a sense of calm, mirroring the stillness of a frosty morning.

Moving Forward

Working on the Zen Stack series has been a grounding experience. In a way it is back to basics, this is how I started my art practice and found beauty in working on unprimed or raw canvas. It’s taught me to trust the process, embrace imperfection, and find beauty in simplicity. I’m excited to continue exploring seasonal palettes and experimenting with different canvas sizes and shapes to expand this series.

The Zen Stack series is more than a collection of paintings—it’s a journey through balance, transition, and the quiet power of nature. My hope is that these pieces bring a sense of calm and connection to anyone who views them.

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Discover the full Zen Stack series here. Which season resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Instagram at @jasmyncheng.art