What’s Behind the Art: Preparing for my New Show – "Reflections in Color"

Over five months, thirty-two paintings emerge landscapes rooted in memory, and contemporary works driven by instinct. Some came easily. Others demanded patience, revision, and a willingness to push into unfamiliar territory.

Staging, prepping, new supplies, at times I feel like I’m in a dance marathon, weaving a palette of colors between traditional landscapes to bold contemporary creations.  The paint flows accordingly through the vibes of the Beach Boys, Doobie Brothers to Simply Red.  Then there are subtle moments when simply listening to an inspirational message is the fodder for the day. 

Titles began to appear along the way Defining Moment, What’s the Forecast, Just Beyond Sunset. Each one felt less like a label and more like a reflection of where I was in the process. 

But somewhere in the middle of all that work, another realization surfaced.  Creating the paintings is only part of the experience.  Helping someone find the right painting, that’s something entirely different and where the art truly begins!

The Work Behind the Work
Preparing for a show like this is a process most never see.

Every piece is cataloged, photographed, wired, and positioned. Invitations go out in layers, some broad, some deeply personal to collectors who have followed the journey and are eager to see what’s next.  And then comes the challenge of bringing it all together.

Hanging a show isn’t just about filling walls, it’s about creating flow. One painting has to lead naturally into the next. Color, scale, light, and spacing all have to work together so that the room feels intentional, not overwhelming.  Even pricing, placement, and lighting play a role in helping someone move from simply looking,  to truly connecting.

A New Way to Experience the Work
At the same time this collection was taking shape, so was something else.  The new williammangum.com website.

Not as a gallery, but as an experience.  A place where, even before stepping into the studio, someone can begin to sense what kind of work speaks to them. Where navigating the collection feels natural. Where finding the right piece doesn’t feel overwhelming but intuitive.

Because the truth is, most people aren’t just looking for art.  They’re looking for something that reflects a memory, a feeling, a moment they don’t want to lose.  And when that connection happens, it rarely needs explanation.  As I often say, the right piece speaks before it explains itself.

When It All Comes Together
There’s always a moment usually late, when the room is quiet—when everything is finally in place. The paintings are hung. The lighting is right. The space begins to breathe and you realize something important.

This isn’t about presenting what I’ve created. It’s about what someone else is about to discover.

An Invitation
If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like something was missing  or found a piece of art that made you stop without knowing why, then you already understand what this show is about.

I would love for you to experience Reflections in Color—whether online or in person.

You can preview the collection here:

And if something catches your eye, or you’d like to receive an invitation to the show or schedule a private viewing, simply reach out. Joy and I would be glad to help.  Because sometimes the right piece isn’t something you go looking for.  It’s something that finds you.

joy@williammangum.com