The Beauty of Negative Space: Finding Meaning in What’s Left Unsaid - Jen Rogers

Sometimes it’s not just the bold colors or lively textures that make a painting come alive—it’s the spaces in between.

Lately, I’ve been working on a new series of negative space paintings, where the image forms not from what I paint on top, but from what I choose to leave uncovered. Layers of vibrant color and texture shine through to create unexpected patterns—almost like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

This series has taken on a life of its own through my fish paintings, which have quickly become a favorite among collectors. Fish, to me, represent flow, resilience, and the quiet beauty of moving together but still standing out as individuals. In these works, each fish carries its own personality, its own story, and its own shimmer of light.

Currents of Gratitude

My Process: Painting in Layers of Story and Soul

The way I paint is a multiple-step process, one that takes time, patience, and trust in the unexpected. I usually begin with acrylic inks, manipulating them with water or other tools—dragging them, letting them flow, and allowing them to settle naturally. This underpainting often includes three or four layers before I move to the next stage.

From there, I begin the relief-style negative space painting. Using chalk or other methods, I outline the sections I want to preserve and then build new layers on top. Sometimes I incorporate collage, sometimes I scrub back areas to reveal hidden colors, and other times I add texture or metallic accents like gold leaf for interest.

Depending on the piece, my top layers may be light glazes that allow the underpainting to shimmer through, or thicker, more opaque passages with rich texture and depth. I often bring in charcoal, watercolor, or even markers for added dimension—fixing them in place before sealing the work. Many pieces are finished with a cold wax, which creates a lush, vibrant surface that makes the colors sing.

Each painting can take weeks—or even months—as I return, rework, and sit with the piece until it feels complete. The process itself mirrors life: layers upon layers, moments of flow, times of stillness, and the decision to reveal or conceal parts of our story.

Dare to Be Different

One of the reasons these fish paintings resonate with people is because of the story they tell. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of swimming against the current, of daring to be different.

A few years ago, I had a ring that I absolutely loved and wore almost every day until the finish started to wear off. I’m sure many of you can relate to having that one favorite piece of jewelry you just never want to take off. This ring was made of three layers, with tiny fish all swimming in the same direction—except for one. That single fish swam the opposite way, fighting against the current.

I wore that ring every day during my first 80 days in Poland while volunteering at the orphanage. It became a constant reminder that, no matter what others thought or said, I was following the path God had placed on my heart. Those months were some of the hardest and loneliest of my life, but that little ring reminded me to keep swimming upstream—with faith, courage, and trust that I was exactly where I needed to be.

That same spirit flows into this painting. After weeks of underpainting—shifting and changing colors—I set it aside until one night, as I was drifting to sleep, the inspiration arrived. I saw fish—not lined up neatly, but scattered, flowing in different directions. Among them, one would quietly turn the other way. Not flashy, not the obvious standout, but subtly unique.

Deep down, I think most of us know what the right thing to do is—but it’s not always easy to break away from the crowd, to follow our heart, and to be true to ourselves when others might not understand. This painting embodies that idea.

Because being yourself doesn’t mean you have to shout the loudest—it means being grounded enough to simply live out who you are. You don’t have to be the boldest to make a difference; you just have to be authentic.

That’s why this painting, with its bright colors and layered depth, makes people pause and say, “Yes. This is who I want to be.” It’s thought-provoking and uplifting—a piece that reminds us to embrace individuality and courage in even the smallest ways.

Choosing Love in a Noisy World

The world can feel heavy when we’re surrounded by negativity—one harsh word, one angry post, and it spreads like wildfire. But what if kindness and love could move that quickly too? What if we chose to pause, breathe, and respond with compassion instead of judgment?

That’s the heart behind this new series: a reminder that we always have the choice to carry joy, love, and renewal into the spaces around us. Even small acts—like a smile, a kind word, or simply listening—can ripple outward in ways we don’t always see.

As I continue to explore these vibrant underlayers and playful fish forms, my hope is that the art will make you pause, smile, and feel a spark of happiness—whether you see it on your wall, at a show, or in a quiet moment online.

✨ Save the Date!If you’d like to experience these new works in person, I’ll be opening my studio on Sunday, October 12th at Honeoye Lake. It will be a relaxed afternoon of art, fall colors, and connection. You can hold your spot using the RSVP form or QR code. I would love to see you there!

Until then, I encourage you to pause, breathe, and choose love today. The world needs the light only you can bring. 💛

Please reserve my spot!