Case Study: Lynn Hernandez

Lin Cheung

12 months ago

Finding Confidence Through Abstraction

Seattle-based artist Lynn Hernandez shares how the Directions in Abstraction course helped her build a consistent art practice, reconnect with her creative instincts, and shift from realism to expressive collage.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Lynn reflects on her artistic evolution and the power of finding your artistic voice later in life.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your art practice before taking Directions in Abstraction?

I grew up in New York and started out at the School of Visual Arts. I intended to become a painter, but life took a different turn. I moved to Seattle at 19 and completed a two-year vocational programme in advertising art, which launched my 47-year career as a graphic designer. Despite the career change, the pull towards painting never really left.

Even while working as a designer, I always kept drawing. I dipped in and out of art classes too. I have sketchbooks full of market scenes, life drawings, little visual diaries. But I didn’t have a regular art practice or one clear direction. I was searching for that.

I started preparing for this 20 years ago, but never truly believed it would happen. And now, I have a full-time art practice. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I always imagined I’d retire into painting — I just didn’t know what kind.

What drew you to abstraction, and what challenges were you facing at the time?

I found abstraction confusing at first. I didn’t understand how abstract artists knew they were finished. I’d watch someone sanding their surface, layering, adding a realistic object, painting over it again — and I just couldn’t get my head around how they made those choices.

But I was intrigued. I did a workshop with an artist here in Seattle who poured leftover commercial paint onto large canvases. I was going through a rough personal time, and painting became a kind of release. For two years I worked that way in a warehouse studio. It opened a door — but I still felt unsure about what made an abstract painting ‘work.’ So, I started looking for other courses. During the pandemic I took some free sessions and then began searching for a programme that would give me what I was looking for.

What made you decide to take the Directions in Abstraction course?

A few things clicked for me. I was looking for something with structure — not just another class where you paint for a few hours and go home. I needed a curriculum, something that would guide me in building a body of work.

When I found Directions in Abstraction, it was perfect. Small groups, live sessions, direct feedback from Lin — plus, I loved that she had a background in psychology. I knew mindset was something I needed help with. I’d worked through creative blocks before, but this felt like a chance to really go deeper. The cost was also very reasonable for what you get.

Did you have any hesitations before signing up?

Not at all, I knew it was the right choice.

What were you hoping to get from the course?

I didn’t realise at the time that there could be a curriculum to learn abstraction. I was looking for structure — something that would help me have a consistent art practice and the ability to build a cohesive body of work. That’s exactly what I got, and more.

How did the course help you achieve that?

The biggest thing was the structure — not just in terms of the schedule, but in how each module built on the last. The critiques made a big impact. We were accountable for showing our work, which helped me build momentum. I started keeping a sketchbook and committed to working in it every night — that changed everything.

Lin helped me identify directions I couldn’t see myself. She never told me what to do — instead, she asked questions that led me to my own answers. That gave me confidence I’d never had before. I began to trust my instincts — something I wasn’t able to do before.

What aspects of the course were most valuable?

The feedback, definitely — both Lin’s and from the group. Particularly how Lin helped me to see more clearly the direction I was heading by the questions she asked, so it was a choice. And then seeing other people’s work and their struggles helped me see that my own challenges were normal. Seeing someone else struggle with something similar helped me see my own work differently. It gave me confidence that maybe my work was acceptable too.

I learned to critique kindly and with curiosity. I stopped judging others’ work and began to find beauty in all of it. Also, the demos and techniques were great. I hadn’t even heard of colour shapers before the course — now they’re my favourite tools. I can’t live without them!

Were there any breakthrough moments during the course?

Yes, a few. Getting a better understanding of artist mindset helped me deal with the voice in my head. And the sketchbook habit was a turning point. So was the collage module — it felt completely natural to me. I had a real “aha” moment when I realised I already knew things like composition and design from my graphic design background. It was just a matter of reconnecting with them in a new context.

What’s changed since taking the course?

Everything. I now have a full-time art practice — something I started preparing for 20 years ago but never believed would happen. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

I’ve developed a strong collage practice and am working towards launching a website to start selling my work. I also feel confident joining more advanced classes and actually getting more out of them because I now have a solid foundation.

Have you noticed any mindset shifts?

Huge ones. I now know how to start a piece, how to get unstuck, and how to finish. I don’t get tangled up anymore. I enjoy the process and trust that my art should come from me — that it should be fun and fulfilling. That’s a big shift from where I started.

Have you started sharing or selling your work?

Yes, I’ve been sharing regularly on Instagram and am working on setting up a dedicated sales website. I’m aiming for affordable prices that reflect the joy I find in making collage. I’ve also made real connections through the Art Fluency community — I now have artist friends across the US, Canada, the UK, France, and Norway. I feel connected to something bigger than myself.

What would you say to someone thinking about taking Directions in Abstraction?

Do it. If you’re looking for a foundation in abstraction — not just technique, but also mindset, structure, and confidence — this course is for you.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to abstraction, changing styles, or just feeling stuck. You’ll find clarity, community, and direction here. Lin is a natural teacher — she shares generously and meets you where you are.

Plus, the community you’ll join is supportive and inspiring. I’ve made real friendships and feel part of a global creative network

If you had to describe the course in three words, what would they be?

Life-affirming, discovery, camaraderie.

And finally?

Lin is a supportive muse. She meets you where you are. Whether you’re new to abstraction, switching styles like I did, or just stuck, you’ll find clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.