It all begins with an idea….

Below are some of the pages from my sketch book, representing selected drawings and ideas from 2020 to the present. As ideas take seed, I typically work on each pencil sketch slowly and methodically, at times taking weeks to a month or two that involves thought and execution.

Ø : Sketches transformed into paintings

∆ :currently subject of a painting

‘States of Mind’

Abstract black and white drawing resembling a cubist composition with geometric shapes and lines.

Introvert/Reflection Ø

stephen bend-states of mind-abstract art-sketch-introvert-extrovert-reflection-confidence-senility

Extrovert/Confidence Ø

Abstract artwork featuring geometric shapes, lines, and a profile silhouette of a person's face in profile with a textured, dotted pattern.

Senility Ø

Abstract geometric mural with lines, circles, and shapes in black, gray, and white.

Agitation ∆

stephen bend-states of mind-abstract art-sketch-introvert-extrovert-reflection-confidence-senility

Nervous Breakdown

S of M(?) Conflicted

S of M: Vanity

Love/Passion etc

love-passion-passion ascending-pencil-sketch-phyllis bend-stephen bend

Passion Ascending Ø

love-passion-passion ascending-pencil-sketch-phyllis bend-stephen bend

…and she sends me to heaven

love-passion-passion ascending-pencil-sketch-phyllis bend-stephen bend

The End of Love. Ø

love-passion-passion ascending-pencil-sketch-phyllis bend-stephen bend

Pain-(broken heart)

Prismatic

prismatic-paintaing-abstract art-stephen bend-reflections-crystal-refraction
prismatic-paintaing-abstract art-stephen bend-reflections

P III: Crystal. ∆

P I: Precise. ∆

prismatic-paintaing-abstract art-stephen bend-reflections

P IV: Reflection. ∆

prismatic-paintaing-abstract art-stephen bend-reflections-refraction art

P V: Refraction. ∆

Abstract black and white geometric artwork with sharp lines and circular shapes.

P VI: Latice

Miscel.

S of M(??) Hypnerotomachia

C

Abstract geometric and scientific illustration with circles, lines, and textured elements in black and white.

Optomist

Abstract geometric artwork with lines, circles, and shading in black, white, and gray tones.

Daydream

Work evolving / sketch in progress

I present an insight regarding the process of my more complex larger pieces, which will be oil/canvas and 32 × 64 inches when complete. Below are my rough sketches and jottings of ideas/concepts as I worked the narrative for this piece. The piece is to have a strong narrative, relating to Judgement and as such it demanded I work my ideas in planning this piece. As such, it is another ‘existential piece’, that brings together many diverse motifs/meanings to define the mortal world, degradation, judgement of a divine nature or otherwise, damnation and salvation. I include the principal sketch and working concepts/ideas.

Working title: ‘Judgement’.

Judgement (8 × 14 inches)

degradation of the soul

canvas segregation

All artwork and text Copyright ©Stephen Bend 2026 and may not be used in part, or whole, without the written consent of Stephen Bend or his Estate All rights reserved

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