God may work in light, but we mortals work in pigment.

Abstract understanding doesn't mean arbitrary sloshing and messing. Abstract art is controlled visual magic based on laws and methodology. Abstraction generally involves implication, suggestion and mystery rather that obvious description. Like a good poem, a good abstraction attacks your feelings before your understanding. Abstraction within realism adds zest and excitement to otherwise dull subject matter. Abstract understanding takes time and patience.

You're right, super-realism is back in style.

It's okay to doubt. It's important to test. The way to discover secrets is to be a student of your own efforts.

Abstraction generally involves implication, suggestion and mystery, rather than obvious description.

While this may seem peculiar, the combo of work and distraction leads to levels of innovation not often generated by structured, focused thinking alone.

As you do your work, you discover what you love to do.