Chihuly draws to record visual ideas. While in the past he has employed chalks and colored pencils, he now prefers to use acrylic paints in squeeze bottles. He usually lays his paper directly on the floor and applies paint with vigorous gestures.

As he explains, “The drawings have to do with releasing energy. Somebody once said that people become artists because they have a certain kind of energy to release, and that related to me.”

His drawings allow for self-expression, but also serve to communicate designs to his glass blowing teams.