Born into a working-class family, J.M.W. Turner rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most revolutionary artists in history. His unique ability to capture light, atmosphere, and emotion in landscapes speaks to his genius, but his path to success was shaped by his resilience and independence. Turner’s upbringing in the bustling streets of London fueled his drive to create art that transcended the conventional. Despite lacking the privileges of his peers, Turner’s raw talent and innovative spirit led him to challenge the established norms of the art world, ultimately leaving a legacy that still resonates with artists today. It’s that same sense of boldness and exploration that I channel into my own work, whether experimenting with his watercolor techniques or reinterpreting his masterpieces in my own style.

Lately, I’ve felt lost—not in painting, but in creating content just to reach people. I set ambitious goals for YouTube, my podcast, and social media, only to find myself chasing numbers instead of meaning. Seeing another artist's journey made me realize I’ve been caught in the same cycle—shaping content around visibility rather than authenticity.

But today, I painted just for the sake of it. No overthinking, no pressure. I let myself return to the emotions that first drove me to create—the quiet sadness I felt after my son was born, knowing he would have to face his own struggles. That moment of reflection brought clarity: I want to share my art, my process, and my truth—not just what might perform well.

It’s time to reset. Thanks for being here through this. Now, back to painting.

What makes a Botticelli painting his? Is it the delicate, flowing lines? The delicate beauty? Or the ego of an artist determined to stand out in Renaissance Florence? I think its all of it combined into his unique artistic voice. His background as a gold engraver really showed in how he approached his art - those precise lines weren't an accident. Usually I jump into painting but slowing down the process and following his footsteps a bit was a great learning process. I had to force myself to be patient and really study his technique before applying my own colors.

Inspiration doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it lingers quietly, like a stag in the mist—both sacred and fragile. This is how It’s My Time came to life.

As much as I teach, I learn. While creating my Lover’s Eye watercolor class, I discovered new layers in my own process—literally and figuratively. From identifying 5 key areas that transform an eye painting (you’ll have to watch the class to find out!) to realizing the simple power of layering washes. I even created an 'Eye Anatomy for Painters' guide because, honestly, nothing out there captured what I needed as a watercolor painter!!

What makes a Sargent painting feel unmistakably like a Sargent? In my quest to understand the master's technique, I discovered that it's not just about bold brushstrokes and confident gestures—it's about knowing when to be bold and when to whisper. Through a series of studies combining watercolor, gouache, and oil pastel, I unraveled the layers of Sargent's genius while confronting my own artistic hesitations. This exploration reveals not just the technical aspects of his work, but also why his paintings continue to captivate us a century later.

As I sat at the table surrounded by colorful origami paper, my three-year-old son eagerly watched me fold intricate designs from an Origami World set I found at Blick Art Shop shortly after our move from Munich to Washington State. Each fold became a lesson in patience and creativity, as I struggled to create vehicles while he cheered me on. His joy reminded me of the beauty in small victories and how art can connect us across generations, transforming moments of frustration into opportunities for growth and bonding.

Today, I want to talk about something I know many of us struggle with—balancing life's changes as both an artist and a parent. Recently, I went through a major transition myself: moving from Munich, Germany, to Washington State, USA. What a journey! As an artist, I'm usually in the flow, creating 15 to 20 artworks a month, including studies. But September? It was a different story. With the chaos of moving, I only managed to finish two pieces. Isn’t it fascinating how life can suddenly shift our plans, no matter how well we think we have it all under control?

Life has a funny way of offering support when we least expect it. Whether through art, parenting, or sharing our struggles, opening up can lead to surprising, practical help. A personal experience before my move taught me that vulnerability—something as simple as sharing a heavy moment with a friend—can offer comfort and unlock new ways of thinking. Sometimes, it's not grand advice but small gestures, like a pack of spicy candy, that provide just the right tool to cope. This story reflects how being open can shape our art, parenting, and emotional well-being.

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the simple, yet significant, moments that shape our experiences. After my family’s move from Munich to Washington, I began reflecting on how this transition heightened my awareness of the beauty in everyday life. Embracing the 'last time' mentality—the idea that any moment could be the last—helps my art and deepens my connection with my surroundings. It's a powerful practice of noticing, appreciating, and drawing inspiration from life’s small yet big moments.

As I prepared to move from Munich to Washington, I decided to leave 65 of my paintings on the streets with a “Gratis Kunst” (free art) sign. To my surprise, 20 pieces were taken on the first day alone, including abstract, colorful works, while more personal portraits—like those of my son—were left behind. This experiment taught me that public taste can be unpredictable, yet it reaffirmed the value of creating art for the joy it brings. While some pieces were snatched up quickly, what truly matters is painting what fulfills me, regardless of how others respond.

As a mom, I’ve learned that the journey of parenting is filled with ups and downs, especially during those developmental "leaps." The Wonder Weeks app helped me track these phases when my son was a baby, revealing that challenging behaviors often coincide with rapid cognitive growth. Now at three years old, I see that these leaps continue, bringing moments of frustration alongside sheer joy. Recently, I captured one of his happiest smiles in a painting inspired by a special moment at Starbucks, reminding me that even amidst the chaos, there are beautiful moments to cherish.

As a huge Klimt fan, I soaked up everything I learned from visiting museums in Vienna. Upon returning to Munich, I spent more time consuming art than painting, which felt refreshing. On my train ride home, I had the pleasure of chatting with a lovely family, and their enthusiastic daughter sparked a lightbulb moment for me. After sharing my desire to paint Taylor Swift, I ended up sending her a painting! The middle brother also requested a panda painting, which I happily created. Receiving a heartfelt letter from the family truly warmed my heart and reminded me of the power of art to create unexpected connections and bring happiness to others.

In early August, I embarked on a journey that nourished my artist's soul—an exploration of Gustav Klimt's captivating world. This trip ignited my creative spirit and inspired me to experiment with new techniques, revealing elements I cherish in my past work. A highlight was returning to Munich and painting a portrait of Klimt himself, a way to honor an artist who remains in the background of our lives. Even after immersing myself in Vienna, I realized I grasped only a fraction of his genius—perhaps just 3%. Each brushstroke I make is merely a “copy” of his artistry, and while I can never fully replicate his essence, that’s part of the beauty. My latest painting, using leftover gouache to tone my paper with colors inspired by “Fritza Riedler,” may be a bit overboard, but it’s just the beginning. I’m excited to create more Master Artists portraits, celebrating the unique styles I admire. Stay tuned!

This post is my creative blueprint for 2024! I’m diving into the key elements that inspired me during my recent art-filled exploration. From Klimt's shimmering gold leaf and transparent fabrics to vivid skin tones and bold brushstrokes, I’m gearing up to weave these influences into my own work. I’ll also be playing with abstract clothing, emotional depth, and unconventional colors. This is my personal art roadmap for the year—an exciting journey I’m ready to embark on once the move to the U.S. is complete!

On Day 3 of my Vienna adventure, we immersed ourselves in Klimt's legacy at the Wein Museum and Albertina. Highlights included Klimt’s "Pallas Athena," his "Portrait of Emilie Floge," and the stunning "Nuda Veritas." We also explored intriguing works by other artists and visited places where Klimt lived. Finally, the Albertina Museum offered a captivating blend of Picasso, Monet, and Eva Beresin's thought-provoking pieces. A perfect end to an inspiring Klimt-filled trip!

Day 2 of my Vienna trip was packed with art and history. We visited the Leopold Museum, Klimt Villa, and Schönbrunn Palace. From discovering striking paintings by Hans Makart and Hans Canon to marveling at Klimt’s "Death and Life" and exploring his former residence, it was a day full of artistic inspiration and historical charm. Highlights included seeing Egon Schiele's work and the whimsical Schönbrunn Palace. Read on to find out more about these incredible experiences and what I learned from each stop!

Join me as I recount the first day of my Vienna trip, dedicated to exploring the legacy of Gustav Klimt. From the Secession building to the Belvedere Museum, discover my personal highlights and key takeaways from Klimt's masterpieces and other fascinating art experiences.

No Surprises: How Depression Emerged from Letting Go of My Passion is about how a sudden loss of artistic passion triggered a deep depression in my life. Reflecting on my journey from art-filled joy to a dark period of personal struggle, I reveal how reconnecting with my creative self was the key to overcoming depression and finding fulfillment.