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.

2023 was an exciting year as I attended workshops by renowned watercolor artists Agnes Cecile and Aine Divine at Benjamin Eck Gallery in Munich. These experiences deepened my artistic skills and fueled my creative journey.