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!

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!

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.

Attending Kelogsloops' watercolor workshop was a transformative experience. Through three days of focused learning on composition, skin tones, and abstract techniques, I found new ways to integrate subtlety and balance into my art. Read on to discover the valuable insights and tips I gained from this inspiring workshop.

Inspired by a conversation with a dear friend, Joy, I embark on a journey to revisit a long-held painting project. Join me as I explore the symbolism of 'Ophelia' and reflect on the profound questions it evokes about loss, grief, and the human experience.