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 the final day at Aine Divine's summer school, I finally was able to let go of the struggle I felt until then. I set the intention to allow each brushstroke to dry and ensuring each stroke was deliberate. What I think really helped my work was imagining myself in Aine's mindset and guess what—I think it led to a stunning outcome.

Often when I paint, I'm reflecting on something specific. It might be personal struggles, moments of regret with my son, or the beauty of his specific expression I adore. While creating 'Cry,' my thoughts were with a friend I met in Munich, someone I felt an instant connection with. Her journey mirrored my own past challenges—adjusting to life in a new country, navigating a partner's struggles with addiction and mental health issues. As I painted, I contemplated the emotions she must have held inside, the complexities of her experience. Art has a unique way of bringing forth these unspoken feelings, whether joyous or sorrowful, capturing the essence of human resilience and emotional depth.