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.

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.

Why do I paint my son so often? It’s not just because he’s the center of my universe. Painting him allows me to reflect on our relationship, work through my emotions, and find ways to repair and grow. Inspired by Becky Kennedy’s TED Talk on the importance of repairing parent-child relationships, I’ve found that art is a powerful tool for understanding and improving my parenting.

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.

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.

The reason behind painting this piece started from my desire for a new challenge.

I had never before painted elderly individuals, nor had I tackled male subjects. Using Midjourney, I created a reference featuring an elderly Caucasian man in a kimono, accompanied by ikebana flowers. It was a quite a challenge, but I found joy in the process, especially as I reached the midpoint. Normally, I avoid painting drapery, hands, wrinkled faces, men, and flowers, so completing this piece felt like a significant achievement at the time.I named this painting 'Mankai 満開' because in Japanese, 'mankai' is used to describe the peak bloom of a flower. We typically don’t associate this with old age, but for me, it signifies that humans, can reach their peak with age—a time of success and wisdom.

Moreover, after finishing the painting, I realized it somehow portrayed aspects of who I am or could have been in a different universe. Growing up, ocassionaly I wished I had been born a guy. Raised in Japan, this painting seems to reflect my imagined life as a man.

Reflecting on the completed painting, I find it intresting how it has become like a self-portrait, capturing aspects of my identity and aspirations.That is exactly one of the beauty of creativity.

Don't you think taking photos of kids without getting noticed is the best way to capture a great photo? The expression that you cannot quite explain? The photo reference for this painting was taken when I took my son to the zoo and he saw a giraffe for the first time. I wanted to capture his face just as he saw the giraffe, so I quietly crept up from behind and held the camera suddenly in front of him to capture that instant without him reacting to the camera. His expression was so different—full of curiosity and a twinkle in his eyes. That's what I wanted to share in this painting: the twinkliness of curiosity that children, and even adults, are capable of.

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.

We go through loss every month, a cycle of hope and disappointment mixed with the pain of missed chances. From creating symbolic art to facing setbacks, each step shaped my journey to becoming a mother, teaching me to value every precious moment.

'Womb,' was inspired by my son's transition to a new daycare where there was a tug-of-war between wanting to protect him and the realization that he is capable of navigating life's challenges on his own.

As a mother and an artist, I often catch myself trying to balance my passion for painting and caring for my son. I dread not being able to paint at some point during the day. Painting helps me stay sane, reflect on relationships, and hold onto a part of myself through parenthood. Gradually, I've learned to prioritize my creative time without guilt, realizing it's essential for my well-being and personal growth.

Something about that newborn phase, up until around five months old, made me feel like my son was an alien. Maybe it's my sleep deprivation, his underdeveloped vision, limited communication, innate reflexes, or just the profound bond and hormonal changes in me—I can't quite understand what my newborn son was thinking or feeling, making him seem almost alien and sacred. There was one moment when he just gazed at the lamp light for such a long time, with a face that I associated with something sacred. This was a watercolor portrait to capture his sacredness, with the exact reference photo being this moment of his sacred gaze.