Next time, consider smiling

MEANWHILE IN THE STUDIO

NEXT TIME, CONSIDER SMILING

Ohlala !

It's been already more than a month since I sent you my last letter, and time just slipped through my fingers. I had many ideas for this edition, hoping to try out new things and share with you some finished paintings, beautifully framed and displayed in lovely interiors. But, as it happens, work and life simply took over.

Nevertheless, a few exciting things did happen, and as promised:

It’s out!

I'm super excited to finally reveal the paintings I whipped up for the Cinefleur magazine collab! I have to say, I'm pretty darn proud of them, especially considering the challenges – a set theme, a ticking clock, painting live with an audience and cameras, all for the very first time!!

Take a peek for yourself, and please, drop a line to let me know which one's your fave.

Check out the magazine for a sweet video and some cool behind-the-scenes photos. Looking back, I realize I could've thrown in a smile or two, but I was so focused, and it was scorching hot that day.

The painting they chose to highlight in the article, which became the focus of my attention during the afternoon of the shoot. It’s 50x70cm.

Painted while eagerly awaiting the crew's arrival; they were running late, and I was brimming with energy and anticipation. 55x40cm

I began this one alongside their selected piece, but they quickly asked me to focus on the larger painting. I completed it after their departure. 55x40cm

And here's the bouquet they brought me for inspiration... I found it dull and a very Autumn classic. However, I stayed true to my pre-prepared colour palette, even though it didn't perfectly align with the hues of the floral arrangement.

The three paintings are all wrapped up and waiting to be mounted on panels and framed. I'm crossing my fingers that they'll be up for sale by the time my next newsletter rolls around 🤞🏼

The Magic of Self-Portraiture

I thought you might like to see what I've been creating in my evening home studio sessions. I started painting self-portraits a few years ago, while traveling for work, unable to find inspiration in drab hotel rooms. Lately, it's become a nightly ritual – after a day at work, I paint one or two portraits and have a good laugh. Those are the ones I started this summer, just to unwind, have some fun, and hone my drawing skills.

My feet for scale…

It's not about achieving realism; it's about capturing a moment, a feeling, a vibration. And not being afraid to embrace imperfections!

My two favorites.

I highly encourage you to give this exercise a shot, even if you have no prior drawing or portrait experience. It's fascinating what you discover about yourself while delving into the lines of your own face.

Latest discovery : Sara Lee Hughes on 'The Art Biz' Podcast

Last week, I listened to the interview of the artist Sara Lee Hughes on the podcast 'The Art Biz' hosted by Alyson Stanfield. I was driving, and I had to listen to the whole episode, itching to see what the paintings in question looked like. It wasn't until later in the day that I could search for her paintings online. Her unique personal story is vividly expressed in her works, and she definitely knows how to speak about it, making the listening experience fascinating. If you're not familiar with Sarah Lee Hughes, I highly recommend listening to the podcast before exploring her work.

“None of us really changes over time. We only become more fully what we are”

-Anne Rice

If you want to know a bit more about me,

Read my story

Don’t hesitate to reply to this email if you feel like it. Or maybe you want to tell me about you? I’ll be glad to hear from you.

Untill next time