Midlife Bloom: Leveling Up My Art

Hello friends,

I hope your week is going smoothly, and not as cold and windy as was here, in Czech Republic. Spring may have been playing hide and seek recently, but it didn't stop me from celebrating my birthday.

... Level 47...

Reflecting on missed opportunities in my studies, I sometimes wish I could go back in time with today's mindset. I often catch myself thinking that I was too young in the 1990s to fully appreciate the quality of the education I received in art school; I was lazy, unfocused, and only just managed to pass my exams 🫣

But guess what? Since March, I'm back in 'student mode', diving into an intense three month online art course. Observing positive changes in my work already!

I'm looking forward to seeing what will come out of it at the end of the program in June, and the months that follow…

As a subscriber, you will be the first to see my new work after I complete the course 😊

My student table, prepping 18 panels

I had to start a new journal to go along with the course - as if I didn't already have enough 😳

Meanwhile, in the studio,

I'm also working on a bunch of paintings that I started back in December. Figuring out my next step and how to tie them together.

I already have a title idea for this collection, but I'm waiting until the paintings are finished to share it with you. I have this kind of superstition, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy a bit of suspense…

Now, let me give you a sneak peek at how they look so far.

Some of them are either finished or nearly there, while most still need a lot more work.

Maybe you remember these two from last month? I think they’re finished… for now

This is how I left these four last night 🐯.

These two may not end up as part of the series.

I felt the urge to paint on a larger scale, so I prepped canvas on stretchers I had on hand and took out my big brushes. Painting on this scale is a challenge, but it's also very exciting to spread so much paint. It seems they're going to have a tropical vibe 🌴

To wrap things up, I'd like to recommend 🎬

the 8-episode TV show 'Ripley' on Netflix which I recently binge-watched.

This adaptation of the book 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' is beautifully shot in black and white, which I find very inspiring—even as someone who loves colour.

Images are gorgeous; each shot looks like a painting, with stunning composition and lighting. The story is very suspenseful and you might find it a bit sinister, but the 1960s Italy, gorgeous locations, and period-appropriate costumes and set designs alone make it worth watching.

And if you haven't already, take a moment to explore my botanical painting collection. You might discover the perfect piece to bring a touch of colourful nature inside your home 🌿

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Untill next time