Egon Schiele’s art is defined by its raw intensity and emotional depth. His ability to capture the vulnerability of the human body—through angular, distorted figures—pushed the boundaries of traditional portraiture. Inspired by his own tragic loss and psychological struggles, Schiele’s work conveys the complexities of life, death, and sexuality in a way that is both unsettling and beautiful.

In this blog, I explore how Schiele’s early influences, like Gustav Klimt, shaped his journey as an artist, and how he eventually broke free from those conventions to develop his own unique voice. I also discuss the lasting impact Schiele has had on contemporary artists like Agnes Cecil, whose work continues to embrace the rawness and honesty that Schiele so brilliantly mastered. Join me as I reflect on how his art has influenced my own and the lessons I’ve learned from Schiele’s emotional approach to creation.

As I prepared to move from Munich to Washington, I decided to leave 65 of my paintings on the streets with a “Gratis Kunst” (free art) sign. To my surprise, 20 pieces were taken on the first day alone, including abstract, colorful works, while more personal portraits—like those of my son—were left behind. This experiment taught me that public taste can be unpredictable, yet it reaffirmed the value of creating art for the joy it brings. While some pieces were snatched up quickly, what truly matters is painting what fulfills me, regardless of how others respond.

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.