Every painting is a reflection of where I am in that moment—not just technically, but emotionally. This chart isn’t about choosing sides; it’s about pausing to notice where I’m leaning and why. By naming my current artistic preferences, I’m creating space to grow while honoring the season I’m in.

After my interview with Kelogsloops, something he said stayed with me—how in high school studio art, he was encouraged to reflect on exactly why he loved certain artworks. That one habit helped him stay grounded in his journey as an artist. Later, I stumbled on a forgotten sketchbook from 2021, tucked away during my time in Singapore, where I had unknowingly done the same thing. This blog shares that exercise—a map I didn’t realize I had drawn for myself, and one I now return to when I feel unsure of my artistic voice.

I didn’t expect a conversation with Kelogsloops to take me back twenty years—to the quiet pages of my high school visual arts journal. But when he mentioned how his “Studio Art” class had him constantly reflecting on what he loved in others’ work and his own, something clicked. It reminded me of the IB Visual Arts criteria I’d once lived by—and forgotten. This blog is my way back to that compass. If you’ve ever felt lost in your style, this might help you find your way too.

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!