Painting Frida Kahlo made me ask questions I didn’t expect—about color, pain, identity, and what it really means to stay true to your voice. This post walks through two watercolor studies and a final portrait I created as part of my Masters Reimagined series, and why Frida still speaks so powerfully to so many of us—especially women.

I never thought I’d feel a connection with Albrecht Dürer. His work always felt too technical, too rigid—nothing like the way I paint. But when I started studying him for my Masters Reimagined series, something shifted. From a gouache skull study to a rhinoceros that tested my patience, to a final portrait that made me pause—I didn’t come away painting like him, but I came away understanding something. About discipline. About detail. About how copying isn’t the goal. Listening is.

Van Gogh—well, Vincent—has always felt personal to me. For my March Masters Reimagined study, I tried painting with his energy using watercolor and pastels. Not to copy him, but to understand him. What surprised me most wasn’t how he painted, but how deeply he noticed. This project changed the way I see movement, emotion… and even led me into my next piece, Child, Blossom.

Born into a working-class family, J.M.W. Turner rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most revolutionary artists in history. His unique ability to capture light, atmosphere, and emotion in landscapes speaks to his genius, but his path to success was shaped by his resilience and independence. Turner’s upbringing in the bustling streets of London fueled his drive to create art that transcended the conventional. Despite lacking the privileges of his peers, Turner’s raw talent and innovative spirit led him to challenge the established norms of the art world, ultimately leaving a legacy that still resonates with artists today. It’s that same sense of boldness and exploration that I channel into my own work, whether experimenting with his watercolor techniques or reinterpreting his masterpieces in my own style.

What makes a Botticelli painting his? Is it the delicate, flowing lines? The delicate beauty? Or the ego of an artist determined to stand out in Renaissance Florence? I think its all of it combined into his unique artistic voice. His background as a gold engraver really showed in how he approached his art - those precise lines weren't an accident. Usually I jump into painting but slowing down the process and following his footsteps a bit was a great learning process. I had to force myself to be patient and really study his technique before applying my own colors.

What makes a Sargent painting feel unmistakably like a Sargent? In my quest to understand the master's technique, I discovered that it's not just about bold brushstrokes and confident gestures—it's about knowing when to be bold and when to whisper. Through a series of studies combining watercolor, gouache, and oil pastel, I unraveled the layers of Sargent's genius while confronting my own artistic hesitations. This exploration reveals not just the technical aspects of his work, but also why his paintings continue to captivate us a century later.

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!

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.