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.

Even when two watercolor tubes share the same name or pigment number, they can behave in surprisingly different ways across brands. In this blog, I reflect on my hands-on comparisons of over 200 watercolors from M. Graham, Daniel Smith, Schmincke, Winsor & Newton, Holbein, QoR, and more. I break down which pigments shine, which ones surprise, and how subtle differences in granulation, opacity, and flow shape my artistic choices. Whether you’re a painter or a pigment lover, you’ll find insights here to guide your own color decisions.

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.

Choosing the right colors can transform your art—and it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In my latest video, I share how I select color palettes that set the tone for a painting, featuring a hands-on look at a tool called Palette Scout. If you’ve ever struggled with picking colors that feel just right, this guide is packed with practical tips, inspiration, and a process you can make your own.

Commissioning a watercolor portrait is about more than capturing a likeness — it’s about preserving a feeling, a fleeting moment, in a timeless and personal way. With their softness and emotional depth, watercolor portraits transform everyday expressions into lasting memories. From choosing the right artist to understanding the process, commissioning a portrait is a journey that adds a meaningful, handcrafted piece of art to your family’s story.

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.

Lately, I’ve felt lost—not in painting, but in creating content just to reach people. I set ambitious goals for YouTube, my podcast, and social media, only to find myself chasing numbers instead of meaning. Seeing another artist's journey made me realize I’ve been caught in the same cycle—shaping content around visibility rather than authenticity.

But today, I painted just for the sake of it. No overthinking, no pressure. I let myself return to the emotions that first drove me to create—the quiet sadness I felt after my son was born, knowing he would have to face his own struggles. That moment of reflection brought clarity: I want to share my art, my process, and my truth—not just what might perform well.

It’s time to reset. Thanks for being here through this. Now, back to painting.

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.

Inspiration doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it lingers quietly, like a stag in the mist—both sacred and fragile. This is how It’s My Time came to life.

As much as I teach, I learn. While creating my Lover’s Eye watercolor class, I discovered new layers in my own process—literally and figuratively. From identifying 5 key areas that transform an eye painting (you’ll have to watch the class to find out!) to realizing the simple power of layering washes. I even created an 'Eye Anatomy for Painters' guide because, honestly, nothing out there captured what I needed as a watercolor painter!!

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.

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!

No Surprises: How Depression Emerged from Letting Go of My Passion is about how a sudden loss of artistic passion triggered a deep depression in my life. Reflecting on my journey from art-filled joy to a dark period of personal struggle, I reveal how reconnecting with my creative self was the key to overcoming depression and finding fulfillment.

The reason behind painting this piece started from my desire for a new challenge.

I had never before painted elderly individuals, nor had I tackled male subjects. Using Midjourney, I created a reference featuring an elderly Caucasian man in a kimono, accompanied by ikebana flowers. It was a quite a challenge, but I found joy in the process, especially as I reached the midpoint. Normally, I avoid painting drapery, hands, wrinkled faces, men, and flowers, so completing this piece felt like a significant achievement at the time.I named this painting 'Mankai 満開' because in Japanese, 'mankai' is used to describe the peak bloom of a flower. We typically don’t associate this with old age, but for me, it signifies that humans, can reach their peak with age—a time of success and wisdom.

Moreover, after finishing the painting, I realized it somehow portrayed aspects of who I am or could have been in a different universe. Growing up, ocassionaly I wished I had been born a guy. Raised in Japan, this painting seems to reflect my imagined life as a man.

Reflecting on the completed painting, I find it intresting how it has become like a self-portrait, capturing aspects of my identity and aspirations.That is exactly one of the beauty of creativity.

Don't you think taking photos of kids without getting noticed is the best way to capture a great photo? The expression that you cannot quite explain? The photo reference for this painting was taken when I took my son to the zoo and he saw a giraffe for the first time. I wanted to capture his face just as he saw the giraffe, so I quietly crept up from behind and held the camera suddenly in front of him to capture that instant without him reacting to the camera. His expression was so different—full of curiosity and a twinkle in his eyes. That's what I wanted to share in this painting: the twinkliness of curiosity that children, and even adults, are capable of.

Often when I paint, I'm reflecting on something specific. It might be personal struggles, moments of regret with my son, or the beauty of his specific expression I adore. While creating 'Cry,' my thoughts were with a friend I met in Munich, someone I felt an instant connection with. Her journey mirrored my own past challenges—adjusting to life in a new country, navigating a partner's struggles with addiction and mental health issues. As I painted, I contemplated the emotions she must have held inside, the complexities of her experience. Art has a unique way of bringing forth these unspoken feelings, whether joyous or sorrowful, capturing the essence of human resilience and emotional depth.

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.