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.

Finding your artistic style isn’t just about creating more art—it’s about learning to notice what calls to you visually and emotionally. In this guide, I share a framework for using visual analysis to uncover your creative instincts and build a cohesive body of work. By studying five core elements—form, space, rhythm, contrast, and symbolism—you’ll gain deeper clarity on what defines your voice as an artist. Whether you’re starting a new project or refining your portfolio, these tools can help you connect the dots between inspiration and expression.

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.

I always thought Feng Shui was about balancing the whole house—something universal everyone could apply. Growing up in Japan, I saw my parents adjust our home to offset “unlucky” directions, especially near the entrance. But I never knew each person actually has their own lucky directions, based on their birth year and gender. I definitely never thought about using Feng Shui in my art studio—until recently. And once I did, it completely changed how I see and feel in the space.

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 I sat at the table surrounded by colorful origami paper, my three-year-old son eagerly watched me fold intricate designs from an Origami World set I found at Blick Art Shop shortly after our move from Munich to Washington State. Each fold became a lesson in patience and creativity, as I struggled to create vehicles while he cheered me on. His joy reminded me of the beauty in small victories and how art can connect us across generations, transforming moments of frustration into opportunities for growth and bonding.

Today, I want to talk about something I know many of us struggle with—balancing life's changes as both an artist and a parent. Recently, I went through a major transition myself: moving from Munich, Germany, to Washington State, USA. What a journey! As an artist, I'm usually in the flow, creating 15 to 20 artworks a month, including studies. But September? It was a different story. With the chaos of moving, I only managed to finish two pieces. Isn’t it fascinating how life can suddenly shift our plans, no matter how well we think we have it all under control?