At the end of 2022, I realized I needed a creative outlet to balance the demands of my day job. I’d always been deeply drawn to art, but until then, I had admired it from a distance. In January 2023, I decided to take the leap, enrolling in painting classes and picking up a brush for the first time. What began as an experiment quickly became a cherished and transformative part of my life.

The works of Monet, Gustav Klimt, Marie Laurencin, and Vincent van Gogh have long been sources of inspiration for me. Their genius has not only shaped my artistic perspective but also influenced my travels—I’ve planned entire trips around the opportunity to see their masterpieces in person. Their use of color and expressive techniques subtly informs my work, yet I’m particularly captivated by the magic of Impressionism. There’s a thrill in layering colors, embracing what feels like chaos, and watching it resolve into harmony—a process as humbling as it is exhilarating.

Living in the Pacific Northwest provides endless inspiration. From light filtering through the trees to the golden hour’s glow or the drama of a vivid sunset filtered through air pollution, I’m constantly drawn to and inspired by the region’s natural beauty. These moments are often experienced with my faithful Siberian Husky, Tsar, by my side, as we explore forest trails and bluff-side paths. The connection I feel to these landscapes frequently finds its way onto my canvas.

When I first began painting,  I worried I wouldn’t be able to capture the beauty I saw around me. I marveled at how artists like van Gogh and Monet seemed to see the world differently, translating what they say on to the canvas.  Through studying their techniques and staying curious, I’ve learned to observe the world with a new perspective. This journey has changed not just my art but how I experience life itself.