Looks like things are working out for me; spring is here and opportunity knocks again: Happy to share with you guys that my new painting will be on display this month as I’m participating in a local group show: Little Treasures hosted by Sagene kunst- og kulturforening in Oslo. Thanks a lot for the opportunity to exhibit again!
Opening reception May 1. at 1700 – Welcome!
Opening reception at 1700 May 1. Gallery Sagene samfunnshus
Exploring travel memories
In this painting, I explore the emotional parts of travel memories through intuitive painting in the style of abstract expressionism through a blend of traditional and unconventional tools.
My process thrives on experimentation, where layers of texture, form, and colour reveal some of the contradictions and complexities inhabiting human memory.
Rather than telling a story, the painting invites reflection, evokes emotion and encourages viewers to see their own travel memories in surprising new ways.
My Little Treasure
Title: Travel memories
Medium: acrylic on canvas
Size: 40×40 cm
Year: 2026
Series: part of ongoing series
Exhibition: Little Treasures, Galleri Sagene samfunnshus, Oslo
Check out the group exhibition
Feel free to check out my brand new painting as part of the group exhibition Little Treasures at Galleri Sagene Samfunnshus 1.- 31. May, in Oslo. I also highly recommend sharing a meal at the local Nazar cafe.
Bus 20, 34, 37, 54 to Sagene. Walk through the park. Enter gallery from Nazar Cafe-Bar (open daily 11-22)
April is my favourite month. I love spring with its warming sunshine, beautiful flowers, early mornings filled with birdsong and the neighbour’s cat on the front porch. It’s hard to beat the feeling of spring.
But the weather in Oslo is unpredictable so last year I travelled to Turkey in March, this month I planned to go to Greece.
I love Greece
Next month’s exhibition
Next up is the local group show Little Treasures hosted by Sagene kunst- og kulturforening May 1.-31.
For this upcoming group show I’ve decided to explore some of my travel memories. I’m not a huge fan of travelling in the sense of doing the tourist stuff, I’m more interested in the vibe and how the place makes me feel.
In this particular painting, I explore some emotional parts of travel memories through an intuitive painting process and in the style of abstract expressionism.
Time flies when you’re having fun, so I’d better hurry up and finish my little treasure.
painting the edges
Holiday in April – AiR at home
Rest is a vital part of my art practice so this month I scheduled a 2 week holiday. Initially I planned to travel to Greece, but changed my mind and went for a staycation instead.
Like many artists, when one exhibition is coming up I’m already in the middle of the next one. So, instead of traveling I came up with the brilliant idea to treat myself with a 2 week Artist in Residency (AiR) in my own studio.
As a full time working class girl this opportunity is a luxury as I can spend as much time as I want on what I like most – and go make myself some yummy greek food in my own kitchen whenever I want.
Taking breaks to hang out with interesting people, drinking too much coffee and checking out art exhibitions is another plus from my AiR at home.
And a few ongoing canvases…
some ongoing canvases
Birthday girl
Wow! Turning 65 is a milestone and yet it feels exciting. In a world so afraid of aging, I think of it as a privilege. I feel free and I’m excited about what this next chapter will bring. I think the best is yet to come!
On my birthday I enjoyed a delicious meal and loads of wine at a wonderful Greek restaurant together with my family and one of my dearest friends.
OMG! The start of this year has been so hard! Cold, cold winter. Long working hours. Multiple days, not to say weeks, of illness and a post virus limbo that seemed to be never ending. The last couple of months felt like a mad cocktail of exhaustion and being slightly knocked sideways by life’s many unmet expectations.
Cold, cold winter
If you’ve felt overloaded, flat, unmotivated or like you don’t care about anything anymore, you’re not alone. I’ve been right there with you. But:
THINGS WILL GET BETTER! Let us just cling to that hope!
Doing the right thing
These last few months I’ve been reflecting upon my priorities, my do’s and don’ts and what I really want out of life. And I’ve come to realise that some things have to go. I simply cannot continue repeating the same draining things over and over again and expect life to be better.
Since my energy still is more or less missing, I decided to keep listening to my body, be kind to myself and avoid pushing through as I normally would have done.
It feels like those long hours at work are seriously killing me, so I’ve taken some actions towards changing my day job with my doctor’s approval.
Fingers crossed that the Fire Horse energy will kick in and take me galloping into a much brighter future! Because I do want an active life besides working!
Reflection time
What I really, really want
Working those long hours and evening shifts is both time consuming and hindering social life. To be honest, I believe some of my old friends gave up on me because I’m never available, knocked over by a virus or too exhausted to see them.
What I really, really want is a better work – life balance!
Somehow I managed to squeeze in some much needed drawing sessions at the National Museum with some art colleagues, a couple of hot coffees, a yummy dinner and a few phone calls with friends living overseas. Hanging out and laughing together with friends makes me happy!
Yummy dinner
A while ago I agreed to make a brand new painting for a group exhibition and started the first layers. But then I crashed. Again. Fever and headaches. Another virus. Right now I feel so sorry for myself, but hopefully things will turn for the better soon!
But Hey! I’m heading out into the woods to enjoy a day off!
Woop! Woop! The Chinese Lunar New Year begins February 17, 2026 and The Year of the Fire Horse is expected to be full of breakthroughs, innovations and rapid changes. Many fortune-tellers are predicting big advances in the coming year and people are encouraged to chase their dreams, as the Year of the Fire Horse will present many golden opportunities.
Sneak peek from my ongoing Horses series
Reflections continues
Last month I set aside time to reflect and check in with myself to make sure I’m on the right track. I normally do this every 6 months, at the start of each year and after the summer holidays, and I also do minor monthly check-ins along the way.
The reason I do this is to make sure I’m focusing my energy on the right projects within my limited time. As a trained project manager I’ve experienced that most projects need tracking and some form of corrective actions to make sure the project will arrive at the set goal on deadline.
Reflection time is important
Work – Life Balance
This month I decided to take a break from my studio practice and focus on my work – life balance, because there is more to life than simply work, eat, paint, sleep. Repeat.
Life is right here and right now, so I want to let go of what is not serving me any more. I’m not too old or too late for my life. I want to enjoy every day. But I also need to recover after long working hours and get more rest than before.
My corrective actions for this month includes: My morning practice with tai chi, yoga and meditation continues. Long breakfasts before work are crucial to set the tone for the day. After work: Cooking and enjoying nice healthy meals. Evenings: Listening to music, dancing and watching the Olympic Figure Skating in Italy (6.-22. February).
Enjoying a warm healthy soup on a cold winter day
Dreams come true in many ways
As I child I dreamt of being a professional figure skater myself, but that dream crashed as my friend got a head injury during the rehearsals for our first programme. But at night I still dream that I’m in flow skating the most beautiful programs in chic outfits to wonderful music.
Some say that it’s never too late to fulfil a dream, so I’ve started learning basic jumps and spins from an online coach. Which reminds me of the online ballet classes I followed during lock down.
My entry is ready for PAE26
PAE26
Truth be told, I did go to the studio to finish my entry for this year’s PAE26 exhibition in The Hague, Netherlands though. Think I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve supported these events, but I do believe that:
Through Art We Can Change The World!
This year’s international charity exhibit will benefit people affected by Alzheimer.
January 2026 is here and parts of the world seem to have gone crazy. Most people I meet express strong emotions and fear about what is going on in the world today. Many seem to have a hard time stepping out of all the negativity. Some seem to have lost hope.
Walking meditation along the beautiful river Akerselva
But I refuse to let crazy leaders tear us apart, so I kind of think of it in a different way:
Bring some light
Emotions are energy in motion that travel through us. So what to do: Will you let the energy bring you down, or will you use the energy as fuel to bring out some good stuff?
The choice is yours !
Do something that will make today a little brighter for yourself and those you meet!
Share a meal. Talk. Give people a hug, ask them how they feel and sit with them, hold some space. If you cannot meet up in person, make a phone call.
Do something. Spread love. We’re here together!
Please help bring back hope and shine some light into the world!
Share a meal and some thoughts
Take time to reflect
Every January I make time to reflect over last year; what really happened and check in with myself to make sure I’m on the right track. My track.
I think it’s really important to set aside time to reflect, to let go of what is not serving you any more, to open up and hold more.
It’s really important to take corrective actions if you’re on the wrong path.
Please remember that you are never too old or too late for your life. You are here now! Live!
Spending time in nature always helps
Give Away Celebration
A year ago my art blog celebrated 10 years and I invited people to join my newsletter and get a chance to win one of my paintings.
This glass jar was slowly filled with the names of all my followers…
And…
More names in my glass jar
Today I announce the winner:
Anne-Mary M. Your painting is on the way. Hope you like it!
This is my way of bringing some light to the world ❤️
I’ve heard that “Life is what happens while we’re busy making plans” and that sometimes “Life gets in the way”.
Looking back at 2025 I’m quite surprised – and I sometimes wonder how on earth I manage to pull things off in between life’s hustle and bustle. That being said; I plan well and sacrifice quite a lot to make time for doing what I love most and what makes me who I am.
Creating art every day is not for everyone, but to me it is vital, that is who I am.
What a year! So many good things happened to me!
Finding my truth
In my art practice I try to step into my authentic self and remember who I am on a deeper level behind the everyday hustle and bustle.
When making art I reconnect with my intuition and learn to trust my inner guidance as I find my truth. I show my Soul that I am listening, and hoping to hold space for miracles to happen.
And what a year it has been, so many good things happened to me!
Me and my babies
Quick recap
January started with my Art Blogg’s 10 year anniversary. February winter was super duper cold, but warm and cosy inside together with my colleague’s cat Miss Fluffy who needed a home while her apartment was redecorated.
Wonderful March days in Side
During March I spent 8 wonderful days in Side, Turkey with my Tai Chi Tribe. We enjoyed classes twice a day, beachlife, yoga, wonderful meals, nice company, laughter and dancing. And every night I created small paintings before bedtime. The last evening I held an informal vernissage inviting my Tribe, followed by dinner and a late night filled with memories!
Workshop in Side, Turkey
April – June
Both April and May gave me opportunities to exhibit my work, before a much needed break while cat sitting my greek friend Mr Greg in June.
In my studio
Summertime
July finally arrived with no specific plans except hanging out with myself, chilling on my balcony hoping to find the life balance again after some hectic months with 3 exhibitions on top of a day job that often steals my energy.
Love my balcony
But life has its own plan
So a few hours before my summer holidays kicked in, opportunity knocked – so I decided to change my initial plans; therefore August and September was all about prepping and painting for my solo show in October. Both the curator and the artist are quite happy with how everything turned out.
Thanks a lot Torshov Kunst- og Kulturforening, Bydel Sagene and Galleri Sagene Samfunnshus. I’m so grateful for being chosen for this opportunity to do a solo exhibition.
And to my wonderful curator Alma and everyone visiting my exhibition:
Love your enthusiasm – it means a lot!
From my solo show in October
What about November?
And of course, as you might have guessed; November was dedicated to the creation of a brand new painting going on show in December.
Yey! Months of dedication and hard work pays off!
Group show in December
During this last month of the year I show my brand new painting “What’s on your mind” (60×60 cm acrylic on stretched canvas) at Sagene Community Center in Oslo.
What’s on your mind? 60×60 cm acrylic on canvas
This is the first time I attend the Torshov kunst- og kulturforenings X-Mas group show and I am super grateful for all the opportunities they have given me this year.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
A heartfelt thank you to my cheering family, friends, fellow artists and collectors: Your kind support motivates me to keep on. And buying my artwork makes my art journey possible, and I’m deeply grateful for that!
Looking forward to sharing more art with you next year!
THANK YOU for joining me on this ride! My solo exhibition is now closed and I’m so happy for all your kind support! A very special thanks goes to my wonderful and talented curator Alma Elvira Nord – really hope to collaborate with you again soon!
Now it is time for some much needed rest before the next project.
Photo by Jannecke WJ
Meet and greet
Being a painter sometimes feels like a quiet and lonely project, so the fuzzy meet and greet part almost gets a bit overwhelming after months of working alone in the studio.
But hey, there are so many things to talk about; questions about artistic process and everyone’s everyday life flows like a river. Hugs to be exchanged, gifts and nice surprises. So much fun to meet all the people from near and far and enjoy each other’s company.
Here are a few snapshots from happy meetings:
Some favourite moments
Thank you for giving me the opportunity!
Many thanks to Bydel Sagene, Torshov kunst- og kulturforening and Galleri Sagene samfunnshus for this opportunity! I’m so grateful for being chosen to solo exhibit!
Yey! The exhibition is open! Months of hard work pays off!
Exhibition poster
The curator and the artist are quite happy with how everything turned out. And I truly believe that working with a talented curator has lifted this exhibition. So thank you Alma for sharing your knowledge, wisdom, humour and energy with me..
Yey! We made it!
We sure had a great time while mounting the exhibition and naturally, we rounded off the evening with a nice meal and a bottle of red wine at Nazar Cafe and Bar.
Thanks a lot Torshov Kunst- og Kulturforening, Bydel Sagene and Galleri Sagene Samfunnshus for this opportunity!
And to all you nice people visiting the gallery at Sagene; thank you for your enthusiasm – it means a lot! 😍
Happy artist in her studio ready for solo exhibit
Painting memories
Most of us carry lots of memories; both good ones and bad ones. Good memories are often photographed and shared on social media, while bad memories are buried under the surface, repressed and more or less forgotten. Our memory bank is filled with x-files we hardly know exist.
Memories are somewhat fluid in the sense of slightly changing over the years and depending on what state of mind and the context you’re in as they pop up. Not to mention that the brain might create false memories.
Text by Alma Elvira Nord, Curator
Re-remembering memories
In this exhibition I have tried to re-remember some of the memories from my past. The motifs are not accurate representations of what actually happened, more like interpretations of emotional states and bodily feelings connected to the situations.
The motifs are intuitively chosen, abstracted, turned and twisted. They are multi-layered and colourful in order to capture the dreamlike atmosphere evoked by floating memories.
Aiming to embrace the inner world of somewhat translucent, fragmented and semi narrated memories might be a long shot, but nevertheless utterly interesting. To me creating art is not an escape, more like a release, a remembering of who I truly am.
One could say the exhibition is both a mirror and a reflection of human experience, but first and foremost this exhibition is a thoughtful reminder of embracing the beauty in everyday life. Carpe Diem. Make the best of what you’ve got. The choice is yours.
Curator Alma Elvira Nord
Recognize your own memories
“All these days that came and went, I didn’t know they were life”. The title of the exhibition is taken from the poem “The Loss” by the Swedish poet Stig Johansson (1936 – 2024). The quote is a reminder to cherish every day and create good memories because time goes by quickly.
This month’s Solo Exhibition (16. – 31.October) in Oslo contains 17 paintings based on personal memories. Some might say that’s a risky project. Others would say the project is bold.
I truly believe many of you will recognize some of your own memories when looking at the paintings 🥰
Please pop by the exhibition at Galleri Sagene Samfunnshus for a chat this coming weekend. Please enter from Nazar Cafe-Bar (open daily 11-22). I’ll be there Saturday 25. and Sunday 26. both days between 13-15 🤗
Oh, I do love the month of September; this wonderful time of year when late summer evenings meet the hope of early autumn mornings.
This year I’d initially scheduled two weeks of vacation, hoping to go to Greece and let life spoil me…
Dreaming of lovely days in Greece
But, as you might remember, my vacation plans were «interrupted» by an upcoming solo exhibit at a local gallery space.
Long Hours
So, clearly my September vacation weeks were spent inside my art studio mixing paint and working long hours with a new body of work – hoping to bind together a somewhat fragmented series that has been ongoing for a while.
Lots of work going on in my studio
To tell the truth, I’ve been putting on my big girl’s pants to pull this off on top of being a full time working class hero. Sometimes I’m sooo tired of art…
Working hard
September Surprise
Not to mention the surprise of waking up one sunny morning ready to work – but hardly able to walk or stand upright… (I am recovering)
Well, sometimes life sure has its challenges. But if everything goes as planned (fingers crossed) please feel free to check out my new paintings.
Finishing touches
Solo Exhibition in October
Solo Exhibition at Galleri Sagene Samfunnshus in Oslo 16. – 31. October. Please enter from Nazar Cafe-Bar (open daily 11-22).
Pop by if you have the chance, think I’ll be there Saturday 26. and Sunday 27. October between 13 -15.
A few hours before my summer holidays were about to kick in, opportunity knocked – so I had to change my initial plans; doing nothing at all, except wait for myself to be myself again… to quote the famous artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
But let us put first things first: the next morning I started preparing for my upcoming Solo Show in Oslo last part of October.
Organizing and planning work in progress
Time is scarce
Being a full time working girl means time is scarce and energy levels somewhat fluctuating due to long hours and sweaty shifts.
But don’t you worry, I know the drill. I’m an experienced project manager and I’ve been prepping for exhibits many times before. And yes, in case you wonder; there are a million things to do…
Initial planning with curator
Planning is crucial
Planning is very important and I take notes along the way, so I can evaluate and take corrective actions when needed. Knowing that I’m on the right path gives me energy to deal with rough days, short nights and long hours in my studio.
But right now my studio is turned upside down, because I am rearrangeing my flat. So where are those journals?
I briefly know the gallery space from a previous group show, but I’ve been checking it out again, measuring and photographing the room. Just in case.
Initial plan – Working title
My initial plan for this exhibition has been growing for quite a while, so I’m happy to share that I’ve already got about 14 finished paintings and several ongoing pieces.
The working title is something like “Home is where the heart is”… I’m thinking, my heart beats differently from yours in the sense of what makes me happy, safe and inspired. So there will be a variety of motifs and hopefully something will resonate with your heart.
14 finished paintings to show the curator
Abundance for the curator
Abundance is a good thing when making art shows; picking the right group of paintings for the show is crucial – and that’s why I’ve chosen to work with a curator this time. We’ve had a few initial talks about the project and she seems to be excited.
I hope that a professional look at my body of work will add quality to this Solo Exhibit. I believe that having an abundance of finished works will give the curator the privilege of choosing the right paintings for the upcoming exhibit.
Next up is to show the curator my finished paintings and maybe some of those still in the messy middle…
I’m so looking forward to my summer vacation! Three “endless” weeks doing nothing except waiting for myself to be myself again, to quote the famous Georgia O’Keeffe.
I seriously need to escape the hamster wheel for a while and chill out. I haven’t planned for any art projects at all. But we’ll see, as life has an obscure way of surprising me.
Chillout zone
Escaping the hustle
It sure feels like the everyday hustle is killing me. Working full time with too many 12 hour shifts is not what I dreamt of, and maybe not in alignment with my overall health after 4 rounds of covid and forcing myself back to work after Long Covid.
Truth be told, I spend a lot of time flat out in bed, on the couch or in my hammock trying to recover. At the moment it’s really challenging to find the work – life balance.
Escaping the hustle
The secrets of Tai Chi
Practicing Tai Chi is my secret to get through the days. Spending time with my Tai Chi Tribe resets my energy and helps me recognize my true self.
My Tai Chi Tribe
And the same goes for my studio: creating art is not an escape, more like a release, a remembering of who I truly am.
Studio time
The Year of the Snake 2025
The year of the snake is forecasted to steer up deep change and personal growth.
Making big life decisions is not easy. Taking corrective action in life is a bold move that requires courage and conviction. Lately I’ve been reflecting on turning my life around to align with myself, with my true hopes and desires, and how I want to live my life from day to day.
Reflection time
Sensitivity as a tool for reflection
Artists are said to be sensitive to the world around us, often with great empathy for other people. But sometimes we kind of lack empathy for ourselves, or we might be too busy looking outwards.
It is important to set aside time to reflect, to let go of what is not serving you any more, to open up and hold more. You are never too late for your life.
Crossroads
Realizing you’ve come to a crossroads in your life might be hard to accept, but trust your intuition – pay attention to your dreams and what makes you happy.
For years I had the feeling of living someone else’s life. I felt rubbish and my body was my enemy. Now I know that my body was speaking the truth. Energy never lies. You cannot continue repeating the same stuff and expect different results.
Back on my path again
Back on track
Right now I feel like being back on track and in alignment with my soul; socializing, enjoying concerts, theaters, slam poetry, mini balls, hiking – and feeling welcomed by a new tribe is revitalizing my heart. Thank you, I’m so grateful!
It’s like the Universe is showing me how good life can get!
Painting is not about skills only. For me it’s mostly about energy, emotions and intention. About listening and about being me.
A wise woman once said to me: «I have an inner voice and it demands to be heard. Listen carefully and I’ll tell you my story.»
Listen carefully
Making space to be myself
My studio is the place where I make space to be myself and not let the world interrupt who I am and what’s important to me. I think of my art practice as a kind of healing space where I express myself freely. Therefore I prefer working in stillness, to tune in, hoping to reach my authentic presence and paint from my heart.
In my art practice I try to remember who I am on a deeper level behind the everyday hustle. I make art to show my Soul that I am listening, hoping to hold space for miracles to happen.
Deep listening
To me painting is a way of listening to the inward turmoil caused by what’s going on in the world. The slowness in my studio is grounding and reconnects me with myself and what feels important in my life.
Layering paint
The process
During the creative process I contemplate and transform emotions into energetic abstract paintings.
I normally start my paintings with a set intention and a few restrictions to focus myself; like what kind of substrate, mediums, colour scheme and utensils I will start working with.
From that moment on I move through the painting process almost like a dancer or a choreographer.
My little helper, Mr Greg
Layers of life and history
My many layered paintings take time to make. Some of them have a lot of history hidden underneath, hardly visible. They kind of resemble life itself as it unfolds.
The layers may have different approaches to tell different stories.
Expressionists often show emotions through colour. When dealing with large paintings body movement is crucial. Painting small is my biggest challenge.
I like working with textures, collage and I love pushing paint around, scraping, scratching and removing paint. Thick and thin layers to contrast each other. Mixing rapid movements and slow pace.
I normally prefer quietude when painting, but I sometimes put on some music and dance to get the creative juices flowing.
Love summer
Busy spring
This spring was busy with some very hectic months at my day job and three exhibitions on top of that.
I managed to squeeze in some super fun evenings out as well. Not to mention the trip to Side, Turkey with my Tai Chi tribe.
But there was little room for slow time and playful explorations in my studio, which is a crucial part of my art practice and my well being.
No plans for the summer
So, that´s why I´m thinking: No special plans for the summer, except wait for myself to be myself again while cat sitting my greek friend, Mr Greg.
Opportunity knocks! Happy to share my new painting with art lovers. This month I’m participating in a local group show:
Little Treasures in Oslo
My painting to the right
Feel free to check out my brand new painting as part of the group exhibition «Little Treasures» at Sagene samfunnshus May 1.-31. in Oslo. I also highly recommend sharing a nice meal at the local Nazar cafe.
Title: One more cup of coffee before you go
Size: 40 x 40 cm
Medium: mixed media on deep edge canvas
Year: 2025
Price: 950,- NOK (plus shipping costs)
Thanks a lot, Torshov kunst- og kulturforening for this opportunity.
Trust the process! is one of my guiding mantras. I also love working intuitively to open up for untold stories. And sometimes it feels a bit scary as the work comes alive on the canvas, because:
Some paintings have a strong will. This one has been telling me a lot of stories along the way and has a lot of history hidden in its many layers.
Many hidden layers
Catching up with artist community
Good things always happen to me!
First time I had the pleasure of exhibiting with this wonderful local artist community was back in the days. And I’m so happy I decided to join them again.
Lucky to be part of Torshov kunst- og kulturforening!
Work in progress
Group Exhibit 1. – 31. May
Anyways, feel free to check out my work May 1.- 31 on display at Sagene samfunnshus, Oslo. For further information go to my website.
Finally my trip to Side at the Turkish Riviera came alive. I’ve been dreaming about this for months.
From winter to early summer
We took off in the middle of a Norwegian winter night and arrived for lunch in the beautiful Turkish early summer. What a joy to get to know the surroundings and my fellow travellers.
8 days filled with joy
The 8 day trip is like a double Kinderegg:
Tai Chi practice (twice a day)
Summer feeling/ beach life in between
Exploring ancient city, history, culture
Good food and wine
Hanging out with my Tai Chi Tribe
Art workshop
Tai Chi morning practice
Daily Tai Chi practice
Truth be told, I really enjoyed our daily morning and evening practice. It felt so refreshing doing Tai Chi outside in the open air overlooking the ocean, watching the sun orbit until nightfall. Think I could have doubled the Tai Chi hours, but on the other side; doing yoga on the beach was not bad at all.
Beach life
Summer feeling
In between Tai Chi and wonderful meals we enjoyed the summer feeling at the beach (or by the pool) every day. Sunny days and swimming in the ocean felt super energising this time of year. Think I could have doubled the 8 days without getting homesick. No problem!
Temple of Apollo, Side
Exploring the city of Side
One day we took the local bus to explore the ancient city of Side with its old town and the historical Temple of Apollo. And of course we enjoyed a tasty lunch with some deep glasses of wine at one of the best restaurants in the harbour. What a wonderful day!
So tasty!
Workshop and vernissage
When booking my trip I made plans to join a local art workshop. But after some research, I decided to scale down my initial plans and go for a private workshop on my own.
Therefore I packed just enough art supplies to make one painting a day. I also brought some pre-prepared layered paintings from my home studio (specifically made for this very project) hoping to finish the top layers with my Poscas whenever I had some spare time, as it turned out mostly before bed time.
One painting every day
Painting as contemplation
Painting resembles Tai Chi when it comes to body movements. I often practice Tai Chi when in my studio. I see both disciplines as energy work.
For me painting is a mindful way to contemplate today’s lesson.
The topic of my 8 days in Side series of paintings was, of course, the Tai Chi classes and the energy we’ve been practicing each day.
Workshop in Side
Vernissage
Last evening before dinner the whole Tai Chi Tribe was invited to an informal vernissage and to my big surprise 6 out of 7 paintings found a new home within minutes. Sometimes it’s really nice to say yes! when someone pops a question.
Thank you for showing such enthusiasm, dear Tai Chi Tribe!
Thank you!
Some key takeaways
A key takeaway from my trip to Side is that doing research and making plans in advance brings success. The decision to downsize my initial idea of joining a local workshop and instead make my own turned out to be both realistic and fun.
Launching the idea of vernissage was never in my initial plans. The workshop was designed for me to contemplate the energies we had been working on. When I mentioned I was creating artworks before bedtime someone asked me to share a snapshot and thereafter the idea of vernissage arose. Don’t be shy: Go with the flow!
Another important lesson is to bring more summer clothes and make sure the thick books are interesting enough to read (or you might as well leave them at home)!!
Imagine having so much fun in 8 days. Such a refreshing trip!
How on earth did we get through the month of February? So cold and so draining. I got scared every morning as I saw my pale grey face in the bathroom mirror. – Who’s that? Is she alive?
Snowy February
So cold, so dark
February was unfortunately packed with work, and hardly no time – say no energy – to make art. How do you find motivation when your body feels like sleeping every time you have a minute to reflect on what’s going on?
I decided to listen to my body’s cravings and save my energy; read books, pet the guest cat, Miss Fluffy, and drink lots of ginger tea.
Miss Fluffy is visiting for a few weeks
Surprising myself
By the end of the month I realised I must have been awake at some point… preparing for my trip to Side, Turkey next month by researching and making first layers of paintings for my planned 7 days workshop focusing on Tai Chi energy.
Preparing for workshop – first layers
Tai Chi is like painting
Think it was father of contemporary Tai Chi (with nickname Flying Dragon) the famous master Li Tianji (1914-96) who said that «Doing Tai Chi is like painting with your body» and that resonates with me because I often do Tai Chi while painting in my studio, especially while working on large canvases.
Ready for beach life
Hoping for sunny days
I sincerely hope for sunny days, sand between my toes and a quick swim in the ocean 😎 Can hardly remember how that feels…
Where did I find energy?
To my big surprise it turned out I had also planned my entries for two upcoming exhibits in Oslo this spring. – Now where did all that energy come from?
Sometimes I wonder how I pull things off in between everything…
Painting is fun!
That being said; I sacrifice a lot to do what I love most and what makes me who I am. Creating art every day is not for everyone, but to me it is vital…
Now off to next month, hoping that March will bring lots of good stuff!
Woohoo! This month my art blog celebrates 10 years! Imagine that! I sometimes surprise myself 🥳
time for celebration
Those who know me might recall that I’ve been blogging about quite a few different topics over the years (handball, cats, food to mention a few), but this art blog is the longest living one.
Hooray! 🥳 Time to celebrate!
Everyone who signs up for my newsletter will get a chance to win one of my paintings! If you’ve already signed up please share this opportunity with friends and family ❤️
2024 was the year of the dragon and forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges. Sometimes one wakes up in the morning and wonders if the world is going to last throughout the day…
so many strong emotions this year
Strong emotions
Many people I meet express strong emotions about what is going on in the world today and seem to have a hard time stepping out of all the negativity shared. Some seem to have lost hope. I kind of think of it in a different way:
The Choice is Yours
Emotion is energy in motion and they travel through us. The point is what you do with this energy: Will you let the energy bring you down, or will you use the energy as fuel to bring out the good stuff. The choice is yours!
Haruki Murakami is one of my favourite authors. I love his books with their surreal and strange worlds that are the places of metaphorical journeys. And no matter how strange and hopeless things look, Murakami reminds us that things can get better. I repeat:
Things can get better! And there are things we can do to contribute!
climb up the ladder
Sometimes we all need to climb up our ladders and get out of our rabbit holes to reach new vantage points, viewpoints and perspectives. Now is the time to step up and transform the negative emotions into positive activities!
Take a leap, get out of your comfort zone and do something to help move the world in the right direction. Please!
«Life is a blank canvas, it’s never too late to create your masterpiece.»
— Unknown
Happy New Year! Let’s make 2025 a good one!
A heartfelt thank you to my cheering family, friends, fellow artists and collectors: Your emotional and financial support directly helps fund my work. Your encouragement makes my art journey possible, and I’m deeply grateful for that!
Looking forward to sharing more art with you next year!
Wow! Who would have thought I’d be taking part in 3 group exhibitions this autumn…
15. – 17. November: Nordberg Lions, Oslo
23. November – 11. January: Fault Line: Gaza 355 at Oriel Q Gallery in Narberth Wales
21. September – 10. October: PAE24 at Millhouse Mackinney in Texas USA
Normally I turn down most requests to exhibit my work, but: Sometimes it is nice to say: YES!!!
happy to exhibit my work
Life is a mystery… sometimes one is lucky and sometimes one is really, really unlucky…
So sad
I had the saddest start of this month as my Best Friend Forever, My Heart and My Everything, Mr Muskat suddenly left us 💔
My grief is overwhelming and whirls up so many emotions…
Deep Love also means deep sorrow. But life goes on without Mr Art Cat 😭 RiP 💔
RiP My Wonderful Furry Best Friend Forever. I will miss you 💔
Going back to the studio alone
As I have signed up for a couple of group exhibitions, I had to pull myself out of my rabbit hole of grief and go back to my studio and start working.
Challenge 1: Working small
Working small is one of my biggest challenges, but I think my entries for the Fault Line: Gaza 355 exhibit came together pretty nicely and were shipped to Wales for the group exhibition at Oriel Q Gallery, in Narberth in memory of Hind and the thousands of children killed in Gaza and for those still living there ❤️
Fault Line: Gaza 355 is curated by Tasmin Nash. Exhibition runs from Saturday 23 November 2024 – Saturday 11 January 2025.
Oriel Q Gallery, Narberth Wales
We are based at The Studio, 11 Market Street, Narberth, SA67 7AX
Here you can see my 9 small works:
Fault Line: Gaza 355
Challenge 2: Square paintings
Don’t know why, but I love a challenge. Since September I’ve been working on four new paintings for a local group exhibition. The 4 square canvases measure 60×60 cm and are all part of ongoing parallel projects, but will be on display (and might even get sold) at the Lions Nordberg exhibition in Oslo 17.-19. November.
I find it really challenging working on square canvases, but they seem to be finding their way…
work in progress
Will probably adjust some colors and add some more details before the finishing touches. Wish me luck!
painting the edges
Some details about Nordberg Lions exhibition in Oslo
Opening reception Friday 15.november 18.00-19.00
Where: Kirkestuen, Nordberg Church, Kringsjågrenda 1, Oslo
When: Friday 15. november 16.00 – 19.00 Saturday 16. november 12.00 – 17.00 Sunday 17. november 12.00 – 17.00
Time flies when you’re having fun! These past few months sure have been busy… Packed with to-do-lists and fun opportunities I never ever dreamt of. Weird thing is I didn’t foresee, or wish for, any of this to happen…
Life is full of surprises both good ones and not so good ones. Perhaps that’s the Universe’s way of telling me I’m alive?
My kind of gardening
I just love abstracting nature motifs when in the studio. As you might remember from an earlier blog, I’ve been abstracting parts of my garden for the PAE exhibition in Texas, USA this month.
And I’m happy to share that my painting Hanna’s garden was sold to a happy artist and collector.
Hanna’s garden 2024
Painting with Mr Art Cat
One thing I do love is painting with my wonderful furry helper, Mr Art Cat. Don’t know what I’d do without him…
my wonderful helper Mr Muskat
Last month I brought home some new canvases. I just love starting new paintings…
If everything goes as I hope, these 4 canvases will be on display in November…
new canvases in da house
Fault Line: Gaza 355
Next month I look forward to show 9 small paintings in Wales. I honestly believe that through art we can change the world.
Fault Line. Gaza 355
This is my small contribution for the Fault Line: Gaza 355 exhibition at Oriel Q Gallery in Narberth, Wales in memory of Hind and the thousands of children killed in Gaza and for those still living there.
Thank you for organizing this opportunity to help make the world a little better!
Busy days in my studio
The past couple of months I’ve been busy working on some new motifs for some of my ongoing series. An artist friend recently asked me why I prefer working on several parralell projects instead of finishing one at the time?
My answer is: Because I love to play and have fun and there are so many fun things to explore.
But it seems Mr Cat is not so happy with the outcome…
My Furry Best Friend Forever
Life balance
Some days I think I need a vacation from my own life… So what to do when life is kicking your butt?
Besides roaming the woods with Mr Cat, I prefer spending slow evenings on my balcony with my best furry friend.
Autumn light is even more beautiful with a few candles and a cup of tea. And of course, Mr Cat also gets some nice treats while we read a good book or just chat about life in general…
autumn walk with Mr Cat
Local group exhibition coming up
Last year I think I turned down like 4 exhibitions, both local and international. But surprise, surprise! I’m taking part in 3 shows this autumn.
For the first time in several years I’ve agreed to join the Lions Nordberg Høstutstilling in Oslo next month and will show 4 brand new paintings.
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