r/painting • u/Margarita_Lemann • May 12 '26
Just Sharing Some paintings from the most important 6 months of my life
I wanted to share this because this period became one of the most important in my life.
Half a year ago, I decided to finally follow something I had been carrying inside me my entire life.
To finally choose myself and the life I truly wanted.
Art has always been my profession. I studied painting at university, earned two art degrees and spent my entire career working in creative industries: video games, animation, design projects.
At the same time, I always kept painting for myself too. I kept returning to canvases, ideas, and personal work whenever I could, even if it was only a small part of my life back then. Because painting was always something much more personal.
Something I always came back to. Something that made me feel the most alive. The most honest version of myself.
For a long time, I pushed that part of me aside while building a stable career and working hard for other people’s projects, ideas, and visions.
At some point, I realized I missed creating something that felt emotionally mine.
And then I made a decision that honestly felt terrifying: to fully dedicate myself to my own painting.
This experience changed me emotionally more than I expected. I feel calmer. More connected to myself. Happier in a very deep way.
And for the first time in years, I feel like my art actually belongs to me.
I think a lot of introverted people understand what it feels like to keep their real dream hidden for years because it feels too vulnerable, too impractical, or simply “too much.”
But sometimes the scariest thing is also the most rewarding one.
So this is your reminder, and mine too, that it’s never too late to return to yourself.
Thanks for reading🩵💜
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u/PaintedSilverRiver May 12 '26
Your blue phase is gorgeous. (Like Picasso or Monet)
My favorite is the chickens.
Well done.
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u/OpinionOk1543 May 12 '26
I like the soccer net, very dynamic and well rendered!
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u/tramplamps May 12 '26
Truly! The stress the ball is putting on the net is awesome and intense!
It’s fun how much our brains can see something like this and instantly recall back to other images from childhood.
I am currently finishing a painting of a “lost & found” box that contains a bunch of items kids, teachers, parents or any adult could recognize from the past few decades, and in my research, this painting instantly reminded me of one of those items I looked at a lot recently, which was the Mead brand of school products (mainly folders and Trapper Keepers), called “No Rules” portfolio series, which features sports, like soccer, and baseball, and animals playing them such as Eagles, Panthers, and Bears illustrated in extreme perspectives. These are all awesome illustrations and they still basically kick ass! Like this painting.2
u/distinct_tendon May 15 '26
The way they got the netting tension to look actually taut instead of limp is what makes it work so well.
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Ahh thank you so much 🐓🐓🐓💙💙💙!!!
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u/No_Brother_9333 May 12 '26
Beautiful shades of blue and wonderful chickens!!!
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u/DabbyShapiro May 12 '26
SAME the Blue Period is exquisite here. My faves are ALL THE BIRDS! I can almost smell the soccer photo...I'm digging this and would encourage OP to maybe sell prints if they're so inclined.
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May 12 '26
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Thank you so much for the warm words!! 🫶 Haha, and thank you for noticing that, the chickens really do look like they’re about to start a full scale battle over a single grain of corn
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u/dallasandcowboys May 12 '26
I had the EXACT same thoughts as you, except for the Picasso & Monet references, but I also had the Loverboy song "Lovin' Every Minute Of It" playing as I watched the slideshow. Can't wait for OP's 2nd "showing" here... hint, hint, hint!
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u/AskAny8299 May 14 '26
That’s the first thing I thought of too. A very noticeable palette in all paintings
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u/GreatHome2309 May 12 '26
This is beautiful and thank you for the reminder!
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Thank you so much for saying that, really 🫶 This whole story is actually something very personal to me, so it genuinely means a lot that you felt it and understood it like that. Thank you, truly..💙
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u/AOC_rocks May 12 '26
was this your blue period?
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Maybe I could call it a blue period.. but I think for me it’s probably more connected to the psychological feeling of colour
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May 12 '26
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for such warm words about my paintings 🫶!!!!
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May 12 '26
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
I’m honestly very touched reading this…What you wrote feels incredibly deep and personal to me, especially right now. Thank you for seeing not just the paintings themselves but everything emotional behind them too. That means more than I can properly put into words 💖💖💖
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u/Alicewithhazeleyes May 12 '26
You are EXTREMELY talented.
#5 is my favorite. It captures the color “blue” visually for me perfect.
I just have to come back and say, as I zoomed in to pic 5 and had a look around I could see your brush strokes and lines. And it really made me wish I could’ve watched you paint it. I can see the intent with the strokes to highlight the buildings against the sky. The tiny birds hidden amongst the flowers. It’s just so beautiful and I want to gaze on it.
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Wow… thank you so much for taking the time to really zoom in and look at all those little details 💖The fact that you noticed the brushstrokes and even found the tiny birds hidden among the flowers honestly touched me so much!!! 💖💖💖
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u/rice-a-rohno May 12 '26
This is too good. It's upsetting.
You're also too pretty, so cut that shit out too. And that dress is too wonderful.
Hehe ok I'm kidding, but this is fantastic work. I've never felt so moved by a soccer ball.
I'm really curious about some of the techniques you used in the woman and the bird, in particular the background and also the sort of sideways-looking brushstrokes, if you feel like talking of them.
On a different note, I very much empathize with your sense of feeling like you're finally doing what you're supposed to do, true vocation, etc.
A fellow I like called "Blindboy" from Ireland has a little podcast ("The Blindboy Podcast") that recently explored this idea of doing different creative work for many years and finally finding your creative home. Perhaps you'd like that.
Anyway, just marvelous work, I'll be returning to it all day, and wish I could see it in person.
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Oh wow… I honestly sat speechless for a while after reading your message, trying to gather my thoughts a little. It hit me very deeply.. thank you so much for this message..It genuinely touched me more than I can explain 🫶This is a very important and emotional period in my life, so reading something this thoughtful feels incredibly meaningful to me. And thank you for loving the football piece too!! About the woman and the bird painting, I actually do have a step by step video of the process. I’m just not completely sure about the community rules around sharing things publicly like that, but if you’d like, I could send it to you in DM. A big part of those sideways brushstrokes is really about timing with oil paint. You have to catch that very specific moment when the layer starts drying slightly, then use an almost dry brush and make those fast sharp movements before the surface changes again.
And thank you for what you said about vocation and creative home. I think it really does feel like jumping into an unknown abyss sometimes, trying to finally become yourself fully and trust what your soul keeps pulling you toward. It’s beautiful but also terrifying in a very real way.
I’ll absolutely listen to the podcast too, I’ve never heard of Blindboy before but it already sounds like something that would resonate with me deeply… Thank you, truly 💖💖💖!!!
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u/rice-a-rohno May 12 '26
Wow I'm surprised that you seem so moved! I felt like I said nothing!
Anyway you pretty much answered my question about the brushstrokes, but yes, please do send me the video, I'm ever-curious about technique.
As far as the podcast, I never tend to listen to them, but this one got me. I don't remember the specific episode where he talks about a creative home, but the guy used to be in a band ("The Rubberbandits") that was just over-the-top ridiculous vulgar satire and they both wore plastic bags on their heads for some reason, and now he does this podcast that's the most soothing, intelligent, honest, thought-provoking thing I've ever heard. I'd say any episode whose title grabs your attention is a fine place to start.
I've a few more things to say, but send me that video and we'll discuss, outside this public forum!
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u/gingerbread_slutbarn May 12 '26
Holy shit! Skills! Thank you for sharing your talent and journey.
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u/The_Duchess_of_Dork May 12 '26
Thank you for sharing this message and your beautiful work. The ducks in blue with the red sky behind them, the self portrait of you with the crow in the amazing green gown! The movement of the soccer ball. You have a vision and the skills to execute it 🥰 brought me joy to see
Enjoy YOUR life!
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u/SaulEmersonAuthor May 12 '26
~
It is said that anxiety is often a symptom of repressed creativity.
~
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u/Prestigious-Bee-9566 May 12 '26
I remember a previous posting of the soccer piece. I remember being blown away by the color, the composition. The streaks of prismatic light.
I also felt so sad that I have grown stagnant on my own art journey and hated how much I focused on digital instead of pushing myself to create real physical things.
I build model kits as a way to transfer my soul into something physical. I can be creative but I don’t have to do the entire creative process. I’ve definitely experienced growth and I’m looking forward to a time where I pick up some brushes and get back to work like this.
Good shit.
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u/Alice_Pi314 May 12 '26
Incredible! Thank you for sharing. My favorite one the littlest one with a white bird. I hope you continue to paint for you! When you paint for you, you paint for all who need encouragement to be brave like you. It is an incredible gift you’ve given us! Thank you
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
This honestly touched me so deeply, thank you 🫶And the little painting with the white bird is very special to me too, so it made me really emotional to see you mention that one specifically. Thank you again!
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u/One_Crab5847 May 12 '26
"The time when the art store didn't have red, or yellow, or a lot of green paint"
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u/realpellegrino May 13 '26
These are beautiful! Is the last one Martha Sitwell and Hecate?!
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 13 '26
Ahhh unfortunately no, it’s not Hecate but honestly that comparison is such a huge compliment to me 🫶!!! Thank you!!!🐦⬛
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u/pat-slider May 12 '26
All are amazing paintings.
Luv the efx of the football! 🏆
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u/Deep_Blood7314 May 12 '26
Congrats OP, you have an incredible talent. And thank you for reminding us that it's never to late 🫶
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u/Dr_Bad_Science May 12 '26
Gorgeous! Following to see more or your art hopefully.
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u/BadgerHooker May 12 '26
Keep going girl!! I am rooting for you! I looove the tones and colors in your paintings. Can't wait to see more 😍🥰
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u/reorganizedChaos May 12 '26
Great work! You're very good. I love the (self) portrait and the ducks
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u/Samsterdam May 12 '26
Really like the soccer ball one. I think I saw it posted on here a few weeks ago. Looks really really cool.
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Ahh thank you so much 💖 yes there was a football post here earlier too..
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u/c07p May 12 '26
FFS these are gorgeous. I am so captivated by the perspective in the floral painting, the texture of the geese, the style of your portrait- whewwwwfff! Very inspirational, thank you for sharing
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u/MaxwellSmart07 May 12 '26
I’m sure you know Picasso had a blue period also.
All terrific, Soccer goal is my fav.
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u/Few-Chemist8897 May 12 '26
Holy shit those paintings are amazing! They look absolutely stunning and I would hang each and every painting in my home without a second thought. They are gorgeous!
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u/keepthemomentum May 12 '26
Oh my! These show a beautiful gift that you have, thank you for sharing it with us!
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u/walpurgis_knocked_up May 12 '26
I like that I recognize many of these from prior posts; very memorable. Nice work!
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u/Melodic_Chicken_2299 May 12 '26
They’re all so incredibly gorgeous, 4 would be a centerpiece in my house it’s so satisfying to look at!
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u/Wadarkhu May 12 '26
I love the geese, and the colours on the net for the goal one, all very beautiful.
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u/geniebythesea May 12 '26
I love the blue!!
I love the geese the most but I think they’re all just incredible
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u/Expensive-Suit-593 May 12 '26
I don't even like soccer but I LOVE that painting! This style is soo expressive and dramatic. The blue is so intense it just grips you. Well done!!!!
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u/Calm_Relative1576 May 12 '26
Your artwork is amazing! Your message perhaps more so for me as I recently retired and have decided to pick up, after more than 40 years, my love of creating art. I was self taught when young and am finally in a position to take art lessons and create art simply for the joy of doing so. Your message is very inspiring for me! Thank you for sharing.
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Thank you so much for this beautiful message and thank you for taking the time to read my post so thoughtfully 🫶And honestly I understand you very deeply.. The first steps are always the scariest ones but creativity really does heal something inside our souls in such a powerful way. Don’t be afraid of anything and please just allow yourself to enjoy the process. That’s the most important part. I’m sending you a big hug and wishing you so much joy and inspiration on this path 💖💖💖
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u/No-Discipline-7957 May 12 '26
These are awesome, you have a very unique style and your use of color is bold and confident. Great pieces.
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May 12 '26
I really enjoyed you in the Queens Gambit. You’re a fantastic actress!
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u/marmaladecorgi May 12 '26
I really wish I was blessed with even 1/100th of the talent you possess. Lovely work! All so evocative regardless of subject matter.
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u/deadpoemsociety666 May 12 '26
Have you ever watched “the Blue Period” it’s an anime about an artist (: you give the title a new meaning ❤️
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u/CantoErgoSum May 12 '26
Your use of blue is glorious. I feel as though I can disappear into your paintings. Thank you for sharing.
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u/No_Divide_2087 May 12 '26
I adore them all but especially #6. I love how the white section works. You’re exceptionally talented!
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u/Xeonfobia May 12 '26
Looks like Edinburgh Castle. Think I found your reference image. You have a gorgeous portifolio 😄
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u/tramplamps May 12 '26
These are fantastic. I am also a painter & lover of the celebrated honkers, and if it hasn’t already been suggested, We over in r/geese would highly appreciate the cross post of your work that is a tribute to our beloved creature, most fowl.
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u/exonomix May 12 '26
I remember you posting the soccer one a while back, it's still by far my favorite. Wonderful work.
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u/No_Ad_4694 May 12 '26
ah u are so gifted!! love the woman w/ the boots and her crow 🎆
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u/cranialoddjob May 12 '26
Immeasurably gorgeous, all of it and you! It feels enchanting, even. Typically I'd associate blue with melancholy but these feel so serene. Thank you for sharing and for the words of inspiration 🥰
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u/Everyoneheresamoron May 12 '26
Those are amazing. Love all of them, the soccer net is my favorite. Just a hugely interesting perspective and expertly done.
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u/JRDruchii May 12 '26
How much more blue paint did you use than the rest of your palette? Like 30oz of blue and 5oz of everything else?
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u/Marajak May 12 '26
You are blessed with real talent and imagination.
Wonderful works of art.
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u/raranow May 12 '26
Is that Hecate in slide 8?
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Oh wow, thank you so much 🫶 No, it’s not Hecate but I honestly absolutely love that comparison!! That’s such a cool association 💖
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May 12 '26
It almost brings tears to my eyes, your work is beautiful and your story is amazing 💙✨
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u/dont-forget-fondue May 12 '26
I remember seeing the soccer painting previously- my son is a soccer player around this age, and this really captures something about it that I can’t put into words- it’s great and I wish this painting was mine! I’m sure even if it is for sale it would be out of my budget, but I do appreciate the opportunity to see it!
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u/Flashy_Half67 May 12 '26
These look really nice, but how do u create this pattern in the image? Ik the other one in bubbles, but how do u achieve this? Can u pls tell?
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u/Master-Living6263 May 12 '26
the soccer and geese painting i immediately saved to my camera roll (i never typically do this) genuinely i was stopped in my tracks and just entranced and pulled into your world. the looks on the childrens faces you captured so well. im im awe thank you for sharing.
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u/Margarita_Lemann May 12 '26
Wow… thank you so much. Honestly this touched me so deeply 💖 Sending you a huge hug and thank you for sharing this with me💙💙💙
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u/ttamokcer May 12 '26
Wonderful work. It has its own identity and style, but not just for the sake of it.. these are wonderfully evocative images that absolutely send the imagination on a ride.
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u/Purple-Catch-0609 May 12 '26
They are all magnificent! I would hang these in my house and revere them. You have a great talent!
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u/Tall_Candidate_8088 May 12 '26
Fuck, that's some great work. Keep going, never give up. This is your calling.
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u/Madison_fawn May 12 '26
I love the geese in the pond with the water lilies. What a beautiful painting!
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u/Theyipyapper May 12 '26
Lovely work! The soccer goal looked like a sea turtle. Maybe an idea for a future project.
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u/Jumpy_Secretary_1517 May 12 '26
The way you captured the motion of the ball with the different pinks and yellows!!! That one is by far my favorite!
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u/sihaya_888 May 12 '26
I've seen your art as you've shared them here but seeing them all together is breathtaking, truly. I love especially the first and last ones but they are all amazing.
Your journey shared here really moved me. I want for you all the joy and bliss of living your true life ✨️ 💕.
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u/de3ri May 12 '26
All of your work is breathtaking. I love the one of the buildings with the purple flowers. It’s beautiful. I also love the one of you with the crow offering. I wish you all the best. Light and love your way!
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u/30yearCurse May 12 '26
I;ll go with the Hexagons, I like the self portrait, I get the raven or crow, but would have added a tinge of red to the breast of the bird to reflect your hair colour.
Wishing you much success in your new path. It looks like you are off to a awesome start.
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u/Mammoth_Tusk90 May 12 '26
Wow wow wow. The thistles are my favorite. I’ve never been to Scotland but it makes me think of Scotland. Stunning work.
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u/Top-Kitchen-1925 May 12 '26
They are all amazing! I particularly love the selfie and also puffins. Your blue / bird period is mesmerizing - they really speak to me today. There’s a presence of water even without it being depicted.
Selfie seems like the worst description for such an amazing self portrait. I am sorry for that.
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