The Art of Transformation: How Change Inspires My Paintings

Today I want to share something close to my heart: the way change, in all its messiness and beauty, shapes my art and my life. If you’ve ever felt yourself in the middle of a transformation, this is for you.

Why Transformation Matters to Me

I’m endlessly fascinated by how we grow, adapt, and find meaning in the in-between spaces. Change isn’t just a theme in my paintings—it’s a constant in my life. Some days it feels like a gentle nudge; other days, it’s a tidal wave. I paint about transformation because it’s honest, it’s universal, and it’s where I find the most beauty.

How Change Shows Up in My Studio

My creative process is never the same twice. I start with a feeling—maybe hope, maybe uncertainty—and let it guide my hands. Mixed media is perfect for this because it lets me layer, erase, and start again, just like life. Some days I reach for bold colors and thick oil paint; other days, I’m drawn to delicate lines and subtle textures. Every mark is a record of what I’m learning, what I’m letting go of, and what I’m becoming.

The Story Behind “Drift”

“Drift” is one of those pieces that came from a place of surrender. I made it during a time when I needed to trust the process and let things unfold. There’s a softness to the layers, but also a quiet strength—a reminder that letting go isn’t the same as giving up. If you look closely, you’ll see hints of gold and cool blue, like sunlight breaking through water.

Getting to Know Your Journey

I believe art can hold space for our stories, especially when words fall short. If you’re in the middle of a change, or just reflecting on how far you’ve come, I hope my work offers you a sense of companionship. “Drift” and other paintings in my gallery are always available, and I love creating commissions that reflect your unique journey.

The Tools That Changed My Painting Process

Every now and then, something small shifts in your process, and suddenly the whole painting experience opens up. I’ve had a few of those “ohhh” moments recently—little breakthroughs that changed how I approach the canvas, and how I think about colour, space, and freedom in my work.

One of the biggest shifts? Learning about warm and cool colours in oil paint.

Before that, I painted intuitively but without much direction. Red was red, blue was blue. I didn’t realize that each colour carries a temperature—that ultramarine blue feels warm, while pthalo is much cooler. Once I understood how temperature affects mixing, shadows, and skin tones, it was like someone handed me the missing key. Suddenly, everything looked more natural. I wasn’t fighting the paint anymore—I was working with it.

Another simple but impactful change: switching to a larger palette.

I used to work off a tiny, cramped surface, constantly squeezing colours into the corners. It made me timid with mixing. But once I gave myself space—a full-size palette where I could lay out the whole spectrum—I felt a shift in energy. I had room to explore, to push colour further, to make mistakes and learn from them. It made the whole process feel less tense, more playful.

These might sound like small tweaks, but for me they’ve been game-changers. Together, they’ve given me more control and more freedom at the same time. I’m not just mixing colours—I’m building mood, shaping light, and leaning into subtle transitions I never used to see.

And that’s the thing about painting—it’s always evolving. The more I learn, the more there is to learn. I’ve finished a few pieces recently—both Bellas, both Brooks—that I feel especially proud of. They carry a kind of quiet contemplation that I’ve been chasing for a while. The source material was beautiful, yes, but I think it’s also the tools and mindset shifts that helped me bring those portraits to life in a new way.

Looking Ahead

With these changes in place, I’m excited to keep pushing forward. Portraiture still pulls me in deeply, and I’m planning to work on several more pieces in the coming weeks. There’s something meditative about painting a face—capturing more than just likeness, but presence.

Next on my list? Keep refining the website, stay consistent in the studio, and explore more layers of temperature and tone. The tools may be simple, but when they’re the right ones, they make the whole journey feel more grounded.

The remains of my palette after a full week of painting—warm and cool tones mixed and layered, with skin tones, deep shadows, and earthy reds still visible. This kind of mess is proof of progress.

Cleaning the Studio, Clearing the Mind: My Week of Finishing, Focus, and Forward Momentum

Hitting Reset in Paint and Pixels

There’s something about a messy studio that mirrors a cluttered mind. This week, I decided it was time to clean both. I’ve been working hard on my art—on painting, making, and building this website—and while that’s rewarding, it also comes with its own challenges. It’s easy to get stuck in the half-finished stage, to keep starting but not quite finishing. Sound familiar?

For those of us deep in the journey—whether you’re a fellow artist, a creative in transition, or part of the Milan Art Institute program—you’ll get it. This week I made a conscious shift: I set goals, finished what I started, and gave myself permission to re-center.

The Challenge of Finishing

I’ll be honest: finishing paintings has been tough. I think we all carry a few that sit there on the easel a little too long, quietly judging us. This week, I finally completed four pieces that have been lingering in my studio: both Bellas and both Brooks. These portraits are among my favorites—contemplative, quiet, and full of emotion.

There’s something in the stillness of a finished portrait that reflects the stillness I’ve been trying to create internally. The subjects in these works feel like they’re caught mid-thought, like they’re pausing for something. Maybe that’s what I’ve been doing, too—pausing, waiting to make space.

Studio Reset: Making Space to Create

The physical act of cleaning my studio became a kind of ritual this week. I reorganized supplies, cleared surfaces, moved canvases, and even found sketches I’d forgotten I made. The dust in the corners felt symbolic—remnants of old projects, mental clutter, and creative blocks.

In a way, I think the physical clean-up helped spark the digital one. My website’s been a work in progress—like most of us are—and it’s easy to let that become overwhelming. But just like in the studio, I’m approaching it one section at a time. Reorganizing. Simplifying. Making space to breathe.

Setting Goals, Staying Accountable

This week I told myself: “Just finish the four paintings. Just clean the space. Just show up.” That was enough.

It wasn’t a huge overhaul, but it felt like a turning point. By setting small, achievable goals, I created momentum. And that momentum is everything when you’re trying to get unstuck.

If you’re in the Milan Art Institute program, or even just working on your own art path, you probably know what that’s like. You set intentions, you get behind, you beat yourself up. But maybe we need to shift our mindset: celebrate the small wins. Recognize when we actually follow through.

What I Love About These Paintings

The Bellas and Brooks portraits taught me something about stillness, subtlety, and pacing. The sources I used were—as always—beautiful and inspiring. There’s something incredibly meditative about working from a reference that resonates. These pieces made me slow down and observe deeply, to find meaning in small gestures and quiet expressions.

I’m genuinely excited to continue with more portraiture in the coming weeks. These works reminded me why I paint—to connect, to reflect, to say what words often can’t.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in My Art Practice

Now that the studio is clean and the digital space is getting there, I feel clearer about where I’m going. I plan to:

• Continue refining the website (stay tuned for updates!)

• Work on new portrait projects with deeper emotional resonance

• Set weekly goals and keep them realistic

• Document the process more, not just the product

Creating art isn’t just about making things—it’s about creating space for those things to exist.

For Fellow Artists and Creatives: Let’s Talk

If you’re feeling stuck, here’s what worked for me:

• Tidy your space. Even 15 minutes of cleanup helps.

• Pick one unfinished piece and just finish it. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for done.

• Set three simple goals. Small wins build confidence.

• Celebrate your progress. Post it, share it, reflect on it.

Art is a process, not a race.

Final Thoughts

This week reminded me that progress often looks like quiet, steady work—cleaning a brush, finishing a piece, tidying a desk. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.

Whether you’re part of MAI, an emerging artist, or just exploring your own creative voice, I hope this post encourages you to take a breath, clear your space, and make something you’re proud of.

Want to Follow Along?

Check back here for updates on new pieces, behind-the-scenes studio life, and thoughts from the creative process. You can also follow me on Instagram @vonsasscreation or share your own stories—I’d love to connect.

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