“Blue Monday” Acrylic on canvas 12x24”

I experimented with some new techniques in this piece! I decided to switch things up and create a long night scene with minimal pink (shocking, I know). I used a palette knife and toothpicks to add raised impasto texture to the trees, breaking away from my usual flat paint style. I might incorporate this technique more often—it adds an interesting depth that I’m really enjoying.

This painting is inspired by my memories of being deep in the mountains, seeing the stars in their full glory for the first time. Away from the city, with no light pollution, the stars feel impossibly bright, like you’re the only person on Earth. Yet, city lights have their own kind of beauty. I enjoy living in a city despite the pollution.

This piece also connects to my admiration for Monet’s work, especially his hazy, colorful depictions of smoky Smoggy bridges during the Industrial Revolution. The beauty he captured often stemmed from environmental harm—a paradox I find fascinating. I’m always exploring humanity’s impact on the landscape, but I can’t help being drawn to the shimmering allure of city lights, which sometimes feel brighter than the stars.