Tag Archives: Artwork

Unfolding Convergence: From Line to Abstraction

Convergence began with a single, quiet gesture—a drawing of a woman on paper. But as the work evolved, so did she. Layers of photographic texture and digital painting gradually transformed her, until the figure blurred into abstraction, and the artwork became something else entirely: a site of metamorphosis.

This work is about transformation. It is the meeting point of mediums, moments, and meanings—a slow collision of elements. Drawing merges with image, texture with thought. In this blending of materials, identities, and impressions, something both familiar and elusive takes shape.

Convergence – Mixed Media Art ©Bellanda

There is no fixed meaning here—only an invitation to experience. Some may glimpse a memory, others a dream, or a presence just barely there. Convergence doesn’t seek a final meaning. It leaves room—for feeling, for memory, and for each viewer to find their own reflection.

Convergence is less about what it is, and more about what it evokes—a shifting landscape where perception becomes participation, and meaning emerges only through the act of looking.

If this work speaks to you, it’s available beyond the gallery wall. Selected prints and exclusive merchandise offer a way for you to bring it into your own space—where it can continue to shift and inspire.
To explore available pieces and learn more, visit the shop page on my website.

Convergence – Wearable Art Tote Bag designed by Bellanda

Unconditional Love

My most recent piece is entitled, Unconditional Love. There is nothing like the love of a child…

This work was created entirely on an iPad, using Procreate. Although it has be challenging to adapt to this support, I am enjoying the process more than I imagined. Even though I miss the physical dance between myself and the canvas, I have been able to immerse myself into this new form of creation. I continue to let myself be inspired and transported by music like Ludovico Einaudi, so if you have recommendations I would be happy to give them a try.

Unconditional Love has been added to both of my online shops for prints and merchandise:

Atelier Bellanda Fine Art America Shop: https://atelier-bellanda.pixels.com/featured/unconditional-love-bellanda.html

Atelier Bellanda RedBubble Shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/AtelierBellanda/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent

Thanks for stopping by!

What a year! I wish I could say it was over, but we are still in the midst of Covid here in Paris.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, and I’m sorry for that. This past year has completely changed the dynamics of our household, and it has taken some juggling and some getting used to in order to be able to create in an apartment, with no real space of my own. This had never been an issue because the kids were usually in school and my dear man and I would often work from home, so we have a mutual respect for each other’s space, no matter how small that space happened to be.

I honestly didn’t think it would effect me as it has, but just to give you an example… I have been interrupted 8 times while writing this paragraph, and now my dear man just received a call that he is what they call here a contact Covid case. So, out come the masks at home, yet again. This is the 3rd time that one of us has been a contact case. I’m sure that there are a lot of you who can relate to all of this. My autoimmune illness adds further stress and constraints to the situation, but I try to remain positive. I’m thankful to have the Bois de Vincennes of Paris nearby to reconnect with nature, and I’m fortunate to have my children and dear sweet man by my side. I cannot complain, nor do I want to because so many have suffered, and my heart goes out to them.

I’ve tried to maintain my Twitter and Instagram accounts, and I know some of you have found your way to me there and I’m thankful for that. Your continued support has meant the world to me.

So, without further ado… What have I been up to?

The French tech show, ORLM, invited me to test out the iPad Pro 7 and the iPad Air 4 for a couple of weeks. They filmed and a little segment of me during one of their shows. As many of you know, I’m not one to put myself in front of a camera, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to test out these to products. This actually changed they way I work today. I loved both but decided on the Pro being better adapted for my needs. Prior to this I was using a computer with an attached graphics tablet. It took some getting used to, and I’m not sure if I ever truly adapted after having to stop painting my large canvases for health reasons.

ORLM episode: http://youtu.be/mD11lIj6j2k My little segment appears around the 37:07 point in the video. It’s in French but you will get the idea. 😉

Oh, and no, I am not sponsored by them or anyone else to say what I am about the iPad (I wish! 😁). I’m sharing this because I have often tried to share my process with you. There’s something about being able to paint or draw directly on the screen that is quite liberating, and the fact that I can physically move around, changing positions, helps reduce the pain I get when I sit or stand in the same position too long. I’m literally lounging on my back while typing this. 😅

I’m thankful that I have been able to find a state of mind that enabled me to create in all of the craziness going on around me. Below are 4 of my most recent creations, each of which were done on the iPad. The piece entitled, Synergy was the first time since I stopped oil painting that I was able to create something that resembled my paintings. I got that incredible same sensation when I realized that it was finished. There is nothing like disappearing into the music, to just create.

Synergy by Bellanda
The Synergy of my physical oil painting merged with today’s digital world… a coming together of techniques to create a new mode of expression that enables me to continue expressing myself despite the physical limitations my illness has placed upon me. This is the first of many to come!
Transcendence by Bellanda
Allowing myself to disappear while I paint is a huge part of my process… there is a moment when I can feel myself let go completely. My brain turns off, so to speak, from trying to control the output. When I stepped back to see what I’d done, this piece quite literally filled my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
Spring Feeling by Bellanda
Using my new tools, and new techniques, this piece is different because it was inspired by the beauty I came across during my most recent outing in the Bois de Vincennes of Paris. I started reconnecting with nature by taking long walks because I have felt so isolated from the world this past year. I think it was the first time in quite a while that I actually felt hopeful, as if things were finally going in the right direction. I decided to immortalize the feeling that these blossoms had brought to me.
Innocence by Bellanda
A pensive moment during what should be the innocence of youth in the midst of a changing world. It breaks my heart what our children are having to live through during these Covid Days.

In addition to these 4 pieces, I’ve begun a completely new series of what I am calling Collectible Characters (they’re a lot of fun), of which I will feature in my next post. Some have been minted as NFT tokens. This is something I’ve recently become interested in because I think it will change the future of art and artists. I look forward to talking more about this Collection of Characters and NFTs in detail.

In the meantime, I’ve updated my about About Page on this website. It’s a far more detailed piece of writing that lets you truly into who I am and why I do what I do. I will be updating the rest of the website over the next couple of weeks.

Until, then, stay safe… Send any extra positive thoughts and energy our way, as we could use them this week. Due to the Case Contact we are in complete lockdown. My dear sweet man will be getting the first of two mandatory tests Monday. Stay safe, everyone…

Bellanda ❤️

Rowing Boats, Paris-Nice by Bellanda

Rowing Boats in Paris
Rowing Boats – Mixed Media ©Bellanda

This creation started with simple but beautiful rowing boats on a lake in the Bois de Vincennes, Paris, France. It’s one of my favorite spots in Paris. I love drifting, dreaming, enjoying the calm of a busy city… taking in the natural beauty left unseen by the many tourists who come to visit the city of lights.

Then, this piece took on a new life. The holidays brought me to what I consider my second home in France… Nice. One can’t help but to be inspired by the beautiful colors and sunsets found in Nice and in the nearby mountains. Colors and lighting I have missed since my move to Paris.

Rowing Boats is a collaboration of the two French cities in which I have lived… These beautiful places that have forever captured a piece of my soul, and will continue to inspire not only me, but many.

For more information, or to purchase a print or other merchandise of Rowing Boats, please visit or click:

https://atelier-bellanda.pixels.com/featured/rowing-boats-paris-nice-bellanda.html

 

 

 

Paris, on My Mind…

Paris…

it inspires both dreams and dreamers…

and I’m forever caught in its eternal beauty.

Paris on my mind feature photo
©Bellanda

To the dreamers of the world,

My latest creation is dedicated to you… for you make the future worth living.

Thank you!

For more information, or to purchase a print or other merchandise of Paris on My Mind, please visit or click:  https://atelier-bellanda.pixels.com/featured/paris-on-my-mind-bellanda.html

Convergence – Mixed Media Abstract Art

Convergence began with a single, quiet gesture—a drawing of a woman on paper. But as the work evolved, so did she. Layers of photographic texture and digital painting gradually transformed her, until the figure blurred into abstraction, and the artwork became something else entirely: a site of metamorphosis.

This work is about transformation. It is the meeting point of mediums, moments, and meanings—a slow collision of elements. Drawing merges with image, texture with thought. In this blending of materials, identities, and impressions, something both familiar and elusive takes shape.

Convergence – Mixed Media Art ©Bellanda

There is no fixed meaning here—only an invitation to experience. Some may glimpse a memory, others a dream, or a presence just barely there. Convergence doesn’t seek a final meaning. It leaves room—for feeling, for memory, and for each viewer to find their own reflection.

Convergence is less about what it is, and more about what it evokes—a shifting landscape where perception becomes participation, and meaning emerges only through the act of looking.

If this work speaks to you, it’s available beyond the gallery wall. Selected prints and exclusive merchandise offer a way for you to bring it into your own space—where it can continue to shift and inspire.
To explore available pieces and learn more, visit the shop page on my website.

Convergence – Wearable Art Tote Bag designed by Bellanda

MAGMA: Oil on Canvas By Bellanda ®

Turmoil of Light and Darkness,

of Spirit and of Soul…

A battle of Wills and Hope.

Magma by Bellanda ® Oil On 100% Linen Canvas 73 x 100 cm
Magma by Bellanda ®
Oil On 100% Linen Canvas
73 x 100 cm

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

 

Making of MAGMA… Oil on Canvas By Bellanda ®

Everything began on Monday…

and your music suggestions played throughout the Atelier.

Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

The mixing of colors…

Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

Inspiration guided movement of each stroke…

Making of MAGMA  By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

The movement of brushes…

Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

First attempt at Time Lapse:

Unfortunately the video color representation was not as accurate as I had hoped, but this quick clip will give you a little look inside my painting creation.  I have convinced my dear partner to do a movie clip for our NEXT Painting Atelier, using our Canon Mark III. This will enable me to give you better image quality next time.

Bellanda Time Lapse: Making of MAGMA

MAGMA will be published tomorrow.

Please Stay Tuned!

It’s Almost Time For Our Next Online Atelier!

Call for Music:

The time has come...

As promised, the time has come for you to take part in the making of my next painting.  Many of you may already know that music is imperative to my creation process… and the choice of music is equally important.  It can influence the stroke of the brush… the choice of color and the actual painting itself.

Although he may not know it, Ludovico Einaudi has taken me on many a glorious journey during my painting process.  His musical genius is inspiring… and I adored allowing his work take me where it did.

Today, I am going to ask you to take part in helping select the music for our next Online Atelier… I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas about the music you’d like me to listen to while I create.  I will listen to all music in the days to come, allowing my instincts to select which musical artist I will select for our Online Atelier.  I will reveal the name of the music as I am about to begin so that you can listen and see where it takes you, while I allow it to take my paintbrush in a direction of its own.

Your participation in this process will make this a lot more interesting and perhaps add an unexpected dimension to my work.  I hope you will play along by adding the name of a song and musical artist.  I can’t wait to see where this new discovery will take us!

Coming Soon… Atelier Bellanda GoesPro!

Watch my next painting come to life via time-lapse and GoPro.

I’m getting ready to open the doors to my Online Painting Atelier again.  Our next painting session will take place in September.  The date will be announced ahead of time so you can join in on the music selection.  Feel free to add music suggestions here or at a later date on the announcement page.

I look forward to seeing you at our next Online Atelier!

GoPro
Atelier Bellanda GoesPro!
Photo Credits: Bellanda ®

Oil Painting: ENVELOP

Here is the painting that started in one direction and color scheme,

and finished in a totally new way.

The beauty is that one never knows where a painting will lead

when we allow ourselves to let our cerebral self go

in order to let our inner soul speak.

Bellanda ®
Oil Painting on Linen Canvas
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Sometimes a painting takes on a new life… even before it is born.

Bellanda  ®
First Life – Bellanda ®

Sometimes the unexpected happens on the very same canvas…

and the painting takes on a new life all by itself.

Bellanda ®
Second Life – Bellanda ®

Stay turned to see the end result…

Making of Oil Painting… turning green into something more

With Atelier doors open and music from Ludovico Einaudi playing, I once again let go and allowed the music to inspire me. Let’s see where it leads…

Bellanda  ®
Bellanda ®

Lovyrinth

Where one can get lost in the twists and turns...
Where one can get lost in the twists and turns…
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Torsade Dorée

Let there be light... and let it dance to the rhythm of our dreams. Que la lumière soit... et laissons là danser au rythme de nos rêves.
Let there be light… and let it dance to the rhythm of our dreams.
Que la lumière soit… et laissons là danser au rythme de nos rêves.
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Making of Oil Painting: Torsade Dorée

I've discovered something I never knew existed... pure joy with the simple movement of a brush.
I’ve discovered something I never knew existed… pure joy with the simple movement of a brush.
Bellanda ®

Le Grand Bleu

This oil painting is dedicated to all surfers and lovers of the ocean and sea around the world. I hope it takes you on a journey in mind and in spirit...
This oil painting is dedicated to all surfers and lovers of the ocean and sea around the world. I hope it takes you on a journey in mind and in spirit…
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

When blue is more than a color…

Making of... When blue is more than just a color.
When blue is more than just a color…
Bellanda ®

Awakening Series: One-of-a-Kind Film Photography

“With the light of each new day, we are awakened to a world of possibilities…

the chance to start anew.

Awaken not only your body, but your senses and your dreams with the morning’s light…

Take each new day like the opportunity it is.”

Bellanda ®

Awakening: Photographic Film Photography by Bellanda  ®
Awakening: Photographic Film Photography by Bellanda ®

 For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85 

Enlightenment

It all begins here!Bellanda  ®
It all begins here!
Bellanda ®

Enlightenment is one of the first oil paintings that made a true transition from my more abstract photography to oil painting.  After years of working with photographic images, I began to feel the need to move in a way that could allow me to become not only emotionally involved with my creations, but physically.  Although setting up a photo shoot continues to thrill me, I wanted to immerse myself completely in the creative process… literally get lost in my work, music, emotions, movements, and paint textures.

The realization of Enlightenment took place with some of my Twitter and Facebook friends joining me online during the creative process on my Atelier Bellanda Facebook Page, where the idea of opening of my Atelier Doors was born.  Photos were posted during the painting process to give online Atelier Visitors the chance to see, comment and participate in its creation.

For this first painting, I knew what colors I wanted to work with and even the music that I would listen to while working. However, I had no idea what I was going to paint, nor how it would make me feel.  Ludovico Einaudi’s music filled my Atelier and a thrill of excitement took over my being as I guided that very first long brush stroke across the large blank linen canvas, measuring 100×73 centimeters. At that moment, I knew I had just found the change that I had been looking for in my artistic expression.

Some of the making of photos that were posted online during the creation process.
Some of the making of photos that were posted online during the creation process.

I allowed Einaudi’s music  to take my inner-self  somewhere it had never been.  There was a moment during the painting process where I was no longer conscious of anything around me.  The music and slow dance-like movements of the brush had taken me into an almost hypnotic state.

Final Product:  Enlightenment.Bellanda ®
Final Product: Enlightenment
Bellanda ®

Paris Area Art Exposition of Bellanda's oil Painting, 'Enlightenment'100x73 cmBellanda ®
Paris Area Art Exposition of Bellanda’s oil Painting, ‘Enlightenment’
100×73 cm
Bellanda ®

Thank you to all who joined me… both during the creation process and at the Art Exposition that followed.

 For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85