On the streets of Paris, beneath the shadow of the metro, the story of Paris Passage quietly unfolds. What began as a single photograph has been transformed through digital painting — a weaving together of texture, color, line, and light — into a portal to another world.
As in previous works, I allowed myself to be transported by music during the creative process. The gentle yet rhythmic melodies of Ludovico Einaudi guided each brushstroke, and from the ordinary, something unexpected emerged. Familiar details dissolved and transformed. Shadows deepened, light fractured, and the scene became a stage for memory and imagination — something otherworldly.
Creating Paris Passage became a chance to see reality differently, to explore the tension between the familiar and the imagined. I invite you to linger a while and step into the passage to discover your own moments of quiet wonder.
In Paris Passage, the everyday reveals its hidden poetry — a quiet passage waiting to be discovered. 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.
Amore began as a spontaneous gesture—a single, random line sketched by hand. What started as a simple mark soon revealed something deeper: the tender, timeless bond between a parent and child. From there, I scanned the drawing into the digital space, where its transformation truly began.
Guided by the emotional pulse of Ludovico Einaudi’s music, the piece evolved slowly and intuitively. Layer by layer, digital painting brought color, light, and texture to the original sketch. Unlike some of my earlier works, the palette here is bold and warm, infusing Amore with energy and emotion that reflect the intimacy at its heart.
The strong lines of the figures and the varying colors and shapes of the background invite the viewer to experience the solid yet evolving nature of this love—always vibrant, always alive.
If Amore resonates with you, this artwork is available as high-quality wall art and on a range of merchandise—perfect for bringing its warmth and emotion into your everyday life.
Visit the shop page on my website to explore all available options. I’d love to hear how Amore connects with you, so please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Your reflections are part of its story and I thank you for following me on this creative journey. Your support and curiosity inspire every step of my art. ❤️
Amore – Wearable Art Tote Bag designed by Bellanda
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.
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
Mindwarp is part of my Life Series – These oil paintings (and now digital oil paintings) mirror life itself—full of paths, twists, turns, and layers. As in life, you can’t go back to change a line once it’s made. You can only move forward, carrying the weight and consequence of each decision. But if you find you truly can’t live with a detail—if it demands to be changed—then, depending on how deep you are in the layers, you may have to start over from that point. Still, it will never be the same. It becomes an entirely different painting, a different life. That brushstroke belonged to a specific moment in time: where I was, how I felt, even what music I was listening to. You can only go back if you’re willing to walk a completely new path—with no guarantees, no familiar ground—just the unknown ahead. Each piece in the Life Series holds a moment in time—unique, unrepeatable. If one speaks to you, it might just be meant for your space, your story. DM for questions or visit the Fine Art America link for Wall Art : https://atelier-bellanda.pixels.com/featured/mindwarp-bellanda.html
My newest creation, Aura, emerged after nearly a year and a half of grief, meditation, yoga, and healing. In October 2023, I lost the love of my life. He was, quite literally, my partner in everything, and the journey since has been long and difficult for all who were blessed to have known him. My greatest priority has been guiding our children through it, one day at a time, pulling back from virtually all of my online presence.
I struggled with the idea of creating again, wondering if it was even possible. Friends and fellow artists advised me to channel my grief into making something beautiful, but the thought of doing any of this without him felt almost impossible. For over 22 years, he had been such an integral part of my creation process. His light, energy and support enveloped me and inspired me; while his encouragement wiped away the insecurities that so often crept in. Without him, I felt quite empty, as if I had nothing left to give.
In my heart, I believe that he would have wanted me to continue creating. I can still see his beautiful loving smile as he watched me, covered in paint, moving my paintbrush in a dance to the music on the large canvas. When my illness made that physical dance difficult, he was the one who bought me an iPad so that I could continue to create. The love and support that I have received over the years has been a true gift, and I’ve been trying to draw on all of that to find my way back to art.
Aura is a promise of new beginnings in the light… It carries a different energy than my previous works, and I find myself drawn to it, wondering—was its light inspired by his beautiful radiance? Do the swirling, pulsating colors reflect the visions I’ve witnessed in meditation? There’s something deeply personal in this piece, something I can’t quite put into words, but I feel it.
Aura was created entirely on an iPad using Procreate and Illustrator. While I still miss the dance between myself and a canvas, working digitally has been satisfying, and music remains an integral part of my work. Each piece still begins without a plan—no preconceived ideas, direction, or even a color scheme. I simply allow myself to be carried by the music, embracing the journey of discovery until the piece reveals itself. For this piece, I was particularly inspired by James Heather’s Ultraviolet and Luca D’Alberto’s Consequences, Grace, Blessed Messenger, and Tomorrow, among other similar artists.
This has been a long process and I wanted to thank you for your patience and kind support during this time. Your messages shed light into my world during a particularly dark period.
I’d also like to thank you for taking the time to explore Aura with me. If you’d like to see more of my work or even bring one of my creations into your space, you can visit the links below. Your support—whether through kind words, sharing, or collecting a piece—means everything.
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:
It’s been quite some time since I let you all in on my thought processes. I know that this was originally why I started this website, so I’ve decided to get back to that. As I sit here listening to Ludovico Einaudi, my heart fills with the desire to pick up my paint brushes again. His mesmerizing music has often led to my most satisfying painting sessions, and I long to disappear into the music… to allow myself to truly let go, in a magical dance of movement between my entire body and my paintbrush, as the oil paint glides across a large canvas.
Tears fill my eyes as I listen to this music and look upon my lastfinished unfinished oil painting. Only those who have been to my apartment have ever seen it. I’ve never purposely shown it to anyone, yet it is probably one of the most important paintings I’ve ever done. It was the last time I held a brush in my hands… the last time I moved my brush and felt the pleasure of reaching down inside myself to reveal a piece of my soul on canvas. Painting was better than any therapy session I could have ever received. It was a moment of completely letting go of everything, including the pain I have endured. Painting allowed me to reach a level of pure unimaginable joy… It was a way of revealing what I didn’t even know was inside of me.
Now, there it sits… my last painting, on the floor… in the corner of my apartment, partially hidden behind a door. It’s so close to being finished… and it’s my largest piece of artwork to date. At first glance it looks as though it might be finished…
but as I move closer to this work without a name, my eyes fall on the part of the painting that reveals the exact moment of where and when my undiagnosed illness took a terrible turn. It had advanced too far untreated, making me too ill to continue painting. I was unable to even walk without help, let alone paint, so this unfinished work sat staring back at me as I battled this disease that had taken over my body. It sat while I fought for a diagnosis. I stared at this painting between doctor appointments… and hospital stays.
When I had gained some strength, I tried to finish this painting but by that time, months had passed and the oil paint had long dried. As I applied the fresh paint, it made bumps as I painted over the grooves left on the canvas from my previous painting. The new paint could no longer blend and smooth into my previous work, and although disappointed I continued to paint until I could paint no more. My body once again began to betray me, and the physical movements were just too much for me. I had to stop. The sides of the canvas were unfinished, leaving raw canvas and patches of paint and smudges left over from the process. The sharp flowing groves of the paint weren’t quite right. It was gut wrenching to put the paintbrushes away, and when I did, I wonder if a part of me knew that this would be the last time I would hold a brush for a very long time, if ever again.
Years have gone by, and my doctors have gotten a decent grasp on what’s happening with me. Although there is no cure, they have slowed the progression of what had been ravaging my body, and I have gathered strength. If you look at me now, you would not even know that I am sick, that I take a minimum of 13 pills a day and that I must rest for days if I plan to live what most consider a normal day outside the house. No sympathy is needed because I have learned how to live with my illnesses as best I can and I am appreciative of each moment I get on this earth with my beautiful family and friends.
My easel, on which sat my last painting, has sadly been arranged for years. As a result, my finished unfinished painting was moved, turned sideways and place on the floor in the corner of the room. I’ve since adapted my artwork and feel blessed to have my dear sweet man offer me an iPad so I could create artwork differently…
but I feel like something has changed today. I often listen to Ludovico Einaudi, but for the first time in years, as I look at my finished unfinished painting, I’m thinking of taking out the paintbrushes again. I’m asking myself questions: Perhaps a smaller canvas? What if I rest for days before I paint? To be honest, I’m not sure where this is heading, but I am happy. It’s something for me to think about.
I’ve also come to another conclusion about that finished unfinished painting… Perhaps it’s time to think of it as finished. Those bumps in the canvas that were created during my health crisis actually belong there. They represent my struggle… as do the messy unfinished lines and sides of the canvas. They are justified in existing, as are our flaws. Not everything can be smoothed out… acceptance is often the first step to moving forward.
This painting is as beautifully imperfect as I am … and it represents my unfinished battle. Those imperfections are much like the bumps in the road that have taken me off the main road time and time again… but only until I’ve created a new path. I’m certainly not giving up… not on my health, not in my life, nor in my creations.
Now, I just need to give this painting a name… and to find a place to hang it proudly. Thanks for sticking with me and for being here on my journey. ❤️
Mindwarp is part of my Life Series – These oil paintings (and now digital oil paintings) mirror life itself—full of paths, twists, turns, and layers. As in life, you can’t go back to change a line once it’s made. You can only move forward, carrying the weight and consequence of each decision. But if you find you truly can’t live with a detail—if it demands to be changed—then, depending on how deep you are in the layers, you may have to start over from that point. Still, it will never be the same. It becomes an entirely different painting, a different life. That brushstroke belonged to a specific moment in time: where I was, how I felt, even what music I was listening to. You can only go back if you’re willing to walk a completely new path—with no guarantees, no familiar ground—just the unknown ahead. Each piece in the Life Series holds a moment in time—unique, unrepeatable. If one speaks to you, it might just be meant for your space, your story. DM for questions or visit the Fine Art America link for Wall Art : https://atelier-bellanda.pixels.com/featured/mindwarp-bellanda.html
I know that I promised to write about NFTs and my new Character series in my next article, but I am sure you will understand why I decided to feature this piece instead. About 10 days ago, I lost someone who was dear to my heart. Even though we lived on separate sides of the ocean and rarely got to see each other, it rocked my world. Ever since we were kids, I had admired the strength and determination of her mind and the energy and light of her strong spirit.
The news that she had lost her battle to Covid left me completely dumbfounded because word hadn’t even reached me that she was sick. For the first time, I found myself at a complete loss. I tried working, but suddenly hated all of my current projects to the point that I was ready to throw them away. I tried writing because that had always been a source of comfort to me, but here I was left with a blank page.
As many of you know, when you are a Mom, you often have to put on a brave face… but I couldn’t even pretend to hide my grief, often bursting into tears at the most inopportune or unexpected moments in front of anyone who happened to be around, including my children. Nothing I did or said made anything better, so I decided to just stop trying and allow myself to grieve and think of her… her voice and her laugh resonated in my mind.
The next thing I knew I had drawn a long rounding twisting line. I decided to let it take me wherever it wanted. Without forethought and with no preconceptions, I drew simple flowing lines… one after the other until I stepped back and came to the realization that she was there. There was her light and her energy. It had always been there in my heart and now there she was in front of me reaching towards the heavens.
She lit up the Earth with her presence and now that light shines from above… an Angel of Light. She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.
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…
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.
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
EVOCATIVE… it’s time. After many years of keeping Evocative a personal experience, limiting its exposure, I have decided to allow this series to enter people’s homes and hearts. Evocative was created in 2002, and was born from a mix of emotions that words could not convey. When I entered France, I could barely speak a word of French. Frustrations, extreme changes and tremendous life experiences were mixed together in such a turmoil that they apparently became evident in my photographic work. It was then that my photographs took an unintentional inward turn, and became one of self-expression, filled with color… instead of my former black and white representation of stolen candid moments of people from around the world.
I was offered a delicate purple orchid by the man I treasured most just before he left for Africa. He was part of a very dangerous documentary film crew, and promised to return to me in one piece before the flower had begun to fade and die. While he was gone, I decided to immortalize his gesture for eternity by creating Evocative N°1. In his absence, this project made him forever present. Over the next several weeks, I ended up creating an entire series of work. I arranged the photographs preciously around my apartment. Seeing these images helped comfort me in those frightening moments as I wondered if he was in danger… if he was hurt. The absence of news was deafening, but as promised he returned to me safely before the flower had faded and we enjoyed these photographs and all they stood for together.
Evocative N°1 – Unedited Film Photography – Bellanda ®
Not long after, a friend of a friend stopped by my apartment in Nice. Immediately, he asked me to enter my work into a selection process for a one man exposition overlooking the beautiful beach and sea of Monaco. At first, I refused… they were simple flower photographs, yet somehow these photos were part of me and showing them gave me an uncomfortable feeling. It was as if I was naked… as if everyone would know more about me than I wanted them to know. I know that it is probably rare that someone would need to be convinced to show their work in an Art Exposition, but the idea terrified me. After refusing several times, I eventually agreed to show, but not sell my work. I couldn’t get over the concept of selling my soul, as silly as that sounds.
The show featured all 15 of my unedited film photographs from the Evocative Series and was dedicated to others like myself:
Evocative Series – Dedication – Bellanda ®
It was overwhelming to see people react to my work at the Red Carpet Opening. Many were indeed able to see inside of me, and yes, their comments made me blush more than once. I accepted exposing the Evocative Series several times in France, while my Photographic Artwork took on a more and more abstract nature. This newer work is about capturing a moment, one of emotion and of a state of mind. Although my newer work is far more abstract and can have many interpretations from one person to the next, Evocative remains precious in my heart. It was the first step that led me to develop my current abstract photographic art and painting creations.
It’s true that I had no desire to sell Evocative, but when I saw the pleasure that it gave to others, it felt almost selfish not to allow them to have this in their own homes. I have been selling many of my more recent paintings and photographic art, and have since changed my thinking of seeing my artwork inside the homes of others. Unfortunately, just as I had come to terms with letting the Evocative Series go, transportation from its most recent exposition caused some slight damage to several of the photographs/frames that I had designed especially for the Evocative Series. When I say damaged, I mean little scratches or indents on the frame, etc. I was devastated. Everyone keeps telling me that they don’t notice them or can hardly see them, but with my eye and heart… I see them.
After talking it over with several people, including the dear sweet man who inspired this work, I decided to sell them at a reduced rate. The idea of leaving them in storage breaks my heart. They have traveled long and hard and it is time for them to find a home with someone who will appreciate their history… someone who will appreciate the value of true, unedited film photographs, printed on traditional photo paper versus that of digital on inkjet… someone who will fall in love with their story of love.
Evocative Series Choices:
The Evocative Series is the only artwork that is sold on a limited basis. All of my more recent works are sold on a one-of-a-kind basis. As with all of my work, each Evocative photograph and/or series, framed or not, will come with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity. It was designed to protect the security and genuineness of your limited edition. It will assure authenticity, and include the title, size, and number in the series.
There have only been a total of FIVE sets of the 13 photographs ever made. No further prints will be printed in the future.
FOUR sets of the Evocative Series are sized at 30 x 20 cm *Each individual photo will sell at a sale price of 50€ + shipping. *For the purchase of more than one photograph or the entire series, please contact me directly for a special package price.
Only ONE set of the Evocative Series is sized at 60 x 40 cm For pricing details, please see the framing selections below:
Photographs mounted on a floating aluminum structure and built into a black wooden frame designed by Bellanda – Size: 80 x 60 x 5 cm may be purchased for 450€ + shipping *There are a limited number of black wooden frames, which will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
Evocative Frame choice: Signed & Dated Floating Unedited Film Photograph on aluminum, mounted on a Unique Black Wooden Frame designed by Bellanda – Size: 80 x 60 x 5 cm
Photographs mounted on a floating aluminum structure – Size:60 x 40 x 3 cm (without wooden black frame) may be purchased for 300€ + shipping
Evocative Frame choice: Floating Unedited Film Photograph mounted on aluminum by Bellanda – Size: 60 x 40 x 3 cm
Please contact me if you would like to know further details about the Evocative Series, as well as any of my newer work. I would be happy to discuss this with you personally.
To purchase or ask for more information concerning one of these photos, please fill out the confidential form below. We will be happy to provide further information about a particular work and/or give you a price quote for your particular region. Please note: all work will be delivered free of charge in the Paris, France region, and special discount rates will apply to purchases of more than one photograph.
*All rights to these images are fully retained by the artist, Bellanda. Any unauthorized reproduction or use is a violation of copyright law.
and your music suggestions played throughout the Atelier.
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
The mixing of colors…
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Inspiration guided movement of each stroke…
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
The movement of brushes…
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.
As promised, here is the announcement for our next painting atelier. Thank you for such wonderful musical suggestions. It has been difficult to make a selection, as your suggestions were fabulous. For this reason, I have chosen several and have left myself open to adding others as I paint. Your participation is greatly appreciated, as is your patience. I’m thrilled to be well enough to express myself again through movement and color, and to be able to share the painting process with you via photos and time-lapse.
I look forward to seeing where my inspiration from your music suggestions will take this next painting… Thank you for being here with me. Believe in dreams… for they can come true. Bellanda®
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!
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!
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 ®
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.
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 ®
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.
Atelier Bellanda: Oil Paintings, Photography, Mixed Media, Digital Art & NFTs 