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.
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
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
It’s that time of year again! I’ve been trying to add at least one design a year to my holiday images over the last couple of years. It all started as a way to share a piece of our Christmas here in France with family and friends around the world. The next thing I knew, I began getting inquiries about whether I could add the designs to my shop. It hadn’t crossed my mind that anyone else might enjoy these as much as we do, so that has made them all the more special. These days, I really look forward to this project.
Old Fashioned Christmas in Paris– Artwork by Bellanda
Recently, I started getting questions about the “magical places” I must go to get these images. I had to hold down my giggles because quite honestly, I don’t go anywhere. Everything is part of our very own family Christmas, with decorations we’ve gathered over the years in and around Paris. This year is all the more special because my dear sweet man joined me in the process.
Bellanda
I decided to share a couple of photos of the making of process, so you could understand a little better as to why I giggled. You probably can’t tell, but I’m actually barefoot and wearing red and black checkered flannel pajama pants. I was hoping it would get me into a creative Christmas spirit. This is not an easy task in the middle of November, but it seems to have done the trick.
I wanted to put the Christmas tree up extra early for the photo shoot this year, but unfortunately I had a hard time convincing the rest of the family. Can’t imagine why this would be a problem. 😊
My dear man helped me move everything around and create a makeshift little studio. I loved having him help for the day. As you can see, our impromptu Christmas tree seems to have done the job, and our new find, a 1940 antique stool has taken on an important role. I absolutely love this stool and am thrilled to be able to include it in this year’s design.
You might want to zoom in on this next photo to see more closely where the magic happens. ☺️ Giggles
Makeshift Studio for the Old Fashioned Santa design by Bellanda
Okay, so this probably isn’t like any studio you’ve ever seen or imagined, but we have to do what we can with what we’ve got, right? Don’t you love the “state of the art” lighting? The lamps & reading light really do add that special little something, don’t you think?! 😂
In the end, this year’s Christmas photo turned out to be one of my favorites. I enjoyed the process of making it as much as I enjoyed the photo. Hope you like it, too!
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
Happy news: Now that my illness is stabilized, you will be seeing my posts more regularly. I’ve had to find less physical ways to express myself… ‘Blue’ is one of the results of this. It was created by using several different media.
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.
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!
Hope is what we cling to when life brings us in a direction we hadn’t expected,
It’s what allows us to see beyond despair, fear and tragedy.
Hope is what makes surviving possible.
Bellanda
N°2 of 7 different images that make up the series entitled: Espoir Unedited Film Photography – Espoir Series – Espoir N°2 All rights reserved BELLANDA ®
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 