One of the things I’ve been focusing on with my ‘Finding Frida’ series is trying to let myself be inspired by her work and imagery but still retain the look of my own work. I want to add elements that reflect aspects of my life.

As you can see, I’ve added an airplane to the final painting which symbolizes many things in my life and that of my family.

To merely re-paint her art is fine-it’s great practice, but to add bits of yourself and your life into it takes you to an even more artistic place. Reach deep inside of yourself and pour that out onto the canvas. Don’t be afraid, it’s what makes your art your own.

In case you’re wondering, all of this series is done on 8 1/2 x 11 hand torn, 90lb Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper. I’ve used acrylics and Conte Crayon, water-soluble graphite pencil or charcoal. Some may reappear later on larger substrates, but I wanted to keep thins doable as I work my way to Finding My Inner Frida.