Artlife in August 2025

Sometimes a single month feels like a whole lifetime. A complete cycle containing all the states of the human mind. So many new possibilities have opened up, and there were also moments when I did not feel entirely at ease.

I often experience human life as deeply ambivalent. A constant shift between confidence and fear, doubt and courage, war and peace. All of it takes place in thought and emotion and then projects outward into the world. From these observations we live and grow and do our best, each in our own little universe. And then there is the state of silent witnessing. I watch the whole theater, while knowing that my deepest existence is not based on these events and appearances, but is free and without limits. What is eternal is what I am. And this is what I remind myself of each day in meditation, when I look inward, and in painting, when I feel from within and translate what I feel into form and color. In those moments the world becomes whole, and the “I” with all its acts and experiences is embedded within the whole creation.

In August there were two weeks of rain and cool air that carried the first touch of autumn. I love autumn, but in August I was not yet ready for it. Still, I felt it approaching and slowly began to say farewell to the abundance and warmth of summer. I love autumn, it is full of poetry and melancholy. The scents, the colors, the quality of the sunlight carry a character so unique that it has engraved itself into my heart.

Yet there were also bright summer days filled with joy and the beauty of nature. In the evenings I felt inspired to paint and worked intensely on projects that will unfold in October.

Introducing the painting “The Secret Offering”

I completed a new painting that is very close to my heart, carrying its own story and depth.

It is a portrait of the beautiful Thuy-Van, who became a muse for me. It was a brief yet fascinating encounter, and the vision of this painting came over me like a dream rising from within. The image of the bowl and the hair appeared so vividly before my inner eye. I could not fully grasp its meaning, but in that moment I knew I wanted to paint her.

I prefer to take my own reference photos, because besides painting I am also a photographer and graphic designer, and I love to let all the arts flow together. So whenever someone commissions a portrait from me, there is always the option of receiving beautiful photos as well.

Sometimes encounters and inspirations go beyond the surface of perception and move us deeply. What fascinated me most was the feeling during the painting process. I sensed a peaceful warmth rising within me the whole time. Whenever I wanted to feel it, I would sit down at the painting. It became clear that this quality of feeling was bound to the work itself. If I found myself in a different state, I could not and did not want to continue.

The painting was created with oil and egg tempera, using the mixed technique tradition of Ernst Fuchs. Here you can watch the progress Video:

I was so delighted that Thuy-Van’s family and friends acquired the painting from me and gave it to her for her birthday. I had felt from the beginning that it belonged with her. A beautiful occasion, an indescribable encounter, and a wonderful process of painting, guided by the depths of the heart.

What lies ahead

Journey to Torri Superiore in Italy

My partner has made a long-cherished dream possible for me. In September I will spend three weeks devoted entirely to art and painting in a magical and inspiring place. Many years ago Florence and Laurence, the founders of the Academy of Visionary Art, created a recurring seminar where a group of artists gather in a picturesque setting and dive into magical painting techniques. Since I never studied art formally and never had the chance to dedicate myself to painting continuously over such a span of time, this is something very special for me and I am deeply grateful to be part of it. I will share more about it in my next blog.

Seminar page: https://academyofvisionaryart.com/

Workshops at Praxis Federleicht

A wonderful opportunity has opened up for me to give creative workshops. In October I will begin at Praxis Federleicht with one workshop for children aged six to ten and another for adults. I have long wished to work directly with people, but the right circumstances had not yet appeared, since I cannot always travel far or for long periods of time. As a mother I am rooted in this region, which is why I was overjoyed when Sarah asked if I would like to offer workshops. I hope to contribute to creative self-expression and the sense of well-being that comes with it.

You can find all workshops and dates on my website: ://www.makashavisions.com/en/workshops

Link to the Praxis website: https://www.federleicht-praxis.de/

Exhibition and sales at the Art Gallery in Leonberg

Another wonderful project begins in October in Leonberg. At the Leocenter a group of artists will permanently exhibit their works, and the artists will also take turns being present, selling on each other’s behalf.

It is a community project that allows the artists to exchange ideas and to connect with their audience. On selected days in October I will be there in person, also painting live. I look forward very much to these encounters with visitors. More about the project can be found here: ArtShop in Leocenter.

Today is September 1, and I am already packing for the journey. It makes me incredibly nervous. It has been a long time since I traveled alone, and I feel excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty all at once. But I remind myself every day that in life everything unfolds exactly as it should and in the best possible way, even if the “I” sees it differently. So I step into trust and thank life for every moment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I will see you again in October, and I wish you a beautiful golden September.

With love,

Mascha