Finding Calm in Art During Chaos

I typically share my artworks on Instagram since that’s where most of my fellow creatives gather. I enjoy seeing posts that showcase the artistic process and final pieces. Even though my posts don’t attract a large number of likes or followers, I still find Instagram a great source of inspiration for future projects.

This week, however, has been different. Our manuscript, which we submitted to an international journal, was returned with comments to address. I’ve been focusing on revising the paper, making sure we can send back the updated version soon. I won’t go into details about the paper just yet, but I’ll share more once it’s published.

Today, I’m featuring two landscape paintings I had already posted on Instagram. Despite the chaos of preparing the manuscript, I surprisingly found a sense of calm and created these serene pieces amidst it all. In the first painting, do you see something that does not seem to belong there?

Here’s a close-up look:

I didn’t set out to paint a star on the foreground tree, but when the painting dried, there it was—shining unexpectedly. Perhaps it’s the universe’s way of reminding me that I’m a star in my own right. This little star lifted my spirits, and I’m grateful for its quiet encouragement.

This was the message I shared alongside the photos of this artwork on my Instagram. When I painted it, I was feeling a bit down because I hadn’t received any updates on the PhD application I submitted last month, nor had I found a new job. I’m still holding onto hope that the universe is aligning to bring me to a place where I’ll find fulfillment. While there are plenty of job opportunities on LinkedIn that I know I could easily take, I’m holding out for roles and research that truly resonate with me and bring me happiness.

Another artwork this week that I was able to finish on my watercolor journal with unexpected calm is this river scene:

The color palette in this piece reminds me of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings. I’ve always loved Van Gogh! While painting this landscape, it felt as though I was experiencing the same emotions he must have felt while surrounded by sunflower fields. It was strange yet calming—a rare moment of connection with someone who has been gone for so long. I had never felt that sense of oneness before.

How has your week been so far?

Thank you for reading.

Van Goghing Through Life

Van Gogh Alive – finally!