Painting After Heart Surgery: Rediscovering My Creative Flow

Yesterday, I said goodbye to another of my paintings. It found a new home, and while I’m always grateful for a sale, this one carried a bit of extra weight for me. It was the first piece I completed after returning from heart surgery—a milestone in more ways than one.

When I first sat down to create it, I felt unsure. Six months had passed without painting, and I honestly wondered if I had lost my touch. I started with careful sketching, letting the pencil lines guide my hand back into familiar rhythms. Then came the acrylics, layer by layer, applied with a brush. Slowly, the colors began to breathe life into the canvas.

The part I love most—my fine detail work—came last. Tiny strokes, intricate lines, little flourishes that pull the whole piece together. Working on those details felt like rediscovering an old friend. My hands remembered the motions, my mind remembered the joy, and suddenly I realized: I hadn’t lost anything. I’d just been on pause.

While painting is pure enjoyment for me, filming the process is another story. It’s tricky to balance the creative flow with setting up a camera, adjusting angles, and making sure the footage looks right. Often, I just want to immerse myself in the painting and skip the technical side altogether. Still, I do try—because I know people like to see how these pieces come to life.

Watch the video:

One thing I always put extra effort into, though, is packaging. Since I don’t sell paintings very often, I like to make every shipment a little work of art in itself. Each box is a one-of-a-kind design, hand-decorated with drawings and painted patterns. This time, the box was bright and colorful—almost like a cheerful companion for the painting inside.

The process is simple but thoughtful. I start with a plain cardboard box, transform it with my own designs, and line it with tissue paper. (No, not the kind for blowing your nose—this is purely for presentation!) I want the buyer to feel a sense of excitement from the moment they open it.

I also include practical touches. Inside, there are two types of hooks for hanging the artwork. One is an easy-to-use 3M sticky hook—no tools required. The other is more permanent, for those who want something sturdier. I leave the choice to the new owner.

Then comes a little envelope of extras. For this piece, I included a sticker of the artwork and a few other surprises. Finally, I handwrite a personal note to the buyer, thanking them for giving my work a new home.

And just like that, the box is sealed, addressed, and ready to ship. Another painting leaves my hands and begins its journey somewhere new. It’s a bittersweet feeling—but one I cherish. Each goodbye makes room for the next hello.