As an artist in the digital era, I often find myself walking a fine line between creating for the sake of art and creating for the sake of visibility. In our highly demanding, content-driven world, keeping social media active has become almost as essential as the act of painting itself. My latest two portraits, while expressive and engaging, sparked an inner dialogue about why I paint and the role social media plays in my creative process.

The Portraits: Expressive Moments on Canvas

The first portrait I completed was of an Asian girl, her face alive with the energy of a triumphant scream as if exclaiming, “Yeah! Let’s do it!” Set against a vibrant yellow background, her yellow kimono allows the viewer’s attention to focus entirely on her expression. Painted quickly in a 2-3 hour session, this 30x40 cm piece was pure emotion on canvas—a celebration of spontaneity and energy.

The second portrait took slightly longer, about four hours, and was inspired by an AI-generated reference. The subject, a Japanese girl with vibrant pink, short hair, appears both comfortable and curious. Her expression mirrors the observer’s sense of curiosity, creating a silent dialogue between the viewer and the artwork. The turquoise blue background enhances her modern yet timeless appeal, and the alla prima technique with visible brushstrokes gives the painting a tactile, emotive quality.

Both portraits reflect my commitment to creating expressive portraits, timeless oil paintings, and modern emotive classicism. But while I enjoyed painting them, they also forced me to confront a deeper question: Was I creating these works for myself or merely to feed the ever-hungry algorithm?

The Pressure of Social Media

Social media has become an unavoidable part of an artist’s life. It’s where we showcase our work, build connections, and reach audiences far beyond what was possible in the past. But with this incredible opportunity comes a significant challenge. Algorithms demand consistency, encouraging us to churn out content at a pace that doesn’t always align with the deliberate and thoughtful process of traditional art.

In this high-pressure environment, it’s easy to feel like you’re painting not for the love of art but to stay visible, relevant, and present in your audience’s feed. For a moment, I found myself caught in that cycle, creating simply to meet the demands of my social platforms. But as I worked on these two portraits, I came to a powerful realization: Not every painting needs to be a masterpiece

The Value of “Practice Paintings”

As artists, we often strive to create works that tell profound stories, convey deep emotions, or showcase our technical mastery. However, not every painting has to bear the weight of being a “masterpiece.” Sometimes, the act of painting itself is enough—whether it’s a study in technique, a quick exploration of an idea, or simply an exercise in staying connected to the craft.

These “practice paintings” serve an important purpose. They allow us to grow, experiment, and hone our skills without the pressure of perfection. More importantly, they remind us why we fell in love with art in the first place.

For me, the realization was liberating. It’s okay to have a body of work that includes both highly polished, complex pieces and simpler, more spontaneous creations. After all, art isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the journey, the process, and the joy of creating.

Painting as Meditation

As I reflected on these two portraits and the reasons behind their creation, I came to an even deeper understanding of my relationship with painting. For years, I’ve said that I paint because I love it. But now I realize that painting is something I have to do. It’s bigger than me—a compulsion, a calling, a way of being.

Painting is my meditation, my workout, my escape, and my connection to the world. When I paint, I feel an indescribable mix of emotions: excitement, struggle, joy, and focus. It’s as though time stops, and I’m entirely in the moment. I think of everything and nothing all at once.

This realization has reshaped the way I view my art. It’s not just a career or a skill; it’s a fundamental part of who I am. Whether I’m painting a masterpiece or a quick study, the act of creating brings me a profound sense of completion, well-being, and happiness.

Embracing the Journey

As artists, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the expectations of the digital age. But we must remember that art isn’t about pleasing algorithms or meeting external demands. It’s about staying true to ourselves, our process, and our passion.

Not every painting will be our best work, and that’s okay. The value of art lies not only in the finished product but in the act of creation itself. Some paintings will become masterpieces, while others will be stepping stones on our artistic journey. Both are equally important.

As I continue to navigate the challenges of being an artist in the social media era, I’m choosing to embrace the balance between creating for myself and sharing my work with the world. Painting will always be my meditation, my joy, and my struggle—all rolled into one. And as long as I stay true to that, I know I’ll find my way.