My Artistic Goals for 2026

As 2026 is now here, I am acutely aware that this year will be one of the most demanding and focused periods of my artistic life so far. I aim to no longer work in fragments or short bursts of inspiration; instead, I am committing to a structured and intentional plan that supports both creative growth and long-term artistic direction. At the heart of this plan are two ongoing painting series that mean a great deal to me: The Swimmers and The Lavender Fields,  alongside several ambitious new works and hopefully if time allows, the beginnings of a book.

One of my primary goals is to bring clarity, discipline, and continuity to my practice. I have learned that meaningful progress doesn’t come from rushing toward deadlines, but from sustained attention to each body of work. That lesson became especially clear when I missed the submission deadline for a competition with my second Lavender Fields painting. Although disappointing, this experience helped me reset my priorities. Rather than abandoning or rushing that piece, I have committed to completing Lavender Field No. 2 to the standard it deserves. This painting represents an important stage in the evolution of the series, and finishing it properly will give the collection coherence and emotional depth. It is no longer about external validation or competitions, it is about integrity and artistic consistency.

Lavender Field series

The Lavender Fields series remains deeply personal to me. These works are not just landscapes; they explore memory, stillness, rhythm, and a sense of quiet longing. In 2026, I aim to further refine my use of color, layering, and atmosphere within this series, allowing the paintings to breathe and mature. Completing Lavender Field No. 2 will be my first major milestone of the year, and it will set the tone for everything that follows.

The Swimmers series

Parallel to this, I will continue developing The Swimmers series, which has become one of the most expressive and symbolic bodies of work I want to create. These paintings are about movement, vulnerability, suspension, and emotional immersion.

New series

However, I am intentionally placing this series on hold until two major works are completed: the lavender painting and a larger-scale oil painting which will be represent Flowers Over a Rusted Gate (title to be confirmed). This upcoming piece will be larger  than the lavender Field number 2 (60 x 180cm) and will push my technical ability, particularly in texture, contrast, and compositional balance. The image of fragile flowers overtaking a decaying gate feels symbolic of resilience, time, and renewal, themes that resonate strongly with my current life and creative mindset.

Once this painting is completed, I plan to return to The Swimmers with renewed clarity and confidence. The next swimmer painting will build on the emotional language I have already established while deepening the narrative within the series. Rather than producing many pieces quickly, my intention is to create fewer, stronger works that speak more honestly and powerfully.

I will catalogue my progress towards the paintings and series in the Diaries pages.

Writing a book

Beyond painting, one of my most ambitious goals for 2026 is to begin creating / writing a book. This will be a new adventure for me as I have never done this before. It will depend on the time, during the next autumn - winter.  

Overall, 2026 is about depth, not speed. It is about honouring unfinished work, committing to large-scale ideas, and trusting a long-term vision rather than chasing short-term milestones. I am setting demanding goals for myself this year, but they are grounded in intention, patience, and growth. If I stay disciplined and present in my process, I believe this will be a transformative year personally for my art.