Macaw in Flight, an original acrylic painting by Wendy Molinaroli

As I have mentioned before, I am a self-taught artist, primarily working in watercolor, pen and ink, drawing, and DIY clay paint.

What does being self-taught mean? Well, it means I have learned to meet a lot of challenges on my own, figuring things out as I go. But it also means there are mediums, techniques, and approaches to art that I have simply never been exposed to.

So, I finally decided to do something about that.

I took a big step and joined the Mastery Program with Milan Art Institute! I am excited, and, if I am being truthful, probably a little nervous, to see where this takes me. You will be seeing all sorts of new paintings, drawings, experiments, and probably a few adventures along the way.

Macaw in Flight is my first painting from the Mastery Program, and I have to admit, I am thrilled with how it turned out. More than that, I think I am surprised that this was in me to do.

This painting is in acrylic, a medium I am still learning, and the subject matter was also completely new for me. The macaw was not pre-drawn or traced onto the canvas. I drew him directly in paint, building the image in layers and correcting the shapes and proportions as I went.

Close detail of the blue and gold wing in Wendy Molinaroli’s Macaw in Flight painting

One of the things my instructor, Elli, emphasized is that painting is really about painting what you see, and then continuing to look. You make a mark, look again, correct it, adjust the proportions, and keep going. There was something wonderfully freeing about realizing that it did not have to be perfect from the beginning. I could find my way there.

As I worked on this painting, I wanted the macaw to be flying out of the darkness and toward the light. There is something about that image that speaks to me. Maybe it represents hope. Maybe strength. Maybe the courage to keep moving forward, even when you are not entirely sure where you are going.

And, of course, beauty.

Close detail of the macaw’s face in Wendy Molinaroli’s Macaw in Flight painting

Looking at the finished painting, I think that is what surprises me most. Yes, I painted a macaw. But I also discovered a little more of what might be inside me as an artist.

And I have a feeling I am just beginning to find out.

Have you ever created something, or tried something completely new, and surprised yourself with what you were capable of doing?

And when you look at Macaw in Flight, what speaks to you? What do you see in him flying toward the light?

I would truly love to hear.

Wendy