Behind The Scenes: Creating The Wanderlust Minis

Two years ago to the day, I released a series of twelve oil paintings called The Wanderlust Collection. At the time I began creating it, I was at a crossroads in my life; a point where I could stay where I was without risk, or change direction. I chose to change. Out of that choice came the Wanderlust Collection and by the following April, I launched a sequel to that collection titled Wanderlust II, which sold out upon release at the Artist Project in 2022.

The Wanderlust Collection, September 2021

During the entire journey of creating the Wanderlust series, I also crafted these mini painting studies behind the scenes. It was never my intention for them to be publicly released. They were my playground—a space to experiment with compositions, test out color combinations, and be freely expressive without the weight of a canvas staring back at me.

Pacific Rush (in process), 4x4 inches, Oil on Primed Arches Paper

As the paintings stacked up, my love for them grew, too.

Ultimately, it was their perfectly imperfect qualities that captured my heart—the frayed edges, the impulsive brushwork, the way the paper drank in the oils, and their unapologetic rawness. These quirks made them beautifully authentic. They are more than just studies; They are, in essence, the soul of the entire collection, captured in its most unfiltered form.

Envisioning them as a standalone collection became inevitable. I decided to frame them in delicate maple—echoing the original Wanderlust pieces—this time encased in glass within a floating mat. No flaws would be hidden; a tribute to their essence and a testament to the belief that beauty can live in the tiniest, most unassuming forms.

Wanderlust Minis, 2023

In these pieces lives an honest glimpse into my process. No part of the artists hands are hidden; My mistakes on display. In that raw transparency, I see an inexplicable beauty.

Nestled within each brushstroke are the memories of a life-changing trip to California—a journey with my mom, her sisters, and my cousins that resonates deeply within me. Perhaps that's why I've held onto these paintings for so long; they are from a chapter I wasn't quite ready to close.

From my old studio to my new, these pieces have been my quiet companions, awaiting their rightful moment. That moment, I believe, has finally arrived. It feels surreal to be sharing these pieces.

I invite you to not just view them, but to feel them.

To find a little bit of yourself in each piece, just like I did.

With Love,

Kristi