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What you don't see: the art of documenting creative processes
There is a part of art that cannot be hung on a wall, and that is the part that happens in silence, in drafts, in doubts, in changes of direction. It is what we do not see, but what helps us make sense of everything. To document creative processes, you record what happens behind the scenes a statement of honesty, a way of embracing vulnerability, and celebrating the journey as much as the result. Not sure how to do it? Don't worry, here's a basic guide to creating and saving your creative processes. Why should creative processes be documented? Because all art begins with a simple idea that evolves into something finished, a documented creative process guides you through the completion of your work. Because between the first stroke and the final piece, there is a story that deserves to be told. It is essential to keep records of the creative processes in notebooks, photos, videos, audio recordings, or loose notes, as this allows us not only to understand how we arrived at an idea but also to connect with it from a more human place. The process of documenting involves looking back and discovering that chaos and doubts were also part of the plan, that intuition also has a guiding role, and that making mistakes was part of creating something authentic. The value of imperfection At Jacaranda, we believe that art doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. The real, the spontaneous, what seems like a “mistake” can be precisely what moves us the most. Documenting is a way of recognizing the emotional process behind a creation. When an artist shares their sketches, color tests, and crossed-out ideas, they invite the viewer into their world, allowing them to see beyond the final work. Tips for starting to document your creative processes 1 .Choose your favorite format There's no one right way to do this. You can use a physical journal, notes on your phone, record yourself talking, take photos of your progress, record timelapses, or even create a visual log on social media. 2. Be honest with yourself Don't document just to show off the “pretty” parts. Save the doubts, the pauses, the changes of heart. Those things build your story as an artist, too. 3. Make it a ritual Take a few minutes after each creative session to record how you felt, what you discovered, and what you would like to try next. It doesn't have to be long. Just real. 4. Look back from time to time Reviewing your processes is a way to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You'll see patterns, progress, and insights that you may not have noticed at the time. It's also a beautiful way to appreciate all that you've accomplished. 5. Share it if you want Sometimes, showing the process connects more than showing the final work. And when you share your journey, you permit others to explore theirs without fear of judgment. At Jacaranda, we don't believe in the myth of the “genius who creates from nothing.” We believe in evolution, in doubts, in searching. That's why when you see one of our pieces, you may be seeing more than just colors and lines: you're also seeing the pauses, the rehearsals, the invisible stories that hold it together. Are you ready to document your creative processes?
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How to start your contemporary art collection: tips for beginners
The main message we want to convey with Jacaranda is that art is for everyone, which is why today, the creator of this virtual gallery, Annamaja Maguiña, tells us how to start your contemporary art collection. The first thing you need to understand is that this can take time, and you decide how much. It is a path that you create yourself. To start your journey as a collector, you don't need to know everything or fill your walls in a matter of days. What's important is that you put your essence into every painting you choose, that you identify with it and feel that the work speaks to you or about you. Art is chosen with the heart, and each piece seeks you out and finds you. That's why today I'm sharing some tips to help you start collecting contemporary art. Listen to yourself Consider yourself and what inspires you before choosing a painting simply because it's visually appealing. Consider whether it resonates with you. Before analyzing prices or sizes, consider your own needs. Ask yourself: What colors make you feel alive? What images convey something to you when you see them? What themes move you? A good collection starts there: with an emotion that you feel and cannot ignore. Don't buy based on trends, buy based on connection If a piece makes you feel something—calm, intrigued, happy, nostalgic—that's a good start. You're sure to come across many paintings, but not all of them will convey those feelings. If you're wondering which one to buy, don't worry! The painting itself will reveal the answer. Start slow but sure Don't rush! A collection isn't built overnight. It can be an illustration, a painting on paper, or a digital piece. Size or price doesn't determine its value. Visit fairs, galleries, and independent spaces Not sure where to start? The world is waiting for you. Go out and look around, talk to artists, and visit university exhibitions. It's time to understand art as a way to train your eye and open your heart to new forms of expression. Little by little, you'll discover what you like... and what you don't. Check out social media You can find many talented artists on social media. The art world has also migrated to social media, allowing you to reach emerging artists with a lot of talent who connect with you. We are an example of this. Jacaranda is a virtual gallery where we express art for everyone, everywhere. Permit yourself to change What you like today may not be what you love tomorrow, and that's okay. A collection is also a reflection of your transformation. You can rotate the pieces, store them, give them away, or add new ones without guilt. Art, like you, is in motion. Collecting contemporary art is a way of telling your story through painting: who you are, what you think, and how you see the world. Do it step by step, without rushing. Let yourself be guided by your intuition and that inexplicable emotion. At Jacaranda, we accompany you on your journey to discover art as it should be: from the inside out.
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Frida Kahlo autobiographical art: Why does she continue to inspire generations?
Stereotypes of what is beautiful and perfect have always varied, but the reality goes beyond their different variations, and it is that perfection and neatness seem to dominate expectations. When artists, works, and paintings appeared that changed everything, we discovered Frida Kahlo as a role model for breaking molds, making people uncomfortable, moving them, and inspiring many. Such was her impact that her face has been featured throughout history on T-shirts, walls, books, agendas, and in museums. But behind the visual icon, there is something strong: an artist who transformed life into art and her art into a brutally honest way of narrating herself. Biographical art as language Frida did not paint what she saw; she painted what she felt. Through self-portraits, raw symbols, gaping bodies, bleeding hearts, unhidden eyebrows, and firm postures in the face of pain, Kahlo created an intimate and revolutionary language that positioned her as a pioneer of autobiographical art. She was unafraid to speak of her illnesses, her losses, her fractured identity across cultures, and her intense passions. In a male-dominated art world, Frida was radically herself: unfiltered, unadorned, and unapologetic. Frida Kahlo as a symbol of resistance In the course of her life, she had to live through several pains that marked her: an accident that changed her body forever, multiple surgeries, the impossibility of being a mother, tumultuous relationships, and weak health. However, she never hid behind the suffering; on the contrary, she turned it into a canvas, and this consolidated her as one of the most important contemporary artists in history. In an era when authentic narratives held more value than polished ones, Frida resonated with those who dreamed of telling their stories freely, without fear of judgment or rejection. Why does Frida Kahlo continue to inspire today? I'm sure you're wondering why, with the passing of the years, the artist still lives on and inspires many art and history lovers. The answer is that there is no pretension in her work, only truth. She opened the door to live art as a catharsis, autobiography, a reflection on feminism, politics, desire, the body, identity, and contradiction. And because her life is a reminder that art does not have to please, it has to express. Frida Kahlo did not seek to be eternal, but she was, is, and will be. In every stroke that remembers her, in every artist who dares to speak from her vulnerability, in every woman who turns her story into a work, Frida lives on. At Jacaranda, we celebrate the art that tells stories, the art that is not afraid to reveal itself, the art that is born from the personal and becomes universal.
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The influence of art on the LGBTQ+ community
Art has always been and will always be a refuge for those seeking to express themselves beyond the norm, from graffiti-covered walls to glitter-filled stages. And when it comes to expression, freedom, and creativity, the LGBTQ+ community has transformed art and made it their own. For a couple of decades now, the influence of art on the artistic expression of the community has been very evident. When we talk about the influence of art on the LGTBIQ+ community, we are talking about that collective energy that turns the everyday into performance, the intimate into manifesto, and the personal into universal. Art as a form of expression Many years ago, when the world was closing doors, art opened windows. Many people in the community found in drawing, dance, painting, and costume design a way to resist, to exist. These artistic expressions were not only an aesthetic outlet, they were a vital necessity. Queer art has inspired movements, changed discourses, and filled museums with stories that were once silenced. Art breaks molds From Keith Haring with his activist and colorful strokes to David Wojnarowicz with his raw and direct works on HIV, queer art has been anything but discreet. It is provocation, it is tenderness, it is memory. Andy Warhol, for example, turned pop culture into a mirror of a diverse society. And today, artists carry on a legacy showing that art is also a space for healing through identity. Drag: a work of art And when we talk about queer art, we can't leave out drag queens. Drag is, by definition, total art: makeup as painting, catwalk as performance, body as living sculpture. It's a brilliant mix of theater, protest, fashion, and humor. Every drag queen is a story in heels. Political criticism disguised as a show. A mirror that exaggerates to reveal. Drag has elevated the art of transformation to levels that can only be called living art. Because drag does not imitate, it reinvents. It not only entertains, it also educates, liberates, and builds community. And what do art and the LGBTQ+ community have in common? Everything. The need to express oneself, the desire to break with the established order, the courage to show what others hide, the power to move, to make people uncomfortable, to inspire and, above all, the freedom to be. At Jacaranda, we believe that art is for everyone, but above all for those who have had to fight to be heard. Queer art doesn't just decorate, it resists. And that makes it one of the purest forms of beauty.
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Sex and eroticism in artworks and paintings
Sex and eroticism have always been themes that have marked art, being a creative force that has developed over many centuries. To talk about sensuality in artworks is to talk about what is human, intimate, about ourselves, even if we sometimes don't know how to name it. Art allows us to express ourselves in any way we want, because it does not censor what we feel, but transforms it. The body as a canvas It is no surprise that the body has been a central theme in art. But what is interesting is how it has been interpreted over time. In ancient times, nudes celebrated beauty, divinity, and perfection. For example, the well-known paintings “David” by Michelangelo and “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli are not just naked bodies, they are symbols of balance and of what was sublime at that time. But over the centuries, the body lost its idealization and became freer, closer, and more real. And with that came insinuations, glances, and suggestive gestures. Eroticism entered the scene. From the Renaissence to desire During the Renaissance, artists found in the nude a form of anatomical study and symbolic expression. Artworks such as Goya's “The Naked Maja” opened the door to something more direct, provocative, and human. Later, artists such as Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt transformed the body into an emotional stage. It wasn't just about showing skin, but telling a story through desire, discomfort, and tension. Klimt, for example, with his golden bodies and symbol-laden compositions, turned sensuality into something beautiful and mysterious. Meanwhile, Schiele was raw, honest, and almost violent in his expression of eroticism. His strokes were open questions, not answers. Erotic art: a movement that breathes freedom At the end of the 19th century and into the 20th century, artistic expressions centered on eroticism flourished. From Japanese prints such as shunga, to the photographic works of Helmut Newton, to the sexual sculptures of contemporary artists, eroticism became a form of protest, liberation, and play. Erotic art is not just for looking at: it is for questioning what we have been taught about desire, the body, and what is right. Today, artworks and paintings continue to explore desire through multiple languages. From digital illustrations to sculptures and sensory installations, bodies continue to speak. But what are they talking about? They speak of freedom, diversity, and pleasure. And they remind us that eroticism is not only explicit, it is also subtle, suggestive, and hidden between the lines. Don't be afraid of erotic art. A well-chosen illustration can give your space a provocative, sophisticated, and honest air. We know that art speaks about you, and it can also speak about your desire. And that is also beauty. At Jacaranda, we believe that art does not judge, art reveals. And eroticism, like art, is part of who we are.
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Does color theory work in spaces? Art, color, and spaces with soul
The truth is that there is something magical about colors and their power to convey feelings, activate energies, and often convey essence. Colors often come before words and reason, and even if we don't notice it right away, every color in a space speaks to us. It is making us feel something. This is due to color theory, a silent language that inhabits what you see and how you experience it. At Jacaranda, we are convinced of the power of visual emotion. Art, with its colors and shapes, can change the mood of a space. It doesn't just decorate it... It transforms it, giving it that special touch. What is color theory, and why should you care? Color theory is like a compass, acting as a guide to how colors combine, contrast, or balance each other. But beyond the technical aspects, what's interesting is how each shade has its energy, its way of making you feel inside: Blue calms. It invites you to breathe. Ideal for bedrooms, studies, or anywhere you need to think or pause. Red energizes. It is passionate and vibrant. Perfect for creative or social spaces, but in balanced doses. Yellow illuminates. It brings joy and activates the mind. It works very well in places where conversation begins. Green connects. It links the inside with the outside. It refreshes and harmonizes. Pink embraces. It conveys tenderness and empathy. It feels like coming home. White expands. It is clean and minimalist, but also a canvas for everything else. Black frames. It adds depth and drama. When used well, it can make a piece stand out like no other. Hanging a piece of art on a wall can be a difficult decision to make, as it's not just filling an empty space; it's putting an intention there. It's a silent message about who you are, what you feel, or what you need to generate in others. Do you want a more intimate and reflective space? A painting in neutral tones can take you there. Do you feel like your living room needs some energy? A colorful piece of pop art can change the whole atmosphere. Do you feel disconnected from nature? A watercolor painting with soft greens can give you that breathing space. Art transforms a place, but it also transforms you when you inhabit it. Jacaranda tips for filling your spaces with color (and meaning) 1. Let the color speak first See how a piece makes you feel before you think about where to hang it. Emotion always comes first. 2. Not everything has to match Sometimes, what clashes also generates conversation. Dare to put that bold painting where you least expect it. 3. Less is more You don't need to fill every wall. One meaningful piece can say much more than five soulless ones. 4. Art also moves If you feel that a piece no longer resonates where it is, move it. Changing its location can renew it... and renew you. Every time you choose a color, you choose a mood. Every time you place a piece, you are telling a story. At Jacaranda, we believe that art is for everyone. And that colors are a silent but powerful way of saying: this is who I am, how I feel, how I want to live.
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How to care for art: tips and recommendations
Learn tips and recommendations on how to care for art. Your paintings, sculptures, and decorations deserve to be cared for to extend their life and appearance.
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The art of lighting in your spaces
At Jacaranda, we believe that art is not just something to be hung on a wall: it is something to be felt, breathed, and lived. And when art interacts with the right lighting, the space is transformed into a sensory experience. Light reveals the details of a work and intensifies its intention, atmosphere, and impact. When used well, it is a tool that frames emotions, accentuates contrasts, and guides the eye. When combined harmoniously with a work of art, it not only accompanies it: it elevates it. It takes it to another level! Because yes, a good work can speak for itself... but with the right light, it whispers secrets, provokes emotions, and can completely transform a space. It's time to discover how you can use light to your advantage to decorate your most special spaces. Lighting is magic behind light We don't just use lighting as a technique; it's a whole narrative. Light attracts the eye, intensifies colors, highlights textures, and can even change the mood of someone entering a room. You have probably felt at some point that when you arrive at a place, it conveys peace and serenity, or, on the contrary, it creates a bit of chaos. This feeling is often due to the lighting. A poorly lit work of art can go unnoticed. On the other hand, a piece bathed in the right light will take on a life of its own, as if it were breathing alongside you. Advantages of good lighting in spaces with art • Creates emotional atmospheres Soft, warm light can invite contemplation and introspection. Cool light can give a modern, clear feel • Puts the artwork in the spotlight Lighting becomes the invisible frame that guides attention to what is truly important. • Protects and preserves The right light sources also help keep your artwork in good condition over time. Tips for lighting with art and style Use directed light to highlight specific pieces. Ideal for paintings or sculptures that you want to be the center of attention. Take advantage of natural light, but use soft filters or translucent curtains to avoid direct light. Play with the temperature of the lighting: Warm light highlights classic works or earth tones. Neutral or cool light enhances intense colors and modern art. Give dimension to the space with indirect lighting. It's a subtle way to create depth without stealing the show. Less is more: Don't overload. Lighting should complement, not compete. In the art of lighting, every space has its own soul, its own vibe, and every piece you choose speaks about you and what you want to convey. At Jacaranda we invite you to make art a way to communicate. Let light not only show you what you see, but also what you feel. Because lighting is not just about lamps, it is a statement of intent. In the end, art is light.
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Art and Energy: Feng Shui in your space
In every space we inhabit, there is an invisible but powerful energy that influences our mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice based on the harmony of our being with the spaces we inhabit, invites us to design our environments to enhance that vital energy, known as chi. And one of the most powerful tools for achieving this is art. Beyond decoration, art transforms. Each piece has its vibration, and by strategically integrating it into our spaces, we can guide energy toward balance, peace, and prosperity. Art as a channel of energy Works of art don't just beautify: they speak, activate emotions, and awaken sensations. According to Feng Shui, colors, shapes, and materials directly influence energy flow. A piece with warm tones can bring dynamism and vitality, while a work in soft tones can invite rest and introspection. In addition, a work's symbolism is crucial. An image of a couple can strengthen the energy of relationships; a painting of lush nature can enhance health and connection with life. The Bagua map: Energy locations for artwork Feng Shui uses a map called Bagua that divides any space into nine areas, each associated with an aspect of life: wealth, love, health, career, creativity, among others. Placing artwork according to this map allows you to activate specific intentions in your home or workspace. Here are some practical examples: Wealth and prosperity (top left corner): Works with purple, green, or gold tones; elements of abundance such as leafy trees or oriental symbols of fortune. Love and relationships (top right corner): Images of couples, hearts, works in pink or soft red tones. Health and family (center-left): Paintings of green landscapes, trees, wooden elements, or nature in harmony. Career and purpose (bottom center): Black-and-white photographs or illustrations, roads, rivers, or symbols of movement and direction. These placements not only beautify the space: they align it with your intentions. Connect your energy with your aesthetics When you hang a painting that evokes expansion, place a sculpture that symbolizes strength, or display a photograph that inspires gratitude, your walls become silent allies that nurture your daily well-being. Choose each piece with intention: this way, you connect with your essence and harmonize your environment. Notice how colors, materials, and shapes influence the energy that circulates you: soft tones invite calm, natural textures bring stability, and dynamic compositions awaken creativity and motivation. Your space is a mirror of your history. According to Feng Shui, every painting, sculpture, or photograph acts as an “energy booster,” guiding your deepest goals, emotions, and values. “Art is not just for looking at; it is for inhabiting, feeling, and letting it drive energy in your favor.” Jacaranda recommends: art to harmonize At Jacaranda Art Gallery, we believe in art as a tool for personal and spatial transformation. That's why we carefully select works that are not only visually appealing but also convey emotions, intentions, and deep meanings. From pieces that evoke tranquility and balance to vibrant creations that stimulate creativity and abundance, our gallery offers a variety of options for those seeking a home with soul and energy.
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