From the Philippines to Europe: Discovering My Passion for Art in My 40s

When I decided to paint Mayon Volcano, I imagined it in a moment of complete stillness. Rather than showing its powerful eruptions, I pictured the volcano resting beneath a moonlit sky.

I called the painting A Quiet Moment. Mayon is famous for its almost perfect cone shape and volcanic activity. Yet I wanted to reveal another side of it, one filled with peace and beauty. That contrast reflects what I try to express through art.

What makes this story unexpected is that I never imagined becoming an artist. I only discovered painting in my 40s, thousands of kilometres from the Philippines.

Building a Life in Europe

I left the Philippines in 2010 to study in London. Until then, I’d lived with my family in Manila, so moving abroad meant becoming independent.

After my studies, I worked in fashion and met my Italian husband, Gabrio, then a photographer. We married and stayed in London.

Over the following years, we lived in the UK and Scotland, and later in the Netherlands, where I continued working in an office environment in Amsterdam.

Eventually, my husband’s consultancy business gave us the flexibility to choose where we wanted to live. We moved to Rovinj, a beautiful coastal town in Croatia, drawn to its peaceful atmosphere.

I had no idea that this move would lead me to a completely new passion.

My First Painting and an Unexpected Discovery

I had never studied art or seriously painted before. One day in Croatia, I tried paint by numbers and found that I genuinely loved it. Painting helped me clear my thoughts, relax, and concentrate on something creative.

Then my husband’s parents were celebrating their wedding anniversary, and I wanted to give them a personal gift. I decided to paint a forest landscape filled with greenery, this time without numbers or instructions.

It was my first painting created entirely on my own.

They loved it, but the moment that touched me most came later, when I learned they had hung it in their bedroom. For me, that was deeply meaningful. A bedroom is where we rest and find peace, and knowing they had chosen my painting for such a personal space made me feel honoured.

That small gesture encouraged me to keep creating. Before long, our home was filling with paintings, and my husband suggested sharing them with the world.

Finding the Courage to Share

I was hesitant at first. As an introverted person, showing something so personal to strangers felt intimidating. Even speaking about my paintings in front of a small group still makes me nervous.

Fortunately, my husband, my family in the Philippines and the United States, my in-laws, and friends have been incredibly supportive. Some school friends were surprised I was painting.

I was surprised myself! I had spent so many years without knowing this passion existed.

That experience taught me something important: it is never too late to discover something you love.

Inspired by Europe, Connected to the Philippines

Nature is my greatest inspiration. I especially love Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. Mountains such as the Matterhorn are majestic and powerful, yet they make me feel incredibly calm. I try to capture that feeling rather than simply reproduce a landscape.

Today, we live in the Czech Republic, surrounded by forests and beautiful scenery. Even walking with my husband and our dog, Rocky, gives me ideas for new paintings.

But living abroad has also made me appreciate the natural beauty of the Philippines in a different way.

Painting Mayon Volcano was a meaningful connection to my home country. I wanted A Quiet Moment to show that even a powerful, active volcano can have a gentle presence. In my mind, the peaceful landscapes of the Philippines and Europe share that same sense of wonder.

You will also notice the moon in many of my paintings. To me, it represents rest, mystery and calm. Its gentle light transforms a dark landscape into something comforting. Whether I paint a forest, mountain or volcano, I hope people can look at my art and enjoy a moment of peace.

The Challenges of Being an Artist

Being an emerging artist is not always easy. There are so many talented people creating beautiful work, and gaining recognition without established connections is difficult. Promoting myself is an extra challenge because I feel more comfortable painting than speaking publicly.

Putting a price on my paintings is difficult too. Each one carries my thoughts, time, and emotions, and art means something different to everyone.

My husband helps with the marketing, website, and business side of Lorraine Artsy, while I focus on creating. Together, we have also introduced a small collection of products featuring my artwork, including prints and tote bags. I prefer quality over quantity and want to feel proud of everything we offer.

We try to keep the business decisions separate from the creative process, so painting never becomes simply about making a sale.

What Keeps Me Creating

Inspiration doesn’t always arrive on schedule. Sometimes I see an unforgettable mountain while travelling. Other times, it’s a quiet walk in the forest or a beautiful detail I notice in everyday life.

I’ve also learned that I don’t always need to feel inspired before beginning. Sometimes I pick up a brush, and inspiration follows. Once I start, I can become so absorbed that I lose track of time and my husband has to remind me to take a break!

Looking back, I feel grateful for the journey that brought me from Manila to Europe and, unexpectedly, to painting.

If I could share one message with fellow Filipinos living abroad, it would be this: don’t be afraid to try something new, whatever your age or circumstances. You may discover a passion you never knew you had.