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Happy New Year! I always like to begin January by looking back at the paintings that meant the most to me over the past twelve months. Each one carries a story either a place I visited, a color choice that surprised me, or a moment in the studio when something finally clicked. I’ve gathered my favorite pieces from 2025 in this first blog post of the year. You’ll find images, short notes about what I think of each work, and a glimpse at the direction my art is heading in 2026.  The painting above is titled Hide & Seek, and it was one of the first pieces in which I began adding birds. Birds have comforted me for as long as I can remember, their songs, their presence at the feeder, the small joy they bring. There’s something a bit magical about them. In this piece, though, I didn’t want the birds to announce themselves. I wanted them to feel integrated with the trees, because the whole collection explores how deeply we are connected to the natural world. One of the reasons this painting is a favorite is that a bird appeared unexpectedly as I was working. It emerged from the layers almost on its own, which felt like a small gift. That surprise, along with the strength of the composition, put Hide and Seek at the top of my favorites for 2025.  Leaf Constellations, 12"x12," acrylic on wooden panel, © Lynn Goldstein Click on image for more info Another painting from this year’s collection is Leaf Constellations, created early in 2025. I’m drawn to this piece for its color palette and the rhythm of the trees as they move across the composition. They feel both grounded and connected, which brings to mind the moment I first learned that trees actually communicate through their root systems. I still like to imagine those quiet conversations happening when I walk through the woods. This painting also reflects my long-standing appreciation for Asian culture and aesthetics, something that continues to influence my work in subtle ways. All of that together makes Leaf Constellations one of my top paintings of the year.  Courageous Perseverance, 12"x12," acrylic on wooden panel, © Lynn Goldstein $550 Click on image for more info Courageous Perseverance is another favorite from this past year. This painting brings me back to the mountains of my childhood, the hills my father loved so much that he made sure they were the backdrop of our living room window. I never grew tired of that view; it changed daily, and yet it always felt like home. My mother died in 2024 after a long journey with dementia, and I often find myself imagining her moving freely through these painted hills, completely whole, joyful, and at peace. There’s something comforting in that thought. Perhaps that’s why this painting holds such a strong place in my heart.  Rhythms of the Forest, 47"x23.5," acrylic on canvas, © Lynn Goldstein Click on image for more info The final favorite from this past year is Rhythms of the Forest. It was the very first painting I completed in 2025, and I’m simply proud of it. This piece challenged me in all the best ways. The layers. the movement, the shifting light between the trees were all a little overwhelming. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I could bring it to the finish line, but once it finally came together, the result felt so satisfying. What I appreciate most about this painting is the sense of energy running through it. The colors and forms seem to pulse with their own rhythm, almost like the forest breathing. It captures something I’m always chasing in my work which is the moment when nature feels both familiar and mysterious at the same time. That quiet tension is what made this piece stay with me throughout the year. As I look back on these paintings, I’m reminded of how much can unfold in a single year. If you’d like to see more of what I’ve been working on, you can view my newest pieces on my website. Each of the paintings I’ve shared here is linked for easy exploring. I hope they offer a moment of calm, curiosity, or connection as you move into the new year.
I’m excited for what 2026 will bring, both in the studio and beyond, and I’d love to have you along with me as the work continues to grow and evolve. Leave a comment to let me know your favorite of these four!
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