Author: Misty Blue Arts

No Time To Waste: Art In Hand, Heart Wide Open

No Time To Waste: Art In Hand, Heart Wide Open

Lately, I’ve been moving through life with a sense of urgency, not in a panic, but the steady knowing that each day carries weight, maybe now more than ever. I’ve spent years working and creating, not holding out for some perfect moment. The truth is, I’m already living it. This is the time. All we ever really have is now.

In June of 2022, my dog and bestest buddy, Bones, passed away from pancreatitis. Two months later, my mom passed from cancer. I was with them both when they died, and a part of me went with them. My mom was only 61 and Bones was just 7. I thought I’d have more time with them.

Now, well into my forties and approaching menopause, I just don’t feel the need to mince words anymore. Maybe it’s the ’tism, maybe hormones, maybe the way life has unfolded, but mostly, I think it’s the realization that time is short, and I have no desire to live any way but authentically and as fully as I can.

That doesn’t mean I’ve lost my manners, if anything, I’m just more open with my thoughts and emotions. At a recent artist meetup, a kind woman told me she liked how laid-back I was. Not really knowing what else to say, I told her I have anxiety and work hard to cope with it. I thanked her for her kindness. Maybe it was “a lot” to share, but I think the world could use less ego and more honesty. Though she was taken a little back, she seemed genuinely happy to meet me and hoped to see me again.

Since I’ve been thinking about time more than ever, I’ve been busy using mine well. Rebranding my business. Changing my shops and socials to reflect my new name and logo. Revamping tags and descriptions. Designing QR code business cards. Coming up with Time Machine Tuesday for my community posts on YouTube. Adding a membership subscription to my Ko-fi with coloring sheets as the incentive. Creating new art. Joining Substack. And even preparing for and opening my current art exhibition.

And you know what? I’m happy. I feel purpose and meaning in what I’m building. I’m working hard to position myself and my art so I can earn a living from it. That’s my dream, to support myself and my family through my passion.

Art is my life. Being an artist isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am, with every fiber of my being. Time isn’t promised, and I refuse to waste any more of mine. Every painting, every connection, every risk I take, it all matters. I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I do know I’ll be walking it as my truest self, art in hand, heart wide open. Because this isn’t just my career. It’s my life.

To Learn More About My Art & Support My Work, Visit My Link Tree

Disclaimer
The information shared in this article and blog is based on personal experience and is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only.

©️Misty Lemons/Misty Blue Arts Do Not Copy Or Reproduce

Musings: A Solo Art Exhibition Of Hope And Healing

Musings: A Solo Art Exhibition Of Hope And Healing

Happy artist, Misty Lemons, smiling in front of her artwork displayed at her solo show, Musings

From now through November 8th, my solo art show Musings is on display at The Flying Squirrel Coffee Shop in Crowley, Texas, hosted through the Mansfield Tournique Art Collective.

Musings features acrylic and watercolor paintings of whimsical animals and themed pieces bursting with color and personality. For me, art is more than paint on paper, it’s a way to heal, cope, and process life’s challenges.

Here I am striking a happy pose in front of my art show

These colorful, lighthearted themes reflect my desire to brighten the world, even when things feel heavy. Every brushstroke is a reminder of resilience, hope, and the small moments of joy that can transform difficult experiences.

Come with me to set up my solo art show, Musings at Flying Squirrel Coffee in Crowley, Texas. Watch and subscribe to my YouTube

If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to stop by, sip some coffee, and see the work in person. Maybe you’ll leave with a smile or even a favorite piece to take home.

Exhibit Dates: Now through November 8th, 2025
Location: The Flying Squirrel Coffee Shop, Crowley, TX
Presented by: Mansfield Tournique Art Collective

To Learn More About My Art & To Shop, Visit My LinkTree You Can Also Subscribe To My YouTube For Behind The Scenes Fun & More

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*For Educational Purposes Only

Behind the Painting: Aquatic at the Flying Squirrel Coffee Shop

Behind the Painting: Aquatic at the Flying Squirrel Coffee Shop

“Aquatic”, 30×40 Inch Abstract Painting by Award Winning Artist, Misty Blue of Misty Blue Arts

Playful splashes of blue and green, Aquatic is one of the pieces now hanging in my third-ever solo art show, at the Flying Squirrel Coffee Shop in Crowley, Texas. The exhibition, presented through the Mansfield Tournique Art Collective, runs now through November 8th.

For me, each solo show is more than just an opportunity to share my art, it’s a celebration of how far I’ve come. Growing up, I never imagined I’d see my work displayed for others to enjoy. Art has been my lifeline, helping me heal and cope through some of life’s hardest moments, from the loss of my mother to having thyroid cancer, and growing up in an abusive home. My colorful, whimsical paintings, that often feature playful animals, are a reflection of my desire to brighten the world, both for myself and for others.

Aquatic holds a special place in this collection. Its serene yet vibrant feel reminds me of the beauty and peace that can still be found, even in turbulent waters. That theme flows throughout the show: hope, resilience, and finding light in unexpected places.

The Flying Squirrel Coffee Shop offers the perfect backdrop, a warm, inviting space where art and community meet. Whether you stop in for coffee, conversation, or simply to take in the art, I hope my paintings bring a little joy to your day.

This exhibition is a reminder that healing can be colorful, and that art has the power to connect us in ways words sometimes can’t. I’m grateful to the Tournique Art Collective for believing in my work and to everyone who takes the time to see it in person.

– Misty Blue Arts

To Learn More About My Work, Read My Bio Or Shop My Art, Visit My Link Tree.

Artist, Misty Blue of Misty Blue Arts. Here Misty is holding a paintbrush and wearing her favorite jean jacket, her mother’s beaded turquoise necklace, and pins she created (that are also available in her shops).

Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To The Artist, Misty (Blue) Lemons of Misty Blue Arts Do Not Copy Or Reproduce

A Dream On The Edge

A Dream On The Edge

If you’ve ever seen Thelma & Louise, you know the iconic ending where they drive off a cliff together, holding hands, choosing freedom over fear. Lately, that scene feels a bit like my journey as an artist. 

I’ve worked hard for several years, posting videos, hitting subscriber goals, chasing the dream of becoming a paid YouTuber to support myself and my family. But despite all that effort, the “paid” part still feels like a wall I can’t quite break through.

Some days, it’s like I’m in the passenger seat while my dream’s at the wheel, speeding straight toward that wall or maybe even a cliff, with this wild mix of hope, excitement, determination, and sheer terror.

I keep wondering: will we crash? Will we fly? Or will we somehow break through and finally make it to the other side?

And you know what? I’m still here, laughing and crying and making videos, even if I’m not quite “landing” the way I hoped.

Time Machine Tuesday is my way of holding on tight and enjoying the ride, looking back at my journey with a wink and a smile, knowing that even if the dream doesn’t turn out exactly like I planned, the ride itself is worth it.

So here’s to the cliff, the leap, the risk and the hope, and the wild, messy, beautiful adventure of chasing dreams that don’t always come easy. (Just like what happened in my latest YouTube video.)

And hey, if you want to join me for the next episode, buckle up, it’s going to be a fun one.

✨ To learn more about me, subscribe to my YouTube, and explore my shop, please visit My Link Tree. Thank you for supporting independent art! 🎨🖌️

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*For Educational Purposes Only

She Mattered

She Mattered

My husband found a possum today, alone, in the openness of our yard, struggling on the ground in the midday heat. Maybe most people would’ve just walked past her. But I couldn’t.

She was scared and possibly hurt and didn’t belong out in the open like that. She was suffering. So I immediately set a bowl of water near her and called around for help. Got disconnected. Sent to websites. Nobody wanted to deal with her.

I cried thinking no one would care. But I stayed calm for her. Because she deserved that. Because she mattered to me.

But eventually, someone said yes. If I could bring her.
So I did.

Half an hour’s drive away, she deserved to be seen.
To be helped.
To not die alone.

When I was a kid, a dog killed a mama possum and scattered her babies. We tried to save them, but no one would help then either. Eventually one by one they all died and I was devastated. I’ve never forgotten them and I never forgot how people turned away.

That pain still lives in me. And maybe that’s why I couldn’t leave this one behind.

The world is full of beings who are hurting, people and animals both, who are left to suffer because they’re “too much trouble.”

But they matter.
She mattered.
And I’ll keep saying that. Even if I’m the only one.

*For Educational Purposes Only. Do Not Handle Wild Animals. And Please, Seek Professional Help, If You Come Across A Sick Or Hurt Animal Suffering.

Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To Misty Lemons/Misty Blue Arts Do Not Copy Or Reproduce

How My Art Got Over Ten Thousand Views On A YouTube Short

How My Art Got Over Ten Thousand Views On A YouTube Short

*UPDATE AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE*

After years of hard work, some doubt about the algorithm, and posting consistently (posting up to a few videos a week), one of my YouTube shorts finally got over ten thousand views. It didn’t happen overnight. It took a few days, but it reached twentyfour thousand views altogether. It’s my most viewed video to date. It’s not exactly a viral video, but it is to me!

You can watch the video here and please feel free to subscribe. It helps with my dream to be able to support my family with my art. Thank you.

“Inner Strength” is a abstract mixed media art piece created by award winning artist, Misty Lemons of Designs By Misty Blue Art. It’s made from watercolor paper and paint and polymer clay.

The video is ten seconds long and starts with me putting watercolor paint onto the rim of a disposable cup and finishes with a photo of me holding the completed art piece. I used a popular sound that would be familiar to many. I used text overlay on the video and made sure to have a detailed description and hashtags.

The beginning of the video was just a small snippet I took from my previous YouTube livestream that I sped up for time. The quick movements capture the eye and holds attention.

In my description I detailed the name of the piece (“Inner Strength”), the art materials used, and some of the process it took to create it. I also connected the livestream video where I worked on the piece as a related video.

All of this combined with consistency and a little bit of luck are what I believe helped the video get the views it has. I also recently reached over 1,000 subscribers and have heard this helps open up the algorithm more as well.

The algorithm on social media platforms can be incredibly daunting to overcome for so many, myself included. It seems fickle at best. Some people get lucky and strike gold immediately. Others can work for years with little or no returns. I always said if I can figure it out, I wouldn’t gatekeep, so I’m sharing what I learn and hope it helps others. I by no means of any stretch of the imagination have it figured out and can offer absolutely no guarantees, but this is what I’ve learned and believe it has helped me.

Above everything, stay consistent, but remember to add a description and several tags. I hope your hard work pays off for you. I’m wishing you the best and I’m rooting for you!

*UPDATE: A few days after having two shorts hit over 20,000 views in the same week, my views tanked. This happened immediately after YouTube wanted me to promote my channel. I’m thinking this is no coincidence. They seemingly opened my views to only shut it off to entice me to promote my channel. I believe this is what happened. The timing of it makes sense, unfortunately and I’ve heard of other social media platforms doing the same sort of thing to people. But I will do what I always do. Carry on. It’s a let down, but not surprising. My advice, remains the same, though. Stay consistent, but not for an algorithm. Do it for yourself. Do it for the love of your art and content. Do it because you wanna make a positive difference. Do it because it matters and means something to you, whether you have a large audience or not.*

To Learn More About Me, Shop My Art & Commissions, Please Visit My Link Tree. Thank You.

*For Educational Purposes Only

Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy Or Reproduce

#howigotovertenthousandviewsonyoutube #art #artist #mixedmediaart #abstractart #mistylemons #designsbymistyblue

New Multimedia Art Exhibition

New Multimedia Art Exhibition

I’m elated to announce that one of my newest pieces was accepted into the exhibition that replaces the previous installation I was also fortunate to participate in at Poured in Mansfield Texas.

Award Winning Artist, Misty Lemons of Designs By Misty Blue Art poses with her Multimedia piece, “In The Spring Of My Anxiety”


My piece is called “In The Spring Of My Anxiety” and is a rumination of the inner turmoil I feel when suffering through anxiousness.

“In The Spring…” is a mixed media piece made from paper mache, paper clay, repurposed/found objects, and acrylic paint assembled on wood.

“Multimedia” is a multi-artist exhibition and will be on display through July, so be sure to catch the show before then. Pieces from the show are available for purchase with information on how to do so at the show.

To Learn More About Me And My Art, Art Commissions & More, Please Visit My Link Tree

Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To The Artist, Misty Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy Or Reproduce

*For Educational Purposes Only

“Dream” Art Exhibition At Poured In Mansfield Texas

“Dream” Art Exhibition At Poured In Mansfield Texas

I’m excited to announce that I recently submitted art into an exhibition and was accepted! The theme is “Dream” and the exhibition is on display at Poured in Mansfield Texas.

My piece is called “In My Dreams I’m Free” and is a reflection of my desire for freedom as a woman. Freedom from misogyny/sexism. Freedom from an abusive and often unobtainable healthcare/insurance system. Freedom from oppressive capitalistic systems. Freedom to exist and thrive in peace.

“In My Dreams…” is a mixed media piece made from paper mache, cardboard, acrylic paint, drywall joint compound, and gold leaf assembled on wood.

Dream is a multi-artist exhibition and will be on display for a couple of more weeks, so be sure to catch the show before it ends. Pieces from the show are available for purchase with information on how to do so at the show. 

To Learn More About Me And My Art, Art Commissions & More, Please Visit My Link Tree

Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To The Artist, Misty Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy Or Reproduce

*For Educational Purposes Only

Healing and Safety: Managing a Medical Procedure While Confronting a Stalker

Healing and Safety: Managing a Medical Procedure While Confronting a Stalker

Hey, everyone! I’m still here. It’s been a tough time, but I’m pushing through. Between dealing with health challenges and trying to raise enough money for a procedure I’ll be having next month, I’ve also been dealing with harassment from my abuser—my father (more on that in a minute).

To keep myself going, I’ve started up the “Sharing My Art Every Day Til I Can Afford Healthcare” series again (on YouTube). I’ve got loads of artwork available, art commissions, tutorials, and a medical fundraiser up and running. If you’re interested in supporting, my family and I would be so grateful. Every bit helps!

I won’t lie—creating new work hasn’t been easy lately. I’ve been in a mental and physical “rest mode,” preparing for my upcoming procedure and, honestly, just enjoying some much-needed time with my immediate family.

Now, you might be wondering why I’m talking about my father. For years, I’ve been healing my childhood trauma and sharing that process with all of you. Staying silent only continues to protect the abuser, and I refuse to do that any longer. My story deserves to be told. It’s incredibly important to me that my story is heard—especially if something were to happen to me, I want there to be a record.

My father has stalked, harassed, and manipulated me for far too long (my whole life). I’ve told him multiple times that I don’t want him in my life—especially after he made cruel accusations to his neighbor, claiming I neglected and abused him. (It’s textbook narcissistic abuse to flip the script on their victim and accuse them of being abusive. The narc is charming to outsiders and they oftentimes will side with the narc.) Keep in mind, I was the one raising money and organizing supplies for him when his house burned down at that time. I even set up Meals on Wheels for him and got him in touch with Red Cross. It’s hard to understand how someone can be so twisted and diabolical, especially to recruit people to exact his cruel bidding even more.

He also told my brother I’m not his child, that he never treated me like I was. (He finally said the quiet part out loud! Now that’s closure!) But I did an Ancestry DNA test, and surprise—turns out, I am his child, just like my mom always said. It’s not shocking to me at this point. What I’ve learned over the years is that he’s cruel, manipulative, exploitative, and abusive. I’ve had enough of that. *YouTube Video Discussing This And Recent Events More In Depth*

I deserve peace. I deserve love. And I deserve happiness.

So, I’m focusing on keeping my spirits up and staying busy when I can, but I’m also giving myself permission to take things slowly and to talk about what’s happened and happening to me now.

I want to thank you all so much for your support and kindness. It truly means the world to me. I’ll try to keep you updated on everything, as it’s important to document things for safety, and I’m so grateful to have you in my corner. Take care of yourselves and I’ll see you soon!

Award Winning Artist, Misty Lemons of Designs By Misty Blue Art holding a watercolor painting she created live on YouTube, showing a technique she uses to calm her anxiety

To learn more about me and my art or if you’d like to offer support, please visit my Link Tree! Thank you so much!

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*For Educational Purposes Only

*For Legal Purposes, Statements Made Here & Other Platforms Are Opinion & Are Alleged