“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.
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
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!
Copyrights Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To Misty Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy Or Reproduce
*For Educational Purposes Only
*For Legal Purposes, Statements Made Here & Other Platforms Are Opinion & Are Alleged
When I was kid, I had to use my school supplies as my art supplies. This is problematic because I had to be careful not to over use them, especially my markers. I needed them for school, so I didn’t get to create as much as I wanted and that hindered my ability to grow my art skills. As an adult, I’ve wondered what I could do to help children who may be in the situation I was in.
The first parrot was drawn in marker by 10 year old artist, Misty (Lemons) & the second parrot was done in watercolor later in her life (in her early 40s).
I was recently inspired by those little free libraries people put in their yards. I wondered how could I do something like that, but with art supplies. After some thought, I questioned whether that would be a good idea because all it takes is one hooligan painting up the neighborhood and I’d be on the hook for the shenanigans.
Intent to not be deterred, I reached out to a couple of arty people I know who have connections within the community that I don’t have as of yet and I suggested an art supply drop off. People can drop off gently used or new art supplies and those in need or want of said supplies are free to come get them. I just needed a location. This would potentially benefit adults and children.
My contact with the Mansfield Commission For The Arts (Texas) is helping me with a location they have available that would work for this. My other contact suggested I could make art kits for kids and distribute them to local food banks.
I love this idea, but lack funding. So, I’ve put together an Amazon Wishlist with supplies I’ll need to put together quality art kits for children. The kits will include an affirmations for kids coloring book, a watercolor how to book, a how to draw almost everything book, watercolor paint, brushes, markers, pencils, paper, and more.
I don’t want to skimp on quality. I remember when I was a kiddo around the holidays, well meaning relatives would occasionally gift me art supplies that were, most likely from a dollar store, and were mostly unusable. These kits should last the children a long time.
Artist Misty Lemons of Designs By Misty Blue Art Holding Up A Watercolor Painting She Created In Her Little Art Studio
If you are an artist or someone who wants to support young artists, maybe this is an idea you could implement in your community. I’d love to see this become a trend. Art is therapeutic. It expands the mind and soothes the soul. I think our communities would greatly benefit from a movement like this.
I’m starting off with 100 kits. If it’s successful, I may do more. I’m not sure where I will store everything (possibly my garage), but first things first. I have to acquire the supplies. If you would like to help, please spread the word and donate something on the wishlist. Thank you so much for your support!
*For Educational Purposes Only
Copyrights Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To Misty Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy Or Reproduce
Sometimes, I wonder how my life would be different had I not had chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, I’ve been ill in one way or another the majority of my life, so I can’t really say how it could’ve been. Anything I imagine would only be a dream.
Here I am contemplating my next art piece, or wondering how I can afford to go to the doctor, or both
Health is wealth that is easy to take for granted if you have it. And society just isn’t set up to be accommodating to those with illnesses or disabilities. I mean, think about it. It starts early in life. Schools reward and praise the kids that never miss a day, whether they’re sick or not. It’s like they’re saying they don’t care if you’re sick and taking care of yourself is shamed when you don’t get the accolades of perfect attendance. But health is a privilege and so is healthcare, when they should be human rights.
America is one of the richest countries in the world and it’s where I happened to be born. But capitalism, greed, rugged individualism, bigotry, and eugenics are heavily integrated into the systems that run our country and many a people have been fighting it, demanding change and equity/equality for a long time.
My mother was disabled. I had a front row seat to see just how difficult life is for someone with chronic illnesses and disabilities. She worked hard to make sure we had healthcare, a clean house and clothes, and food to eat, but government assistance only goes so far. By the end of every month free school lunches were our primary source for food.
Now, as an adult in need of access to healthcare, I’m well aware that to even be considered for government assistance in my state, you have to be at or below poverty level. Working class folks who are scraping by can’t afford health insurance or healthcare in general. Subsidies help on income tax, but what about now, in this moment? And deductibles are in the thousands, so you’re just throwing money away and not many physicians even take Obamacare, so the task of finding a decent doctor is even more slim than they are without Obamacare.
My health started to really decline in my teens. I had proof from my doctor that I was suffering and needed an accommodation to take an elevator instead of stairs to get to my second story classes. I was denied that accommodation because I looked fine. I wasn’t in a wheelchair or on crutches. I was in an incredible amount of pain, but looked perfectly healthy. The whole “suck it up” mentality and way of forcing others to do things they shouldn’t doesn’t work. At least, for the ones being forced. I quit school. I didn’t see any other option. I couldn’t carry what felt like fifty pounds of books up and down stairs on my back day in and day out. (My classes were nowhere near the locker I was provided, so I was forced to carry all my books) I physically couldn’t do it.
My mom pushed to get me into a one story alternative school and that’s where I was until I almost died from an ectopic pregnancy and then a few months after that my dad tried to kill my mother in a crowbar attack. I left school for good after that. I took on the responsibility of caring for my mom and brother until she moved away to be closer to my dad while he was in prison. But those are stories for a different time. Let’s get back to living with chronic illnesses.
Here’s a glamor shot of my mom. We went to the mall, when I was 13, to get our pictures done. We had so much fun being made up and dressed up, but wound up only being able to get this picture and one of me. It was way too expensive.
Finding gainful employment as a person with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. So many jobs aren’t understanding when you need to take time off to receive healthcare, when you need to rest and recuperate, don’t provide health insurance, or they don’t want to provide even the most basic of accommodations to help you perform at your job, such as working from home. Most work without accommodations, are under paid, work til their bodies simply can’t anymore, don’t have a job, are homeless, or are self-employed.
I’ve been working as a self-employed artist for the past twenty plus years. I’ve been fortunate that my husband has been the main provider of our family and he encourages me to follow my dream. But anyone can become disabled at any time of their life and he now has some health issues as well. His employer doesn’t offer health benefits and his pay was recently cut, as well as the position he held. So, I’m now creating art tutorials in the hopes to supplement our income. I’ve also joined a local art group, so that I can exhibit and potentially sell my artwork.
My whole family needs to see a doctor for all different reasons, but we just can’t afford it. I’m now suffering from gastrointestinal issues and need testing and to see a specialist, but it’s not going to happen unless I can move some of my art and tutorials or accept donations through fundraising.
Here I am with one of my art tutorial pieces. It’s a watercolor fairy garden mushroom.
Back in 2011, I had thyroid cancer and now my doctor is concerned I could potentially have a gi type cancer. If that turns out to be the case, I don’t think I’ll be able to fight it with the financial situation we’re in now and that terrifies me. I’m trying to stay positive and have been doing PayPal fundraisers. But I can’t do this alone. My family and I appreciate your support. Whether you donate, purchase my art and art tutorials, or share my posts on social media. Thank you.
When I started livestreaming on TikTok, I offered a glimpse into my artistic process. Whether I was painting in watercolor in the park or sculpting polymer clay in my studio, I urged viewers to seek progress and not perfection when practicing art. I spoke on how therapeutic creating art can be, after suffering childhood trauma and using art as a tool for healing.
This Watercolor Fairy Garden Tutorial Is Available In My Shop Now!
After twenty plus years of being a professional creative, it only made sense to start teaching what I’ve learned. I’m starting with watercolor painting and may move on to acrylic painting and polymer clay later.
I chose to start with watercolor tutorials because I remember when I started to learn watercolor how intimidating it felt. But I kept at it and I want to share my insights into the medium with others who may be feeling the same way I did.
To Honor Him, I Named This Tutorial After My Dog, Bones. He Loved Eating Watermelon With Me. He Was My Bestest Buddy And I Miss Him Every Day.Here I Am With My Sweet Boy After Demolishing A Watermelon Together On The Fourth Of July
When the pandemic hit, people were picking up new skills while in quarantine. I decided to pick up watercolor. But after my mom passed in 2022, I decided I needed something to help me through my grief. So I started painting several times a day for six months. Only when I started practicing daily did I see real improvement. And I still consider art a practice. Every time I create I learn something new and see progress in the skills I’m learning.
After Losing My Mom, Going To The Park To Paint Was The Best Thing I Did For Myself. It Helped Me Process My Grief.
It’s my hope that I inspire others to create and use art for their mental and emotional well-being. I’m not a therapist or doctor, but studies show art is beneficial and beyond that, I believe it because I live it. Art helps me. Maybe, it can help you too.
To Learn More About Me & My Artwork & To Shop My Art & Tutorials, Please Visit My LinkTree
Art & Blog Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy
Today I experienced my first ever podcast interview! (You can listen to it on Spotify now!) The podcast channel is called Past Level 50 With Mel and my particular episode is called “Facing Trauma Without The Mask: Misty’s Story”.
Mel and I follow each other on TikTok and that’s how we “met”. She reached out to me about a week ago and invited me to do a podcast with her, after I had mentioned that someday I’d like to do a TEDx Talk and podcast interview about how I’ve used art to help me cope and heal my childhood trauma.
Mel is so easy to talk to. She immediately put me at ease. She’s genuinely kind and real.
I started my trauma healing journey two years ago and today was the culmination of what I’ve learned along the way.
Talking about my life isn’t easy. In fact, it goes against everything I was taught growing up and is foreign to me. I was expected to be quiet and not have needs or emotions. I was taught it was better for me to be invisible and not make myself a target. It’s how I survived.
Here I am holding a foam sculpture I made with an endearing message that means a lot to me
Today triggered me. I felt like I was shaming my mother and her memory. Like I was the bad child my parents made me out to be. Like I was failing her. But the truth is these things happened. I didn’t ask to be born, nor did I ask to be abused by people who should’ve protected me and comforted me. They failed me.
None of this has been easy for me. It’s like ripping a big bandage off a deep, angry wound. It’s raw and painful. But the wound needs to be exposed to the light to heal properly. Keeping this locked inside no longer serves me.
I don’t want to be a prisoner of the past. I owe it to myself to honor myself and my truth. And hopefully, my story will help others know that healing is possible. Though, my main goal is to feel better by healing myself and my family. But I love hearing that it helps others as well. That’s wonderful and amazing to me!
This is a journey I’ll probably be on the rest of my life, but it’s worth it because every step of the way more of the weight is lifted from me.
My mom was troubled. She had her own trauma and didn’t have the tools to cope or heal, but she wanted to and she tried. She did get some things right. She apologized to me a few years ago and genuinely meant it. I forgive her and I love and miss her. I’m her legacy and my healing and ending the generational trauma cycle is my legacy for me and future generations.
Easter with my mom and brother. This was her favorite memory and one of mine too. This photo was at her bedside when she passed. I was at her side too.
If you’ve ever experienced anything similar, please feel free to share in the comments.
To Learn More About Me And My Artwork, Please Visit My LinkTree
Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To Misty Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy
I am celebrating my life and all the hard work it took to get to where I am now.
For the past two years, I’ve been working on healing my childhood trauma and ptsd.
Highlights From My Life In The Past Year
Looking back now, I see just how far I’ve come. Loud unexpected noises don’t cause my body to go into an adrenaline filled tailspin. It would make me feel sick for a day or two. I recover almost instantly now. And when I’m triggered, which is less often, I’m able to analyze why it happened and how to move through it.
Along the way, I received some therapy. I journalled, sat with my feelings and let them pass through (I don’t ignore or resist them now), I got outside and painted, took up sculpting, and researched quite a bit on Pinterest.
Here I Am Sporting A New Hairdo And Wearing Polymer Clay Earrings & Pin That I Made
Journalling helped me process my thoughts and emotions. I had several breakthroughs that way. And Pinterest gave me new information I didn’t have before.
I didn’t think I’d live past the age of 17. Yet here I am now at 43. At home in my body. Loved and accepted by myself. At peace.
I don’t know what’s next, but whatever it is, I’m hopeful and grateful.
If you’ve ever experienced anything similar, please feel free to share in the comments.
To Learn More About Me And My Artwork, Please Visit: My LinkTree
I’m putting together a proposal for a gallery exhibition. I have art pieces in mind. Some need to be framed (paintings and drawings) and others will need to be printed onto canvas and framed (digital art). I’m calling my exhibit, “A Light In The Dark”.
The theme for my exhibition is my journey through generational trauma and how art has been a major coping mechanism and driving force in my healing, throughout my life.
I want to incorporate pieces from my childhood and teenage years, as well as work from my adulthood.
Here, I am standing in the beautiful gallery space I want my exhibition to be in
Art is an extremely pure form of expression, in my opinion. It helps the artist express and work through buried thoughts and emotions. It’s also a form of meditation and living in the moment, when you’re creating. Which, in turn helps with anxiety and depression.
As I’m Working To Put This Exhibition Proposal Together, I Made A Video Talking About What Motivated Me To Do So, Please Watch
Putting this together, on my own, will be an expensive undertaking. But I need to be fully prepared and ready to go, should my proposal be accepted. I want to put forth a fully fleshed out exhibition, before I approach the gallery. The gallery is more like a museum setting, so the pieces will not be shown for purchase. I will not be making money from this.
I’ve set up a Kofi Fundraiser to help offset costs. If you feel inspired to help me make this exhibition a reality, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy
Let me start by saying how incredibly grateful I am for the wonderful people in my life. Family, art friends, and kind people on the internet. I never want to take them for granted.
I haven’t been as active, artwise, this year, as I’ve been in previous years, due to heartbreaking life events.
As you may or may not know, I suffer from chronic illnesses. Every day, every moment my symptoms can change. Dealing with health problems is time consuming, expensive, and draining on your mental health. It’s devastating and isolating. I’ve really taken the year to focus on my mental health and heal past childhood traumas, in hopes it helps my overall health.
June wasn’t a good month for me and my family. My dog became extremely ill and we spent all we could to try to save him, last October. And we did. We got around eight more months with him, before he became ill again. We made the excruciatingly painful decision to ease his suffering. He passed June 8th. He was my bestest buddy and I’ve been mourning his loss a great deal.
My beautiful, sweet boy, Bones
Then, last month, August, I was painting, when my brother called to tell me our mom was in the hospital. She was dying. She was moved to hospice, where she passed away. It all happened so quickly and unexpectedly. But I was by her side, when she passed and we got to say our “I love you’s” to each other, before she went.
My mother’s passing has hit me hard. I haven’t painted anything in the past month. I just wasn’t able to bring myself to do it, until today. My mom would always see my Instagram posts and tell me how much she loved my artwork. She’ll never get to do that again and it hurts so much. I just didn’t feel like creating, but I also know art heals the soul.
I decided, despite everything, to take myself out to lunch and then to go paint in the park today. I’m so glad I did. I actually had some fun and I hope my mom was there with me.
Painting pumpkins in the park on my mom’s blanket
I’ve had a few of my art pieces on exhibit earlier in the year. And I was recently asked to join an exhibition at The Lil Blue Goat in Mansfield Texas. The artist’s reception is October 14th, with details in the above link. I’ve been thinking of joining a biweekly artist get together to get out more, also.
Both watercolor pieces are on exhibit at The Lil Blue Goat in Mansfield Texas. The top piece has sold. The bottom is available.
I’m still here, though. I post on TikTok pretty much daily. I’m on Instagram and YouTube also. As well as Facebook and Pinterest. I also have loads of work available in my Society6 shop and some in my new Threadless shop. You can find everything through my LinkTree.
This beautiful design of mine is available in my Threadless shop. Link above.
Thank you so much for supporting me, my work, and this little blog of mine. Take care of yourself and hug your mom, if you can.
Blog & Art Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To The Artist, Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy
A year ago, I purchased an antique rocking horse from an acquaintance. It was beige and had no detailing on it, but I saw potential.
Beige Antique Rocking Horse In Need Of Refurbishment
I immediately envisioned it being turquoise. I set out to sand it, but discovered so many layers of old paint that were stubborn and would need to be chemically removed. So, I handed the horse over to my father in law, who I knew could help with this.
Rocking Horse In Process Of Paint Removal
Under the layers of paint emerged what could’ve been the original details of the horse. The layers removed were beige, light pink, dark brown, and finally, white. Signs of all the lives the horse had lived! Once all paint was stripped, it was time to fill holes with wood filler and sand smooth.
Rocking Horse During Hole Repair ProcessRocking Horse Repaired, Sanded, And Ready For Paint
Finally, the horse had a smooth clean surface to work with. I wanted to do right by the horse and respect it by giving it a new life and restore it properly. That was important to me. I didn’t want to just slap on another layer of paint. It was a lot of hard work that wound up taking a year, but the end results were worth it. It turned out beautifully!
Rocking Horse Being Painted Turquoise
I painted the horse with turquoise paint. With a dark brown saddle, I felt it was complimentary. It took three coats to properly coat the horse.
Artist Misty Lemons Paints A Wooden Antique Rocking Horse In A Lovely Shade Of Turquoise
Turquoise Rocking Horse
I could’ve left the horse as is at this point, but felt restoring facial details were important to the piece.
Penciled On Details, Preparing For Face PaintRocking Horse With A Cute Painted On Face, Mane, And BridleArtist Misty Lemons Painting Hooves Onto A Rocking HorseArtist Misty Lemons Painting Hooves Onto A Rocking HorseThe Rocking Horse Finishing Details Are Complete And Is Sealed With Clear Coat
After all the painting was complete, I added corresponding colored leather ears (which I cut and shaped myself) and a super soft white cotton yarn tail. My husband helped me drill the hole for a tail, since the horse never had one. I attached the ears with heart shaped furniture tacks. I even gave the horse a name! Introducing Charlie Horse!
Drilling A Hole To Give The Rocking Horse A TailHere I Am Imagining What The Tail Would Like On The HorseLeather Ears After Being Applied To The HorseLeather Ears After Being Applied To The Horse
Aside from all the work involved, it took a year to complete because I had health issues I was dealing with. But it was a labor of love. I enjoyed the project immensely. The plan was to surprise my niece and nephew with it for Christmas, so the project was extra special and meant so much to me.
Rocking Horse With White Cotton Yarn Tail AttachedRocking Horse With White Cotton Yarn Tail AttachedI Made The Bow To Add An Extra Special Detail For My Niece And NephewFinished Rocking Horse With Santa BowArtist Misty Lemons Standing With Refinished Rocking Horse She CompletedArtist Misty Lemons Standing With Refinished Rocking Horse She Completed
I wish this story had a happy ending, but unfortunately that’s just not reality. My niece and nephew will never get to enjoy the fruits of my labor.
I shipped through UPS. I paid to have it packaged with extra care. But the box arrived to them damaged.
Not only was the box damaged, but the horse was destroyed. The legs were broken completely off. The rocker was also damaged. And if UPS refunds me the shipping and packing fees and the insurance I paid for, it still won’t be enough to replace this horse and what it meant. It was irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Charlie. I’m sorry this was your fate.
Rocking Horse With Broken LegRocking Horse With Broken LegRocking Horse With Broken LegRocking Horse With Broken RockerRocking Horse With Broken Rocker
My brother said he might try to glue it back together. I’m just not sure it’ll work. It certainly won’t be pretty and my niece may be the only one light enough to use it.
With my recent health issues and my dog almost dying, we have exhausted our resources to medical bills. But I spent what little I had left to ship that horse because I wanted someone I love to have a special Christmas. Despite my family’s woes, I sincerely hope you, dear reader, have a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones. Hold them extra tight. Hopefully, next year will be better for my family.
I appreciate a follow, a like, and if you have it in your heart to help, I have links to my PayPal and shops on my Link Tree. Thank you so very much. Blessings to you and yours today and always.
Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy
Misty Blue Arts 