#dog – Misty Blue Arts

I’m thrilled to share the news of my first art exhibition in two years! The theme is cats and dogs and my art was chosen to be shown alongside other local artists.

The last time I did an exhibition was just before Roe was overturned. It was also around the time my mother passed away and my dog passed away also.

Here’s a video I made for my socials. Obviously, I do not own the music. OneRepublic does. But the art is all mine! You can see both pieces in the exhibition here!

I took the time away to heal myself, grieve, and grow as a person and artist. I devoted over six months to painting in watercolor daily and even taught myself how to sculpt in polymer clay.

This will sound completely out of left field, but I’m not much of a joiner and I’m not sure many have understood it. As a child of abuse, isolation was safety. No one could hurt me if I was alone. I isolated at school as a kid and as an adult, I’d go to parties and wind up in the bathroom crying because no one would come over and talk to me and I felt like I didn’t belong, so I stopped going and believed I wasn’t missed.

After taking time to self reflect and heal, I understand the only person I truly needed to fit in with was me. I belong with me. It’s safe being with myself and so wherever I go I fit and belong. Maybe, I’m not like everybody else and that’s okay. I deserve a seat at the table too and I’m showing up for me.

This exhibition means a lot to me because it’s the culmination of a tremendous amount of deep and meaningful inner work. I chose the wolf painting to honor my mother and my healing journey and the playful dog to honor my inner child who never felt free and to honor the memory of my bestest buddy and goodest boy, Bones.

Here’s my bestest buddy, Bones on one of our walks. I miss him every day.

This art will be on exhibit from now until October at the Family Dream Center in Mansfield Texas.

To Learn More About Me & My Artwork & For My Art Tutorials & Shop, Please Visit My LinkTree

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

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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 Process

Rocking 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!

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 Paint

Rocking Horse With A Cute Painted On Face, Mane, And Bridle

Artist Misty Lemons Painting Hooves Onto A Rocking Horse

The 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 Tail

Here I Am Imagining What The Tail Would Like On The Horse

Leather 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 Attached

I Made The Bow To Add An Extra Special Detail For My Niece And Nephew

Artist 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.

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

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