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.
“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
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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I’m thrilled to share some fresh changes that mark a new chapter for me and my creative journey. After a lot of thought and heartfelt consideration, I’ve updated my artist name and branding to better reflect who I am and the energy I want to share with you.
Since 2014, I’ve shared my work as Designs by Misty Blue Art, always marked by my little llama logo. That name and that logo saw me through so many stages ~ from first selling my art online to growing as both an artist and a person. Honestly, without that chapter, I wouldn’t be here today.
But as seasons change, so does creative energy. Lately, I’ve felt called to step into something that feels more me ~ something that reflects not just my art, but the journey, the healing, and the heart behind it all.
So today I’m officially introducing my new name, logo, and link:
✨ New Name: Misty Blue Arts This change feels like a true reflection of my artistic spirit and the stories I want to tell through my work.
🎨 New Logo: I’ve designed a new logo that captures the essence of my style ~ bold, colorful, resilient, and full of hope. It’s a symbol of growth and transformation, just like my art and my journey through life.
Introducing My New Logo, An Uplifting Blue Heart With Wings Complete With Lettering That’s Hand-Drawn And Captures The Creative, Heartfelt, And Free-Spirited Nature Of My Work.
🔗 New Linktree: To make it easier to find all my work and social spaces in one spot, I’ve set up a Linktree. You can explore my galleries, shop, videos, and more right here: LinkTree
Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me. Your support means everything, and I’m excited for what’s next!
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
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What if art, artists, and self-expression were to disappear tomorrow? What do you think the world would look like? Would it be drab, joyless, passionless, boring? Would the clothes you wear be bland and basic? Would packaging on products be unremarkable? Would movies, music, and art be created from AI that corruptly procured from the human artists that came before it? Would said “art” be wonky, weird, disjointed, and have multiple digits and appendages? Would art fairs disappear and be a thing of the past? Would art galleries shutter for good? How would it affect critical thinking and problem solving or empathy and emotional regulation? What if books no longer had pictures? Would concerts cease to exist? Would you miss art and artists then? Would you miss the human element and nuance?
Artist Misty Lemons poses with her watercolor painting “Hopeful Romantic”
This isn’t hyperbole. This is happening right before our eyes. Social media platforms are effectively misappropriating artist’s work and are essentially telling them it’s not good enough to pay them for, but it’s good enough to train their AI with and use for ads and marketing for the benefit of their company and its shareholders. They’re exploiting artists.
These platforms are not giving creators a means to opt out and are implementing these cruel, unfair policies into their terms of use. Artists are losing communities they worked incredibly hard to create, due to the artists having to flee these hostile platforms. They’re losing precious income that helps them and their families survive (especially if they’re disabled and this is their only means of work and income). The world is fundamentally telling them art isn’t essential and that they are unnecessary. Even though the art and content the artists have created entertain, educate, and inspire people and their work inherently helped these platforms grow. Not to mention, the taxes they pay helps the economy.
Art even has practical healing properties. Art is therapy. Art stirs the soul and creates connection. It kindles a fire in people’s minds, hearts, and spirits. It creates community. It helps patients with alzheimers and dementia. Studies show it prolongs and improves elderly lives. It helps people with anxietydisorders, PTSD, autism, and ADHD. There’s even been countless studies on how the arts improveexecutive function and motor skills in students that participate in artistic activities.
Artist Misty Lemons (Designs By Misty Blue Art) using art to cope with and heal through the grief of her mother’s passing and her childhood trauma (painting a pumpkin in watercolor outdoors)
I believe that art is a necessity. It is sustenance for the soul. It calms, relieves stress, creates connections in the brain and in communities, and is even a great historical record. Just look at cave paintings! Please, don’t take the power of art or artists for granted just because it’s seemingly everywhere. It doesn’t cheapen its worth. Art makes the world a better place by improving the lives of those who create it and those who appreciate it. Art is invaluable!
Supporting artists can be as simple as sharing their artwork and information with your friends and family, by attending your artist friends events, by purchasing their work, and by expressing to others the benefits and importance art has on society.
Thank You For Supporting Me (Misty Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Art) Through Art Commissions, Tutorials, Shop Link: Link Tree
*For Educational Purposes Only! Statements made here within the blog are the opinion of the blog’s writer/owner, but we encourage you to do your own research into the benefits of art, the role society and social media platforms play in (allegedly) harming artists, and what you can do to help. No specific platform was named and any similarities are coincidental. Blog owner/writer not liable for any opinion stated therein.*
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Everyone deserves to collect a paycheck from the work they do and just like any other industry, you pay for material, labor, skills, and time. Whether or not one can budget for something doesn’t make it any less valuable. And though you typically can’t eat art, it provides sustenance to the mind and soul, which physically supports the body, especially during trying times. A good example of this is that art therapy helps heal and soothe minds. It helps calm and regulate the nervous system. Art is a tool used by therapists and psychologists to treat patients with Complex PTSD, anxiety, grief, and a whole host of other debilitating issues. Art gives purpose and hope. It also fosters community and emotional intelligence. Both of which, benefits society.
After my mother passed away, I used art to process my grief and heal childhood trauma. Here I am painting a pumpkin during a visit to my favorite park.
Simply by acknowledging people can “just use AI” to create “art”, proves how necessary art truly is. It proves how invaluable art is. That art in general fulfills an important purpose and role in society.
It’s apparent that AI’s easy access will and has already taken jobs away from artists, that huge cooperations want free labor to boost their profit margins, and that it hurts regular people, hurts families. It’s taken away vital money from human artists and their families, making it more difficult for them to live, survive, and thrive in an already challenging society.
To place little or no value on the importance of art is uninformed at best, callous at worst. Art is everywhere. It’s on the shirts we wear, the packaging on our favorite products, it’s in the cars you drive, the decorations we put in our homes, the movies you watch, the music you listen to. All touched by human hands at some point. Life is art and for many, art is life.
In my opinion, it’s foolhardy to believe AI “art” could or should ever truly take the place of human created art that comes from skilled hands, minds, and souls. Art that comes from lived experiences and deep wells of emotion and thought. Art is passion.
AI “art” lacks humanity, nuance, and soul and was built off the backs of human artists by being trained off of stolen art from human artists on the internet. Artists not paid for their work by these questionable practices. Art they’d tell you has no value or meaning and yet, they absolutely need it to feed their machine and make money off of.
Supporting AI “art” is supporting theft by the predatory corporations who are pushing it out to the masses. Not to mention how destructive AI is to the planet by gulping up one of our most precious resources, water, to cool the servers and all the power it needs taxes an already heavily taxed, fragile power grid.
AI may not be going away, but it absolutely should be regulated to protect humanity and the planet. Everyone needs to be made aware of the impact it has on themselves, their friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
For Human Made Art & Tutorials, Please Visit My LinkTree
Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy Or Reproduce
*For Educational Purposes Only. Statements Made Here Contain Opinions. To Learn More, Please Talk To Artists. Do Research. Thank You.*
Some days, you really wanna give up pursuing art. It’s so tough on social media to get eyes on your work and intice interested collectors. The algorithms are absolutely brutal and demoralizing.
Liking my own work validates it, me, and what I do. I love my work and what I do, so I just keep plugging away and holding onto hope.
If you enjoy my posts and my art, please like, share, and follow. Better yet, buy something cool for your home! It’s a good investment for the soul! It pays you back with good juju!
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
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.
Misty Blue Arts 