“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
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
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
I’ve got a fantastic opportunity on the horizon: a chance to exhibit my artwork at the prestigious Grove Gallery in London and collaborate with the incredible team at Wraptious to develop a commercial range of products.
Your support can make a huge difference. Here’s how you can help:
1.) Vote & Share. Head over to the link above, give my entry a like & share it with your friends from there.
2.) Buy My Design: To further bolster my journey in this competition, consider purchasing “Rainbow Llama” on a luxuriously soft vegan suede pillow. Your choice to invest in this design brings me a step closer to securing a spot in the winner’s circle. Thank you!
Your Vote & Shares Count!
To Learn More About Me And My Artwork, Please Visit My LinkTree.
Copyrights & Reproduction Rights Belong Solely To The Artist, Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy
Here I am standing with a large 3d statue of a hand reaching out. I painstakingly hand painted it in an homage to Van Gogh. It’s named “Never Let Gogh Of Your Dreams”.
A friend purchased this large statuette at Ross with the hopes of doing something special with it. She never got around to painting it, so she asked me to work some magic and my first thought was Van Gogh’s Starry Night. What could be more magical?!
Detail Photo Of “Never Let Gogh Of Your Dreams” by artist Misty Lemons of Designs By Misty Blue
I liked the idea of the design swirling around the length of the arm and stars kissing the fingertips on the statue. I love how the piece turned out, but it fought me every step of the way. Lol! Van Gogh was a genius who created flowing, passionate works of art. To try to recreate such a unique style was difficult, but well worth the effort and I had so much fun with it!
Detail Photos Of “Never Let Gogh Of Your Dreams” by Misty Lemons
One of my all time favorite artists is Van Gogh. He had a tumultuous life and yet still created brilliant emotionally charged pieces in vibrant colors. You can almost feel the flow of energy radiating from his pieces. I can relate to having difficult and traumatic times in my life also. And though hard times suck, they can enrich the soul and your art. It can make you a more passionate, empathetic person.
“Never Let Gogh Of Your Dreams” by Misty Lemons
The statue stands almost one and a half feet tall. My friend wound up giving me the piece to do what I wish with it. I don’t think I’ll part with it anytime soon. I love how it turned out and I want to keep it in my personal collection for the time being. Despite how large the piece is, it’s fairly lightweight, which helps with carrying it. Right now, I have it on display in my office.
Size Reference (Please, Excuse My Dry Hand! Lol!)
I painted the hand with acrylics and thoroughly sealed it in a semi gloss finish, so it has a nice sheen to it.
I love how painting odd shapes presents a challenge. It was a lot of fun trying to feel out the piece and place the artwork in a pleasing manner. Painting rocks prepared me well for this challenge! A rocks surface can present several challenges! From size, texture, surface, porousness, and more! I love painting rocks!
Large Rock I Painted (This Piece Is Also A Part Of My Personal Collection)
I hope the name of the piece resonates. Despite hardships and disadvantages, it’s important to hang on to hope. Please, remember to “Never Let Gogh Of Your Dreams”.
Hi! I hope you are well. My apologies for being an inconsistent blogger. Life and all, you know. I am over 40 now and with the arrival of the pandemic and being newly diagnosed with a serious health condition, I’ve been taking stock of my life. I’ve also been working on healing childhood trauma. I’ve been learning a lot and doing quite a bit of soul searching. And I’m trying to take what control I can over my health, but it’s not easy with and especially without health insurance. It’s been a lot to take in and it’s been exhausting.
With all the inner work I’ve been doing, I haven’t had much time for anything else. I was creating sporadically, but my zest was lacking. I’ve only just started to feel more like myself and have been creating more consistently and happily.
My son has been a great springboard for ideas and advice. I’ve got a plan now and he’s helping me where he can. I’ve built a website and it includes an online shop. I’m going to be focusing on stickers, pins, paintings, and eventually, artprints. I’m super excited and am having so much fun along the way! Website/Shop
My son and I have also been working hard and having fun adding videos to my YouTube channel.
Reorganizing my office to make it a more workable efficient space has been a top priority. I’m adding shelving, a cubby with cloth bins, and a dresser to hold my printer and Cricut Maker.
I set up an account with a shipping company and have designed proof of purchase receipts and an inventory list. It’s been a lot of work and I love it! It gives me purpose and a path forward.
My son is almost an adult now and before too long will leave the nest. That’s been especially hard for me. All I’ve ever wanted was a family. Raising him has been my purpose and my privilege. Now, I need to focus on myself and give myself a new purpose. My art is my purpose. I’ve always been an artist. I’ve always loved creating. It only makes sense to pursue it.
I’m a bit of an underdog. I’m a plus sized, middle aged, chronically ill, introverted woman. The odds are against me, but I’m strong-willed and driven. I’m full of passion and heart. I believe in myself and I believe in making a positive difference in the world with my art and heart. I hope you’ll join me on my journey and I hope to count on your support. Thank you for reading my blog. It means a great deal to me. Please, subscribe!
As the year comes to a close, I’m wont to reflect upon the highs and lows of the year. I’m sure so many are doing the same all over the world.
For me, the year has been an emotional rollercoaster. I bet you can relate. It was getting to a point where it was effecting my health, so I was put on an anti-anxiety medication. Which, has taken the edge off. You may be thinking I’m oversharing and I might be, but if you are going through some things, just know you aren’t alone. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people and it’s okay to seek help. You don’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
That said, there’s been a bunch of good too! People coming together (but staying apart, if that makes sense), people trying to help others stay calm or find peace and comfort, artists trying their level best to make a positive difference. Myself included!
Earlier this year, right after the pandemic hit, I decided to create a project with other artists, all while in lockdown/quarantine. I came up with the Artists Give Love Project. We each created a painting of a message we wanted to convey to our communities and the world. I did “Give Love”, but there was also “Give Kindness”, “Give Thanks”, “Give Hope”, and more. In the end, we created a video challenging others to give messages and then ultimately, our pieces were hung in an exhibit at the Farr Best Theater in Mansfield Texas. The project was even featured in an Art News article circulated online for Texas artists to read and be a part of.
I’m proud that I could curate such a fine endeavor with a group of highly talented artists with kind, beautiful souls. And from that project grew friendships and strong art connections. I love my arty friends!
During quarantine, I wanted to help artists keep busy during an extremely difficult time and create hope for others who were struggling. To combat anxiety, I drew a lot and I do mean A LOT! My iPad was a constant and welcome companion. Each illustration was meant to shine a light into the darkness, not only for others, but for myself. I’m so thankful I had such an outlet for my thoughts and emotions. And it is my deepest hope that I was able to help others.
This illustration was inspired by the senseless, heartbreaking murder of Elijah McClain. Please, if you don’t know about it, Google it. His family still needs justice. You can also go to their Justice For Elijah page on Instagram.
People are trying to find some sense of normalcy and comfort during these exceedingly difficult times and so people are trying to move on. That said, art/music festivals are trying to find ways to be safe and create opportunities for artists to work. Mansfield had Music Alley this year and though it was less capacity and people had to wear masks, it was a success. I didn’t have a booth set up, but my art was present. I entered into the art contest and the photography contest. I won first place in the photography contest. I actually cried when I found out. It meant so much to me, after the year I’ve had. It was a bucket list item of mine, to win a photography contest. Before I started Designs By Misty Blue, I did photography with Misty Expressions Photography, a hobby that I loved for many years. So photography holds a very special place in my heart.
My Photo That Won First Place In Mansfield’s Music Alley Photo Contest
When I took the photo, we were still in quarantine basically, the tail end of it really. I found out about a huge sunflower field about an hour from our home. It was a welcomed outing for my family. When we got to the field, it was breathtaking! I was so excited that I didn’t look where I was stepping and evidently I trounced through an anthill. I still have the scars on my ankle where they tore into me. But getting this image and especially winning first place made it worth it.
So yeah, it’s been tough. Tougher than most years. But there’s been so much good too. I feel closer to my husband and son. I’ve gained some pretty amazing art friends, and so much passionate art has come from these trying times. I’m counting my blessings, for sure. Keep hope alive. That’s the least we can do. G*d bless and here’s to better days! Cheers!
Copyrights to ALL images displayed here on this blog are the sole property to Misty Lemons of Designs By Misty Blue and Misty Expressions Photography. Do Not Copy Or Distribute Without Permission Or Credit. Permission must be approved first. The same goes for any quotes from my blog. All thoughts expressed are opinions and not subject to legal action, as such. Thank you.
Misty Blue Arts 