Learn how creativity can breathe life into your soul!
The artist reflects on the transformative experience of animating her painting "All God’s Creatures Great and Small" using AI, Grok. This technology animated the artwork, bringing the scenes to life and enhancing the emotional depth. Despite the advancements, the artist still values the unique qualities of the original physical painting.
"Grandma, play Bluebird!"That’s the first request my grandchildren make when I’m babysitting—a phrase as sweet as birdsong, stirring joy and cherished memories. But Bluebird, the painting featured in this video, was born from a much deeper place. Created during a season of depression and fear, Bluebird represents fortitude—the mental and emotional strength to face adversity—and its gentle counterpart, patience. The …
Continue reading "Whispers of a Bluebird: Finding Hope Through Art and Song"
I’m honored and beyond excited to share that Luna Arts & ED LLC and our team's work as artists and educators was recently featured in Shoutout LA Magazine! As someone who deeply values creativity, community, and the power of education, being recognized by a business that highlights local change makers and visionaries is such a meaningful milestone. The …
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Imagine is an oil on canvas dedicated to women who are not waiting for a Prince Charming to rescue them. Women whose faith and courage make them bold and beautiful. Women who believe and pursue their God-given calling. The Visual Story of Imagine In this painting, a resolute woman sits astride a powerful white horse, her gaze …
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The impish author I’d grown to think an impostor starts to perform again. The magical mystery befuddles me. How can a once prolific practice abate when I paint? I wonder. Then the stirring starts. I’m enamored with the flow and cadence of thoughts transforming into words. With passion and purpose the prose progresses. I’ll never figure …
Continue reading "The Journey of Words: Rediscovering Flow in Writing"
In creativity as in life, sometimes feelings of overwhelm call for us to step away. To get fresh perspective. To see our art or circumstances through new eyes. The online Collins Dictionary defines overwhelm: “If something is overwhelming, it affects you very strongly, and you do not know how to deal with it.” The antidote: “The task won't feel so overwhelming if …
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African animals surround a modern-day Adam and Eve in this oil on canvas. From the tall the giraffe and ominous elephant to the tiny hummingbird and baby in the woman's womb, all are God's creatures. I appreciate seeing the painting through the eyes of others. Here's a few of the encouraging comments I received: "Love …
The creative stirring starts. Sleep evades me, so I rise early to write. The Creative Stirring This sense that something is missing. There's more to come. God has other opportunities on the way. My mind mulls over what I read on https://janefriedman.com:Is It a Book? 5 Ways to Test Your Nonfiction Book Idea by Bethany Saltman and …
Continue reading "Embrace the Creative Stirring: Tips for Artists and Writers"
My sister and I spent a delightful day painting at the Wiens Cellars Winery. Fostering Creativity: Art Experiences to Infuse Your Soul with Inspiration features this art experience. I painted a mixed media portrait with photos I took around and in the winery. Here's a video of the design and painting process: https://youtu.be/GgPEGQLpuss For more DIY …
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When was the last time you felt creative joy? Merideth Hite Estevez presented this question to her Artists for Joy Creative Cluster I recently joined. "Fuel your creative well-being with our supportive community!" A promise Merideth not only makes but supports with what she describes as a "...15-week adventure to experience joy in our creative practice …
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The content demonstrates a relatable experience for artists and writers. They face the "ugly stage" of their work. The tips provided are practical and valuable for overcoming these challenges. The use of AI editing features appears to be beneficial for enhancing writing quality. These features include the writing grade level and suggestions for complex words, long sentences, and unconfident words.
The post effectively captures the unique struggle of balancing artistic creativity and entrepreneurial responsibilities. It provides practical tips and strategies for managing competing demands, along with platform building support.
Artist and writer, Diane Bailey, posted a painting on Instagram of a woman with angel’s wings, holding a red rose. The descriptor read: “The Soul of a Woman - and when she believed she was loved, she began to bloom.” When I read this, I instantly remembered a promise the Lord had given me when …
Continue reading "Discover the Symbolism Behind ‘The Rose’ Oil Painting by Jodee Luna"
"Fearless!" The word swirled in my thoughts for weeks before I dared to claim it as my word of the year. Then the painting came: a fierce tiger and determined woman nestled next to one another. The woman draws strength from what the tiger intrinsically possesses, fearlessness! Watch the progression of the painting: https://youtu.be/ouEfRx9MqWM Next …
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Tapestries of Gold is a song produced by Deborah Keily Hanson with words by Mary A. Hannon . Truc Mai Nguyen and Jeffrey Alan Hanson sing the vocals. Listen to the song. Tapestries of Gold ℗ 2023 Deborah Keily Hanson The album cover is a redesign of my painting Welcome Home. Welcome Home is my tribute …
The content highlights the feeling of never having enough, especially for creatives, and offers tips for rest, gratitude, and a shift in perspective.
What are creative exchanges? They're when creatives share expertise to enhance skills, overcome challenges, and achieve artistic goals. I find myself at the critical juncture of navigating my second manuscript through the rigorous editing phase of self-publishing, a process that triggers memories of past challenges. Editing proved particularly daunting during the preparation of Refrain from …
Bluebird envisions hope, faith, and perseverance amid hopelessness, despair, and depression. Bluebirds are known for their joyful songs, tendency to fly long distances, and ability to survive in the most difficult of surroundings. These qualities have led bluebirds to be used in religious icons and as symbols of peace. Bluebird will grace the album cover …
Nightingale is for those who find themselves in the dark night of the soul. Nightingales are known for their powerful and beautiful song. God gives us a song of hope when we can't see the light of day. The “Envisioning Stage” of a painting intrigues me. This is when I imagine a portrait and create …
The talented composer and pianist, Deborah Hanson composed a song to pair with my mixed media. Envision creation while you listen. https://youtu.be/LIX-P4_kF1w?si=BWu0a6h3ISeq1Rw3 Check out the song on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes: Read about The Promethean Series: Music Inspired by Art.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.
I sit and write with Christmas lights twinkling around me. The Christmas trees’ reflections in our picture window reach to the sky, giving the appearance of doubles on the embankment. All is still, so I listen and wait. Tasks for today creep into mind. Hopes for tomorrow aren’t far behind. I love Christmas with its …
If you're looking for a delightful place to sup with family and friends, the Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano is just the place. Here's a video that highlights the Tea House's favorite features: https://youtu.be/9ULiNpbbxM4 Enter an enchanting tea house filled with delightful rooms and tea-themed decor. Delectable food, a variety of …
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One of my favorite pastimes is making salt dough sculptures with my grandchildren. They delight in everything from mixing the dough to creating their masterpieces. This video takes you through the step-by-step process we used to make a salt dough basket filled with fruit and a tiny cake. https://youtu.be/R0JN5Cy8H7s Here's a video with just the …
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Recently, I came across a post I'd written back in 2016 called "The Power of Words." Former posts often show up in my blog stats when someone, somehow finds them online. There's always a reminder in them for me. I've been missing my writing. My passion for art as well as just living life had …
Painting and decorating masks is a fun and easy activity for kids of all ages. Even my 3-year-old granddaughter can express her creativity with this art activity. Supplies Check out this Mixed Media Mask-Making Essentials list on my Amazon Storefront for products I use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can …
Here's a delightful art project that is easy and fun to do. Check out this Mixed Media Mask-Making Essentials list on my Amazon Storefront for products I use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are some of the included supplies: Masquerade masks: you can buy them at any arts and crafts …
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Bluebird is finally published. Deborah Hanson's song is the perfect match for my painting. Her song starts soulful and ends joyful. Bluebird is on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. https://youtu.be/k5fwejh4ie0 Bluebird envisions hope, faith, and perseverance amid hopelessness, despair, and depression. Bluebirds are known for their joyful songs, tendency to fly long distances, …
Artistry Unleashed is a mini magazine for creatives who want to develop talents and use those talents to make a difference in their world. https://youtube.com/shorts/t0InUQCFk4Y Artistic types in need of encouragement, inspiration, and helpful tips for making art easy, writing flow, or crafting creative. The mini-magazine is an interactive pdf with live links to resources. Preview …
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Something beautiful was born when the synergy of several creatives converged: La Petite Rose. This art song captures a young boy's delight in God's masterful creation of a perfect rose. This enchanting song began as a poem created by Mary A. Hannon. "My inspiration for La Petite Rose came from a walk in my garden. As I passed …
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Meet the multi-talented Deborah Keily Hanson: pianist, composer, teacher and so much more! I play her music while creating because her unique arrangements inspire my creative muse. I first met Deborah over 30 years ago when I returned from living in Europe. My children attended El Dorado where Deborah produced and directed over 20 musicals. I choreographed …
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Have you ever felt overpowered by others' opinions, or found yourself withdrawing your voice to make room for the voices of others? If so, this poem is for you: https://youtu.be/Xi1f3EjFsxw As an artistic type, I've found other ways to express my voice when I find myself receding. Writing poetry, and then visualizing the poems by …
Welcome Home is my tribute to the millions of immigrants who have sought refuge and a better life in America. We welcome you! Welcome Home is a mixed media oil portrait. https://youtu.be/wuAQAUxwCuk The project began as a collage of photos from my husband and my trip to Maine. Originally, I titled the artwork "Art and Soul" …
Take an artistic journey through the creation of a cherry blossom painting that spreads across three canvases. My daughter's time spent living in Seoul, South Korea, inspired her to paint cherry blossom trees. This post will take you through the process. Begin by creating a muted background with various colors of acrylic paints: lavender, blue, …
I believe that courage is accumulative. The more we make decisions to overcome our fears and do what we know is right, the more our minds and spirits increase in strength and resolve. Small courageous steps take us a little bit further down the path of our destiny. Yet although they are necessary, they are …
Awaiting Spring visualizes my search for hope as I wait for this seemingly unending Covid-19 pandemic to end. The floral garland moves from winter holly to spring flowers, symbolizing hope that this winter of despair and death will end and life with flourish once again. I created the hummingbird nestled in her nest …
Personal paintings become a part of the artist by guiding one's creative path. And like good friends, artwork can be difficult to say good-bye to when we decide to release our art into the marketplace. Sometimes this is because of sentimental reasons. For example, this watercolor my sister and I created reminds us of those …
Not every window of opportunity is worth flying through! Often when the world seems right for you to press forward with your dreams, enticing winds of change swirl and snap open windows of possibility. Creative feathers have grown into wings able to provide lift off, making it difficult to turn down invitations. So, you find …
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Perhaps the greatest challenge we artistic types face is to believe in our becoming. Sure, there are messy workspaces to organize, jam-packed lives to thin, and challenging skills to learn. All of which distract us and offer excuses to stop forward motion. And I’m always wondering where my talents will take me instead of trusting …
Painting teaches me to have patience in the process...not to rush the becoming. Painting teaches me to silence my *soliloquy...and let the brush do the talking. Painting teaches me to embrace the unfinished...both in art and in life! When I paint, I go into a zone where... patience with the imperfect is possible a slow move …
The FAA Portrait Gallery on Fine Art America recently featured The Hopeful and The Messenger. What an honor to be included in a gallery that showcases portrait painters whose talent I could only ever dream of having. A special thanks to the group administrator, Digital Designs. You can visit my Fine Art America Shop to …
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The Messenger depicts Jesus, the Messiah who brings hope, mercy, and grace to humankind. The Messenger’s eyes are the focal point of the painting, searching the heart of the viewer for entrance. The Messenger is an acrylic on canvas with the face framed by a beard and textured robe. If I were to select a song that embodies The …
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The hopeful is an acrylic painting that honors those living with uncertainty. I hope she is a worthy tribute to these hearty souls that gaze into the future in search of a brighter tomorrow. The hopeful wears pearls of overcoming, formed in the crucible of suffering. Even when the bleakest seasons descend, her life blossom …
The Burden Bearer is an acrylic on canvas, reflecting those who care for others through prayers, encouragement, and service. These are the people who not only make life hopeful but doable. Oceans by Hillsong inspired the wave over the eye. Often the path God leads us on feels frightening—like walking out upon the ocean amidst overwhelming waves. The …
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Every creative experiences the ebb and flow of artistic ambition. Whatever your creative expression is, you feel the phenomenon. One day you’ve got it—enthusiasm bubbles over and your art form flows. Then the unexpected happens. The desire, chutzpah, passion, or however you describe artistic ambition, evaporates until the once flowing stream becomes a dry riverbed. …
The Giver is an acrylic portrait that expresses a glorious burden—the challenge of bringing literacy resources to struggling readers. As an instructional coach, I have the privilege of working alongside many empathetic, hard-working people who share this mission. People who look into the eyes of students and see the pain that results from not being able …
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Maybe, like The Little Drummer Boy, each one of us has a song to play as an act of worship… I have no gift to bring… That’s fit to give our King… Shall I play for you?… Then He smiled at me… Maybe the song is a form of creativity that not only makes God smile …
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Tears in a Bottle is a mixed media project. It is inspired by Psalm 56:8, "You have collected all my tears in your bottle…recorded each one in your book." This scripture comforts with the reminder that God never forgets our sorrows. I used Golden Regular Gel (Matte) for the paper collaging. The eye is painted …
My ideas outnumber the available minutes in the day. Artistic possibilities inundate my mind—floods of future fun I could follow. I wonder: How can I swim to the top of this madness? Which waves should I ride the crest of and which should I let pass on by? Then amid my mental wrestling, contemplation creates a …
Continue reading "Finding your Way to the Sea: Rediscovering your Life’s Purpose"
I think grace is a lot like art—spontaneous, free flowing, alive for the capture.
JoDee Luna Art 