Chatty Dragonfly

06/26/2025

Aug. 7 2023
I picked up a paint brush to start this snowy egret
set backs happen
Life
sometimes you have to walk away
put it in the closet for awhile
I didn’t forget about him
he’d poke his beak out occasionally and I’d add another layer
but my head and heART were not connecting
learning that’s okay
am I seeking perfection?
or leaning into the process
Another layer
Another year
June 26th 2025
Is he finished?
I’m not sure
I’m going to let him tell me
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The last couple of bird pics are just to show, you just have to start somewhere, just pick up the brush and listen to your heART.

08/31/2024

07/28/2023

I have a little secret to share…

anyone who knows me, pretty much knows I love walking on the beach and finding treasures. When I first started painting, I realized that I wanted to show the texture of a shell, and I wasn’t quite sure how to achieve that goal. An interesting thing about beginning to paint, is finding what works for you and how to achieve different effects and texture that you want to incorporate into your paintings.

My secret?
I have found that I love using a pallet knife and an order for me to achieve this look I have added SAND from the very beach that I have found these treasures. I love the depth and richness it adds to the piece.

this painting is 18 x 24 and will be custom framed with a walnut stain.

Available soon .com

07/27/2023

On a recent trip to my childhood, home town one of my sweet little nieces, found this unique oyster shell as we were wadding in the water. I love the that each beach I visit has its own unique colors of these shells.
This little bit is the youngest of all the nieces and nephews, and has just the right s***k and personality that sets her apart from all the others. She is the book end of sorts, and with all her uniqueness it is what draws me to her. She’s got the sweetest smile, gives the best butterfly kisses and thinks Aunt Bubbles it’s pretty funny. I’m so glad just like that shell she has her own individuality that sets her apart.

07/12/2023

One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors, Pat Conroy.
He describes it so beautifully.
There really is no other places as magical and sweet as the Lowcountry.

07/12/2023

I only learned about and her beautiful art last spring after strolling into her studio on Bay Street and immediately fell in love with her paintings. Oyster shells,  blue herons, and the majestic marsh. All things I hold near to my heart. Treasures.  Her art resonated with me at such a deeper level, yet  it wasn't until I connected with her on social media and read her testimony I knew why. 
Melissa listens to our God. His promptings. Sometimes in a  gentle whisper and in her case a roar. 
“Paint. I will provide.”

As I continued to follow her and admire her paintings from afar,  it happened, an invitation, open to women who wanted to come. Sit and learn. 
I felt it, heard it and then a precious nudge from my husband to go.
So here I sit, reflecting on the blessing of her first Creative Weekend she hosted in the beautiful Low Country of Beaufort. She brought together 5 complete strangers that their only connection they thought at first was the love of her art. But God had other plans. He works like that.

So I painted. A beautiful marsh. Determined she called me.  I had it in me. I think she saw it. I know he planted it. Waiting. Patient. I just needed to find my own identity and courage to trust that God will use whatever gifts and talents you have. You just need to be willing to open your hand.

She has two spots left for her Creative Weekend in August. If this is the sign you need to do something completely out of your comfort zone and lean into that call you have been hearing. Go. Paint. Sit. Listen. Create and Just Be!

07/12/2023

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Proverbs 16:24