HAPPY D. ARTIST

Hi loves, I’ve missed you all & I’m sorry I’ve been absent for awhile. This is the hardest post I’ve ever had to write. I don’t even know how to begin… After struggling with health issues for the past few months, both of my beloved kitties passed away within weeks from each other. 😢 I could try to console myself with the fact that they’re no longer suffering & both lived long beautiful lives filled with love, but the truth is regardless, this grief is unbearably difficult. I’ve had Huan Huan since I was 13, and Boogerface since I was 18. Throug all of life’s major milestones, they’ve been by my side. I’ve built so much of my identity around them that I am struggling to figure out who I am anymore. They were my sense of home, and without them I just feel lost. During their health struggles the past few months I lost all my inspiration to make art, to enjoy life, to be present. I put on a brave face in front of others but inside I’m always on the brink of tears. I’ve always been the kind of person who tries to live in the moment, but these days I find myself yearning to go back to the past. After a tumultuous emotional summer, I finally realized that the only way out of grief is through. As long as I love them, I will never stop missing them, so I will just have to learn to live with the emptiness they’ve left behind. I don’t need to be afraid of crying or feeling sad - grief is simply love without a home. And there is beauty in that kind of sadness. Thank you for reading this long post. My apologies for the roughness as I just let myself word-vomit without any proofreading. I will start posting again soon, but I just wanted to explain why I’ve been absent for so long. I am eternally grateful for all of the support you all have shown me, and I look forward to engaging with this wonderful art community again soon. 💕 And lastly, rest in peace, my beautiful kitties. Thank you for always being a source of joy, love, cuddles & emotional support as I attempted to grow up into an adult. You’ve been my most cherished friends for so many years, and now I have to finally set you free. Until we meet again, I’ll love you and miss you every day. ❤ https://www.instagram.com/p/CS-Q5veh_5Z/?utm_medium=tumblr

Hi loves!! Here's a new oil painting titled "Chrysalis" that I just finished last week 🦄🎨 This was a challenging one - I originally wanted to make her hair "transform" into clouds (see the quick Photoshop mockup on the second slide), but I couldn't figure out how to turn long wavy strands of hair into a soft cloud texture... Maybe I shouldn't have painted each individual strand of hair like I usually do, but I just couldn't resist LOL 😅 Also, anyone else freaking out that there are only 2 weeks left of 2020? 😱 . Original has been adopted 💕 ⭐ PRINTS AVAILABLE + 20% OFF SALE (🔗 in bio) ⭐ . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #unicorn #galaxy #clouds #butterflies #ethereal #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #satisfyingvideos #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CI3v4e-F_Uw/?igshid=17n8zrb9bzxwa

#tbt to this oil painting named "Constellation" from almost half a decade ago! 🌸🎨 It's always so nostalgic to look back on old art, and I really miss painting space-inspired themes... Should I bring this style back? 🥰 . 🎁 20% OFF EVERYTHING HOLIDAY SALE (🔗 in bio) 🎁 . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #constellation #galaxy #ethereal #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #stars #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CIWPR7LFP3A/?igshid=ly492gs65h6j

New blue oil painting!!! 💙💙💙 I meant to share this piece two weeks ago, but like most of you, I had been drowning in a sea of election-induced anxiety 😅 But I am kind of glad I waited because this week, we can celebrate the color BLUE even more 😍 Yay for democracy, unity, hope, and decency! 💙💙💙 . Quick little blurb about this painting - She is named "Dissolve", and she is the painted version of a sketch I did a few months ago when I was dealing with a lot of stress and mental fatigue (still working through that tbh). I felt like the weight of the world was crashing down on me and all I wanted to do was dissolve away all my anxiety like clouds of smoke dissipating into the air... and that's how this concept came into being. I strive to be as zen and relaxed as this blue smoky goddess! 😆 She is for the upcoming show at @coreyhelfordgallery (virtual opening on November 14) . 🎁 ALSO 20% OFF EVERYTHING HOLIDAY SALE (🔗 in bio) 🎁 . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #wip #beforeandafter #election2020 #ethereal #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #characterdesign #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CHbB0m4lBQM/?igshid=w87c1qjob7a2

Happy month of Halloween!! 🎃🍁🍂 This is my favorite time of year, and as a HUGE fan of all things horror, I am beyond pumped to share my new digital painting inspired by the upcoming horror series #TheHauntingofBlyManor 👻 It's been such an honor to create a piece for a show that I've been genuinely looking forward to all year 💕 The Haunting of Bly Manor is now streaming, only on @Netflix. @thehaunting #sponsored https://www.instagram.com/p/CGIjw6Ylzxc/?igshid=u3ovbzr6m59u

(Swipe to see the full progress) 🎨 First layer vs. last layer ✨ . #tbt to this mermaid & cuttlefish oil painting from 2018 titled “Cerulean Secrets” 🧜🏻‍♀️🐠 She took 3 layers to complete, and I realized I’ve never shared these process pics before 😅 It’s always so interesting to see how a painting evolves from beginning to end... How many layers does it usually take to complete your paintings? 🥰💕 . 🧜‍♀️15% OFF EVERYTHING (🔗 in bio) 🧜‍♀️ . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #wip #beforeandafter #mermaid #ethereal #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #characterdesign #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CGGIMwHlT6K/?igshid=17ewe2cj105hm

The difference one layer can make! 💕 Lately I've been trying to simplify my oil painting process as much as possible - fewer layers, no mediums, and a VERY limited color palette... In fact, this piece was made using only TWO colors (plus black and white) 🎨 Can you all guess which two colors? 😉 . . Full 60min tutorial video 👉 Patreon.com/happydartist . 💕15% OFF EVERYTHING (🔗 in bio) 💕 . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #wip #beforeandafter #skintones #ethereal #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA7FBdl-0J/?igshid=9xjsmm8vsi0c

After 10 months of working on this piece, I am so excited to finally share the finished painting! My first time painting succulents and it won't be the last 😍🌵🌿 I just uploaded the full process video on YouTube where I share some of the struggles I went through in the journey of creating this oil painting, especially in regards to those beautiful but stubborn little succulents 😅 (Oil painting time lapse 👉 youtube.com/happydartist) . 🧜‍♀️15% OFF EVERYTHING (🔗 in bio) 🧜‍♀️ . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #succulents #ethereal #crescentmoon #lunamoth #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CFQGXqNlLyo/?igshid=1wwo4ow81jrjs

Yayyy after working on and off for 3 months, I'm finally finished with this mermaid oil painting!! 🧜🏻‍♀️ 💕 To be honest, these past few months have been quite an emotional and creative rollercoaster. A lot of stressful things went down in my personal life and of course, all around the world as well... and I found myself crippled with anxiety, feeling less and less motivated to paint. I was especially intimidated by detailed ethereal oil painting portraits, which are typically my favorite subject and medium. 😥 But the long and arduous journey of getting over that mental block in order to pour my heart into this painting was monumental in helping me find that creative momentum again. 💖 A million hugs and thank yous to everyone who has been so sweet and supportive these past few months, especially you lovely souls who are still here even after I went radio silent on social media for a month 😅 A special thanks to my beautiful muse @shhgoddess whose kindness and patience helped carry me through the tougher parts of this painting 💖🥰 I’ve decided to name her “Temptation” and though the original is sold, I have fine art prints available in my shop!! ✨ (link in bio) . 🧜‍♀️15% OFF EVERYTHING (🔗 in bio) 🧜‍♀️ . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #mermaid #ethereal #pinkhair #butterflies #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CDerEl1lSEH/?igshid=13wjzw63455sb

(SWIPE 👉 to see the before and after) Hiiii friends! 💖 Omg has it really been almost a MONTH since I posted on Instagram? Oops, my bad 😅 I've been catching up on commissions (like this one) these past few weeks and it feels so good to be oil painting regularly again! 🎨 This piece is still a work in progress, but I'm nearing the finish line and hoping to finish it today 🥰 Also, isn't it crazy the difference just ONE layer can make? Sometimes I get so stuck in the "ugly" beginning stages that I become too intimidated and discouraged to keep working on the piece... Side-by-side comparisons like this are a great reminder that if I just calm down and keep painting, things will eventually start to take shape. 💕 Would you all like to see more before & after comparisons like this? 😁 . 🧜‍♀️ Also, 15% off everything sale! (🔗 in bio) 🧜‍♀️ . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #mermaid #ethereal #pinkhair #butterflies #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKN1vrFKwn/?igshid=fykwmyodvecx

Been buried in my sketchbook these past few weeks trying to up my drawing game ⭐🌙✏ This one is titled "Rare Unicorn" and the original drawing has been gifted to one of my Patrons as part of the $95 tier monthly reward package (👉 Patreon.com/happydartist) However, I will be slipping a FREE mini-print of this drawing into EVERY order from my shop this month 🥰🎁 (🔗 in bio) 🦄 . ⭐ Also, only 4 days left of my 20% OFF EVERYTHING SALE (🔗 in bio) ⭐ . . . . . #graphite #moleskine #pencildrawing #illustration #drawing #coloredpencil #sketch #sketchbook #charcoal #markers #ink #acrylic #painting #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #earrings #unicorn #tutorial #butterfly #surreal #fantasy #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #oilpainting #process #wip #tgif https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6T1QsFtxB/?igshid=1ae23st7go7v5

Hi loves! I've really been enjoying experimenting with digital painting lately, and here is a recent piece I created in Autodesk Sketchbook and Photoshop 🐱🌈💖 I know it's kind of a departure from my usual style, but I just couldn't resist making a cute lighthearted piece that was inspired by this adorable game called "Kite Kittens" from @gamify ✨ Gamify is a plug-in that allows you to add a fun customizable game to your website (currently available on Wix and Shopify), which is a perfect way for you to liven up your site and delight your visitors 💕 They have a huge library of games to choose from, but of course I was drawn to the adorable fantasy themed "Kite Kittens" that contains adorable flying kittens, unicorns, rainbows and trippy sky desserts (aka all my favorite things!) 😆💕 Follow @gamify to jazz up your website! ✨ . . . . . . #digitalpainting #kitten #fantasy #surreal #unicorn #rainbow #pastel #ethereal #sketchbook #photoshop #magical #painting #ad #sponsored #gamify https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtes4_lxLa/?igshid=19mkhrelvdo17

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for your help in recommending some good organizations/charities on last week's post 🥰 I am so excited to finally present the completed painting titled "Justice". The flowers in her hair are black-eyed susans, which symbolize justice 🌼 And of course the dove symbolizes peace and hope 🕊 I will be selling prints of this artwork in my website (🔗in bio), and all profits will be donated to @thepennyfoundation, which helps fight economic inequality in the black community ❤️ . 💖 And also, everything in my store is 20% off! (🔗 in bio) 💖 . . . . . . #digitalpainting #adobephotoshop #justice #peace #blm #goddess #pastel #sketchbook #painting #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #procreate #oilpainting #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #progress #artstudio #ethereal https://www.instagram.com/p/CBgfTTNjMkg/?igshid=1jbhxuxexhn2g

Hi loves, long time no see 💕 My apologies for being absent on Instagram for over a month. I had initially been on a social media break to deal with personal issues, but I feel like right now is too important of a time to keep silent... I am heartbroken, horrified, and ready to help fight the systemic racism that has plagued this country for too many generations. During my social media break, I read up on the history of systemic racism and the amount of injustice embedded into the blueprint of our daily lives... The horrific brutality recorded and shared on our smartphones is sadly just a small glimpse into a much bigger problem that spans far beyond just our police departments. From redlining, to gerrymandering, to underfunded schools, to healthcare... the list goes on. So many (if not all) parts of the system are broken & corrupt, setting up black communities for a much harder (and at times impossible) uphill battle right from the start. In a country that declares "with liberty and justice for all", the rules of the game are rigged to reflect the opposite. 😢 . I know that there are lots of amazing charities & organizations receiving overwhelming donations during this time, and I want to also ask for your recommendations for some lesser known charities that could use some extra help & support 💕 I’ve been working on a painting (sneak peek above) to help contribute the current movement. I want to donate to support not just the current #BLM protests, but also any organizations that have been fighting systemic racism from all angles (i.e. small local charities that help fund education programs for underrepresented communities, etc.) I’m doing a lot of Google searching these days, but I would also love to learn from you all, my dear followers 💗 Would you mind commenting some of your favorite charities/organizations that help support black communities? Especially if there are some local/smaller charities that haven’t received as much attention lately 💕 Thank you darlings so much for taking the time to read this long post and let's all stay united in fighting the good fight! ✊🏾🖤(The finished painting + campaign details coming soon, stay tuned 🎨💕) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBO0Ug5lNJA/?igshid=8hs7t75uwtfo

Finally trying out digital painting! 💖 I usually use Adobe Photoshop to make quick mock-ups to help plan my oil paintings, but this is the first time I actually tried to create a serious polished piece of art with only digital tools 😅 I used an Android tablet called PicassoTab and the Autodesk Sketchbook app 🎨 I uploaded a 30min tutorial video to my Patreon, showcasing all my trials & errors with this new medium and sharing some lessons I learned along the way 😆 (patreon.com/happydartist) . 🌙 FINE ART PRINTS AVAILABLE (20% OFF) 🔗 in bio 🌙 . . . . . . #digitalpainting #sunset #pastel #sketchbook #painting #clouds #moon #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #procreate #oilpainting #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #progress #goddess #artstudio #ethereal #stayhome https://www.instagram.com/p/B_23LC5lWSD/?igshid=19qa0m0wq8555

So excited to finally share this oil painting that I had been working on all last month, titled "Fading" 🦄 I wanted to portray the darker ethereal side of the unicorn, specifically highlighting her vulnerability. The butterflies depict a light of hope which surrounds her in the boundless void. 🦋 . 🦄 FINE ART PRINTS AVAILABLE (20% OFF) 🔗 in bio 🦄 . . . . . . #oilpainting #painting #unicorn #butterflies #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #acrylic #drawing #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #romantic #ink #sketchbook #progress #goddess #studio #artstudio #ethereal #stayhome https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AwstJFgGo/?igshid=x844znn6ob9e

New bird painting from last month, inspired by all the beautiful spring nature and animals that are bringing joy & light during this chaotic time 💛🐦💐 For this piece, I revisited acrylics again, this time on paper instead of canvas (which is SO much better omg 💕) The original is available for adoption in my shop, and I also decided to extend my spring sale until the end of this month (20% off everything including originals 😘) . 🌼 ORIGINAL + 20% OFF SALE (🔗 in bio) 🌼 . . . . . . #acrylic #robin #spring #blossoms #process #wip #oilpainting #painting #portrait #varnish #oddlysatisfying #asmr #satisfyingvideos #instavideo #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram #oil #oils #surreal #fantasy #drawing #video #realism #semirealism #magical #watercolor #coloredpencil #quarantine #stayhome https://www.instagram.com/p/B-uz52Hl2G2/?igshid=hn4svqpf49p2