Baja sunset

Questions to Cultivate Gratitude

It’s Thanksgiving, and I just want to wish you a heartfelt, grateful day of Thanks. Whatever you’ve got cookin’ to celebrate—whether it’s feasting, relaxing, or just soaking up the good vibes—I hope it warms your heart.

Oh, and I came across this neat article on Verywell Mind called “Ask Yourself These 20 Questions for the Emotional Boost We Crave This Time of Year.” It’s all about taking a moment to pause, reflect, and maybe see things in a whole new light. Perfect for this season of gratitude, don’t ya think?

Questions and Answers

The article drew me in. I immediately wanted to answer the questions so here they are from the article and my answers.

  1. What’s something small that made you smile today?
    My friends dog Bandito and his cute little face with his funny overbite.
  2. What’s something beautiful you’ve noticed in nature lately?
    The flowers in our yard are so gorgeous!
  3. What’s one thing you love about where you live?
    The sunshine and ocean view (in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico)
  4. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at your work or school?
    Being creative.
  5. What’s a simple pleasure (like your morning coffee or a cozy blanket) that makes your day better?
    Loving on our doggies, Nikki and Riley. They brings me such joy!
  6. What’s one thing your body allows you to do that you’re grateful for?
    I love doing yoga and glad my body is limber to be able to.
  7. Who’s someone in your life you’re thankful for, and why?
    I am thankful for my sister as she is so supportive, a good listener and we must have a similar sense of humor as I love a good belly laugh with her!
  8. Who’s a friend or family member that has supported you recently?
    My husband is my biggest fan and supporter.
  9. What’s one thing you’re proud of accomplishing recently?
    I’ve been selling my designs on Amazon tshirts and I’m reaching some of my goals.
  10. What’s one piece of advice you’re thankful you received?
    Believe in your dreams, keep reaching toward them and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.
  11. What’s something you’ve learned recently that made your life better?
    I am learning how to craft using toilet paper rolls and it’s great to use and recycle something to keep it out of the dump.
  12. What’s a challenge you overcame that taught you a lesson you’re grateful for?
    Try to use my spanish even though it is challenging. It’s the only way to improve!
  13. What’s a meaningful gift you’ve received?
    I received hugs from some new friends and that felt like a gift.
  14. What’s a random act of kindness you experienced?
    A nice Happy Thanksgiving text message from my cousin. 🙂
  15. What’s a skill or talent you have that you’re grateful for?
    Making art!
  16. What’s a hobby or interest that adds value to your life?
    Sunset watching! I love it. The ocean and sunset views from our deck our so inspiring.


  17. What’s a tradition or holiday that you look forward to?
    I am looking forward to Christmas.
  18. What’s a place you’ve visited that made you feel happy or inspired?
    Going down to the beach near our house and walking in the sand and looking at the ocean. And maybe seeing whales spouting.
  19. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to right now?
    Experiencing the holiday season with Christmas decorations, gift giving and holiday events.
  20. What’s a happy memory that brings you joy?
    All the fun travels we have done. This year we went to Mexico City and Oaxaca.

    How about you? Any happy memories you want to share?
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ceramic raven mug

My Favorite Raven Art Mugs


I love raven art mugs! Ravens are such mischievous, interesting creatures! Some people love them, some people hate them. I love them! I don’t have any raven mugs for sale yet but maybe one day I will. But you can find raven art prints in my Etsy Shop.


A number of years ago, one of my art collectors, sent me this gorgeous mug by Natalie Warrens, a Portland, Oregon artist. I love the black with the blue background and the red spirals. It’s very dreamy!

Natalie Warrens Raven Art Mug

It’s funny how one tends to pick certain mugs to drink from and I love having favorite mugs to choose from depending on how I’m feeling.


I thought you might like to see some other cool raven mugs that I found online. I know some of these might seem expensive but you can’t put a price on art and how much joy it brings you every time you see or use it! Plus they are handmade!


I will note, some of these mugs are no longer available for sale but perhaps the artist will do a custom order for you if you find one you love.

This one is from The Clay Bungalow on Etsy. I love how the raven is bowing to pick up the cherry. The spots of red and yellow leaves with the black is striking. The way the leaf and berries wrap into the inside is cool too.

The Clay Bungalow Raven Mug

Gaean Allusions Studio has made this ceramic raven mug below which has a very whimsical quality. And you know I love whimsical!

Kick The Moon Studio has made this black and white one. I like the raw quality of it. I also like the little button on the handle to put your thumb!


You can find lots of cool mugs at Crazy Cat Lady Ceramics on Etsy. This one is great with the icons and the raven. I love a magical looking cup! And I like the sepia tone on this one with the white background. It’s unique.

Chris Hudson and Shelly Hail are the artists at Crazy Cat Lady Ceramics and they write, “The raven is a symbol of eternal life and the link between heaven and earth. The other talismans like the hamsa and the hexagram all represent good luck and protection. With every sip, the user is calling in the good and keeping out the bad. It’s a good luck magic cup!”

The Pagan Slip has these handmade and slab built raven mugs available. I like the colors and the position of the crow that looks like it is dancing.

Wild Crow Farm Pottery (don’t you love the names of these pottery studios) has this whimsical raven butterfly mug. So cute!

whimsical butterfly wing raven mug

This little crow is comical and sweet on this mug. It’s by Burnt Thistle Ceramics.

This one is gorgeous! I love the wings spread on this raven by Retro Ramics. Charlene and Amy are the ceramic artists who make these beautiful illustrations on their mugs. As they say, “It is a hand-crafted one-of-a-kind artwork (small imperfections are implicit in the process). Each mug is unique.”

Hope you enjoyed looking at the raven mug images.
Do you have a favorite ceramic artist? Let me know in the comments below.

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Frida Kahlo art

Frida Kahlo Portrait Art

We have been wanting to get back into traveling since Covid slowed us down. Now we are finally doing it! We are headed to Mexico City this week and also to Oaxaca. I am so excited! Both are such creative, artistic cities! We’ve done a bunch of research and gotten lots of recommendations. We’ve looked at different museums to visit and I want to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum as I love her self portraits! They each seem to tell a story. I love paintings that tell a story.

Frida Kahlo

So if you don’t know, Frida Kahlo was a prominent Mexican artist known for her vibrant and emotional paintings, often depicting her own life experiences and struggles. Her art was influenced by her physical and emotional pain, stemming from a childhood polio infection and a near-fatal bus accident in her teens. Her work is characterized by its surreal and symbolic elements, reflecting her tumultuous personal life, indigenous Mexican culture, and political activism. She is such an icon for independent women and her personality quite a force I understand. You have to admire that with all she went through.

I once saw her work when I was in Santa Fe, New Mexico and I would love to see more of it.

Painting Frida

In honor of our trip to Mexico City, I have been doing some painting of Frida portrait art.

So I’ve always wanted to do a Frida portrait. But for some reason I never have. Until now.

It all started by chance. I had three small paintings I was working on. Acrylic on paper. Sort of Mexican desert scenes. After awhile of working on them, I started to get frustrated. I didn’t like them at all. They seemed too contrived. So I started covering them over in paint and a portrait started to emerge in one of them and then I thought of Frida. And there you have it. She came to life in my painting.

I continued painting on the other two, covering over the desert scenes with faces. And they too turned into Frida Kahlo faces. But I didn’t think they really look like her — just her character — so I started calling them my Frida Sister paintings. So they are her but they are not her. More like the essence of her.

I might do a touch more work on them but mostly they are done. I am curious. Which one is your favorite? And have you been to Mexico City and what is your favorite museum there?

I will leave you with this poem. I wanted a poem that talked about Frida Sisters. Something that could relate to my painting’s theme.

Frida Sisters Poem

by Anonymous

Frida’s sisters, fierce and fond,

In vibrant strokes, they paint their bond.

Through trials, tears, their spirits soar,

In Frida’s art, their souls explore.

In pain, passion, they persist,

With bold colors, truths insist.

With brush in hand, they dance and sing,

Echoes of hues, their voices bring.

Sisters, bound by art’s embrace,

In grace, they find their rightful place.

Through Frida’s eyes, they seek to see,

Strength within, the will to be.

In canvas, solace they find,

Bound in promise, their souls entwined.

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colorful boho art decorating

Decorating with Boho Art

It seems so obvious now because I love Boho art decorating but I didn’t realize until recently that is where my colorful art fits in.

Boho art decorating involves incorporating vibrant and eclectic artwork, often characterized by colorful prints, into a space to create a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. That is me! I love boho decor! And my artwork fits right into that style.

In boho decor, colorful art prints can serve as focal points, adding personality and energy to the room. These prints often feature bold geometric designs, nature-inspired imagery, abstract patterns, or cultural motifs. They may be displayed in mismatched frames or hung directly on the wall to create a dynamic and layered look

Boho art decorating encourages creativity and individuality, allowing for a mix-and-match approach where different styles and themes can coexist harmoniously.

The use of colorful art prints and pillows as well as linens adds warmth, depth, and visual interest to the space, contributing to the laid-back and free-spirited vibe characteristic of boho decor.

Here are some tips to help you incorporate boho art prints into your decor:

  1. Choose a Focal Point:
    Select a prominent wall or area in your space where you want to display your boho art prints. This could be above a sofa, bed, or fireplace mantel.
  2. Mix and Match Prints: Embrace the eclectic nature of boho style by mixing and matching different prints and art styles. You can combine prints with various motifs such as florals, geometric patterns, animals, or abstract designs.
  3. Frame Selection: Consider the style and color of frames for your prints. Boho decor often features natural and textured materials like wood, rattan, or distressed metal. You can also opt for mismatched frames for a more eclectic look.
  4. Create a Gallery Wall: Arrange your boho art prints in a gallery wall display for a dynamic and visually appealing focal point. Mix different sizes and orientations of prints to add visual interest.
  5. Layering and Texture: Incorporate texture into your display by layering different elements such as textiles, macramé hangings, or woven baskets with your boho art prints. This adds depth and dimension to your decor.
  6. Consider Color Palette: Boho decor often features a rich and earthy color palette with warm tones like terracotta, mustard, teal, and ochre. Choose prints that complement your existing color scheme or add pops of color to brighten up the space.
  7. Accessorize with Plants: Bring in some greenery with potted plants or hanging planters to enhance the natural and organic feel of your boho decor. Plants also add freshness and life to your space.
  8. Personalize Your Space: Incorporate personal touches such as photos, souvenirs, or handmade artwork alongside your boho art prints to infuse your space with character and personality.
  9. Balance and Symmetry: Maintain balance and symmetry in your display by evenly distributing the artwork and ensuring that the arrangement feels cohesive and harmonious.
  10. Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements and combinations until you find a layout that feels right for your space. Have fun expressing your creativity and personality through your boho art prints!

When you’re ready to purchase some artwork for your boho art wall, my Etsy Shop will be ready for you! 🙂

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Lumaprints Partner Spotlight Artist

Lumaprints, who I partnered with a few years ago, asked me to be a Partner Spotlight Artist for their blog. It features an artist interview and photos of my work.

I love artist’s interviews and have done a few over the years such as the one for Art is Fun. So I was thrilled to do it. I love partnering with Lumaprints as they make beautiful prints!

My customers love the prints too! You can read some of my 5 star Etsy Reviews in my Etsy Shop.

Lumaprints Partner Spotlight artist Lindy Gaskill

I like the article’s introduction. Particularly where they say – “Lindy, an acrylic painter and creator of vibrant, whimsical art, resides in the Pacific Northwest and draws inspiration from the region’s lush landscapes. With a passion for infusing her creations with vivid hues, her work reflects her energy and joy. Her art marries the beauty of nature with expressive artistry, offering a feast of color for the eyes and soul.”

Inspired by vivid color and nature

I feel energized and happy when creating with vivid colors. Nature inspires me with birds, trees, and shapes like my favorite, the swirl! You can see my style in these pieces below.

Lindy Gaskill Etsy Shop

A few things I love about my artist feature, besides the introduction are the great questions such as about my creative process and other questions like – How do you handle creative blocks or challenges in your work? and Can you share some of your most successful pieces on Etsy, and what you believe contributed to its success?

I enjoy reading the Partner Spotlight series myself! Reading what other artists are doing and finding new art to admire is inspiring! Every artist has a story and I especially love learning an artist’s process and what inspires them.

Lumaprints Blog

You too can read the Lumaprints blog. Read the Partner Spotlight series, and more and be inspired!

Check out my artist interview here: https://www.lumaprints.com/blog/lindy-gaskill/

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sugar skull planter box

Recycled Planter Boxes

While in Mexico last year I made a few painted recycled planter boxes. I used the large black plastic planter boxes from the nursery that some of our other plants came in. For others, I used recycled washing machine drums.

Below I will show you some of each.

To make the painted recycled planter boxes, I first washed them really good and got the dirt off. Then I covered the used plastic planters with a couple coats of gesso. I like Liquitex professional white gesso which I buy in the one gallon size. Or the gesso I get from Utrecht. They both also have smaller sizes and a basic version which is less expensive.

The gesso helps the acrylic paint stick to the surface and not peel off when the planter boxes get hot in the sun.

I made a sketch of what I wanted on the planters. Then I painted that on the sides. After putting on a couple coats of acrylic paint, I covered it with a clear shiny acrylic varnish.

I think these recycled planter boxes held up pretty well seeing as it has been a whole year in the sun. The shiny finish on them has dulled a bit but the color is still vibrant.

That goes to show how well the Utrecht acrylic paint holds up. Utrecht is the brand of paint I like because it covers really well. The density is great and I love the vivid colors. Check the recycled planter boxes out below.

painted flower planter box

The one below is a recycled planter box using hibiscus flowers as my inspiration. We have a bunch of hibiscus in the yard and I love that flower. I also made a colorful hibiscus painted mural a couple years ago.

hibiscus flower planter box
cactus planter box

I used a different technique on the recycled sugar skull flower planter boxes below. I used a recycled washing machine drum. I coated it first with gesso like the others. Then I painted it using white paint for all the line work.

After it dried, I went over it with a transparent wash, adding more color. Then I finished it with a coat of acrylic clear varnish.

recycled sugar skull planter box

You can see some of my other sugar skull designs on tshirts at this link>

recycled sugar skull planter box
recycled sugar skull planter box

I am pretty happy with the way they look with the more mature plants in them now. I think they add a lot to our garden space. Hope you enjoyed looking at them.

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sugar skull pink on yellow background

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Tshirt

I love working in Photoshop or Illustrator to create designs to put on tshirts and home decor. Recently I created a Day of the Dead Sugar Skull tshirt design.

Since I am in Mexico, I think it is no surprise that I would be influenced by this Dia de los Muertos Mexican heritage festivity. I have made some other Day of the Dead designs and one of them I put on a recycled flower planter box made from a washing machine drum.

And one with the pink sugar skull.

Tshirt comes in 6 different colors with a hot pink sugar skull.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTP52N1B

Or get a tank top with a sugar skull at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRQ23K

Day of the Dead white sugar skull design on a blue pillow.

Find it on Amazon at

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Pillow
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRQD84X

If you would like to see more of my work on fun products, check out the bottom of this page.

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positive affirmations card

Digital Download Affirmation Card Deck

My digital download Affirmation Card Deck is one tool I use for creating the life that I want to live. I believe these positive words help me manifest my goals and keep positive energy running through my life.

To help you with having positive affirmations in your life, I’ve created a few digital download Affirmation Card Decks which you can purchase inexpensively in my Etsy Shop. Print them out and use them in your personal projects. They are not for commercial use or for reselling.

Above all, they can help you get to the heart of what you want to create in your life. It’s sort of like reprogramming your mind to think a certain way. I believe we are what we think we are. So using positive affirmations is self-talk that can benefit you in lots of ways!

intentions card deck etsy


Positive Affirmation Card Decks

The best way you phrase positive affirmations is if they are already true. Not that you would like them to be true but that they already are true!

Sometimes your mind will register a negative word even though you are saying it positively. So be careful how you word affirmations. You may say, “I no longer feel stress” but the word stress is what your mind hears so if you say instead, “I feel peace within” you are more apt to actually feel peaceful.

There are so many places you can put these cards so you see them during the day. Put them on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, your window sill, in your pocket or purse. Tape it to the dash in your car or on your computer screen. Remind yourself how wonderful and creative you are with these affirmations!

Card Deck for Wellness and Weight Loss

In addition, I have a Deck for Wellness and Weight Loss. A DIY card deck to help you commitment to your health and fitness goals.

Sometimes I will pick a card for the day and repeat the affirmation throughout my day. I love the little reminder and to help me with staying fit.

Intention Words Card Deck

And there is a deck with individual intention words. Get started using intentions with this colorful card deck.

By setting an intention before you get up in the morning or before your meditation or yoga practice, it allows the Universe to know how you would like your life to proceed. My Intention card deck comes with an instruction sheet on how to use them with intention sentences.

Artist Use of the Intention Deck

If you are an artist, you can also use these cards to inspire you while you paint! Are you stuck with what to paint next? Pick a card from the deck, for example it might be the “Passion” card. What mark or image can you make that represents that word? Maybe use red in your next paint stroke, or make a heart or kiss shape.

Then pick another card. Maybe it is the “Quiet” card. What represents that word? Is it a soft breeze? A light stroke? Paint what you feel when you think of that word. Or use the colors from the cards. Pick a card and use the colors from it in your next paint strokes. Let your imagination take over and tap into your intuition.

Free Bookmarks

There are also 3 free om lotus bookmarks with all the downloads.

Create the life that you want with these positive affirmation cards. Have fun using them!

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stars and light

Celestial digital download print

I’ve always loved celestial things. They are magical. I love the stars and the moon and what they represent.

For me, their symbolism is about how we are all connected. How the permanency of earthly things is fleeting but the universe is endless!

The universe is always there and always will be. Long after we are not on this earth.


Inspired by Celestial Quotes


Quotes that mention stars, the galaxy, planets and the universe are so inspiring! I’m always attracted to them.


“I think the Earth and everything around it is connected – the sky and the planets and the stars and everything else we see as a mystery.” — Sarah Brightman


“Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.” — Sarah Williams


“Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.” — Vincent Van Gogh


Celestial Events


A couple years ago, the solar eclipse left a huge impression on me. There was an infinity of half moons floating around our yard. Not many people know about this but I took some photos to prove it. And I captured them in two paintings I titled “In the Shadow on the Floating Moons I and II” And recently, we experienced the lunar eclipse.


When we were in Baja we were able to see the lunar eclipse very clearly! It was if the moon was a little ball hanging in the sky and you could reach up and pluck it from the sky. The 3-D imagery of it was incredible.


These celestial events have inspired me to create this print.


I’ve created a celestial digital download print using some of the imagery from one of my paintings. It is a single mason jar filled with the universe. Pure magic in a jar.


You are stars and light

“You are stars and light” digital print

With a file size that is 8″ x 10″, it will print out nicely on a 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper.

I’ve used Photoshop to enhance and create the imagery. I really enjoy creating digital art using my paintings! Moreover, I’ve been using Procreate to make art so stay tuned for more imagery from that.

Have fun with this celestial print!

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whimsical abstract by Lindy Gaskill

Whimsical, Colorful Celestial Artwork

This is a repost from April 2015.

I painted this colorful celestial artwork intuitively as I often do with my art.

Sometimes my paintings feel as if they develop all by themselves and I am just the channel for the creativity.

When I was through with it the title “Sending Love and Healing Light” instantly came to me as that was what I was feeling from it. It uplifted me and I felt the positive energy radiating from it. I love the celestial theme and colors.

I decided to dedicate it to my hubby, Greg, as he was feeling under the weather and could use some healing energy. So I told him I was “Sending Love and Healing Light” to him with this painting and he said that made him feel good. Yay!

“Sending Love and Healing Light”

Prints are available in my Etsy Shop.

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whimsical bike painting

Whimsical Bike Painting

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Colors of yellow, oranges and red are featured in this new whimsical bike painting. It’s a red mountain bike with an adventurous raven riding along through a colorful woodland. I use vivid blue to contrast with the orange around the tires to represent movement and energy.

I think this is a fun addition to my bike and raven series. I’ve titled it “A Wild and Wondrous Ride.” It is 12″ x 12″ and painted on a wood panel with black painted 1.5″ sides.

I like to show whimsy in my paintings by adding the little white details like the petals on the tires. This is a play on words as you pedal a bike.

Additionally, you can see a part of the title in my piece toward the bottom where it says WILD. If you look in some of my other bike paintings you will also notice a hidden word from the title.

The flag banner represents peace as I use the colors of prayer flags. It also represents fun and I like to add it in some of my bike paintings.

Purchase this painting as a gallery wrap canvas print in my Etsy Shop. You can also find it there as a fine art paper print.

You can see some of my other bike and raven paintings in my Etsy Shop as well.

Also, I list different sizes available but if you need a custom size, just send me an email and I can give you an estimate for cost and make you a custom listing.

Hope you enjoy this new artwork!

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10 ways to attract positive energy

10 Ways to Attract Positive Energy into Your Life

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This is a repost from March of 2015 with a couple modifications.

I’ve listed 10 things that I try to do to attract positive energy into my life. I’ve put a positive affirmation to go with each one.

1. Accept myself and my situation as I am living right now, in this moment. Live here right now. Practice non-judgement and just let what is be.

I accept and appreciate my current situation.

2. Still my thoughts and meditate a little bit every day. Be silent and just be. I’ve been doing Reiki self healing on myself every day and that feels really good.

I feel fully connected to my experience of life.

3. I visualize myself in positive ways. You are your thoughts, so choose the good ones as they say.

Every cell in my body is healthy and radiates health.

4. Give myself or others a gift and be grateful. It can be a compliment, a smile, a hug, a little piece of dark chocolate or a flower but think of it as appreciation and love for myself and others. Feeling grateful for what I have lifts me up.

I am grateful for all the positive things in my life.

5. Take time out to daydream. I have a dream journal and visualize myself accomplishing my goals. You can write out some steps on how you can accomplish what you want out of life.

I am devoting time and energy toward my goals.

6. I set my intention to be happy and I don’t get wrapped up in drama. You deserve happiness and success and don’t let anyone tell you different.

I am a magnet for happiness and success in my life.

7. Have faith. I believe I am right here in the right moment, doing exactly as I am supposed to. I trust in the universe that if things are not going as planned that there is something better out there for me. It will show itself in time.

All that I need comes to me at the right time and place in my life.

8. Let go and detach. Accept others for who they are. I think it’s true if you hold on to anything too tightly, there is a blockage of energy that happens. So let go and relax. It will all be okay!

I accept everyone as they are and continue to pursue my dreams.

9. Seek out my own unique talents. For me, that’s doing my Art. Every person has something unique about them. If you live your life by asking yourself how you are best suited to serve others with your highest and best self, I believe things will start to unfold for you.

I acknowledge and honor my talents, and share these with others.

10. Laugh! I can feel the endorphins spread through my body after a good laugh. It’s healthy so find ways to laugh more. Watch a funny movie, read a funny book or watch funny videos. And hang out with people who make you laugh!

I’m smiling inside.

For more affirmations, check out my positive affirmation card decks in my Etsy Shop.

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whimsical mermaid painting by lindy gaskill

Mermaid Painting “She Carried the Light”

When I got hacked I lost my entire blog so this is a repost (modified) from April 2015.

I will admit it. I’m a weanie when it comes to swimming in big waves at the ocean so I don’t go in very deep when I see waves crashing. I’ve never been a strong swimmer. You might say I dabble in swimming. I have snorkeled a couple times and enjoyed it but I don’t have a deep desire to do it again.

Since I’m not a mermaid, I decided at least I could paint one.

“She Carried the Light”, acrylic on paper, 9″ x 9″

So here she is carrying the light through the depths of the deep blue sea.


There are prints for sale in my Etsy Shop.

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hibiscus mural

Colorful Painted Hibiscus Mural

Inspired by the beautiful orange hibiscus flowers in our yard, I decided to repaint the mural located on the street in front of our place in Todos Santos. The mural is on what we call the old pila (water tank) that we turned into a planter a few years ago. It had a fish mural scene that I had painted but it had faded badly and looked dated. So it needed a fresh face.

orange hibiscus flower

First I made a sketch of a hibiscus flower design.

hibiscus mural sketch

Then I put it into Photoshop layered over a photo of the pila to play with the design. I tried out different colors. This is what it looked like for my inspiration.

photoshop sketch of mural
hibiscus mural freehand sketch

Next I freehand sketched it on to the pila and outlined it in dark brown. Then I started to put the colors on.

in in process painted hibiscus mural
in process painted hibiscus mural

I continued painting and filling in my sketch with colors of paint I had on hand. Once the final coats of acrylic paint were on, I outlined it in a dark brown.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the process of my hibiscus mural.

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Be Happy Tshirt

Amazon Tshirts for sale by Art by Lindy

I am re-posting some of my old blog posts since my blog was hacked and I lost everything.

One of the things that lights me up is making things. That is probably obvious since I’m an artist. But I really like making art and putting them on products to send out into the world! Spreading the love you might say. So I sell prints of my work on Etsy and I have a Zazzle shop for home decor.

With the same thought in mind, I applied for a Merch account on Amazon and now I have Amazon Tshirts for sale! That means I can now sell T-shirts on Amazon. Amazon Merch is a tier system. So I started with 10 designs and once I sold 10 T-shirts, they bumped me to 25. After selling 25 T-shirts, they bump me to 50 and now I am at 100.

This is a fun one below as it is one of my favs. The Be Happy. Follow Your North Star T-shirt.

Be Happy. Follow Your North Star

It is inspired by all those people working hard to follow their dreams! Like me and many of my friends and family! What about you? Are you following your dreams? If so, be happy and keep on keeping on!

Next up is my Yoga Girls T-Shirt. A favorite as I love yoga and I love the saying “We Are One” plus I love flower power floral designs! It’s a great combination.

For some other products besides Tshirts. I have colorful lotus art for sale as a print in my Etsy shop and a pillow in my zazzle shop.

Hope you like my Tshirts on Amazon and other art decor for sale!

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inner artist letter

You are Unique – A Letter to Your Inner Artist

Many years ago I read the book The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron and there was an exercise in it where you write an encouraging letter to your inner artist (Task 8 in week 11). I just found mine the other day in a box. Here it is, although I did modify it slightly.

Dear Inner Artist,

Do not be afraid.

Let yourself go and flow.

You can be all that you want to be.

You can make art, sell it and support yourself and your family with art sales.

You can make enough $ to be able to afford the things that you want to own and travel the world.

People will buy the art that you make. You will be successful with your art and it’s sales.

You are a natural leader, a healer and a teacher and people learn from you.

Flow with the the natural rhythms of life that are here to guide and help support you.

You are a great artist!

You tap into your higher power and channel the creativity from the Source.

colorful swirl art

You have control over the life you lead by taking the choices presented to you and acting on them. You know that all that is, is not what it appears.

If you want to be a painter, than do it. If you want to be a creator, than do it. You have the resources and the talent.

Take your motivation and go with it.

You know what to do and if you don’t there are resources to help you learn.

Do not let anyone talk you out of it or tell you that you are not good enough because you are good enough and not “just” good enough but great!

You are unique and have something to share.

You uplift the spirit with your art. Your art is a celebration!

You are so, so, so loved! – From Me

“Expect the universe to support your dream and it will.” – Julia Cameron

Now it’s your turn. What does your inner artist need to hear?

Peace,

Lindy

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take a nap in a hammock

A nap restores the soul

As a child, I grew up with my bedroom window right next to a fragrant, white blossomed shrub whose scent would waft into my room. It was a fragrant, intoxicating floral aroma. It was a dreamy perfume. One that I would breathe in deeply as I lay on my bed on a warm summer afternoon as I drifted into an afternoon nap.

Just thinking about it makes me relax.

We all need a nap from time to time. It’s especially important for introverts who gather their energy from being by themselves. I’m an introvert and I just love a good nap!

We’re in Todos Santos, Baja, Mx right now. We have a hammock and it is the perfect napping place.

It is the resting of the spirit, the going inward that allows me to come back to the outer world refreshed and ready to create. A nap is like a creative incubation for the soul. It restores me upon awakening and then I can get back into the studio and start creating!

My art studio in our casa.
a good nap is a creative incubation quote

Some people love naps and some people don’t. What about you? Are you a nap person?

Peace and happy creating (and napping),

Lindy

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things my heart loves

105 Things My Heart Loves

Try this little trick if you need a little cheering up. Grab a piece of paper and start listing all the things your heart loves! It will help you be grateful for all the beautiful things in this world.

Here’s my list for today (in no particular order).

  1. Ancient tapestries
  2. Petroglyphs
  3. Lavender oil
  4. A moon sliver
  5. Making original art
  6. Sand Dollars
  7. The smell of a puppy
  8. Daisy chains
  9. Vivid color
  10. Skipping stones on the water
  11. Hiking a trail
  12. Outdoor showers
  13. Spiral shapes
  14. Border collies
  15. Hanging art mobiles
  16. Smell of cookies baking
  17. gnomes
  18. Foot massages
  19. Geodesic domes
  20. Watching ocean waves crash
  21. Watching a sunset
  22. Licking an ice cream cone
  23. Warm wool mittens
  24. Lighting incense
  25. Bangles and dangle earrings
  26. Boots from Australia
  27. Frothy, hot mocha
  28. Game of billiards
  29. Beatrix Potter drawings
  30. Ravens
  31. Watching a sloth move
  32. Laughing until tears run down my face
  33. Solar lanterns
  34. Picking blackberries or blueberries
  35. Camp fires
  36. Watching horses play
  37. Tall palm trees
  38. Laying on a rock in the sun
  39. Bubble baths
  40. Peanut butter chocolate fudge milkshake
  41. Twilight
  42. Handmade sandals
  43. Hanging out with family / friends
  44. Peace signs
    peace sign on van art
  45. The golden hour with long shadows
  46. Smell of fresh cut grass
  47. Delta blues music
  48. Double rainbows
  49. Maps
  50. Handwritten letters
  51. Finger painting
  52. Swimming in the Sea of Cortez
  53. A monsoon down pour of rain
  54. Scented candles
  55. Walking a labyrinth
  56. Watching an inspiring movie
  57. Listening to Christmas carols
  58. Kayaking a flat lake
  59. Star gazing
  60. Remembering a dream
  61. Listening to good ole rock ‘n roll
  62. Yoga outside in the a.m.
  63. Travel to new areas
  64. Visiting an art gallery
  65. Mountain bike riding
  66. Painted toe nails
  67. Mosaic stepping stones
  68. Reading the book The Power of Flow
  69. Writing a poem
  70. Trying new foods
  71. Eating organic
  72. Growing our own food
  73. Van Morrison music
  74. Camping on the beach
  75. Green smoothies
  76. Reading my horoscope
  77. Birthday week celebrations
  78. Hosting visitors
  79. White puffy clouds and blue, blue sky
  80. Flying a kite
  81. Hot springs
  82. Reading Rumi
  83. Taking dogs for a walk
  84. A nap in the afternoon
  85. Sitting around the fire in a Teepee
  86. Dream catcher
  87. Learning, remembering and using a new spanish word
  88. DIY Projects
  89. My gratitude journal
  90. Fresh cut flower bouquet
  91. Intricate henna tattoos
  92. Finding a four leaf clover
  93. Irish accents
  94. Cold beer with a slice of lime and pinch of salt
  95. Dark chocolate
  96. Playing frisbee
  97. Walking through the forest
  98. A wink from a stranger
  99. Old pickup trucks
  100. Planting seeds
  101. Wind mills
  102. Making no knead bread
  103. Online Zoom gatherings with family
  104. Girls night at the cabin
  105. Barefeet in the sand

Peace,
Lindy

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artbylindy on wayback machine

My website got hacked.

Well, it happened. My WordPress website got hacked and I lost my blog. All of it. And I’ve been blogging since 2009.

The image above is what it used to look like.

I have a back up of images and some info so I will consider trying to recreate some of the posts using the Wayback Machine.

And not only did that happen, but Etsy closed my shop! It has since reopened but it took awhile!

Yep, I was bummed!

Etsy closed it without an email or telling me why. I tried to contact them multiple times to ask them why with no avail. Eventually they opened it again and said it was their mistake. Just goes to show how you shouldn’t rely on them too much!

Besides Etsy, you can find my work in these other places:

My Zazzle shop has home decor and tshirts.

You can find art prints at my Society6 shop.

Greeting cards are at Greeting Card Universe.

Peace, Lindy

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