This Might Get Painty- Issue #2 (My Journey)

From the Mural Wall to the Mystic Wing

Hey there, fellow art-lover!

Last time I invited you into my studio - gave you a peek at the mural I painted on my wall (and maybe a peek into my brain, which is also covered in creative chaos). I promised I’d tell you how it all started… so here we go.

This is the story of how my art journey took a turn - and then took flight.

Then vs. Now: The Art Evolution

When I first began painting, I leaned hard into realism. Every brushstroke had a job. Every fur strand, feather, and glint of light had to be just right. It was technical. Controlled. Safe.

But beneath the surface, I felt this quiet pull… a creative itch I couldn’t ignore.

That itch became a full-on eruption with my studio mural - the one you saw in last month’s newsletter. It was the first time I gave myself permission to go big, go bold, and let go of the need to make everything perfect.

From there, something shifted. My work started to breathe differently.

I picked up brighter colors, made splashier strokes, and started painting with more emotion than exactness.

My hummingbird piece fluttered into being, full of light and motion.

Then came the raven, mysterious and brooding.

The parrot, with unapologetic color and attitude.

And finally, Michael the angel, who landed on my canvas like a sign that I was headed somewhere sacred - somewhere true.

And then…

🔥 A dragon showed up.

He has that smoldering look!

🔥 Enter: Dragonbeat

 (and how you can be part of it)

His name is Smolderdash. He’s fiery, fabulous, and the not-so-accidental star of my latest creative adventure: a fantasy magazine called Dragonbeat.

Dragonbeat is where art, imagination, and whimsy all collide.

Inside its pages, you’ll find:

• Original dragon characters (each with their own flair)

• Fantasy fashion spreads

• Magical recipes (yes, you read that right)

• Pets in costume (because why not?)

• And more surprises that I’m cooking up in my creative cauldron

  
  

  But that’s not all.

I also launched an Adopt a Dragon program - where you can adopt one of my painted dragons (like Smolderdash!) and receive a high-quality art print. You can also request prints of any of my work - birds, fantasy creatures, or anything that catches your eye.

When you adopt a dragon or buy a print, you’re not just getting something beautiful to hang on your wall. You’re helping support this small art business… and helping me save for professional art training at the Milan Art Institute, where I hope to deepen my skills and step fully into this artist life I’ve dreamed of.

💫 Ready to bring some magic home - or give it as a gift?

👉 Click here to adopt a dragon or order a print

Thanks for following along on this wild, paint-splattered journey. Next time, I’ll be sharing my latest line of creative fun - and, a peek inside Dragonbeat Issue #2.

Until then - stay bold, stay curious, and maybe let a little dragon into your life. 🐉

With paint spills and splatters,

Maureen

Artist | Illustrator | Dragon Enthusiast | Still covered in paint