Zelda

It's always a mix of excitement and nerves when you finally send a piece of your heart out into the world. This particular pastel drawing, featuring vibrant orange and brown flowers with lush green leaves set against a rich, dark green background, truly came from a place of passion. I’ve been calling them my ‘wyldeflowers’ – a symbol of natural beauty and resilience that I find incredibly inspiring. Creating this piece was a journey in itself. Working with pastels is such a tactile experience; building up layers, blending colors with my fingertips, and watching the image emerge feels almost magical. There’s a unique softness and luminosity you can achieve with pastels that I adore, which I think really brought out the delicate textures of these flowers. Every stroke felt like a 'small win,' gradually bringing the vision to life. It’s part of my personal 'WEEKLY REPORT' to myself, celebrating those tiny victories in the creative process. The decision to submit it to an art show was a big one. It’s not just about showcasing a piece of art; it’s about putting yourself out there, sharing a part of your soul, and hoping it resonates with others. The application process, carefully packaging the artwork, and the anticipation of waiting to hear back – it’s all part of the 'art journey.' I included details about my local art community, like those found around Auburn, Dadeville, and Lake Martin, because the support from fellow ‘alabamacreators’ is truly invaluable. For any fellow artists out there considering submitting their work, my biggest advice is just to go for it. Don’t let fear hold you back. Every submission, whether accepted or not, is a valuable learning experience and a step forward in your artistic development. It takes courage to share something so personal, and that courage itself is a triumph. I’ve found that connecting with other ‘artistsoflemon8’ and sharing my experiences, both the ups and downs, helps 'endthestigma' around the vulnerability of artistic expression. This piece, in particular, feels like a culmination of my 'faithjourney' through art, expressing hope and beauty. I’m eager to see where this submission leads and will definitely be sharing updates as soon as I hear anything!