Cover Art And Editing
By Diamante LavendarForward
Serenity of the soul is something we all crave and desire. It is an innate need for all living beings. We were made from love and long to be established in love. In order to be at peace, we have to know we are loved and we need to learn to love ourselves.
Serenity of the soul comes when we have put in the time and patience to develop a harmonious and mutually interdependent connection within our minds, bodies, souls, and spirits; when we have learned to be at peace with ourselves and our positive and negative points.
Serenity of the soul is an attitude of rest and peace. It is the beautiful mental stance of no longer comparing ourselves with others or trying to compete with the things they are doing. It is a mindset of wisdom and contentment, an understanding that we are all part of a larger picture or system in which everyone and everything has a role.
Yes, life can be tough, and there will be days when we feel that serenity is unattainable. But if we seek it with perseverance, we will find it once again. On this side of heaven, nothing will ever be perfect and we will have our battles. But through them we can seek serenity and find it as long as we remember that serenity is a mindset, not a place or thing.
Serenity is a learned way of stepping back and recalculating life through a lens of discernment and clarity. It is knowing that we are all important pieces of a large, intricate puzzle. It is finding meaning in hardship, receiving comfort during painful moments, and sensing spiritual connections and guidance through all of the good and bad we encounter. Finding serenity can be complex, but it is an amazing, and essential, state of being to experience!
In designing this image, I wanted to emphasize the importance of the mind, which is the basis for all human activity. To make a visual representation of my idea, I wanted an image that was dark, because thought processes take place in a secret location and do not manifest themselves until we express them through word or deed. In order to make an image, it was necessary for me to use artificial intelligence image generators because I lack the time and skill to do it by painting or other means. For me, the computer is a tool, like a paint brush.
After many AI variations, I chose this image for two reasons. The first was the sparkle on the woman’s head. It was the only image that AI gave me that had this. It symbolizes the thought process-that it is a process involving electrical impulses. The second reason was the solitude in the darkness surrounding the woman, symbolizing the idea that thought processes take place in secret.
I believe it is important to acknowledge that giving and receiving love is a key to experiencing serenity and peace. When a person is considerate and loving toward all human beings, it brings tranquility and acceptance to life. The woman in this artwork is practicing serenity of the soul as she contemplates whatever is on her mind. I believe the only true peace comes from God in Jesus Christ. He gives the world the peace that passes all understanding. When we have that peace in Christ, loving our neighbor comes naturally as a gift from the Holy Spirit.
We are all one race, the human race. There is no such thing as different human races. God made many different varieties and colors of all living things because one of the many facets of beauty lies in variety. In my art, I try to make the point that we are all one blood. We should appreciate our differences and love each other because it makes life interesting and beautiful. We are a unique species that can think deeply and appreciate the beauty and miracle of life-each and every one of us.
This is a commissioned work for the local Costa Rican chapter of the World Peace Movement and my own personal perspective of how I hope to see peace on earth emerging out of a distorted world system where violence and unrest are currently prevailing.
The trilogy of spirits of the peace dove merge with the backdrop, communicating a hope for change yet a current system of unrest threatening the possibility of that change. The backdrop represents the destruction of the physical environment and the loss of so many young lives and potential.
My wife was born in Odessa, Ukraine, and I have family and friends in both Ukraine and Russia. We have lost a lot on both sides. Unrest and war never produce a win, regardless of who ends up claiming victory. There is a poignancy to my work that this understanding be received and given merit by not only, and quite obviously, those who the war is affecting but also by those who are in charge of its’ beginning and end.
So even though the world as we know it is going through great upheavals, we need to hold on to the state of mind that peace is our only true nature and always the best choice. Therefore, serenity of the soul is the way that we can personally change the world in a positive manner.
It is more about our state of mind and how we handle conflict than whatever situation we find ourselves in. When we are guided by a mindset of peace, even hard things will turn out better. We will promote positive growth and understanding rather than violence and torment.
In Dreams
reflections of deep greens and blues
danced like Northern Lights floating suspended in the air in ritualistic manifestation
I dreamt about tealights last night
I tasted the scent of vanilla and thought of white spirit roses as I undressed and tested the waters of absolution
immersed in baptismal velvet my breath held as I saw your face you radiated new life through me in billowing raptures
your soul went through me
eons slipped by as stories were told red moons and black suns flickered before my eyes
all this and more …as time ceased to exist
fading slowly, falling gently through swirling layers of vortex
I awoke …finding my breath trying to hold on to enlightenment
I retain very little but enough to know
I dreamt about tealights last night
…and you…
There is a beauty to peaceful living. When we are aligned with spirituality and purpose, we are unstoppable. A serene head space allows for clarity of thought. We are able to reflect upon decisions and consequences much more effectively when operating with a sound mind.
Pain not only causes disease, but creates a world of dis-ease. Fight or flight mode kicks in when we feel threatened or misunderstood. Nothing good ever comes from conflict, fighting, and betrayal.
When I was young and in difficult situations, I often felt an overwhelming peace and warmth come upon me. Like a soft, fluffy blanket shielding me from pain and anguish. I didn’t understand at the time what I was experiencing, so I called it the Christmas feeling. It was the feeling of comfort and serenity, like looking outside at a landscape covered with freshly fallen snow. So beautiful and so hard to explain, especially for a child.
As I got older, I realized it was the peace of God shielding me from the hardships I had to endure. He held me in His loving arms and the pain just didn’t seem to be as bad. It helped me to understand the meaning of “peace on earth and goodwill to men.”
How amazing it would be to live on a planet where that love, compassion, and contentment was a constant reality! Where trust, empathy, and joy were a daily topic on the news and internet.
I dream of humanity living in vitality and grace: in one with the environment and all the cultures that exist on this earth. There could be nothing more beautiful. It would truly be a gift to us all.
We recently had the opportunity to visit the Lower Antelope Canyon while on a business trip in Arizona. It was quite a drive to get there, but so worth it! We had seen photos of the canyon but we were overwhelmed with the incredible natural beauty of this place. As the light from above filtered into the canyon and shone on its sandstone walls, the interplay of light and shadows revealed beautiful patterns and colors: blue, orange, purple, brown, and pink. It was simply breathtaking.
It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 4:6 King James Version, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” As God has shone the light of his truth and love into our hearts, just as the light shines into the darkness of the Lower Antelope Canyon, incredible beauty is revealed. We see, then we reflect, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. As we walk with the Lord, he shines his light into the darkest recesses of our hearts to reveal the treasure within and to transform us into his glorious image.
Through Jesus we are able to find serenity of the soul, because He is our peace and our life.
Whenever possible, everyone should spend at least half an hour in nature each day-that is unless you’re very busy. If you happen to be very busy, then be sure to spend at least an hour enjoying the outdoors on a daily basis!
Finding a place where you actually feel your soul breathe and your mind quiet itself can be very challenging. The busier you are, the more challenging it becomes! But the rewards are like none other!
Living in the burbs draws me to city parks to find my quiet place. There’s something very special that attracts me to water. Sitting next to the lily-filled pond, hearing the birds and frogs, does wonders for my spirit!
While the sun filters peacefully through the trees, it’s warm enough to be in shirtsleeves. I find a slightly secluded spot to sit and soak in the best of Mother Nature! I take a deep breath, exhale slowly, pull out my pad and start creating!
Majestic mountains, Beauty and strength of nature; Water reflections-
Morning mist rises, Quietly the day begins; Precious moments await.
What happens under the mysterious veil of night? Everyone has their own way to find inner peace.
Some love, some immerse in mystery and remember sacred people they have learned about or known. Some pray. And often artists are inspired to create art that expresses a calm state of being and peace of mind. As for me, I believe that art is cosmos and its possibilities are endless!
The choice is yours because finding serenity means something a little different to everyone. It is a journey and passion of spirit and soul!
We are all attracted to gazing at the moon. A full moon is particularly alluring and draws us to go outdoors to experience it’s beauty. There is often an azure quality to the night that is so appealing.
Why are we so attracted to moon gazing? It fulfills our need for connection with nature and enjoyment of our world. It is a peaceful and calming experience and creates a feeling of serenity of the soul.
A moonlit night is a great time to take a walk to reduce the stress of the day and promote a good night’s sleep. There is nothing like gazing at the moon!
The Cycle Of Life
I was made in love so I seek love.
I was made of light so I yearn for light.
I was taught truth so I embrace truth.
I experienced joy so I search for joy.
I learned to hope so I became strong.
I learned compassion so I value dignity.
I appreciate understanding so I learned wisdom.
I was given blessings so I could be a blessing.
I grew to believe in my dreams so I strive to make them a reality.
Therefore,
I wish for others to be kind, to be joyful, to search for light.
I wish for others to be compassionate and truthful.
I wish for others to love and feel valued.
I wish for others to find the treasure of hope.
I wish for others to achieve their goals and dreams.
I wish for others to understand and empathize with themselves and those around them.
I wish for others to be blessed and to be a blessing.
Because,
As I wish those things for others, I heal and grow stronger. In helping others, I help myself. I am only as great as the summation of my actions and my willingness to be a positive change in this world. I become serenity, passion, and purpose as I assist others in finding their serenity, passion, and purpose.
This is the fulfillment of the value, meaning, and beauty of life. This is serenity of the soul. This is a world where everyone and everything matters: the life cycle and master plan of a Creator who wishes the very best for all of His creation.
When was the last time you kicked off your shoes, stepped into the ocean surf, and just walked and walked, letting your mind drift into pleasant places –dreams, daydreams, and a flow of relaxing thought?
The woman in the artwork, Catching the Breeze, is doing just that. It is sunset, and the warmth of the setting sun is a perfect counteraction to the coolness of the breeze. Surrounded by beauty, enveloped in calm, she is serene and thoughtful. She is enjoying freedom from the fear, angst, anxiety, and hostility that make up so much of our day – on the “news,” in social media, and politics.
She turns her back to these distractions and walks into the light – free, independent, relaxed, confident, and content. With each step, she grows into the strong and creative person she was born to be.
Amidst the constant buzz and distractions of the world, I've found refuge in the simple, untainted beauty of nature. There's something about being out there, away from the noise, that brings me a sense of peace like nothing else can. Whether it's a great white egret gliding over the tranquil waters of a wetland, illuminated by the morning sun, or the sense of awe as I gaze across the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, nature has a way of grounding me and helping me find my center.
I've always had a passion for photography, and through my lens, I aim to capture the essence of this connection I feel with the earth. My photos aren't just about landscapes or wildlife; they're about moments of stillness and tranquility. I want people to look at my work and feel that same sense of calm wash over them that I felt when I captured the image. I hope that it reminds everyone who views my work to slow down and appreciate the beauty that's all around us.
Ultimately, I hope to leave behind a legacy that inspires others to seek out their own moments of solitude in life; to find that inner peace that comes from allowing yourself to be fully present in the world. My photography is my way of inviting you to take a step back, breathe, and soak in the simple beauty that surrounds us every day.
I wrote this poem over thirty years ago when I was a young mother caring for my four children. The words of this poem were preceded by music that popped into my head which I wish I could have written down because it was so lovely. After I heard the music, these words flowed through me and as I wrote them on paper, I felt incredibly inspired. Now, many years later, I wished to honor this poem by adding it to a favorite image of mine; this beautiful tree from the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney, Australia.
The tree in this photograph had a powerful energy on the day that I took this photo, so much so that it practically blew me away. I was on an angle down a slope from it, and as I looked up at it, I was surprised as to what I felt at that moment. The feeling was just too beautiful to describe. It was as though Mother Earth had communed with me and I’ll never forget it...nor would I ever want to.
My creativity helped me to cope during my life in so many ways, through painting, drawing, and writing poetry. The joy I felt through my creativity inspired me to make it through some challenging and difficult times in my marriage. Once I was single again in legal terms and my children were grown, I continued to explore my creativity when I had the time. It has carried me through to this very day and has helped me to find a deep and meaningful serenity within my soul!
My artwork, Falling Leaves, represents the natural progression of change and its connection to finding inner peace. I use the analogy of the life cycle of a tree and its falling leaves. The shade that was once provided by the tree from the scorching sun will soon give way to the tree's fallen leaves. As seasons pass, the tree wears a protective layer to withstand the winter's freeze. Just as the tree is powerless to prevent this change, man is powerless to halt daylight and nightfall, or stop the river from merging with the sea.
I believe that the life cycle of the tree holds valuable lessons on finding tranquility and peace. Just as the tree sheds its leaves and welcomes the process of change, a sense of calm can be achieved by accepting nature's way. It is important to realize that a Higher Power, the Universe, or God is in control of everything. One must recognize that the aging process and our mortality are out of our control, and through accepting the natural order of things one can achieve serenity and calm.
Take A Hold Of My Wing is a photograph I captured of two of our grandchildren. It embodies a soul-searching journey. The journey starts with “Once upon a time”…..
…A young maiden loved and cherished children, so much so that she surrounded herself with the magic and love of these little people. She found herself working with gifted children, a job that truly brought her joy, purpose, and teammates who would become friends for life.
As time marched on, things began to change at her job. It completely dampened her soul. With the support of her husband and adult children, she began a soulsearching journey in photography. It enlightened her intuition and connected her to God.
Inspired by Dorothea Lange, she found herself embarking on a quest to alter life by capturing moments in time and holding them still through photography. It became her mantra. She lost herself in a world of editing; trying different techniques that would bring life and the perfect essence to each photo captured. Through these efforts, she hoped to draw the viewer into a sense of serenity.
Over time, this new journey has brought serenity to her soul, a stronger sense of faith, and gratitude for a loving and supportive family.
“So take a hold of that wing, and fly to the world of enchantment. Serenity for your soul is just a call away. You only need to be still enough to listen for it.”
And … she lived happily ever after!
I woke up one day and looked outside. It was a cold January sixteenth with a dusting of snow on the ground. As I beheld the vision just beyond my window, I felt a sense of awe and wonder within my soul. I grabbed my camera and went outside to photograph the scene in front of me.
These beautiful early morning sun rays were pouring through the trees in my yard. It happened to be the birthday of one of my dear, deceased friends. A warm feeling engulfed me. It gave me goosebumps and I felt as though I was being visited.
The serenity of that moment was amazing. It sticks with me every time I look at this image so I decided to title it, “I’m Thinking Of You”.
Anchored In Hope by Bijaya Sharma 36
Serenity
Talk. Smile. Laugh.
Even if there’s nothing to say.
My lips fall silent, only able to speak to a chosen few.
Layers and layers of words would only disturb me.
I would lose my footing
In looping attempts to align with society’s expectations.
Talk. Smile. Laugh.
I am falling into the abyss.
What am I supposed to do? What am I meant to do?
What can I do? What may I do?
A succession of days. The template is set.
Will anything change?
Life is a noise. I'll wait for a miracle.
Prayers thrown into the unknown. Conversations with the unseen.
Hoping to wake up....
To a miracle.
To hope when I feel no hope.
To feel though I’m numb.
To know despite being unsure.
To find my place in the shadows of stillness.
Serenity.
Serenity can come from many sources, some complex and some straightforward. For me, it most often results from viewing the hidden things in nature. Especially those that arise in spring, when plants are budding to bring forth life in the form of leaves and flowers. These acts, when observed, are the truth of nature and the essence of peace.
When photographing nature, one must be still, carefully observant, and aware. Clarity of the mind follows and just occasionally, so does a photograph that represents the simple truth. Such is the case with the image “Revealed 5”, taken with a macro lens. The image captures the freshness of new growth on a tree branch coupled with a single spider web strung across a bend of the fragile structure. Moments of such observation and “seeing” provide me with understanding, calmness, and a sense of peace in my mind and soul.
In our complex, confusing, and strife-filled world, the act of seeing and capturing something delicate and oftentimes overlooked brings me a deeply felt sense of serenity.
As I painted the tranquil scene of a sunset over a calm river, I saw it unfolding before my eyes. The warm hues of the setting sun decorated the sky in a gradient of oranges, pinks, yellows, and purples. They cast a soft, golden reflection over the water's surface. The gentle ripples on the river, almost glasslike, reflect the vibrant colors above, creating a mesmerizing dance of light.
To the right of the composition, a lone figure I imagined as myself is silhouetted against the horizon, casting a fishing line into the water. My posture conveys a sense of peace and contentment as if completely absorbed in the beauty and tranquility of the moment. The surrounding landscape is dotted with trees, bushes, grass, and swaying reeds which add to the sense of harmony and unity with nature.
As the day transitions into twilight, the painting captures a fleeting moment of stillness and reflection. It invites the viewer to pause and become immersed in the serenity of the moment. The combination of the peaceful setting, soft colors, and contemplative mood evokes a sense of inner calm and connection with the natural world. “Sunset Fishing” is an enchanting and soul-stirring work of art.
Art can be a powerful medium for self-expression and relaxation. It allows me to escape from the stresses of everyday life. I created this piece on a day when I needed to relax and clear my mind. As I channeled my feelings into my work, I felt joy and serenity. Painting this piece helped me to release my negative thoughts and emotions. After I had finished it, I felt this work needed more. So I added myself fishing in a boat, even though I don’t own one! Water, sunsets, and fishing are very relaxing to me and are some of my favorite things.
“No Burden Too Great” is a poem that came to me early this year, 2024. Last year, at this time, I was going through a deep depression. So deep that I entered a manic stage that I had never experienced before. I literally could not tell what was real and what wasn't. I was in such inner turmoil that no one could understand. But God understood. He saw everything that happened, and He felt my burden. I have no doubt that He cried with me and called to me, but I was in too much despair to let Him comfort me. I wanted to give up and I tried, but God proved to me again that it was not my time to die. I begged Him to hang onto me tightly, as this time, I wasn’t sure I could hang onto Him. My doctor told me I should not be here as I took a lethal dose of prescribed medication.
I have genetic major depressive disorder with general anxiety. I've tried every medication, treatment, and therapy, but none helped this last time. Doctors reminded me that my illness is genetic and chronic. I have an incurable disease. I cannot find peace medically.
I spent many nights crying to God, asking Him why this happened and what I did wrong. I lost two pastors and a church home of ten years, feeling abandoned by those who swore to love me. I have come to learn there is no unconditional love, none except that which comes from above.
God listened over the last year and, I believe, held me in His arms though I couldn't feel it. I slowly started to let His spirit soothe me. There was nothing anyone could do to bring me peace. In His time, God has healed my mind and soul. As I write this, I am more at peace than I deserve. For all the times I cried and shunned God, He waited for me to turn to Him. Once I did, He lifted the burden, and my soul is finding peace where only true peace resides. He has proven to me that no burden is too great.
We, however, must turn that burden over to Him.
Through this work of mine, I find love and beauty. My face radiates and my soul is at peace as I visualize the vibrant world of the future. I feel free and at ease with the beauty I imagine exists there.
I see a colorful world and I share that sensory experience in this work. I pour out onto my canvas the wonder that I envision, mixing different hues that tell a story of love, laughter, and happiness.
This work reflects myself, my environment, and my attitude about life. I delight in motivation and inspiration. This piece tells a story about where reality and illusion meet. It’s a reflection of memory and a projection of future possibilities. It’s where love and light combine, creating a place of enchantmenta world and an idea that I would love to become a reality!
Afterthoughts
Life doesn’t come with a manual. We have to navigate our way through. Sometimes it’s beautiful, other times it’s harsh. Serenity isn’t a guaranteed daily occurrence. In my experience, I’ve had to actively seek serenity and sometimes fight for it. During some moments in life, it can be an uphill battle. But it is attainable if you keep the right mindset. And that old adage is true: nothing worthwhile ever comes easily.
I thought about how to end this volume of Timeless Reflections and I decided to end it with the poem on the following page. I think it summarizes things pretty well. The takeaway is simple in concept, though more challenging to walk out: life can be hard, but life is what you make it. There is no such thing as ‘perfect’. Find good from the difficulties and deeply appreciate the beauty that exists, no matter how small. Don’t compare yourself to others because everybody’s journey is different. Do your part to make this world a better place. That way, you can find serenity and live your best life. It’s about seeing the beauty and meaning in the journey, and about realizing that the tough times make us appreciate the good times so much more!
Contentment Street
In a wonderful place called Contentment Street, There is freedom from pain, no foes to defeat.
Joy is steadfast and constant, deep companionship dwells, Life’s eternally meaningful, all who live there excel.
There wisdom is silver and love is gold, There passion meets purpose and success is foretold;
No mountains to climb, every dream is attained, All are accepted, nothing need be explained.
Fulfill one stipulation and then you can live there: Be excellent always with inexhaustible care!
Contributors
(Listed In Alphabetical Order)
Jeff Burgess-Jeff Burgess is a fine art photographer specializing in 'fusion' work involving the application of multiple layers of images to create the final vision. His work has been in numerous galleries in Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, Yakima, Honolulu, and Bremerton. He has also had his work displayed in a variety of shows around the Northwest. His work has won numerous awards including a Silver Award from the Create Chaos Show and his work has been on display at the Orlando Convention Center and at the Denver airport. His work has also been featured in Create and Advanced Photoshop Magazines. It is rated in the top one hundred of the over three thousand online galleries in Create's online site. Jeff’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/jeff-burgess.
Diane Lindon Coy-Diane is a Christian who enjoys expressing her spirituality through photography. More often than not, the purposes of her photographs are the result of seeing beyond what is drawing her to grab her camera. For Diane, photography is like an extra sense and when her work is loaded onto her computer, its purpose is revealed and thus the process begins. This revelation walks happily hand in hand with her desire to learn more digital creative techniques. She explores and experiments with the end result, enhancing what originally captured her eye. She continues to grow, both in interests and skills, and is now offering abstract and digital artwork that is created completely through manipulations in a variety of artistic software programs. Diane’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/diane-lindoncoy/shop.
Marilyn DeBlock-Marilyn is retired with an employment history of Benefits Administration in Human Resources. She has had an interest in photography for years and has taken photos of various events for her company’s newspaper (annual service award dinners, holiday employee parties, picnics, etc). Marilyn won First Place and People’s Choice awards for her photography and started a business in 2010 selling greeting cards. She has also won awards for painting, drawing, and ceramics. Marilyn’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/marilyn-deblock
Jasna Dragun-Jasna's most common motifs are flowers and beautiful landscapes with a special dose of optimism and cheerfulness. Her medium is mainly watercolor, but she also works with pastels, acrylics, photography, and digital art. Jasna has participated in numerous international, group, and individual exhibitions and has been awarded several times. Her works have also been published in books and magazines. Jasna’s portfolio can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/jasna-dragun.
Aleksandrs Drozdovs-Aleksandrs lives in Jurmala, Latvia. He’s a professional musician who enjoys playing blues, jazz, and classical guitar. More recently, Aleksandrs has found photography and it has become the passion of his life and his new profession. He enjoys participating in various photography and mixed media contests, online and in public galleries all over the world. Aleksandrs believes that photography is cosmos and its’ possibilities are endless! He has received awards and recognition for his work, which can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/aleksandrs-drozdovs
Terry Feather-Terry is a self-taught artist who enjoys creating art for self-expression and relaxation. Her work ranges from whimsical pieces depicting scenic views to prints of animals and abstract works. She particularly enjoys creating work about the sea. The majority of Terry’s work is done in vibrant color. Terry also enjoys gifting painted rocks to others to spread love and kindness. To view her portfolio, please visit www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/terry-feather
Pat Goltz-Pat is a field ornithologist who submits data to Cornell University. She has lived in Arizona for almost six decades. Pat enjoys classical music and plays piano, organ, and guitar. She home schooled seven children and built her own home. Pat enjoys photographing nature and creating digital art. She recently began using art created by artificial intelligence programs which helps her express her ideas more fully. Pat’s portfolio can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/pat-goltz.
Steve Henderson-Steve is a fine art painter who creates representational images celebrating light, life, and color. A commercial illustrator for more than twenty years, Steve has been painting for most of his life. For the last thirteen years, Steve has focused exclusively on fine art. He celebrates images that invite the viewer to step into the artwork and experience a sense of joy, peace, freedom, encouragement, and meditative thought. Steve’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/steve-henderson.
Rebecca Herranen-In a world filled with constant noise & distractions, Rebecca finds solace in the simple things in life and the unspoiled beauty of nature. Her photography is her way to connect with the Earth and to find inner peace. Rebecca’s portfolio is full of the breathtaking beauty of nature and amazing captures of unique structures and places. Rebecca’s work can be viewed at www.rhfinearts.com
Marlin and Laura Hum-Marlin and Laura are a husband-and-wife team from Montreal, Quebec, that desire to share the beauty of the world through their fine art photography. They work together to create artworks of natural wonders, landscapes, and urban scenes that will bring their viewers joy, inspiration, and a greater appreciation of our world. Marlin and Laura’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/marlinandlaura-hum
Sarah Irland-Sarah loves being outdoors and experiencing the beauty of nature. This is the inspiration for her painting. While creating her art, she loves to see the way that colors come together in her work. Sarah believes in lifelong learning and loves the painting process because she never stops learning and discovering new things. Sarah’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/sarah-irland
Diamante Lavendar-Diamante Lavendar is an inspirational author and artist. She has published three award-winning books related to healing from trauma and abuse. She also creates mixed media art that has been exhibited in many online and brick-and-mortar exhibitions. Her art has been recognized in numerous competitions and has received many awards. Her comprehensive website can be viewed at www.diamantelavendar.com.
Celeste Mayne-Celeste Mayne's inspiration for pursuing art developed early when she sat for a charcoal portrait at the age of six. Much of Celeste’s art is based on color and multipatterned designs with an emphasis on Asian style and culture. She also enjoys storytelling and her writing, poetry, and art frequently revolve around her love, respect, and appreciation of nature. Celeste’s portfolio can be found at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/celeste-mayne
Cindy Newby-Cindy started painting in acrylics in 2015, the year her father died and her mother had to be moved out of town to a dementia care facility. She was introduced to painting by an art therapist and finds painting very relaxing. She works full-time, so she really enjoys the time she is able to spend on her art. She enjoys painting animals and abstract pieces the most. She also creates digital art/AI art. Her work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/cindyscreativecorner.
Colorado Still Magnolia-Kim Parker-Kim resides in Palmer Lake, Colorado. Photography and digital work is her preferred medium. Her portfolio is an exhibit of beautiful nature scenes, intriguing portraits, interesting buildings and architecture, as well as inviting still-life works. Whether you enjoy muted tones or bright, bold colors, both variations can be found on her website. You can view her work at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/7-kim-parker.
Phil Sampson-Phil’s medium of choice is graphic art. He enjoys being inspired by other artists and loves learning new things. His portfolio includes amazing digital scenes, portraits, surrealism, abstraction, and fantasy. Some of his work is very colorful while other pieces are done in muted tones and black and white. To immerse yourself in his unique, interpretive art, visit him at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/phil-sampson.
Leanne Seymour-As a creative person, Leanne has been compelled to express herself through drawing, painting, and poetry all of her life. Leanne is also very eclectic, and she expresses that in her art. She has a lot of fun in the process of creating whatever her current inspiration is and therefore, quite a variety can be found on her site. To see her colorful abstractions, photography, and black and white drawings, please visit www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/leanne-seymour
Bijaya Sharma-Bijaya lives in Uttar Pradesh, India. She draws, writes, and sings when she feels she must. Her art is created during those moments. She began creating to come to terms with a loss. Creativity is how she deals with life, whether it be through singing, drawing, gardening, or writing. Creativity helps her to stay centered in the middle of life’s storms; to stay true to herself and life around her. Bijaya’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/bijaya-sharma/shop
Sharon w-Sharon is a self taught photographer living in the northeast area of the United States. Sharon has a beautiful portfolio of colorful nature photographs, engaging portraits, and lovely spiritual pieces. Sharon’s work comes in vibrant colors, muted tones, and black and white. She has recently added some very fun, lighthearted, and humorous pieces to her portfolio. Her work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/sharon-w/shop
Graham Wallwork-Graham Hilton Wallwork is a surrealist artist and sells his paintings privately and through galleries. He enjoys featuring iguanas, birds, ancient trees, and landscapes in his work. Graham lives in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, with his wife Natalia, who is also an artist. Both believe in the importance of humanity’s connection with nature for personal and spiritual health, as well as the health of our planet. Graham’s work can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/graham-wallwork
Sally Weigand-A freelance photographer, Sally’s portfolio contains images of wildlife, domestic animals, flowers, landscapes, and nature scenes. She also has captured images of architecture from North America, Europe, Asia, Central America and some islands. Her work has been published in calendars, advertising, greeting cards, books, and magazine covers and interiors. Her portfolio can be viewed at www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/sallyweigand.
