1/ People everywhere are tired of politics that runs on fear and division. The good news is that something better is already taking shape. “Hope vs hate” is not a vibe. It is a choice. It is a strategy. It is a movement you can join and grow. #DV1 #ProudBlue #Voices4Victory #USDemocracy

Wow.

Another barrier to obtaining passports. While it impacts only a small share of libraries, reduced access can make it harder for Americans to secure passports—especially as Republicans push the SAVE Act, which would require a passport as voter ID.

A broken tooth has become a monstrous abscess, and in less than 24 hours, my entire face has become affected, swollen and hot. The eye on that side is weepy and swelling shut. I have no access to dental care. I make just a bit too much SSDI to get Medicaid. This is likely going to prove fatal.

I am regularly asked what specifically blue states and Congress should do to protect the midterm elections. Here you go, I list and explain them one by one. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/its-...

Today's watercolor painting. A geometric abstract, in some of my favorite colors. Sending peaceful vibes. May your day be blessed with moments of peace, despite the world's chaos. (I am finally feeling mostly human again, after the stress and workload of the last week or two laid me flat.)

Today's art. Multimedia piece.

This is joyous news. 😊

I am in 💯% agreement with Senator Warren on this.

A painting I did today. One of two. This includes watercolors, and acrylic ink. Interesting fine details emerge, using this technique. I went to the art store today, and got some alcohol ink to try. That will be my next painting, perhaps tomorrow.

Finished this painting (mostly) yesterday. It's still a bit warped from the process: many, many layers of glazing brush strokes, finishing with pearl pink metallic watercolor. This piece has an organic feel to it, as I'd hoped. Very Zen to work on — except when my damn roommate interrupted me.

This kind of info is vital and timely.

Today's painting. It's a representation of the (fiery) collective consciousness energy, which has a bright core but also shadows. Just as I do. Just as we all do. (Our shadow, our unowned aspects, can even include strengths we don't claim, but project onto others.)

When a politician answers a tough question with "What about other side?", they aren't debating, they are executing "Focus Theft." The counter is the Truth Sandwich: State facts, & out the deflection, & return to facts.Learn the full technique here (no sign-up) alpha2omega.notion.site/How-to-Stay-...

Timely and useful info.

Sharing another painting from yesterday. It's leaning against the wooden book press, in the first pic. When the acrylic sealant has cured, this one will go in the book press too, to flatten it. I have about a dozen pieces in the book press, getting them flat and even.

Sharing recent paintings. The two mosaics at the bottom are done in the last 24 hours. I enjoy using that mosaic motif (even with all the washi taping needed 🥴), and other methods. I have another painting still drying. A fun start to the New Year.

Sharing a painting I did yesterday, though the salt isn't quite dry enough to remove til later today. Also working on a mosaic. Layout via washi tape below. I have two of four colors done.

Thank you @hemptressraven.bsky.social for your kindness in retweeting, and for the likes. Deep respect, and blessings to your creative spirit.

Today, a relaxing day, recovering from yesterday's trip to Seattle. Went out this morning, got needed supplies. Like cannabis. 😏 And food. This afternoon? Painting! 🎨☺️ Pic taken on the Strait Shot bus yesterday, as the sun was setting.

I'm on the way to Seattle, via bus and ferry. Sharing a bit of scenery en route.

This morning, I ran into tech challenges that I couldn't make sense of. I did some research. Learned, to my horror, that TWO clones of my phone were signed into Google as me. Yikes! I've signed out from those devices, removing access. Tomorrow, I go to Seattle via ferry, to replace my bank card.

Sharing some art I finished in the last few days. I'm really having fun, pushing myself to try new techniques, and then develop my own version. I really like the depth and texture of metallic acrylic via stencil, as an overlay over complex watercolors The second pic: gifts for my landlord.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and Happy New Year to everyone. May this season of festive light bless you with wonder and joy.

Merry, Merry! I've been a busy artist lately, painting to create holiday gifts. These are small, 5"x7" on 100% cotton paper, and I have envelopes that fit perfectly, for gift-giving. The joy of creating these, the fun of trying new techniques, is my holiday gift to myself.

I'm working on art to give as holiday gifts. Tis the season... I had fun doing this one, for someone whose favorite color is orange. I'll add a star at the top, in pearl copper gold acrylic paint.

Getting my dedicated art space set up. Yay!

As dawn breaks, the gentle rain continues. Significant risks of landslides in Western Washington, due to ground saturation. And here, where temperate rain forests are a local bus ride away, we get a LOT of rain. I ache for the saturated soil. And I live on a big hill. 🫣 Pics of sky at dawn.

Made it to the food bank this morning, and got these fun roses, among my many finds. Love the colors!

Did a watercolor painting this morning, a piece for a kind lady who works at Mister Buds, my favorite local cannabis shop. Just got back from a bus trip downtown, to deliver it. Sienna loved it, and was moved to tears. Definitely worth the trip, to get it there.

Busy day around the house. Cleaned thoroughly, and built a fire that I could light with a flick from my lighter. Now relaxing, enjoying the resulting fire. Creature comfort, for the win. ☺️

Did another watercolor before bed, this one a fun experiment, using popcorn salt on the wet paint, applied wet-on-wet. When this is fully bone dry, the salt will be brushed off, having absorbed tiny amounts of paint and leaving fine highlights. I'll be interested to see how it looks in the morning.

First layer of a painting for friends. Wet-on-wet technique for a soft, impressionistic effect. Wetting the back of the paper, as well as the front, gives a wonderful softness to this first layer. More glazing later, then metallic acrylics in an abstract overview. Fun to imagine and work on.

Had a busy day further organizing my space, and cleaning the house. With two terminally ill housemates, such things fall on my shoulders. This evening, I made an impromptu soup, made with red potatoes, a sliced Italian sausage, organic chicken broth, Creole seasoning and smoked paprika. Yummy.

Pics from the bus stop, as I was awaiting the hourly bus downtown, heading to the food bank. Gorgeous morning, but cold. Grateful for my down jacket and half-finger gloves.

Good morning. In the pre-dawn hours, I came out to sit with a cup of herbal tea, and snagged this pic of the Super Moon. Ethereal moment.

A quietly celebratory morning for me. I am so very grateful for the transformative healing energy in my life. Wishing everyone peace. Namasté 🪷

Malignant Narcissism is something I recognize, as I was formerly in a relationship with a guy whose violence and evil predominated. Malignant Narcissism has four components: narcissism, Machiavellianism, paranoia, and (gleeful) sadism. A truly toxic mix. I recognize these same patterns in 47.

Even food items can be art supplies. This popcorn salt came today, which is a fine-grain salt to use on watercolors while still wet, sprinkled on to add highlights. I knew about salt, but learned about using this🍿salt from another artist. Morton Popcorn Salt www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKHJ1J3...

Used my new watercolors to create this wash earlier. Later, I'll add some fun fish in metallic acrylics. It's a study, to try out the technique, before I try a bigger version.

Did my test swatches of the new metallic acrylics I treated myself to. Love these! I'll use that pearl copper gold to finish my current painting, later today. Gotta head downtown on a bus to run an errand first.

Got these Amazon Basics watercolors for a great price, in the last week. Did my test swatches, and like the paint quality, especially for the low price point. Tomorrow, I'll do test swatches of the metallic acrylics I also got in the last couple days. Those should be fun.

I've not been sleeping well lately, so I'm running a chronic sleep deficit. Still, I am infused with some gentle inspiration, even before the sun is up. To do mandalas with precision, I need this tool. Ordering soon. DAFENCHI 3-in-1 Mandala Ruler Tool (15cm/6") www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPWNY52...

This mandala is coming along. I created these paints using gloss clear acrylic medium and mica powders. To get the full effect, each area needs multiple costs. Then when finished, I will seal it with the clear acrylic sealant spray (artist grade) that is coming next week. Mid-range gold still to do.

I'm alternating between food prep and painting this morning. Started the mandala, with paint I mixed myself. Grateful for my life, however humble. Art therapy makes it more joyous. 🕊️

I'm headed out soon for a brief run into Safeway, after a huge, heavy trip on two buses, to Walmart earlier. When I return, I have a mandala painting to work on. The paints are made by me, mixing mica pigment with acrylic medium. I'm looking forward to bringing this vision to life.

Today, I'm continuing the work to get my space organized. I have my art supplies in labeled tubs, on my shelving unit. One of my housemates just bought a large TV, so he's gifting me his old one. So, I'm rearranging furniture and clearing the top of my wide dresser. ☺️ Deep gratitude.

I spent the day re-arranging all my furniture and moving boxes. I'm getting my space better organized, so my art space isn't crowded out. Deer, as seen from my window. And a shot of twilight's glorious hues.

Making up sauce Bolognese, with (drained) Italian sausage, to share with my housemates.

I love this! Very inspiring. I've had this medium, liquid watercolors, on my Art Lust list on Amazon for awhile. I may treat myself to a set for Christmas. That satisfying split-second when chaos starts 😌 Artist: Elif Zaim #arthistory #watercolor on YouTube youtube.com/shorts/R0JYM...