It's #elephantappreciationday 🐘💙 Sadly, due mainly to poaching and habitat loss, these magnificent creatures are in danger of disappearing from our world. This week, 20% of the proceeds from my Ellie paintings will be donated to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. www.lissagrayart.com #art

For all the pup pawrents, this is a pawesome newsletter 💙🐾

Smooshing paint around, trying to capture the essence of this gentle soul Dumped on death row, Daisy was terrified and shutdown With love and patience, she blossomed into the most loving dog and loyal companion Don't overlook the shy scared dogs, their love is a special gift 💙🐾 #art #dogs

Tomorrow is the first day of Fall As we enter a new season, I hope we can carry the warmth of summer in our hearts Let us strive to love one another as our precious pups teach us every day 💙🐾 "Peaceful Easy Feeling" 18x24" Mixed Media - available for purchase

Good Morning Friends Feeling like y'all need some grey muzzle wisdom Be where you feel safe and cozy Stop scrolling and instead listen to soothing music Watch a happy movie ~ with snackies and a loved one Go for walkies Be good to yourself, us doggos love and need you Luv ~ Hope 💕 #dogs

Today's lunch palette was a study of reds and yellows. Curry chicken rice salad with dried cranberries (and scallions) along with fresh mango, grapes and pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate seeds make me think of sparkling little gems! During these chaotic times it's important to seek beauty 💛🧡

Tied to a chain for the first 8 years of his life, Otis was found with an embedded collar He suffered cruel neglect and yet was the sweetest dog After being rescued, Otis found his forever family who loved and cherished him Otis was the epitome of resilience ~ he never lost hope 💙🐾 #dogs #art

Our volunteer arrived from the shelter after picking up 2 senior dogs on death row and bringing them to Charleston When this pup popped out of the car, my rescue cohort and I both said "who's that???" She was not the senior black Lab we had agreed to save See more in comments ... 💙🐾 #dogs #art

Happy #internationaldogday to my doggo friends! I know we've all been working overtime in the midst of the chaos, taking care of our peeps, giving them love and comfort Cheers to US! No matter how crazy things get, our peeps have us to remind them of the good in the world 💙🐾 #dogs

#internationaldogday This sweet senior was rescued from a high kill shelter She went through heartworm tx and then cancer surgery After 18 mos in rescue, Maddie finally found her forever family and was dearly loved until she crossed the bridge 7 years later Never give up hope 💙🐾 #dogs #art

Sunday Morning Collage ~ Playful Ellie Elephants are known for their playful behavior Curiosity is an important part of play for both Ellies and humans What are you curious about? Make a play date with yourself or others ~ 2 legged or 4 pawed Have a fun and playful Sunday 💜🐘 #art #play

Early Saturday morning play ~ BE EWE collage Do you feel different, like you don't fit in? Celebrate and be YOU Wear your authenticity like a crown YOU are glorious, embrace your beautiful imperfections The world needs YOU, exactly as YOU are Be YOU and shine your beautiful light 🧡 #art

Happy Friday 😊 Let's float into the weekend Leave all the stress and anxiety behind Take time to rebalance and find our center Let's learn from our pups and practice 'being', letting go of the constant need to be 'doing' Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the weekend 💙🐾 #art #dogs

Smooshing paint around in my art journal Trying to capture the infamous side eye, perfected by every dog If only humans could be as authentic and direct as dogs They let it be known exactly how they're feeling with a simple look or the way they wag their tail Dogs have so much to teach us 💙🐾

My favorite video featuring Pharrell's HAPPY song! Happy Monday 🐶😸🐾💙 www.youtube.com/watch?v=DePF...

Happy Monday 😊 As the new week begins, we can look back Focusing on what happened in the past Or we can move forward with a courageous heart And open the door, welcoming the new day What will you say YES to today? What can you let go of? Let's make it a tail waggin' great day 💙🐾 #art #dogs

Happy Sunday 😊 Playing with Procreate and this dove of peace appeared with a message of hope What do you hope for today? Close your eyes, inhale and focus on your deepest desire Exhale and send your hope out into the Universe Wishing you a day filled with peace, love, light and hope 💙 #art

In art as in life, we often feel a spark, an idea It flits across our minds and if we don't act, it may be gone forever I often get a spark when I'm not in my studio I grab whatever I can find to quickly capture the idea Act on the sparks, they're your intuition guiding you 💙 #art #dogs

"The trouble is you think you have time" Jack Kornfield's Buddha's Little Instruction Book My dear friend is dying of cancer A cruel reminder that life is not fair Life your best life every day Give your time and love to the things, people and fur kids that matter the most. Let the rest go 💙

Beginning a painting is like greeting a new day It has energy and you have an idea of how you want it to go Then you get derailed and something goes awry If you sit quietly, often you'll be guided to the next step If you're not sure what step to take today, let your soul guide you 💙 #dogs #art

Happy Saturday 😊 Curl up with your BFF (best fur friend) Let go of all the stress and anxiety from another chaotic week Give gratitude for all the blessings in your life Read a book, watch a movie, cook some nom noms to share Create a cocoon of inner peace, relax and breathe 💙🐾 #dogs #art

In art as in life, it's important to play This quick study is helping me play with an idea for a painting Instead of nitpicking what doesn't work, I'm seeing the bits that I like and want to expand on Take time to play today ~ and see through the lens of possibilities! Stay cool 🐾💙😎 #art #dogs

Make a Wish 💕 When I was a little girl, I'd pick dandelions and make a wish before blowing the seeds that carried my dreams off into the wind In the midst of all the chaos, let's take a moment to visualize our dreams and hopes being sent out into the Universe Peace, Love, Light 😘 #dogs #art

TONIGHT'S NEW MOON IN LEO IS A RESET Set Intentions ~ Be Bold ~ Speak Your Truth Visualize the life you desire and step into it with confidence Let go of fear and be courageous Leo rules the heart, lead with love Honor your inner light and let it shine 💕 #art #newmoon #leadwithlove

Giraffes are gentle beings and serve as a good reminder to live with a peaceful rhythm letting go of stress and adopting an optimistic approach to life Resist like a giraffe Rise above the chaos and hatred, choose calm and inner peace with the knowing that love always wins 💙 #art #resist

As a new week begins, let's set the intention of looking for the glimmers that bring us hope, joy and peace Like watching a cherished pup sleeping, knowing they're safe and loved Treasure the moment, hold it in your heart and feel the inner peace 💙🐾 'Cherished' 20x20" mixed media #dogs #art

I've learned something interesting while smooshing paint around in my art journal Sometimes we don't immediately see the beauty in simplicity We're quick to rush off in search of perfection Looking back we often realize that there's beauty in the simple things - in art as in life 💙 #art #dogs

Good Morning 😊 It's scary out there Me and all the doggos can feel the dark energy It's extra important to do all the things that bring you joy And eat the nom noms If you're feeling scared, remember us doggos love you and we're always here to make you happy Peace, Love, Light ~ Hope 💕 #dogs

Every year a Carolina Wren builds her nest on our patio I was looking at it and experienced such awe and wonder The placement of each twig and leaf to create the perfect size A true work of art, all done with one little beak! I hope you find something to fill your heart with wonder today 💙 #art

Living a mostly solitary life, Pandas remind us of the importance of establishing healthy boundaries to feel safe in the world In the midst of the constant chaos, what will you do this weekend to take care of your mental health? Be like a Panda and enjoy some 'me time' 😊🐼💙 #art #panda

It can feel selfish to create in the midst of chaos and sorrow But the world needs your art and your joy Paint, Sing, Dance, Write, Cook, Garden, Knit Share it with the world Creativity is a radical act of resistance Let your joy light the way for those who're in darkness 💙 #dogs #art #resist

There's something I love about what happens when I'm smooshing paint around in my art journal The pieces are messy and free Maybe life is like that Maybe we're really at our best when we let go of imperfection and embrace our true selves in all of our messiness Just a thought 😊💙🐾 #art #dogs

Being joyful is a radical act of resistance Like a dog looking for their favorite ball, be relentless in finding moments of joy in the midst of the chaos and cruelty Our world needs your joy 💙🐾 'Found It' Mixed Media on Wood Panel Available for purchase. 10x20" #dogs #art #resistance

11 years ago I kissed her one last time Rescued from death row at the age of 9, our time together was much too short And yet 5 years was a lifetime of love and joy I've loved and lost many precious pups Magnolia was that extra special one, my Heart Dog Forever and always 💙🐾 #dogs #love

I can't stop thinking about the horrific murders of Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and her beloved dog, Gilbert I feel such sorrow, and rage But I won't allow the anger to become hatred Instead I will focus on love and try to remember there is still good in our world 💙🐾 #dogs #art #love

Happy Feel Good Friday 😎 Today is National Sunglasses Day Don't forget your shades if you're going out for some fun in the sun! If you're taking your pup with you ~ best to plan walkies early in the morning or when the sun goes down Stay cool and have a pawesome day 🐾💙 #art #dogs

I discovered something as I was smooshing paint around I wasn't thrilled with the piece But when I cropped it, the piece changed and I was much happier We can do this with our lives too Zoom in and determine what what makes your heart smile and gives you joy ~ let the rest go 💙🐾 #art #dogs

Our pups KNOW when it's SaturYAY 😊 They wake up anticipating a day of fun and adventures, or perhaps a long cuddle on the couch, with their peeps After another week of chaos, it's time to play, have fun, relax and recharge Show me pix of what you're doing with your pup today 💙🐾 #art #dogs

This…is everything you need to know! 👇👇👇 #Pinks

LOVE LOVE LOVE 💙 So uplifting to see a pawsitive news story! More of this please 😊

Happy Friday Creative Beings! That means YOU We're all creative and the world needs our art in whatever form it may be Paint, Sing, Dance, Make Music, Cook, Knit, Garden ~ do what feeds your soul Share it with the world to raise the vibrations of Peace, Love and Joy on our planet 💗 #art #resist

Dumped at a high kill shelter, Bixby (9 yrs old) was rescued and lived life to the fullest with his foster dad A year later he was adopted and spent the rest of his days as a loved family member Bixby exemplified RESILIENCE and JOY 💙 I needed this reminder today, we can all be like Bixby! #dogs

Good morning! Just Dance! 💃 #Pinks 💖

In the midst of the constant chaos, close your eyes and breathe Go to your happy place, tune out all the noise, focus on your breath Breath in peace and love Breath out, letting go of anxiety In this moment ~ all is well Have a magical day 💙🐾 'inaDOGadavida Baby' Mixed Media #art #dogs

I have to agree, best protest sign and most pawdorable protester 💙🐾

#NoKingsDay I know it's #ObamaAppreciationDay but I don't think he'd mind sharing with these two. President Biden is a great statesman and a kind, good man as is evidenced by the love in Champ's eyes 💙🐾 I miss having a First Dog in the White House almost as much as I miss compassion and decency.

Beautiful and Bittersweet 💔

Happy Obama Appreciation Day 💙 First Dogs Bo and Sunny meet Pope Francis Wonder if the current First Dog will meet Pope Leo ... oh, never mind, there is NO FIRST DOG and that speaks volumes. #dogs #NoKingsDay #ObamaAppreciationDay

The temps are heating up and the chaos building There's an overwhelming feeling of anger and justified outrage It can be hard to find our balance Hold tight to those you love and cherish the ordinary moments for they will bring you inner peace and glimmers of joy 💙🐾 #art #dogs #leadwithlove

Good Morning Friends 😊 In the midst of the darkness and chaos, look for the light It often has 4 paws and a wagging tail Dogs remind us of the good in life No matter how dark things may seem, they brighten our days with unconditional love 💙🐾 #dogs #art #adoptdontshop www.lissagrayart.com