When Hope Feels Distant (A Painting's Whisper)

Hey there friend,

I want to tell you something that might feel like a lifeline right now.

I was standing in my studio this morning (coffee in hand, still half-asleep) when something caught my eye.

A painting. That painting.

The red sunflower.

Most people expect sunflowers to be yellow. Bright. Predictable. But this one? Completely different. Deep crimson. Unexpected. (Kind of like life, right?)

It made me think about hope. Real hope.

Not the cheap, Instagram-filtered version. Not the toxic positivity that tells you everything will magically be perfect. But the kind of hope that sits with you in difficult moments. The hope that understands struggle, yet refuses to be defeated.

This red sunflower? It's a rebel. Breaking all the traditional rules. Showing up in a color nobody expects. In seasons when everything feels uncertain — when hope seems more like a distant memory than a living promise — this painting speaks directly to that ache inside you.

The red sunflower represents something profound: Hope that doesn't conform but transforms. Hope that persists and doesn’t give up.

It's not about blind optimism. It's about choosing to believe, even when circumstances look bleak. The red bloom isn't just a color — it's a declaration.

A declaration that says: Your story isn't over. Your hope is valid.

Maybe you needed to hear that today.

Warmly,
Stacy

Colorful Art that Calms Anxiety

This painting is full of colors that reminds me of the joy nature brings us. The blue in this painting is my favorite shade of blue! It reminds me of blue skies with big puffy cotton clouds or ocean waters so clear you can see right through. The yellow, oranges, magentas and pinks in this vibrant painting remind me of the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises you see at the beach. With this painting I can sense the presence of God in His creation. The sights, sounds and smells of nature surround me: the wind in my hair, the colors reflecting off rain drops and puddles, the smell of fresh air. There is so much beauty to take in all at once. These pleasures are where I go to in my mind when stress, trials and anxiety strike. Try it yourself – I promise, it works! Delighting in nature is a great way to reduce your anxiety level and bring you to a calm place. This painting is made with this intention. Check out my shop for product availability.