Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and Holidays!
May love, peace and joy be with you!
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©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Merry Christmas!
Category: Illustration
Welcoming the Winter Solstice: Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate and Prepare
Hello beautiful souls,
we’re getting closer to the Winter Solstice! The longest night of the year, marks a powerful turning point, a time when darkness begins to wane, and the light slowly returns. Celebrating the Solstice can be a deeply meaningful way to connect with nature and the Universe, reflect on the year past, and set intentions for the months ahead. Here are some beautiful ways to prepare for and celebrate this magical event, creating warmth and joy in the heart of winter.
The Solstice is December 21, 2024
Preparing for the Winter Solstice
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Create a Cozy Space
Transform your home into a haven of warmth and light. Decorate with candles, fairy lights, and seasonal greenery like pine, holly, or mistletoe. Use soft blankets and comforting textures to create a nurturing atmosphere where you can retreat from the cold. -
Reflect and Release
The Solstice is an ideal time for self-reflection. Set aside time to journal about the past year, what you’ve learned, what you’re ready to let go of, and what you hope to welcome. Write down anything you want to release on slips of paper, and burn them safely as a symbolic gesture of letting go. -
Gather Natural Elements
Go for a winter walk and gather natural materials like pinecones, evergreen branches, or stones to incorporate into your celebrations. These can be used to decorate an altar, wreath, or centerpiece, connecting you with the rhythms of the Earth. -
Plan Your Intentions
As the Solstice celebrates the return of the light, it’s a wonderful time to set intentions for the year ahead. What do you want to grow or nurture in your life as the days grow longer?
Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice
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Light a Candle Ceremony
Light candles to symbolize the return of the sun and the growing light. Gather your family, friends, or simply yourself in a quiet moment, and reflect on the warmth and hope the light brings into your life. -
Prepare a Feast of Seasonal Foods
Celebrate with a meal that honors the season. Incorporate comforting dishes like roasted root vegetables, warm soups, spiced baked goods, or mulled cider. Sharing a Solstice meal with loved ones is a beautiful way to nourish both body and spirit. -
Spend Time in Nature
Bundle up and take a walk outdoors, appreciating the stillness and beauty of the winter landscape. Pause to listen to the quiet, observe the bare trees, and feel the connection to the Earth as it rests. -
Create a Yule Log Tradition
The Yule Log is an ancient tradition where a decorated log is burned as a symbol of light overcoming darkness. If you have a fireplace, you can burn a Yule Log with wishes or blessings written on it. Alternatively, you can create a decorative Yule Log centerpiece with candles. -
Meditation and Rituals
Meditate on themes of renewal, gratitude, and the cycles of nature. You can also perform a simple ritual, such as visualizing light filling your heart and radiating out into the world, bringing hope and positivity. -
Craft and Create
Engage in creative activities like making Solstice-inspired art, handcrafting ornaments, or creating wreaths from gathered greenery. These acts of creation embody the spirit of renewal and transformation.
A Celebration of Light and Hope
The Winter Solstice is a time to honor the beauty of the season and embrace its lessons. By celebrating this day with heartwarming traditions, you can find joy in the stillness of winter and welcome the light with open arms.
And if you made it to read this whole post Thank You! How do you plan to celebrate the Winter Solstice this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts and traditions in the comments below. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, light, and love!
A Quick Note: The images featured in this post are from my Winter Art Collection, inspired by the season’s beauty and magic. If you love these pieces, prints of my whole Winter Collection are available in my Etsy Shop as Limited and Open Editions. Visit my shop to bring the spirit of winter into your home!
With Solstice blessings wishing you great days ahead!
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
The Spiritual Significance of the Pinecone
Hello beautiful souls the Holidays are near and today I wanted to write about the spiritual meaning of pinecones as they are so used to decorate our homes especially during this season and at Christmas! Well there are very special meanings behind a pinecone!
The pinecone is a powerful and ancient symbol of spiritual awakening, transformation, and higher consciousness. Its unique shape and intricate design have inspired deep reverence in cultures and traditions across the globe, offering profound lessons for those who take the time to connect with its meaning.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the pinecone is its resemblance to the Pineal Gland, often referred to as the “Third eye.” This small, pinecone-shaped gland in the human brain has long been associated with intuition, spiritual insight, and the awakening of higher consciousness. Many spiritual teachings suggest that activating the pineal gland helps us connect to our inner wisdom and align with universal energy, making the pinecone a natural representation of this inner gateway.
The spiral pattern of the pinecone’s scales reflects sacred geometry, a visual representation of the divine order and harmony found throughout the Universe. This pattern symbolizes growth, transformation, and the interconnectedness of all things a reminder that we are part of a much larger cosmic design.
Throughout history, the pinecone has appeared in art, architecture, and spiritual practices as a symbol of enlightenment. In ancient Egypt, the staff of Osiris featured a pinecone at its tip, symbolizing immortality and spiritual ascension. Similarly, in Hinduism, the pinecone-like shape of deities’ headdresses is thought to represent the awakened third eye. Even in Western traditions, the pinecone appears in Christian art and the design of the Vatican’s Court of the Pinecone, representing eternal life and divine connection.
Beyond its symbolism, the pinecone’s life cycle carries a meaningful lesson. It endures through harsh winters, holding tightly to its seeds until the conditions are right for new growth. This resilience and patience remind us to trust the timing of our own transformations and to nurture the seeds of potential within ourselves.
In everyday life, the pinecone can be a grounding and meditative tool. Holding one or placing it in your sacred space can serve as a gentle reminder to seek inner balance, stay open to spiritual growth, and honor the interconnectedness of nature. How beautiful!
The next time you come across a pinecone, take a moment to reflect on its quiet wisdom. It’s not just a part of nature; it’s a symbol of resilience, transformation, and the infinite potential that resides within us all. Find your pinecone and keep it in a special place in your home!
“Pinecone”
My watercolor painting featured on this post represents and symbolize all of these special meanings! Is included in my Winter and Christmas Art Collection available as Limited Edition Prints hand enhanced and Reiki energy infused to enhance your wellbeing!
If you love my Art please visit my ETSY Shop! I have a Sale going on everything is 20% off until December 3, 2024 if you have any questions Contact me!
❤ Warmest wishes!
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Winter Art Collection 2024
Hello and Happy Winter Season!
It’s been a little while since my last post, and I’m thrilled to reconnect with all of you! I have some exciting news to share: my Etsy shop has been freshly restocked with my Winter Art Collection. You’ll find an array of Winter and Christmas-themed art, perfect for the season, and I’ll continue adding new pieces to keep the collection growing.
Each print is hand-enhanced, adding a special touch that makes each piece unique and full of life. These fine art prints make lovely holiday gifts or a cozy addition to your own space.
✨ Holiday Offer: To celebrate, I’m offering 15% off when you purchase any two prints!
If you love my Art please visit my ETSY Shop!
❤ If you’d like your art to arrive in time for Christmas, now is the perfect time to order and save! Plus, enjoy free shipping within the U.S. on orders of $35 or more.
Each print in my collection is hand-enhanced, meaning I personally add finishing touches to every piece. These aren’t just ordinary prints; each one is unique, with my hand-drawn details and a touch of subtle gold or silver highlights. It’s my way of bringing a bit more warmth and artistry to every piece that reaches your hands.
Important Cutoff Date: Holiday Orders within US last day to order prints would be December 12 earlier the best!
Thank you for being here and sharing in my creative journey. During a time when the world feels uncertain, I hope my art can bring a bit of peace and joy to your day. I’d love for you to stop by and explore the Winter Art Collection and much more in my Etsy shop it’s a collection meant to add warmth, comfort, and a touch of winter magic to your space.
Here’s to a beautiful Winter Season filled with creativity, calm, and kindness. always keep that magic light shining within YOU! If you had your eyes on something and you don’t find it in shop please Contact me!
Warmest wishes,
Carolina
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Inktober 2024 Prompt List: Challenge Your Creativity Daily
INKTOBER is Almost Here!
Get ready, artists! Inktober is just around the corner, starting on October 1st. It’s the perfect time to challenge your creativity and improve your inking skills by creating one drawing each day based on the official Inktober Prompt List, which has just been released!
This year’s list is full of inspiring prompts that will spark your imagination and push you to explore new sketching ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Inktober is a fun and rewarding way to grow and connect with other creatives. I have participated from years since 2016 I kind of skipped last year. So this year I really would like to do it!
The theme showing up from the prompt list is pretty clear to me and inspiring!
The theme showing up from the prompt list is pretty clear to me and inspiring!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make this Inktober unforgettable! I hope you joining me!
Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of InkTober released the new “Official Prompt List 2024” I am happy to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to get your supplies and plan your challenge, get ready is going to be fun!
Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules:
Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year.
Here there are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink is the original rule but you’re free to use any drawing medium you prefer! Of course Ink is what originated it all.
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2024
4) Repeat
That’s it! Now go make something beautiful…
Visit Jake Parker website for more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about InkTober. If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2024 #INKTOBER post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!
Some of my Favorite Supplies:
I use Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I have no affiliation with any of these brands. I purchase all my supplies and I am only sharing what I like and use)
Good luck to everyone joining InkTober 2024
There is plenty of time to prepare yourself! I honestly during the past 6 years I never planned or worked any sketch in advance it didn’t resonated with me because the goal of this challenge for me was to improvise and get creative and inspired day by day! I only got my supplies ready in advance! But that’s just me! Do what is the best and resonates for you and most importantly have fun and create daily!
Please if you do participate share your plans or ideas I would love to read! If you’re a beginner and have questions leave it in the comment section. I would be happy to respond!
Have a great weekend! And Happy Inktober!
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Happy 4th July USA
US✨ Happy 4th of July! ❤️
To all my American followers and friends and to everyone that celebrate this day! Wishing you a beautiful and peaceful day filled with joy, celebration, and cherished moments with loved ones. May your day sparkle brightly!
This old painting is a favorite of mine, and I love sharing it with you every year on this special day.
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
End of Year Art SALE!
END of YEAR ART SALE!
Hello dear friends,
I am having a End of Year Sale visit my ETSY Shop! My Sale just started today December 28, 2023 ends December 31, 2023 at 12:59 US PST.
You find 20% Off on almost everything in my Shop exclude the new 2024 Christmas Collection paintings they would be available at regular price until the end of this month then I will take them off sale until October 2024 when they would be released again! This is my last Sale of the year I wont have anymore Sale for awhile! I also offer Free Shipping on $35 orders within US.
♥️ Don’t miss out if you have your eyes on something that I have created during this year and before! Visit my Shop I hope that you find something you love!
In my Shop you find listed lots of new and older work a variety of Limited and Open Edition hand enhanced Signed Prints of my original watercolor paintings. Most prints are available in two sizes Limited Edition 8×10 inches or the Open Edition are 5×7 inches. In case you don’t see what you had your eyes on, Contact me!
Thank you so much for your support and for following my Art ❤
ETSY Shop CarolinaRussoArt
I wish you a Wonderful New Year 2024 and an Amazing New Beginning!
Always Shine your Light!
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Merry Christmas!
Your heart knows the way.
Run in that direction.
– Rumi
Thank you for your support and for following my artistic journey it means so much to me!
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©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
New Release: Snow Queen
New Release Christmas Theme Art 2023
This is last of the five new released drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” Art challenge which the same challenge will start new again tomorrow December 1st and last for 12 days until December 12. During these 12 days I would be creating new Christmas Art for the next year 2024!
Today New Release is : Snow Queen
Prints of her as never been for sale before! Limited Edition Prints are now available for quick a purchase here on my Blog, see the PayPal button at bottom page.
Or find the whole Christmas Collection and much more in my ETSY SHOP
Painting Title: “Snow Queen”
Limited Edition Prints 1st run of 20 prints signed and numbered size 8×10″
Price: $40
Shipping: Included in US
NOTE: Each print is “Hand Enhanced” with white and highlighted with a subtle touch of silver inks. It is like a semi original (you don’t receive just a normal print but it has my hand work on it!) Print is signed and printed one by one in studio by me on a beautiful Fine Art paper includes Certificate of Authenticity.
If you want to make a difference and support me directly please purchase on the Blog via PayPal.❤ For any questions Contact me!
IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES:
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 12 the earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class with Tracking if you need faster let me know.
Thank you so much for following my Art and support me as an artist. If you share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me!
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
Shine your light!
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Title: Snow Queen
Limited Edition Fine Art Print run of 20 Prints numbered and Hand Enhanced Size 8×10 inch
$40.00
New Release: Woodland
New Release Christmas Theme Art 2023
I am releasing five new drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” Art challenge! I have been posting the new drawings one at the time check my previous posts to see the others, These prints has never been for sale before. Limited Edition Prints available for quick a purchase here on my Blog, see the PayPal button at bottom page.
Or find the whole Christmas Collection and much more in my ETSY SHOP
Painting Title: “Woodland”
Limited Edition Prints 1st run of 20 prints signed and numbered size 8×10″
Price: $40
Shipping: Included in US
NOTE: Each print is “Hand Enhanced” with white and highlighted with a subtle touch of silver inks. It is like a semi original (you don’t receive just a normal print but it has my hand work on it!) Print is signed and printed one by one in studio by me on a beautiful Fine Art paper includes Certificate of Authenticity.
If you want to make a difference and support me directly please purchase on the Blog via PayPal.❤ For any questions Contact me!
IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES:
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 12 the earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class with Tracking if you need faster let me know.
Thank you so much for following my Art and support me as an artist. If you share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me!
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
Shine your light!
©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com
Title: Woodland
Limited Edition Fine Art Print run of 20 Prints numbered and Hand Enhanced Size 8×10 inch
$40.00
Carolina Russo Art 
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