Community, Energy Essence, motivational, Uncategorized

Winter Solstice: Returning to the Quiet Light

If you’re reading this after some time, welcome back.
Whether you’ve been here for years or are just finding your way in, I’m grateful you’re here, sharing this quiet moment with me.

The Winter Solstice arrives softly.
It does not announce itself loudly or demand attention.
It comes gently, asking us to pause, to breathe, and to remember.

This is the longest night of the year, a sacred threshold where darkness reaches its fullness and light begins, almost imperceptibly, to return. For centuries, this moment has been honored as a time of rest, reflection, and gentle renewal.

If you’ve been feeling slower lately, more inward, more reflective, you are not behind. You are in rhythm.

A Different Way to Welcome the Solstice

Rather than “doing” more, the Winter Solstice invites us to be with what is. Here are a few gentle, less common ways to honor this sacred turning point  without pressure or perfection.

1. Sit with a single candle  and nothing else
Instead of journaling or meditating with intention, simply light a candle and sit with it in silence for a few minutes. Watch the flame. Let your breath soften. Imagine this small light as the quiet truth within you that never went out, even during darker seasons.

2. Clean one small space with reverence
Choose one drawer, one shelf, or one corner of your home. As you clear it, do so slowly and intentionally, thanking what you release and welcoming spaciousness. This simple act mirrors the solstice shift, making room for new light without forcing change.

3. Speak one word for the coming cycle
Rather than setting resolutions or long intentions, choose a single word that feels supportive for the months ahead. Let it arise naturally. You don’t need to explain it or share it. This word becomes a gentle companion as the light returns.

4. Place your hands over your heart before sleep
On the night of the solstice, place your hands over your heart and take a few deep breaths. No affirmations, no requests. Just presence. Let your body know it is safe to rest and restore.

A Quiet Season of Creation

This solstice finds me in a season of gentle creation and integration. Alongside my Reiki practice, I am continuing to work behind the scenes on Energy Essence, allowing it to take shape slowly and organically, just as it is meant to. Like the returning light, healing and new offerings often grow best when they are given time, space, and care.

Thank you for being here for reading, reflecting, and walking this quieter season with me. Your presence, whether visible or silent, is deeply felt.

May this Winter Solstice bring you:

  • deep rest

  • subtle clarity

  • and a gentle remembrance of your inner light

The days will begin to brighten again, one breath, one moment at a time.
As Christmas and the holiday season approach, may you be surrounded by warmth, softness, and gentle reminders of what truly matters.

With warmth and gentle light wishing you a wonderful Solstice,
Carolina

Thank You!



©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

Art, Challenge, Creativity, Doodlewash, Drawings, Events, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Indie, Ink Drawing, Limited Edition, My Paintings, National Days, Popsurrealism, Sketch, Uncategorized, Watercolors, World Watercolor Group, World Watercolor Month

Happy 4th July USA

Day 4 Red White And Blue1_s

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.

hand-signature-logo-copyright
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Creativity, Drawings, Ethereal, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Ink Drawing, Interview, My Paintings, Nature, Reblog, Uncategorized, Watercolors

Interviewed by VoyageLA Magazine

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Hello dear friends, today I love to share with you something for me very exciting!
I was invited to be interviewed by VoyageLA Magazine I am very thankful for the wonderful opportunity to be included in this publication in their Local Inspiring Stories for Los Angeles and surrounding areas. VoyageLA is a local publication with a nice mission: “Our mission is to build a platform that fosters collaboration and support for small businesses, independent artists and entrepreneurs, local institutions and those that make our city interesting. We also think artists rock”.

The interview I took part is now published!
The article title is Daily Inspirations: Meet Carolina Russo you can read it Here
I answered to quite few interesting questions about my artist life and my evolving artistic journey.

A special Thank You goes to my lovely friend Janell Mithani that surprised me suggesting my name to them! 💖Immense gratitude to you 🥰

I hope you enjoy the Interview!
I wish you a wonderful week and if you do thank you for sharing!

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

Art, Challenge, Creativity, Doodlewash, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink Drawing, Limited Edition, MerMay, My Paintings, Ocean, Uncategorized, Watercolors

#MerMay Art Challenge

Eclipse Mermaid 

 

MerMay Art Challenge second week!

💗 Today I am sharing the Mermaid painting I made for this week for Day 16 my mermaid name is “Eclipse” I was inspired by the wonderful Flower Blood Moon and total Lunar Eclipse we had on May 15,  here where I am in Southern California I was very lucky to be able to see one of the most mesmerizing lunar eclipse it was perfectly visible! How about you did you see it?

💗 If you would like a Print of my mermaid Eclipse, Open Edition Prints hand enhanced are available in size 8×10 inches. You can purchase this print right here at the bottom of this post. If you have any question or request please send me a message 

Art supplies used:
 I painted with French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,  AquaBee Watercolor Paper 90lb 200gsm 100% Cotton cold pressed by BeePaper Company, Micron fine line ink pen 0.1 Black.

Join, create, share and use hashtags  #mermay  #mermay2022

Have a great weekend! 

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Thank You!

 

©Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

Buy Now!

Eclipse Mermaid – MerMay2022

Open Edition Fine Art Print Signed and hand enhanced with black and gold ink. Print size: 8×10 inches Free Shipping within US

$35.00

Art, Challenge, Creativity, Doodlewash, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink Drawing, Limited Edition, MerMay, My Paintings, Ocean, Uncategorized, Watercolors

May The Mermaid’s Month

 

Ezra The Timeline Shifter

Welcome May and Happy Mother’s Day! 
Hope you all are having a wonderful day. During this month there is a lovely painting and drawing Art challenge it is MerMay the theme is Mermaids! This is a 31 days daily painting or drawing challenge, a great way to be creative. Art Challenges are good to test your skills, experiment new techniques and also to get out of block if you are in a moment of lack of inspiration. Join is fun and allow you to get in a serious every day painting routine or just to create a mermaid once a week or whenever you are able to.  Every year I am looking forward to a few Art Challenges and one of them is this one! An inspiring challenge to paint a few new mermaids to add to my “Mermaids Collection Series”. This year I am not planning to do the daily 31 days challenge but I will create some new mermaids weekly throughout this month. Last year I started a Mermaid Spiritual Series on the theme of “Awakening” I will continue on this theme this year too. I do create my own mermaids freely without follow any prompt list but if you would like to join and need a prompt list search for mermay2022 prompt list and you will find many. #MerMay is very popular between the artists community on Instagram you can also follow me there @carolinarussoart

💗 Today I am sharing the watercolor painting I made for this week for Day 5 my mermaid name is:  “Ezra The Timeline Shifter”  
I love how it turned out and I hope you do too! If you would like a Print of her, Open Edition Fine Art Prints hand enhanced are available in size 8×10 inches. I added a new feature that allow you to purchase this print right now, right here at the bottom of this post. If you have any question or request please send me a message 

Art supplies used:
 I painted with French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,  AquaBee Watercolor Paper 90lb 200gsm 100% Cotton cold pressed by BeePaper Company, Micron fine line ink pen 0.1 Black, Gold ink.

Join, create, share and use hashtags  #mermay  #mermay2022

Have a great weekend! See you soon when I create my next mermaid!

hand-signature-logo-copyright
Thank You!

©Carolina Russo – carolinarusso.com

Eclipse Mermaid – MerMay2022

Open Edition Fine Art Print Signed and hand enhanced with black and gold ink. Print size: 8×10 inches Free Shipping within US

$35.00

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A Gathering of the Tribe

Time ago  I came across this beautiful and intense short film by Charles Eisenstein and I love to share it with you here. If you haven’t seen it already please take ten minutes of your day and watch it. It’s very powerful it will touch your heart and emotions! ❤

“You Are Not Alone” 

I wish you all a great 2/22/2022

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Creativity, Doodlewash, Events, Life, Messages to readers, Nature, Photography, Quotes, Uncategorized

Happy Thanksgiving!

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thankful-script

To all my followers and blogger friends wishing a wonderful and serene Thanksgiving!
May Joy, Love and Gratitude fill your heart,

Shine Your Light Bright!

Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash

Follow me on  Instagram  @carolinarussoart

Until the next post have great days!

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Creativity, Doodlewash, Drawings, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Ink Drawing, Ink Drawings, Life, MerMay, Messages to readers, Quotes, Sketch, Uncategorized, Watercolors, World Watercolor Group

One year later…I am back!

Moria_Goddess of The Third Eye Mermaids

Happy November!
I am back… I hope to find you all well!  I can’t believe one year has passed since my latest post in October 2020. To all my dearest followers and blog friends, sorry I suddenly disappeared without say anything. Today I am checking in briefly to let you know that I am fine and all is well, I just took a long break from blogging. A needed time to recharge and look within, to stay balanced and focused.   I have been active posting my work only on one social media platform: Instagram,  some of you that follow me there knows and I thank you for your ongoing support. During this year, I have been painting, drawing and creating my work as usual. I have more new watercolor paintings to share with you from time to time in my future blog posts. At the moment I am working on my Christmas Art.
The painting featured in today post is my watercolor “Mermaid Moria” goddess of the third eyed mermaids, they have the ability to see beyond the veil of reality.

This painting is available as hand enhanced prints in my ETSY Shop

❤ Details about my painting:
 Supplies used for my watercolor Ink painting, ink pen used MICRON Black ink #005, dark Red ink #1.  Alvin Draft/Matic pencil #03 – French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,  Pentel Aqua Brush – I painted on Bee Paper 100% Cotton for watercolor 140lb, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches .

Follow me on  Instagram  @carolinarussoart

I love to know how are you doing? Share what you’re up to in the comments!
Until the next post,
hold to the light and open your heart!

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#INKTOBER, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawing, Inktober2019, Mabsdrawlloweenclub, Quotes, Sketch, Uncategorized, Watercolors

Inktober 2020 Double Challenge Days 3 to 7

Day 7 Vampire – Fancy

Day 7:  Vampire – Fancy
Double Challenge combined prompts #Drawlloweentober 
Inktober:  Fancy
MabsDrawlloweenClub:  Vampire

This is my Vampire for today Day 7 and first week of challenges! I made my 7 drawings. Sorry I haven’t had time to post here on the Blog but I did post daily on Instagram.  In this post I will include also my previous drawings for days 6, 5, 4 and 3 so that you can see them all! Let me know which one is your favorite! I love to read your comments! ❤

Day 6 Familiar – Rodent

 

Day 5 Witch Blade

 

Day 4 Poison – Radio

 

Day 3 Changeling – Bulky

🖤 I have listed in my Etsy Shop my first 3 days Prints of my drawings, more are coming soon check it out! CarolinaRussoArt ETSY Shop

❤ Details about my drawings:
 Supplies used for my Ink drawing, ink pens used MICRON Black ink #01, #03, #005, dark Red ink #1. Fountain Pen Pilot Prera Fine Nib. Alvin Draft/Matic pencil #03 Limited Edition Pink Mab Graves.  French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,  Pentel Aqua Brush – I painted on Bee Paper 100% Cotton for watercolor 140lb, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches .

❤ About these Challenges:
Every year in October since 2009, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge created by Illustrator Jake Parker  by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. Other amazing artists have created their own challenges during October. I usually Join two amazing challenges InkTober and Mabsdrawlloween this one is a little bit more spooky, Halloween themed. The challenge is created and hosted on Instagram by Pop Surrealist artist Mab Graves! I will create my daily drawings inspired by the combination of the two Challenges daily prompt words  creating my own challenge “DrawllooweenTober”   this is my plan to be able to join and create my drawings daily for both amazing challenges at the same time.  If you would like to join me use also hashtag #drawlloweentober

Follow me on  Instagram  @carolinarussoart

78315df6f0f901f4-weblogo
#INKTOBER2020

 

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#INKTOBER, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawing, Inktober2019, Mabsdrawlloweenclub, Quotes, Sketch, Uncategorized, Watercolors

Inktober 2020 Double Challenge Day 2: Pumpkin – Wisp

Day 2 Pumpkin – Wisp

Day 2:  Wisp – Pumpkin
Double Challenge combined prompts #Drawlloweentober 
Inktober:  Wisp
MabsDrawlloweenClub:  Pumpkin

I loved to create today drawing finding a way to combine the pumpkins and a wisp. I am happy with what I came up with and love it! I hope you do too!

❤ Details about my drawings:
 Supplies used for my Ink drawing, ink pens used MICRON Black ink #01, #03, #005, dark Red ink #1. Fountain Pen Pilot Prera Fine Nib. Alvin Draft/Matic pencil #03 Limited Edition Pink Mab Graves.  French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,  Pentel Aqua Brush – I painted on Bee Paper 100% Cotton for watercolor 140lb, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches .

❤ About these Challenges:
Every year in October since 2009, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge created by Illustrator Jake Parker  by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. Other amazing artists have created their own challenges during October. I usually Join two amazing challenges InkTober and Mabsdrawlloween this one is a little bit more spooky, Halloween themed. The challenge is created and hosted on Instagram by Pop Surrealist artist Mab Graves! I will create my daily drawings inspired by the combination of the two Challenges daily prompt words  creating my own challenge “DrawllooweenTober”   this is my plan to be able to join and create my drawings daily for both amazing challenges at the same time.  If you would like to join me use also hashtag #drawlloweentober

Follow me on  Instagram  @carolinarussoart

78315df6f0f901f4-weblogo
#INKTOBER2020
Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com