A quiet countdown is happening in my life right now.

Lately, I’ve been realizing there are only about three months left before Meadow starts school. And I swear I feel it closing in, more and more every day.

Nothing loud. Or urgent.
But still so sure… like the turning of pages in a well-loved book.

My little Meadow will step into a new world. School, routines, independence, a life that slowly unfolds beyond the edges of my own. And I feel it… So deeply, it aches.

A painful feeling.
But, a sense of pride.
And a strange, sacred in-between.

All of me wants to hold time still—to keep her small, close, wrapped in the softness of home and the rhythms we’ve built together. She’s my best friend, my partner in crime. My absolute everything.

…yet something within me…
whispers that this is also a beginning.

Not only for her. But for me too.

…Because alongside this bittersweet feeling and transition, there is something rising in my own life too. I can feel it in my bones—like roots pushing deeper, like wings testing the air before flight.

I’ve been feeling other worlds forming inside me.

Stories, images, scenes…
They don’t arrive all at once. They swirl. They flicker and they wait. I dont always have the time to get them put on paper. But they are there.

And for the first time, in a long time, I feel ready to let them finally come through.

Not perfectly.
Not all at once.
But honestly.

One thing is for sure — I don’t want to use my voice to perform. I’m honestly tired of how performative social media can be sometimes. I want to create a space, through my art, my stories, my presence…where something real and true can exist.

A place that feels like stepping into a quiet, enchanted room. A place where people can breathe a little deeper. Where beauty and truth sit side by side. Where God’s presence feels gentle, not forced.
Where love is not earned—and simply is.

I want my work to feel like a thread.

Every painting, every story, every moment… woven together into something much, much larger.

Not just content.
But a living, breathing world.

A story that reveals slowly—through clear watercolor washes, through delicate and bold lines of graphite, through glimpses of everyday life.

A place where my inner world; so long held back, so often tucked away…can finally step forward and be seen. For the first time, for real. Wholly.

Because holding it all in has started to greatly ache.

And maybe… this new season…
this space that opens as Meadow grows into herself fully… is not an ending. At all.

But an invitation.

To become.

To create.

To step into something that has always been waiting for me.

Three months. Not much at all.

And on the other side of that time…
a new rhythm. A new expression. A new chapter—

for both of us.

🐚 New in the Shop: Mermaid Seashell Craft Template!

There’s something magical about the ocean—the shimmer of the waves, the whisper of seashells, and the daydream of mermaids brushing their hair with tiny coral combs. ✨

Today I’m adding a brand new printable to the shop that brings a little of that magic home. Introducing the Mermaid Seashell Craft Template—a fun, printable DIY activity for kids (or grown-ups with a soft spot for whimsical things 🥰).

This little project is perfect for coloring time, creative afternoons, or even as a sweet party favor or quiet-time activity. Just print it out, color your mermaid and her shell, then cut and assemble! She folds up into a darling scallop shell—like a tiny underwater secret waiting to be opened.

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who loves vintage-style crafts, this one is a keeper. I designed it with love and nostalgia, imagining the kind of paper toys I used to dream about as a little girl. 🌸

You can grab it [right here in my shop]—it’s an instant download, so you can start crafting right away!

Happy creating, and may your week be full of color, cuteness, and a little mermaid sparkle. 💕

Love,
Aya

Art has always been a fundamental part of my life, thanks to the incredible influence of my mother.

She was a true master, capable of drawing anything she saw or imagined and seamlessly merged reference images for clients. Whether taking commissions, exploring personal projects, sculpting, or experimenting with various mediums, she excelled in every artistic endeavor she pursued.

My mother’s artistic guidance was truly priceless. She shared genuine academic advice, teaching me the nuances of color theory and anatomy at a young age.

She would suggest using green in the shadows of portraits or adding purple to other types of shadows for depth and realism. She encouraged me to draw sheets of hands to improve my anatomy skills and to use my own reflections as references by posing in the mirror.

It was like going to an art school at the age of 6, hah. Back then, it seemed like too much. Now, I am beyond thankful.

Our days were filled with so much creativity, and looking back, it’s mind-blowing to me that I was creating that much art. We drew and painted countless works together, daily, and wrote many stories, and even published comic books for years.

We posed for each other, brainstorming and collaborating like an artist and apprentice. It was an extraordinary experience, living with a real master artist who nurtured my growth every step of the way.

Plus, the bond we shared over art was profound and deeply influential. Here is a photo of my mother from her high school days, featured in the school newspaper, showcasing her artistic talents and dedication. She also made dolls, doll clothing, and dollhouse items:

So, I can say my mother’s legacy is the foundation of my artistic journey. Her mastery, creativity, and unwavering support have shaped me into the artist I am today. When I think of the “why” behind my art, it’s hard for me to come up with a single answer. But I do know it’s who I’ve always been—it was a gift, passed down.

Sincerely Yours,

Aya Smith

Harnessing Storytelling in Art

Art has this incredible ability to transcend time and evoke deep emotions, especially through timeless themes and storytelling. By drawing inspiration from the masters before us and looking to some of our most beloved characters, we can embody curiosity and wonder, creating works that resonate on a profound level. In my own journey, I’ve found that weaving timeless themes and rich narratives into my pieces not only enhances their impact but also creates a deeper connection with my viewers.

The Magic of Storytelling

Storytelling is at the heart of my art. Whether it’s through a series of connected pieces or a single, evocative image, I aim to tell a story that captivates my viewer’s imagination. One of my favorite projects, my reimagined “Little Red Riding Hood” collection, is an example of this. Set in the 1700s Rococo era in Germany, this series combines paintings for my book with the same name. With the whimsy of Disney with the enchantment of Hayao Miyazaki, I channeled my favorite storytellers. My protagonist, Rose-Red, embarks on a journey through a magical and dangerous forest, encountering challenges that test her wit and courage. By adding layers of narrative and character development, this collection goes beyond visual appeal to engage viewers in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Timeless Themes in Art

Timeless themes like love, bravery, transformation, and the natural world are universal and enduring. These themes are prevalent in the works of the masters and continue to inspire contemporary artists. My “Metamorphosis and Marvels” collection, featuring butterflies and moths, explores themes of transformation and renewal. Each piece in this series captures the delicate beauty and intricate details of these beautiful creatures, symbolizing growth and change. This collection not only celebrates the wonders of nature but also resonates with anyone who has experienced personal transformation.

Drawing Inspiration from the Masters

Studying the works of master artists has profoundly influenced my approach to art. For my “Studying the Masters”, a personal project, I recreated and reinterpreted pieces from artists like John Singer Sargent and William Bouguereau. This exercise allowed me to understand their techniques and storytelling methods a little better, through their amazing compositions and subject matter. By incorporating these lessons into my own work, I strive to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in narrative and emotion.

Using Popular Characters

Using popular and beloved characters from timeless stories is an excellent means to captivating the viewer – that sense of nostalgia and wonder comes into play. Characters that embody curiosity and virtue bring a unique charm to art, I think. My “Princess Bride Collection” is a tribute to one of my most favorite films, capturing the essence of its characters and their love and adventures. Through watercolors and graphite, I aimed to bring to life the humor, romance, and bravery that make the story so sweet and so timeless. I hope these pieces evoke nostalgia and joy, and fill viewers with a sense of magic.

Creating Connection Through Nature

Nature is a profound source of inspiration in my work. My “Garden” collection, a series of paintings of flowers and gardens, represents a spiritual journey of discovering peace and connection with the divine. Each piece is a meditation on the beauty and serenity of nature, inviting viewers to find solace and inspiration in the natural world. Similarly, my “Winter Animals” collection features owls, wolves, penguins, and foxes, capturing the majesty and mystery of wildlife in a winter landscape. These pieces celebrate the timeless bond between humans and nature, evoking a sense of wonder and respect for the world around us.

Excited to announce I’ll be starting LIVE drawing and painting sessions 7/10/24, and you’re all invited! Starting with little Bambi, because who wouldn’t want to be able to draw Bambi? The great thing about drawing this little cutie is that, you can actually use what you learn here to strengthen your skills of drawing realistic deer or any hoofed animals, because the anatomy is still there. Join me on Youtube this Wednesday to learn how to draw Bambi with my secret weapon… a vintage drafting tool! We’ll add a little watercolor for kicks, and see where this adventure takes us.

Take me to the video!

Diving into my love affair with quinacridone rose and raw sienna hues—complete with a sprinkle of salt magic! 🎨💖 #ArtisticAlchemy