working as an artist in the countryside - being a creative soul without fear 

This story I told is a re-imagining of a quote I came across a long time ago: “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” ― Augustine of Hippo. I thought it was thought provoking and interesting, so I wanted to spin it into a fairytale. I hope you enjoy it, and this video about getting in touch with your more artistic side, and trying out some new creative projects ❤ sending much love.

Beatrix Potter was a wealthy woman from drawing and writing about bunnies and other critters just like you. When she died in 1943 she left an estate worth over $500 million in today's dollars. Your paintings offer someone a glimpse into a sweeter, more gentle world. Just watching you being creative in the many ways that you are is inspiring and relaxing. Please don't underestimate the lovely gift that you share.

I remember my art teachers getting upset with me for using my fingers to blend my drawings instead of using tools and how they would tell me that the oils from my finger would degrade it and it wouldn’t be good to put on display. I could never seem to get them to understand that I wasn’t drawing these things for an archive or gallery, I was drawing them because I *needed* to and using my hands to create them because it’s what I was feeling in my soul and that without that connection it just didn’t feel right.

Paola, PLEASE, make a book of your fairytale illustrations accompanied by favorite quotes. It would be loved by both children and adults! After watching your video today, I took out my watercolors and tried again. This time, I thought about the water having a mind of its own and enjoyed watching it do unexpected things; instead of trying to force it to behave. Thank you for your wonderful advice... it's true about so much in life.

Im in my first trimester of pregnancy and have a great deal of anxiety.lately I have bizzare dreams and I noticed it comes from the thoughts and visuals I have had just before bed. I make it a point to watch your videos before I sleep. I sleep and wake up calm. In today's world where nobody pays a heed of others, you are one soul who spreads peace, hope and tranquillity. The dandelion in the sidewalk do matter! Thank you for being a wonderful human being❤️❤️ love from India

I am an artist of mature years ☺️and throughout my art career I came to be absolutely certain of one thing : people are drawn to art that is made with love. ❤️

"It's me, and it's enough." You don't know how much I needed to hear that from someone outside of my family 🥺💜💙

Let's all agree that this is so calming & relaxing to watch.. Recently, this is what I have been trying to learn, "stop comparing & create" ... I normally feel anxious everytime I compare my videos with of others.. makes me feel I am creating a mess.. Your voice is so soothing!!

Thank you for sharing your life with us. When the world is overwhelming, videos such as yours are healing and supportive. Sending you and all who follow you love.

Today is the 11th year of my Mom's passing. She was an artist who loved the whimsical. She loved working in clay, and would press Queen Annes Lace into the clay to make small wall plaques. She also created little whimiscal mice that stood alone, or were placed on wheel thrown plates. You remind me of her. Thank you. This is just what I needed to watch as I miss her dearly, and the beauty and creativity she brought into my life. Never compare your beauty or talent to another, Paola, because there is only one you. I'm gifting myself one of your Squirrel prints in honor of my Mom. Thank you, again. Sending you love from Michigan.

The little squirrel is so adorable 🥰 I am glad you paint what you want. If you were painting bowls of fruit, this squirrel wouldn’t even be here! By being true to yourself, you diversify art. Think how much art would exist if people gave themselves permission to follow their dreams. 🦉🐿🦔

My dear Paola, I don’t know if this message will reach you, I really hope it does. Your words about your art journey had me in tears. You have no idea how much I relate to you and what a huge wave of help and relief you have been for me the past few years on my own art journey and life in general. I stopped listen to my inner child’s voice when I entered art school. For so long I was so lost always drawing things I didn’t find interesting like you mentioned. Teachers pushing us in one direction (contemporary art, galleries etc.) trying to become someone I was not. A true “artist”. (Or the idea of what an artis is that the teachers had created in my head). I struggled for a long time…when I found your videos I found your views and your way of life so refreshing. I started challenging the idea of what success was in my mind. You see like you I have a tiny obsession with fairies….and nature and wildflowers. That’s all I drew before art school. And making up stories about these fairies or other magical creatures in my head. I suppressed this deep love I had for this things in my art. I thought of them as childish or not art enough. I had lost direction and purpose. In one of your videos, you said something in the lines of “having an income out of your art is not always realistic and that is ok” I sobbed when I heard this and many other times you talked about similar things. I want you to know that I really admire you. I feel like you’re a far away magical soulmate of mine. You really bring fairy lights and color into this world and that means so much to me. After some years of struggling, I managed to accept myself and let my inner child free. Right now I am working on this last art project: a fantasy book of a botanical illustrator who drew magical plants/creatures. I have zero expectations of a “successful” future in art for now I am happy and content drawing things that inspire me and writing fairytales about fairies and magical nature spirits. And I know it will be that way even if I become a simple art teacher for children (witch I also love and feel inspired by them.) thank you for the bottom of my heart for searing your wisdom with us. You channel is truly a little piece of a fairyland. Much love, from a little forest elf from Greece

Paola, your videos always bring me such joy and calm. Thank you for all you put out into the world and for sharing it with others like me.

I can't draw to save my life but I'm a quilter and that brings me so much joy. I call my sewing room my "happy place" because it is! I make simple quilts, complicated quilts, and everything in between. I agree with you about comparison! Such a waste of time.

The only thing I've ever painted was a water color of a slice of watermelon on a blue willow china plate. I was 17 and much to the surprise of my art teacher I won an award and the painting went on display at an art tour. 50 years later, I'm watching your video and suddenly remembered how much I loved working with watercolors. You inspire in ways you may not realize. Thank you so much for your lovely videos.

Pretty snow upon a path Cold and crunchy underfoot Where daffodils and tulips sleep Sending shoots to have a look Restless as the feet that walk above Stretching to see which way you walk To turn their face in your direction To celebrate spring together . Fairy thoughts .... You are not alone ,in the wood's Or believing in tiny worlds filled with magic 🐦

It's sad to think that Beatrice Potter would have been critiqued in art class for not being "competitive." How beautiful your art is.

Thank you so much Paola for having the courage and kindness to be so authentic and vulnerable when sharing your world with us. You have so much warmth and integrity. Thanks for creating a “space” where we too can feel free to nurture our childhood yearnings. You are a gem ❤️

There is nothing more appreciated and valued as a friendly little bunny in a softly ruffled petticoat. Please don't ever doubt the value of your work!!

Oh, how I wish you offered blank folded greeting cards, I'd buy them by the boxful!

The squirrel with the lilies of the valley. 🥰🥰🥰 They were my Mom's favorite flower and I always think of her when I see them. There has been a whisper in my ear for some time now saying "Why don't you try doing watercolors?" And I just don't because I know from past experience that is a medium with a mind of its own that made me want to throw an absolute toddler tantrum because the color wouldn't behave. So yeah, I feel a bit encouraged to let go of my perfectionism and give them another go.

Your art is beautiful, just like your soul, that’s why we come back week after week ❤️🇬🇧

Instead of worrying about the outside world or thinking about what you don't have... take the time to sit with yourself, if time permits and find your inner child and create, make or write what comes to your creative mind. You are worthy!!! Thank you Paola for your thoughtful creation of these video's! :-)

This feels ethereal. Wish I could live a life like this. Your videos take me to another world. This is another level of peace and serenity. Thanks.

I think it would be absolutely beautiful if you did a water color of you and your lovey dog standing outside in the snow taking a walk. So peaceful. 😌

Your drawings are simple but so beautiful. Your story was lovely, your voice is soothing, and your heart is filled with tenderness. Always be yourself and keep growing. You are a sweetheart, I wish you everything that is beautiful in life, and all the beauty that life can give you.

I was once told more times than one watercolor is the hardest medium to work with. That was over 20 years ago and I couldn't disagree more. I LOVE watercolor painting!! You are correct Paola in saying the water has its own spirit..and it is a gentle spirit in the clouds and skies, the trees and flowers. What a wonderful feeling when the spirit meets the hand and mind that creates such beautiful combinations of nature. I love your videos. They always make me feel so calm. Keep making the squirrels and bunnies come alive!❤️

Dear Paola, you Just have one subscriber more... I love your video's so much, thank you for being You!

Love the way your cat 🐈 is watching you, so lovely. 🌸🌻🌸

What a warm, gentle and such an artistic soul, on paper and in life ;*) thank you for sharing your talents

Paola, I see the elegant beauty in what you create. By trying to conform to some other artists standards, you would have diminished something of your own within your art. When some one is better at something than I am, I feel genuinely happy for them and wish them well. I feel inspired by them, not envious. I love your indomitable sense of whimsy. You didn't let them crush it, and that's awesome. Be aware that our intention toward the world around us, changes it . . . Yes, a tree feels your love and your admiration of it's beauty.

Your videos are meditations in themselves. I am calmed as I watch you at your activities and hear your beautiful soft voice offering suggestions for achieving a gentle approach through this life. You are deeply appreciated. ♥

Chocolate dipped orange slices looks delicious! ❤I love the watercolor squirrel and the bunny hugging the tree with magical door 😍

This one touched me deeper than most. You've presented something that I've felt all of my adult life. As a photographer, I've been told or asked to create a photo 'like this one'. Any time I've tried, I've felt disappointed or frustrated because it isn't 'me'. For a period of my life, I wrote poetry for my own enjoyment. People would tell me to read this or that poet so I could write like them. I never felt any urge to do so. As you said, this wasn't for others. It was for me. So all those words and ideas didn't have much meaning. I believe that to be truly creative, the outside noise needs to be acknowledged but filtered out. Thank you again for a very meaningful video!

Paola...your drawings are so beautiful! We certainly need more of that in this world! I am 59, but my mind is of a 10 year old girl. I love fairies and I like to think that there is magic in this world too. I honestly think that all of us have the opportunity to create beautiful things and spread love. Don't ever change. Your soul reflects through your eyes and you are a beautiful person, both inside and out. Sending you a big hug from a tiny country called Panama.

As you so rightly say, you are who you are, and you are as good as you are. We do not need to compare ourselves to others - their lives are different from ours, so you are being the best you can, and that is good enough. You can not stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. Love and Blessings to a beautiful soul, from Jilly in Devon, England. xxx

This discussion on creativity is one of my favorites from your collection. Thank you, Paola.

You are an inspiring example of the joy of following one's dream. This video made me realize that I, too, have followed my creative dreams in life wherever the winds took me, and although my family of origin never could understand (or approve!) of how I lived my life (no conventional marriage, children, or settling down within 25 miles of where I was born) I have lived an amazing and interesting life and do not regret one single minute of it. So kudos to you for knowing what is right for you and not settling for less or trying to prove yourself to anyone else!

Creating beauty is part of our purpose. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations and thoughts with us. 🌸

I noticed, beautiful girl, that you are left handed, and I do feel that the most gifted, artistic folk are thus. You are so talented in what you do with your art, and with your soul. God Bless you, and may the spirits always shine the way for you, from Devon, England. xxx

It’s just like a miracle ❤ I’ve always wanted to see the snow in the forest 🌲!And I love your creative painting! Anger and courage are both the normal emotions in our life. Thus we could learn to embrace them,either good or bad feelings.The different sides of feelings are just like the light and dark in art.Also,peace and magic will always with us ❤.Thank you for sharing that wonderful fairytale 🥰,which gives me lots of peace and love,and the comfortable sense of nature! Wish you all the best and tomorrow will be brighter ❤!

I know how amazing your house must smell as you simmer those lovely oranges. I'm reminded of a similar fragrance that filled vast areas surrounding an orange processing facility. I would sit in class and breath in deeply the sweet smell of this effort. The resulting marmalaees allowed me to internalize and appreciate the oranges all year long.

✨✨🐇🌿🍄✨✨ You may have admired the artists in school doing “real” art as you say. But there are so so many “real” artists that do beautiful art. Your art is rarer though. It’s calming, it inspires people and most of all it’s magical. These qualities are more valuable I think. I suspect your creations touch far, far more people than any artist that was in your art class. 🐿️🍄

Paola for being so young you have knowledge beyond your years. Listening to the beginning poem and throughout the entire video was so inspiring, thank you for another life’s lesson and healing❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful glimpse into your creative process with us! ❤ I really couldn't agree more - way too often we think that we have to compete, that we have to be good enough or better than others. But I truly believe that doing what makes us happy is good enough. Not everything needs to make us money, not everyone needs to earn us fame or recognition. It is so important to acknowledge that if something makes us happy, this is purpose enough. 🌿 Thank you for this reminder!

Paola, I love to see your furry friends and listen to meaningful stories told in a very kind and comforting way. A lot of love from a far-away part of the Earth, Kazakhstan. Thank you.

I love your messages. Some are born loving and appreciating themselves…others, most, need to learn. Sadly, some never do. Each of us is beautiful, unique and special. We all need love and encouragement to blossom. You are a wise soul. Thank you.

Paolo, What a beautiful Soul you are. Listening to you describe your process is just brilliant. You have your own distinct style that flows naturally from who you are, as it did for Beatrix Potter. Keep on creating! ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕

There's something wonderful in knowing you paint your watercolours using pure, fresh, forest stream water!

Sending you and all those you hold dear lots of love and my forever admiration 😊

What a beautiful story and video. The story brought a tear to my eyes. How relevant the sisters are of anger and courage. Happy weekend to you both.

Paola, I could listen to your voice forever... Some time ago I actually clicked on "play all" and listened to all your videos again while I was doing my work in the kitchen. Listening to you, I have a feeling of deep inner peace, and the gentleness and especially the beauty of your words make me believe that it is still good in the world... Listening to what you tell us in this video, I realized - strangely for the first time in my life - that I am not comparing myself to anyone and this is because I am not - and never have been - good at anything in particular... I could describe myself as a person who throughout her life has not excelled in anything, absolutely NOTHING. Being such a person, I couldn't compare myself to anyone in anything, because I didn't have that "something special" with which to do this. And as a result, no one bothered too much with my person. I was also something there, insignificant, that did not attract anyone's hatred or jealousy. I think that nobody wanted to be like me and then they really didn't need to compare themselves to me, because I was among them but in fact, I wasn't with them. Really, Paola, I have never excelled in ANYTHING, and in fact right now when I think about it I realize that I have not left anything behind in all these years of my life. I am just... I and I have to accept myself as I am.

Your art touches me more than any bold painting. Your little squirrels in petticoats warm my soul.

Your paintings are so beautiful! I always loved this style. I honestly think this style is a lot more complicated to create than a regular mainstream watercolor painting because you first need to imagine it and all it’s intricate details. This is a true talent!

Love to the little fat squirrel ❤. I so enjoy the beauty of your videos, the wisdom of your lessons learned and the lovely comments of fellow artists, humans and fairy folk ❤

It’s not a gallery, but your art hangs on the kitchen wall of the small 200 year old cottage on a tiny island that I share with my little boy, and we are very grateful for the beauty you’ve added to our home.

Thank you again for shining your peaceful light and reminder we are good enough. We are at our best when we allow God to bring His blessings through the creative passions He plants in our hearts. Love begets love 💕 without comparison or judgment

Your illustrations are wonderful…the animals exude kindness & gentleness…just what small children need as in the Beatrix Potter children’s stories…

Each time your beautiful videos appear they are safely marked in my Favourites - they are so special in all ways and bring me so much Hope and Joy. Thank you so much. Fairies and Bunnies are precious creatures and you tell their stories through your art so beautifully. With love Xxxxxx ❤️

When I watch your videos I feel comfortable and happy 🥳🎊♥️ I wish to see you always and wish you a happy life my best friend🫂🍡❤️🥰😍😘🍭🌸💖💕🧁.

You are so wise!Thank you for this message!

So nice that someone like you with some 'influence' is encouraging creativity for creativity's sake! Too often it's a cycle of how to get better instead of just enjoying the therapy and relaxation watercolours allows! I rarely comment so this resonated so much for me! Thank you 🥰

Sweet inspiration of ours, young, protective fairy spirit of the nature, Thank you for your educational, healing videos. Much love from Caucasus Georgia 🕊

I love watching and seeing what other people create online but I also stop myself from viewing it as something to compare to. What I try to do is use their work as inspiration, using it to fuel the thought that you can create anything, there's nothing to stop you! You can imagine the strangest craziest thing right now and actually make it something real that exists! When i frame it like that is when I find it easiest to be inspired to make my own things. Love your videos they're always so whimsical and inspiring 💜❄️

A smidgen of beauty and calm. Thank you for sharing your strength and light with us!!

♥️ You are a beautiful human being !! I’ve always painted but you are right about there being something special about watercolor painting! I am taking treatment and have been watercolor painting in my bed . It takes me away and I feel productive, because I accomplished something. Now I paint a little painting each day . It’s like good medicine for the soul . Much love from Tennessee !!

We can all see ourselves in Hope, Anger and Courage❤

Watch what someone makes into art for it is what they love.

I enjoy watching you paint, I have been inspired to resume my art. I haven't picked up a brush in probably 50 years. I joined an art class at our local senior center and am learning pastels. I've also dug out my sketch book and pencils. I bought some watercolors, just need to get some brushes. Down the road I plan on getting some acrylics which is the medium I use to use. I have been mainly doing fiber arts these past years. Thank you for inspiring me to get back in touch with my artistic side.

Thank you for be you!💖

Your mini art prints I ordered just arrived in my mailbox yesterday and I love them! I agree we should never compare ourselves to others and I believe especially regarding creativity as to admire other's work only raises the levels of creativity within us.

First off, those chocolate covered strawberries 🍓 looked so delicious. My of my favorite treats. Mavi is so cute how she sits there watching you. You are so talented and gifted Paola. Look at your successful Etsy store and the huge following you have on here. I Love your art and creativity so much. I recently purchased the Adorable Cat painting from your Etsy store and can't wait to receive it. It's a birthday present to myself. I intend to get it framed also. Thank you for the beautiful, peaceful and creative videos you work so hard on for us to enjoy. I appreciate all that you do. Sending Love to you, your family and beautiful fur babies 🧡

Herzensdank ❤❤❤ Your painting and your videos are amazing!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your lifeexperiences and for your openess 🧡💛🧡

I just read that quote yesterday! :) Lovely story, thank you!

What a beautiful quote! I wish you published a book with your wonderful art on that! 🦉❤️

Your art is beautiful and more than enough! 💜🐰

Dear Paola, your beautiful video resonated so much with me that I cried……you bring me back to what matters and what is real. “ We are enough”. I have to remind myself of this when there is so much judgement in the world. We all have something to bring to the table of life. Thank you for being you…..you are wise beyond your years and I truly love you, for who you are. Francesca xox

Thank you, Paola. Have a lovely week💗

Agreed, Always competing against others is draining. I have not enjoyed some events due to the competitive nature of some of the people involved. Enjoyed your video.

You can write your own stories & illustrate them. Something I've wished I could do since I was a child. I hope you choose to do that one day.

Thank you for another beautiful video with a beautiful message.

I’m an artist too. I make reborn dolls that look and feel like babies. Being a perfectionist has always been difficult. I like what you shared today. I needed this.🤗❤️🤗❤️

Well...your fairy bunny with the leaf umbrella print that I got from Etsy is framed and displayed among my houseplants...I love it! 🎨

Hi Paolo, I'm so glad you have chosen to paint what you love, it's when we pursue our hearts desire that our soul is truely content. 🐿️

I love your art!

I truly love your art! You have inspired me to continue with my art. I enjoy your peaceful way of describing your feelings. Gracias 🙏🏼🎨

Merci Paola, your videos are such a joy!! Bises from London UK!

Paola,you are so special,you are not only beautiful outside,you are sooooo beautiful inside,you are such an artistic soul,and you are sensitive and so fragile. Your videos make my days!

Thats why I enjoy dying fabric for my needlework, because each time it comes out differently and its always lovely. I only had one that muddied so I used color remover and tried again. It came out even more interesting. So I see the appeal of watercolors! I have tried but lack the finesse to make it look beautiful. But it was fun!

I love that sweet little squirrel with the lily of the valley…❤️

Thank you, Paola. Your remarks today resonated with me even more than usual. ❤

So beautiful, your whole video. The story was so touching. You art is the perfect starting point for a lovely nursery. Peaceful but also sparks imagination.. and what would be without imagination. ❤

Art and poetry are chocolate to the life of those, who are not able to create some of it.

Thank you so much. I love quilting. My mother-in- law and aunt taught me. I know some other ladies that have gone to classes have bought fancy machines and produce beautiful quilts. I have gotten in my head that my work is not as good because I haven’t gone to all the classes and don’t have all the fancy machines etc so I’ve stopped doing what I loved. My quilts are beautiful not made with fancy machines but made with lots of love. They are going to my children and grandchildren,knowing that they will be covered in love from me. You’re so much younger than me but have given me a new start. I have been comparing my work to theirs and have lost many months doing what I love. Thank you. Love from Missouri ❤️

It's amazing to see how much you've evolved. Your rapid sense of improvement has guaranteed lifelong effects that are entirely beneficial on your behalf.

When i started drawing i always compared them to others who drew so amazing things then my brother " Creating is a gift and comparing it is the worst thing i can do to myself" till that day i try my best to not compare and embrace my journey ❤️

Thank you, Paola. I always enjoy your videos, no matter the subject or content. Your relaxing background music and gentle way of speaking are calming and much needed in this hurry up world.

May Allah bless you! you are so real and present and shine a light on a gloomy world keep up your hard work!!

I have loved all of your pieces that I have purchased so far. They bring such happiness as did your book❤️

Lovely, simply lovely.