Lost World by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and David Van Gough at Death and the Maiden Corey Helford Show

Closing August 1st, this is one of my personal favorites—and one of only a handful of still-available pieces—from Death and the Maiden, the stunning collaborative exhibition by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and David Van Gough at Corey Helford Gallery. 🦖✨

This epic work masterfully combines their extraordinary talents into a world of otherworldly beauty. The detailed dinosaurs are exquisite, and the figure is absolute perfection. Seeing this piece in person was an incomparable privilege, and if you are in the Los Angeles area before it closes, I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself!

1️⃣ LOST WORLD by Jasmine Becket-Griffith & David Van Gough (an incredible 24" x 48" acrylic on panel, grandly framed at 39.5" x 63.5").

2️⃣ A close-up detail of the figure’s face.

3️⃣ A close-up detail of the delicate hand work.

4️⃣ A close-up detail of the sweeping dinosaur panorama.

🗓️ Last days to view—closing August 1st!

📍 Corey Helford Gallery

571 S Anderson St (Enter on Willow St)

Los Angeles, CA 90033

📞 (310) 287-2340

 

Sirena coronada de pétalos (Petal-Crowned Mermaid) by Lisabella Russo

 

Meet a new soul from The Huntington Hollows series: "Sirena coronada de pétalos" (Petal-Crowned Mermaid). 🌸💜

She is a round oil painting on 5.25" paper, beautifully housed in a 10" round ornate metal frame that gives her the feel of a vintage keepsake.

This sweet mermaid features soft brown skin, vibrant purple hair, and soulful, big green eyes flecked with hints of gold. Resting on her head is a massive pink water lily with a glowing golden core—directly inspired by a photograph I took during one of my peaceful walks through the Huntington Gardens.

Her portrait is set against a serene blue background, where the warm gold from the initial gesso layer subtly shimmers through.

✨ "Sirena coronada de pétalos" is currently available. Please send a DM if you are interested in welcoming this delicate soul into your collection!

Ancient Mariner by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and David Van Gough at Death and the Maiden Corey Helford Show

 I had the remarkable fortune to attend Death and the Maiden, the stunning collaborative exhibition by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and David Van Gough at Corey Helford Gallery. Every single piece in the room is a brilliant testament to their masterfully combined styles and unique skills. 🖤✨

Me (Lisabella Russo) standing with one of my absolute favorites from the night, Ancient Mariner (an incredible 18" x 24" acrylic on panel, beautifully framed at 26.5" x 32.5").

The full, breathtaking painting.

A close-up detail of the beautifully delicate angel.

A close-up detail highlighting the powerful imagery of the mariner.

If you are in the Los Angeles area, you must see this magnificent collaborative dialogue in person!

🗓️ The show is open until August 1st, 2026!

📍 Corey Helford Gallery

571 S Anderson St (Enter on Willow St)

Los Angeles, CA 90033

📞 (310) 287-2340

Happy Father’s Day! 🌊

 

Today I wanted to share my painting, CA Coastline. This piece holds a very special place in my heart because it is based entirely on a photograph taken by my dad at Point Dume in Zuma Beach.

My father always had a deep love for the ocean, and he captured the beautiful, sweeping spirit of the California coast perfectly in his photo. Getting to translate his eye for composition into my own traditional painting layers was a wonderful experience, and it's a memory I cherish every time I look at this piece.

Wishing a beautiful and peaceful day to all the fathers, creators, and mentors out there who inspire us to see the beauty in the world around us. 🎨✨

Happy Mother's Day!

 

🐉 Mothers hold our hands for a little while, but they hold the world forever. 💫

I wanted to share this moment of my mother’s hands holding my "Mother of Dragons" piece. To me, it perfectly captures the heart of motherhood—the steady, nurturing strength that supports every wild dream and every brushstroke. 🎨✨

Behind every dragon-sized ambition I’ve ever had, she has been the anchor. Whether she’s accompanying me on a garden adventure or simply being the first to see a new painting, her belief in me is the light I paint by. 🕊️

Happy Mother’s Day to the world-builders, the dream-protectors, and the women who carry so much magic in their hands. ❤️

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 🇲🇽✨

 

Taking a moment this afternoon to dive into #MerMay with a new soul from "The Huntington Hollows" series.

This is a first look at "Sirena coronada de pétalos" (Petal-Crowned Mermaid). Currently, I’ve been focusing on her warm skin tones and those deep green eyes—infused, of course, with a signature golden glimmer. 🧜‍♀️✨

There is still so much magic to come! I’m looking forward to layering in her flowing purple hair and the vibrant pink waterlily with its golden core. Even in these early stages, she’s already starting to find her voice in the hollows.

It’s been a busy morning out with my mother, but settling into these details is the perfect way to spend the rest of my day. 🌸🎨

Are you participating in MerMay this year, or are you just here to enjoy the underwater magic? Let me know in the comments! 👇

A long time ago, in a galaxy surprisingly full of fluff... 💫🛸

 

Happy Star Wars Day! To celebrate #MayThe4th, I wanted to share this little soul from the cliffs of Ahch-To: "The Piteous Porg."

Photographed here amidst the glow of my Hello Kitty fairy lights, there is something so captivating about those massive, glass-like eyes—they were practically made for the "big eye" style! I wanted to capture that quintessential look of tiny, feathered concern that stole everyone’s hearts (and famously saved them from becoming a Wookiee’s snack). 🐧✨

✨ The Details ✨

Title: The Piteous Porg

Medium: Original oil painting on a cradled basswood panel.

Size: 4" x 4" (7/8" depth).

Features: Natural, unpainted wood edges for a clean, modern look.

🏠 Availability: This original piece is currently available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if you need a little "Force-Sensitive Fluff" for your walls.

May the Force be with you today—whether you’re a Jedi, a rebel, or just a very worried bird on a remote island. 🌌

Are you Team Porg or Team Ewok when it comes to the "fluffiest" side of the Force? 👇

Happy May Day! 🌷✨

 

While the tulips at home have finished their dance for the year, I’m still feeling so inspired by the vibrant colors I captured during my last visit to Descanso Gardens.

A bit of floral inspiration—and a little peek at what’s currently emerging on my easel! 🐸🪷

This is a very early look at "The Lily Lurker," part of my ongoing Huntington Hollows series. He’s a small study in water-soluble oils, and right now, I’m letting that golden gesso foundation do the heavy lifting before the final layers of green and petal-pink take over. He’ll eventually be housed in a lovely round frame to match the curves of his garden home!

May your month be full of new growth, fresh color, and a little bit of garden magic.

What is blooming in your corner of the world today? 👇

The Mother of Dragons: Ancient blood and a new dawn. 🗝️🔥

 

I am so thrilled to share the finished reveal of "Silver & Smoke." This piece has already been adopted by a wonderful collector, but I couldn't wait to show you how she looks in her final cathedral frame.

There is something so powerful about the contrast between her ethereal white hair and the gleaming gold of her dragon companion. I wanted her big blue eyes to carry the weight of a kingdom, framed in this ornate black cathedral to give the piece a sense of history and mystery.

The details: The iridescent gold of the dragon's eye and the soulful gaze of the Khaleesi herself. 🐉✨

✨ The Details ✨

Status: ✨ ADOPTED ✨

Title: Silver & Smoke

Medium: Original oil painting on paper

Size: 4" x 6" (Art) | 7" x 10.5" (Framed)

Even though she’s already found her forever home, I’d love to know: Which do you prefer—the fiery personality of a dragon, or the quiet mystery of a forest dryad? 👇

Sylvan Reverie: The Forest Awakens 🌿💜

 

There is no better day than Earth Day to introduce you to this guardian of the woods. She is finally complete. 🌎✨

This 6" x 12" x 1.5" oil on wood panel has been a journey of textures—from the earthy grain of her antlers to the silken flow of her purple hair. She represents a love for the diverse beauty found in nature, carrying a warm brown skin tone and deep, luminous dark brown eyes that glow against the forest shadows.

Because she’s painted in layers of water-soluble oils, her colors seem to shift with the light—vibrant and regal in the sun, quiet and soulful in the shade. On a day meant to celebrate our planet, she serves as a reminder of the magic and mystery tucked away in the deep, quiet corners of the wild.

🏠 Availability: Sylvan is looking for her forever grove! DM me for adoption details.

Monday in the Studio: Fire & Gold 🔥✨

 

While the forest is prepping for Earth Day, there’s a different kind of magic waking up on my easel. Here is a little progress shot of 'Silver & Smoke'—my Mother of Dragons piece for May! 🐉

I’ve been using the golden gesso base to build up the warmth and as the base layer of her dragon companion. It’s a challenge to balance the 'classic' dragon colors with the soft, wide-eyed soul of the piece, but I’m loving every minute of it.

Mark your calendars: The finished reveal of 'Silver & Smoke' will be this Saturday! 🗓️

Emerging from the Deep: Rings of R’lyeh 🌊🐙

 

Emerging from the Deep: Rings of R’lyeh 🌊🐙

She is finally ready to meet the surface. This tiny guardian of the reef was a study in dangerous beauty—mixing the soulful gaze of golden eyes with the electric warning of the blue-ringed octopus.

I’ve adorned her golden tentacle-hair and neck with those signature glowing rings, and gave her delicate, wings inspired by the mysterious bumpy snailfish of the deep trenches. She’s photographed here with a few treasures from my own childhood—shells collected long ago that felt like they belonged in her world.

✨ The Details ✨

Title: Rings of R’lyeh

Medium: Original oil painting on paper.

Size: 2.75" x 3.5" (Art) | 4" x 5.5" (Framed).

The Frame: Housed in a gorgeous vintage metal filigree frame that feels like a relic pulled from a coral-covered palace.

🏠 Adoption: She is currently available to a new home! DM for details on how to add this little piece of R’lyeh to your collection. 🐚🔱

Happy World Art Day! 🎨✨

 

Taking a moment to celebrate the beautiful, organized chaos of the creative process.

My table is currently a mosaic of stories waiting to be told. From the fresh green and blue washes of the Huntington Hollows backgrounds to a new Mother of Dragons piece I’m nurturing. 🐉🌿

Art isn’t just the finished piece on the wall; it’s the messy palette, the trial-and-error with frames, and the quiet hours spent with a brush in hand. I hope today brings a spark of inspiration to whatever you are creating!

What does your creative space look like today? Is it a pristine sanctuary or a 'more is more' kind of table? 👇

Rings of R’lyeh: Under the Surface 🌊🐙

 

While the varnish dries in the woods, I’ve found myself diving into a new, tinier world. Meet a work-in-progress "Finfolk" inspired by the deep ones of legend.

She’s a bit saltier and more mysterious than my usual garden spirits, but that "big eye" curiosity remains the same. Just a little teaser of what’s currently on the easel! 🧜‍♀️✨

Believing in the impossible... ✨🦄 Happy #NationalUnicornDay!

 

To celebrate, I’m looking back at one of my favorite sold drawings, 'Corazon Onirico' (Dreamy Heart). This graphite piece captured a moment of quiet connection between a wide-eyed guardian and a baby unicorn—a little piece of a dream held close.

I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be developing this into a full oil painting for #Junicorn this June! 🎨✨

I’m envisioning a shift for the painted version—placing her in a deep, atmospheric dark forest. I can’t wait to bring her warmth and heritage to life in color, with the traditional white of the unicorn glowing against the shadows of the woods.

Are you a fan of traditional white unicorns, or do you like them with a splash of fantasy colors? 👇

Happy Easter Sunday! 🐣✨ Twinning with my spring spirit, 'Alabaster & Aster.'

 

I couldn’t resist breaking out the My Melody ears today to match her fluffy blonde hair and pink accents! 🎀 I wanted this 11" x 14" original oil to feel like a delicate, wide-eyed daydream. Holding her here in the studio, you can really see how those tiny star highlights in her eyes catch the light, bringing her whole expression to life.

🏠 Availability: This big-eyed beauty is currently available for adoption! She will be a wonderful post-Easter addition to a spring sanctuary. DM me for details. 🌸

Wishing everyone a beautiful, peaceful Sunday! Whether you’re hunting for eggs, sharing a meal with loved ones, or just chasing a few creative sparks of your own, I hope your day is full of sweetness.

Let’s settle the classic debate: Are you a My Melody (Sweet) 🍬 or a Kuromi (Spicy) 🌶️ kind of bunny? 👇

A touch of gold in the garden... ✨🐰🌷

 

"The Aurelian Auricle" is finally ready to hop into the world. For this piece, I wanted to play with the specific warmth of early spring—those first rays of sun that turn everything to amber and gold.

With her glowing golden eyes and pink hair laced with gilded accents, she feels like a quiet guardian of the garden. The background features loosely painted tulips, inspired by a recent morning stroll through Descanso Gardens.

🎨 The Magic in the Details: > This is a piece that truly lives and breathes in person. I used a golden gesso that shines through the oil paint, creating glimmering highlights that shift and dance depending on how the light hits the frame.

Medium: Original traditional oil painting on paper.

Presentation: Housed in an oval vintage frame.

Art size: Approx. 4" x 6"

Framed size: Approx. 4.25" x 7.5"

🏠 Availability: This golden girl is currently available for adoption! She is fresh off the easel and still needs a final coat of varnish before she travels, so while she is a spring spirit through and through, she likely won't reach her new home in time for Easter Sunday.

Please DM me directly for adoption details if she belongs in your collection!

Small worlds in round frames... 🎡🎨

 

It started with a quiet moment at The Huntington Gardens, watching the pink water lilies drift on the surface. But I couldn’t stop thinking about what might be hiding beneath those floating petals... 🌿✨

Today, those thoughts have become the first sketches for a new series: "The Huntington Hollows." >

Peek into these tiny portholes to meet the first two residents:

"The Lily Lurker" — A very observant little frog who takes his neighborhood watch duties quite seriously. 🐸👁️

"Sirena coronada de pétalos" — A floral-crowned siren of the pond, woven from the same softness as the water lily above. 🌸🧜‍♀️

I wanted to capture that magical feeling of a world tucked away in the greenery, where every leaf is a roof and every lily a crown. It’s early days for these two, but I’m already in love with how that "big eye" gaze anchors them in their secret space.

Which one are you most excited to see come to life in color? 🎨👇

A Balance of Light & Bloom: Happy Spring Equinox 🌸✨

 

Today we reach that beautiful point of balance where day and night are equal, and the earth begins its big exhale into Spring. To celebrate, I’m sharing a few "inspiration moments" from my recent visit to The Huntington Gardens.

My paintings don't start at the easel; they start in moments like these—noticing how a petal curls or how a specific shade of fuchsia catches the light.

The Palette of the Season:

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana): The perfect reference for the gossamer "ruffles" in my characters' hair.

Pink Water Lilies: A study in those "Alabaster" tones and floating, ethereal light.

Eucalyptus macrocarpa: I’m endlessly fascinated by the silvery-grey contrast against its red blooms.

California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica): A bright spark of local gold to ground the spirit.

Rock Purslane (Cistanthe grandiflora): The vibrant heart behind those "Marshmallow Magenta" eyes! 🎀👁️

Wishing you a day of perfect balance and new growth. Which of these colors should I bring to my palette next? 🌿🌷

Holding onto a little bit of luck today... 🍀✨

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I wanted to share another look at "Emerald & Ember" as she prepares to find her forever home.

There is something so special about the way a miniature painting feels in your hands—like holding a tiny, secret world. From her deep green eyes to the vintage frame that houses her, she’s been a joy to create. I’ve even got my Hello Kitty bows on to celebrate! 🎀💚

Whether you’re celebrating with a parade or just a bit of green tea at your easel, I hope your day is full of "clover-covered" magic and soulful moments.

🏠 Adoption Call: This original oil miniature is currently available! If you’ve been looking for a "lucky charm" to add to your gallery wall, she’s waiting for you. DM me for adoption details. 🎨

Emerging from a cloud of pink-accented fluff... ☁️🌷

 

Meet "Marshmallow Magenta," a little spring spirit. Nestled between her gossamer blonde hair and those deep fuchsia eyes, she’s been an absolute dream to bring to life.

She is pale, she is fluffy, and she’s definitely got her ears perked for the coming spring. 🌸✨ I wanted to create an Easter character that felt like a delicate, lingering daydream. Her eyes are the heart of the piece—a bright spark of fuchsia life against her soft, alabaster features, complete with a twinkle of star highlights.

Her "big eye" gaze is already looking right past the frost and straight into April. 🎀👁️

✨ The Details ✨

Title: Alabaster & Aster

Medium: Original oil painting on cradled wood panel.

Size: 11" x 14"

Presentation: This piece is unframed and fits a standard 11" x 14" frame perfectly. Alternatively, I can wire the back so she can hang directly on your wall as a modern, clean-edged statement.

🏠 Availability: This original bunny girl is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if this big-eyed beauty needs to hop over to your collection in time for Easter morning. 📦🐇

Rooted in Strength: International Women’s Day 🌿✨

 

On a day meant to celebrate the vast, diverse beauty of women around the world, I wanted to share a progress update on "Sylvan Reverie." >

While she is a creature of fantasy, she is rooted in a very real belief of mine: that beauty knows no singular form, and every skin tone is a masterpiece. I’ve spent my recent studio hours focusing on her warm brown skin tones and the intricate textures of her antlers, honoring the quiet strength that comes from being connected to the earth. 🤎✨

The Process:

Medium: Oil on a 6" x 12" x 1.5" cradled wood panel.

Current Stage: Skin tones and antlers are blocked in and refined.

Next Steps: Moving into her flowing purple hair and the delicate moths that surround her, saving the "soul" of the face for last.

Even when the world feels heavy, I find that leaning into the act of creation is a way to honor the beauty we still have. Wishing you all a day of peace and a reminder of the strength you carry within.

Emerald & Ember: A Little Bit of Luck Found its Way Home 🍀✨

 

She is officially finished! Meet "Emerald & Ember," my soulful "girl next door" for the upcoming St. Patrick's season.

This piece was a labor of love in oils, focusing on the contrast between her deep emerald eyes and vibrant, fiery red hair. I wanted to give her a look that was both sweet and timeless, complete with a smattering of freckles and a few shamrocks for luck.

🎨 The Details:

Medium: Original oil on paper.

Art Size: Approx. 2.75" x 3.5" (Oval).

Framed Size: Approx. 4" x 6" in a beautiful vintage frame that perfectly captures her "heirloom" spirit.

🏠 Adoption Status: This original miniature is available for adoption! I am sharing her today to ensure she has plenty of time to travel to her new home before St. Patrick’s Day arrives. 📦✈️

Please DM me directly for details if you'd like to bring this tiny bit of magic home.

Sunday Studio Scenes: A Lesson in Slow Magic... 🍀✨

 

I’ve always believed that some paintings have their own internal clock, and "Emerald & Ember" is currently taking a little more time to "bloom" than I expected.

🎨 The Progress: In the close-up (Slide 1), you can see she’s starting to find her soul. Her skin tones are emerging and her blouse is ready, but I’m taking a beat to get those final details—the shamrocks, the fiery hair, and the depth of those emerald eyes—just right.

🏠 The Studio Family (Slide 2): You can see her here tucked in with her bigger studio mates for scale!

✊🏾 "Guiding Star": My portrait of Harriet Tubman, taking a place of honor for Black History Month.

🦌 "Sylvan Reverie": My antlered Dryad, currently in her earthy underpainting phase.

🐼 Panda Perks: To keep my energy up, I’ve been fueling my studio sessions with these adorable panda cookies to keep the inspiration flowing!

Thank you for your patience as I find her spark. She’ll be worth the wait! ✍️☕

She starts to take form... 🍀✨

 

Laying the foundations for a little luck. This is the early blocking-in phase for "Emerald & Ember," my St. Patrick’s Day "girl next door."

Currently, the world she lives in is a soft, dreamlike pale lavender with wispy ochre clouds. The figure itself is underpainted in rich hues of brown—a quiet, earthy beginning before the vibrant emerald eyes and fiery red tones take center stage. 🎨🖌️

It’s always a bit of a "trust the process" moment at this stage, but I can already feel her personality peaking through the layers. I’m aiming to have her fully realized and ready to share by this Sunday!

Happy Lunar New Year: Gathering the Menagerie! 🏮🐎✨

 

To celebrate the dawn of 2026, I’ve gathered the whole family for a special New Year’s portrait. At the center sits "Kindling the New Year," the Fire Horse, acting as the heart and hearth for all his companions.

Surrounded by the atmospheric clouds of "The Indigo Ignis," the sweet gaze of "Velvet & Vice Versa," and the rest of the crew, it feels like a complete little world has come to life. There is a specific magic in seeing the fiery warmth of the Horse grounded by the presence of his friends. 🔥

Can you spot them all? > From the rainbow eyes of "The Opal Ouroboros" to the lucky blush of "The Blush of Bounty," each animal represents a different energy for the journey ahead.

💬 Which energy are you carrying with you into the spring? 🐉🐍🐰🐷🐎

Wishing you a 2026 full of spirit, strength, and unbridled passion. May your red envelopes be heavy and your hearts even fuller! 🧧✨

Zodiac Crossroads: The Indigo Ignis 🐉✨

 

In my world, legends often overlap. While we prepare to gallop into the Year of the Fire Horse, I couldn’t leave out this celestial guardian.

Meet "The Indigo Ignis," a Western cousin to the Lunar Dragon. I’ve always felt he stands as a sentry in that space between worlds—a reminder that magic doesn’t have borders and exists in every culture.

Perched atop his rocky lookout and wreathed in clouds, his gaze is fixed on the horizon where the new year is beginning to glow. With his deep blue scales and purple accents, he’s the perfect companion for those who walk between the worlds of myth and reality. ☁️💜

✨ The Details ✨

Title: The Indigo Ignis

Medium: Original acrylic painting on panel.

Size: 8" x 10"

Presentation: Unframed, but painted in a standard size so you can easily choose a frame that suits your own sanctuary.

🏠 Availability: This original guardian is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if this indigo dragon needs to watch over your collection.

Shifting the Gaze: The Opal Ouroboros 🐍✨

 

Shifting the Gaze: The Opal Ouroboros 🐍✨

I hope your yesterday was filled with sweetness, light, and perhaps a touch of mystery. 🌸 As the Valentine’s embers settle, I’m shifting my gaze toward the horizon.

We are just two days away from the Year of the Fire Horse! To bridge the gap between these two powerful energies, I wanted to share "The Opal Ouroboros." 

This light purple snake isn’t just a study in lavender scales; it’s a portal of prismatic color. With rainbow eyes that capture the full spectrum of the light, this piece represents the infinite cycles of growth and the wisdom we carry from one year into the next. 🌈🔮

✨ The Details ✨

Title: The Opal Ouroboros

Medium: Original oil painting on a cradled wood panel.

Size: 7" x 5"

Features: The edges feature beautiful, natural unpainted wood for a clean, modern, and organic finish.

🏠 Availability: This original study is available for adoption! Please DM me directly for details if this sweet messenger needs to join your collection.

Who else is ready for the high energy and "Hearth" of the New Year? 🔥🐎

An eye for an eye... 👁️🎨

 

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so I’ve turned this heart-shaped panel into a portal. 🐈‍⬛🖤

Having a little "peek-a-boo" moment with Meow-mento Mori. With the crochet kitty ears, I think I’ve officially merged with my art! This piece is for the Valentines who prefer a side of mystery and a dash of the macabre with their sweetness. 🥀✨

Whether your heart beats for the cute, the creepy, or the "big-eyed" in between, I hope your day is full of love and a little bit of magic.

🏠 Adoption Update: Meow-mento Mori is still looking for a heart to call home! DM me if you’re ready to let this feline femme watch over your gallery wall.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! 🖤🐈‍⬛🌹