Corazón Onírico (Work in Progress) & Mab Graves Drawlloween Official Prompt List

 

I love Halloween season so much! 🎃✨ Every October, the incredible Mab Graves hosts #MabGravesDrawlloween Club, a challenge filled with so much joy, creativity, and community inspiration—and the prompt list is finally here!

Because of my slow, traditional painting process, I won't be able to tackle every single daily prompt, but I’m starting early so I can share as much magic with you as possible. 🎨🦄

Swipe to see a peek at my current work-in-progress! I’ve been building up the underpainting on the big-eyed nymph, while her little unicorn foal is currently sitting as delicate line art over glowing golden gesso.

I’m aiming to share the completed piece, "Corazón Onírico" (Dreamy Heart), on October 5th for the Mythological prompt!

Swipe through to check out the full prompt list in case you’d like to create along, too. Huge thanks to @mabgraves for hosting this incredible challenge every year! 🖤

Complete Sanrio Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meal Toy Collection

 

This isn’t my usual art, but this little collection brought me so much joy that I just had to share! 🦖🎀✨

Here is my complete set of all eight McDonald's Sanrio x Godzilla Happy Meal toys, displayed in their original boxes inside a display case from Five Below.

It all started when my friend Nikki gifted me my very first one. I originally stopped by a few McDonald's locations just intending to help her hunt down pieces for her own collection... only to quickly realize I was accidentally starting one for myself!

What followed was an absolute adventure spanning multiple days, several locations, and an abundance of Happy Meals. As a vegetarian, I owe a huge thank you to Alex and my mom for eating the brunt of all those meals so I could collect the toys! 🍟

Huge thanks to Nikki for setting me off on this epic quest!

Tell me in the comments: Are you Team Sanrio or Team Kaiju? 👇

The Lily Lurker

 

I’ve been taking a quiet little break from social media, but before #Frogust comes to an end, I wanted to introduce you to "The Lily Lurker" from The Huntington Hollows series! 🐸🌸✨

He is a round oil painting on 4.5" paper, presented in an 8" round ornate metal frame that gives him the magical feel of a vintage keepsake.

Could this tiny frog be a prince? This petal peeper looks a bit grumpy at being discovered hiding right in the heart of the water lily—so I'm not entirely sure he’d let you steal a kiss to find out!

His eyes feature a warm golden glimmer that echoes subtly throughout the painting. The surrounding water lily was directly inspired by a photograph I took during one of my peaceful strolls through the Huntington Gardens.

✨ "The Lily Lurker" is currently available. Please send a DM if you are interested in welcoming this tiny nymph of the nymphaea into your collection! 💚

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!