When Creativity Became Work

The whole afternoon started with a book.

I'd been flipping through another artist's work, admiring her paintings and reading about the way she approached color. Some of the color theory techniques she was using were completely different from the way I normally work, and I found myself lingering on the pages longer than I expected.

I wasn't thinking, I need to paint like her.

It was more like, I wonder what would happen if I tried that.

Even after all these years, I still get excited about learning something new or looking at an old idea in a different way. That's one of the things I love most about being an artist. There is always another technique to explore, another way to combine colors, another little idea waiting to become something entirely your own.

As I closed the book, I looked at my calendar and realized I had an afternoon with nothing planned.

Instead of adding another idea to my mental list of "I'll try that someday," I walked into my studio.

Nope, Not Today by Misty of Creatively Misty, an expressive mixed media artwork featuring a silhouetted figure pushing back against self-doubt with bold black marks, layered florals, vibrant collage, and the handwritten word "NOPE."

Just for Me

It's funny because if someone had asked whether I'd been creative lately, I probably would have answered yes without giving it a second thought. I've been teaching workshops, volunteering at the art center, writing, planning classes, working... creativity has been part of almost every day but I wasn’t making art for me.

Everything had a purpose. Everything had somewhere it needed to go, a class sample, a blog post, video, a future workshop.

Letting the Painting Decide

People sometimes ask if I plan my art before I begin and the answer is always “nope”.

I really don't.

Most of the time I start with something that catches my attention. Maybe it's a color combination, a piece of collage paper, or an interesting texture. After that, I just keep responding to what's happening in front of me.

That's one of my favorite parts of creating no- I never really know where a painting is going.

When I started this piece, I had a completely different idea in mind. I was picturing someone bold, confident... maybe even a little sexy. But somewhere along the way she developed an attitude.

By the time I stepped back, she wasn't trying to be sexy anymore. She looked like she was holding up her hand and saying,

"Nope. Not today."

I loved it!

In fact, my favorite part of the whole painting was writing NOPE right beside her open hand. It's all smushed up against her palm, almost like she's stopping whatever's coming at her right in its tracks.

It still makes me smile.

Close-up of the word "NOPE" surrounded by energetic mixed media layers, textured paint, collage papers, expressive marks, and translucent white brushstrokes from Nope, Not Today by Misty of Creatively Misty.

Why Those Words Matter

Those words aren't random.

Several years ago, after my divorce, I made a promise to myself that I was going to get better at protecting my time, my energy, and the things that mattered most to me.

For a long time, saying yes had simply become my default. Yes to obligations. Yes to helping. Yes to squeezing one more thing onto my calendar. Sometimes yes because I genuinely wanted to. Other times yes because I felt guilty saying no. Learning to say, "Nope, not today," didn't happen overnight.

It's become a quiet little reminder that it's okay to have boundaries, to protect my time for the people and things that matter.

And yes... sometimes that means protecting an afternoon just to make art.

The funny thing is, I never sat down intending to paint a reminder to myself. I just loved where the painting wanted to go.

Looking at it now, though, I think that's one of the things I love most about creating intuitively. Sometimes a painting says something you didn't even realize was sitting in the back of your mind.

Angled view of Nope, Not Today by Misty of Creatively Misty, showcasing layered florals, expressive brushwork, bold green paint, collage textures, and a silhouetted figure reaching outward in a visual statement of creative courage.

We All Need a Little More Play

I left the studio that afternoon feeling different than when I walked in. Not because I'd made my best painting and bot because I'd discovered some incredible new technique.

I felt refreshed, lighter, more satisfied than I had in weeks.

I'd spent an afternoon experimenting, trying something new, and letting myself play without worrying whether it would become anything more than that.

I needed that. Maybe more than I realized.

It also reminded me that creativity doesn't always have to accomplish something.

Sometimes it just needs room to wander for a while.

Close-up detail from Nope, Not Today by Misty of Creatively Misty, highlighting expressive black linework, layered collage papers, floral textures, and the hand-painted words "Not Today," symbolizing resilience and choosing courage over self-doubt.

I'd Love to Hear From You

Have you ever had a creative afternoon that gave you exactly what you needed?

I'd love to hear about it.

And I'd also love to know...

If you had a chance to hold up your hand and say, "Nope, not today," what would you be saying it to?

Hi, I’m Misty

Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.

Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.

Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙

If you’d like to explore mixed media with me, explore ways we can work together here.