Mikayla Jean Art

Lush Island Leaves, in four variations, is now available on Spoonflower!

While living on the Big Island of Hawai'i, I was captivated by the Petra Croton, a vibrant plant found near my residence in Kona, down south at Punalu’u Bake Shop in Na’alehu, and at the Panaewa Zoo in Hilo. This design was hand-painted, and digitally transformed by me.

I've entered this design in the "Hothouse Floral" challenge. If you're active on Spoonflower, I would appreciate your votes, starting Thursday, April 23.

"If I have any worth, it is to live my life for my God." - St. Patrick

2021 • St. Patrick's School • Decatur, IL

Spoiler, it's all me. 😉

Surprise, surprise! Baby number 3, coming this April! I've been a bit preoccupied, but hope to settle in and slowly get back to creating and listing new work.

Currently locked out of my Instagram account, and using this rainy evening to catch up on something special.

Bonnie's Baskets
Puna Chocolate Company - Pahoa Cocoa

When I updated my personal profile picture on Facebook to one from this series, someone said I looked like a butterfly. I love that perspective, and now I can't unsee it!

The coolest part about this mural, besides the location, is that it was 100% freehand, just like my elephant. Initially, the plan was to trace out a sketch using a projector, but I'm so glad that plan changed.

I had roughly 10 hours split between two days, two walls to cover, and a LOT of ladder climbing. This was definitely a physical and mental workout, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. ♥️

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." - Pablo Picasso

In October, I had the privilege of installing a mural in the arts and crafts section of the children's museum from my hometown.

I remember using the painting windows when I was younger, so to then paint on the actual walls next to them, as an adult with permission and a paycheck, was surreal.

The best part was bringing my kids along to watch the entire process, and including them in the official photoshoot. This candid one is my favorite. ♥️

Pursuing what I love, in the middle of selling our house and taking on a 4,000+ mile move across an ocean, adjusting to a new culture, all while being the full time caregiver and educator for two kids is a lot, but not impossible.

I'm definitely slower when it comes to completing projects, but I'm moving forward, and I'm still making beautiful things.

Thanks for being here. 😊

PC: .art.life

I purchased my first round of fresh art supplies on the island today. Sadly, Akamai Art Supply is closing, at least for now, due to their lease not renewing. Moving to a new area right when the local art store suddenly closes is definitely sad, but I'm glad I was able to go today and purchase a few things. When we moved, we brought our belongings in suitcases. I was afraid to bring any canvases, so I only brought paper, a few tubes of unopened paint, and all my POSCA pens. Slowly rebuilding my art supply stash is exciting, and definitely helps me feel more at home. My current plan is to list works on paper, small birchwood panels, stickers, and magnets on the website in the next two months. I'm still working out shipping details, but so far the best option seems to be USPS flat rate for items larger than stickers or magnets, with shipping cost already built into the price. I like clean numbers and transparency, no fluff or surprises. Stay tuned for island-inspired art. 🌴

Before we left Illinois, I was able to meet up with several great friends and art collectors. One of them being , who purchased this painting from me several years ago. I smiled when she invited me into her new home, and I saw "Evening Swim" hanging on a white brick wall. This picture was one of the first mock ups I made, and seeing the actual painting against the same style background, in person, was such a cool, full circle moment.

We're still getting settled in our new space; I picked up my car yesterday, and spent my morning at the DMV getting Hawai'i registration and the beautiful rainbow license plates. I hope to get back to creating soon, and I'm excited to continue sharing coastal-inspired art, finally from the coast!

Tis the season for gift shopping! The Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk starts today at 4 p.m., with lots of fun, local businesses to support. You can find the piece pictured, and more of my work at the Art Farm! 😊

A little group picture of all the pieces that went home tonight, or will in the next couple days. Thank you all for shopping! 😊

If you missed it, the closeout sale picture album is still posted, with December 3rd being the final pick up date.