As an artist, I have always believed that the spaces we inhabit play a critical role in shaping our emotions and creativity. Our surroundings influence our state of mind, and by extension, they impact the art we create and the lives we lead. Art, in particular, has the power to transform a space into a sanctuary of emotional resonance. When paired with emotional mindfulness, it becomes a tool not only for aesthetic beauty but also for healing and inspiration.
In this post, I’ll share how art, infused with emotional awareness, can elevate your space. I’ll also introduce how tools like the FeelWise Card Deck can guide you in creating an environment that fosters creativity, emotional balance, and personal growth.

The Intersection of Art and Emotional Mindfulness
 Art speaks to us in ways words cannot. A painting can evoke tranquility, energy, or introspection, depending on its composition, colors, and intent. But for art to truly transform a space, it must resonate with the emotional needs of those who inhabit it. This is where emotional mindfulness comes into play.
Emotional mindfulness is the practice of becoming aware of and engaging with your emotions in the present moment. According to research outlined by Feel-Wise, understanding emotions can improve mental well-being, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. When applied to art and interior design, this practice enables us to curate spaces that reflect and nurture our emotional states.

Curating Your Space with Intentional Art
 When creating or selecting art for your space, consider the emotional energy you want to cultivate. For instance:

• Calm and Restorative Spaces: Use cool-toned paintings like my piece Transcend, which features soothing blues and soft brushwork. This painting was designed to evoke a sense of peace, perfect for bedrooms or meditation areas.
• Energizing and Vibrant Spaces: Opt for bold, dynamic works like Epitaph of Feelings, which blends vibrant colors with textured layers to stimulate creativity and conversation. Ideal for living rooms or studios.
• Grounding and Reflective Spaces: Choose works like Path of Privilege, a mixed-media piece rich with earthy tones and luxurious gold leaf, perfect for study spaces or areas of quiet reflection.

When pairing art with emotional mindfulness, use the FeelWise Card Deck to identify the emotions you want your space to amplify.

The Role of the FeelWise Card Deck in Space Transformation
 The FeelWise Card Deck is more than just a mindfulness tool; it’s a catalyst for emotional clarity and inspiration. With its combination of emotion identification and mindfulness practices, it can guide you in curating spaces that align with your inner world. Here’s how you can integrate it into your design process:

1. Identify Your Emotional Needs: Start by drawing an emotion card from the deck. Reflect on how this feeling aligns with the purpose of your space. For example, if you draw 'Flow', consider incorporating soft, warm art pieces that evoke comfort.
2. Create a Color Palette: Use the emotions identified in the deck to influence your choice of colors. Research from Feel-Wise highlights how colors can evoke specific feelings, such as blues for calm or yellows for joy.
3. Incorporate Mindful Practices: Use the mindfulness cards to center yourself during the design process. Practices like mindful breathing or gratitude exercises can help you remain present and intentional in your choices.

Art as a Tool for Emotional Connection
 Spaces transformed with art and mindfulness are not just visually appealing—they become environments that support emotional growth. As a painting artist, I often reflect on the relationship between my work and the spaces it inhabits. Each piece I create is designed to inspire connection, reflection, and storytelling.
One of the most rewarding aspects of integrating emotional mindfulness into art is the dialogue it creates between the viewer and the piece. When you engage with art on an emotional level, it becomes a living part of your environment, continually influencing your thoughts and feelings.

Start Your Journey with Emotional Mindfulness
 Transforming your space with art and emotional mindfulness is an evolving process, one that invites you to explore your feelings and express them through your surroundings. Whether you’re an artist, a designer, or simply someone seeking a deeper connection with your home, tools like the FeelWise Card Deck can provide invaluable guidance.

To delve further into the science behind emotional mindfulness, visit Feel-Wise.
For practical tools to begin your journey, follow FeelWise on Instagram at @feelwiser.
Explore the FeelWise Card Deck on Amazon here.

Elevate your space, your emotions, and your creativity—because every corner of your environment has the potential to inspire greatness. This article integrates my perspective as an artist while showcasing the transformative potential of emotional mindfulness and art. Let your space tell a story, one emotion at a time.

 Jonathan Paul Jackson has a rare gift—he creates art that doesn’t merely exist on the surface but reaches deeply into the viewer’s emotions, personal histories, and sense of self. His latest mixed-media floral painting, a vibrant yet complex piece on a reclaimed wood panel, is an evocative journey through nature, nostalgia, and artistic intent.
This work, a stunning blend of photography, paint, and found material, stands as a prime example of Jackson’s ability to navigate the delicate space between personal expression and marketable creativity. Having had the privilege of collaborating with him on a song for my album, I know how deeply he wrestles with these dualities. During our time together, he spoke passionately about the challenges of staying true to one’s artistic vision while remaining approachable in an art world that often demands commercial viability. This painting captures that dialogue—raw, intentional, and unapologetically layered.

First Impressions: A Field Brought to Life
 At first glance, the painting feels alive. Flowers bloom across the surface in hues of bright orange, subtle peach, and bold yellow, interspersed with white poppy-like forms and black-eyed Susans. The greenery is lush, with swaths of vibrant green paint blending into the photographic imagery of wildflowers beneath. This interplay between realistic photography and hand-painted elements creates a beautiful tension—a dance between what is real and what is imagined.
The choice of reclaimed wood as the painting’s base adds another layer of narrative. The natural imperfections in the wood—cracks, knots, and grain—become part of the composition, grounding the work in authenticity. It’s as if the painting itself has grown organically, emerging from the material like the flowers it depicts.

A Story of Process and Layering
 What sets Jackson apart from many contemporary artists is his intricate process, which he reveals in part through this YouTube channel. This video offers glimpses into his creative methods, showing how he merges photography and painting seamlessly.
In this particular work, he begins with a photographic base, likely a collage of images he has taken or curated. This foundation is then painted over, not to obscure but to enhance. The flowers, which at first seem to sit atop the wood, feel deeply embedded within the surface. The transparency and opacity of the painted layers suggest an ebb and flow—moments where the artist lets the original photograph speak and others where he imposes his vision.
The strokes of green paint dripping down the piece evoke the feeling of rain washing through a meadow. Meanwhile, the smears of orange and the bold outlines of the flowers add energy and movement. This is a painting that demands to be explored slowly; each layer has its own voice, its own purpose.

The Duality of Self-Expression and Marketability
 During our creative collaboration, Jonathan shared something that has stayed with me: “Art is a conversation you have with yourself first, but the moment it goes out into the world, it becomes a product of dialogue with others.” His work reflects this philosophy, especially in its ability to balance deeply personal themes with broader, universal appeal.
This painting feels like an extension of that idea. The wildflowers are not only a celebration of natural beauty but also a metaphor for artistic growth and resilience. They bloom defiantly, even on a surface as unpredictable and raw as reclaimed wood. It’s an allegory for Jackson’s artistic journey—one that thrives in the spaces between self-discovery and external validation.
Yet, the painting also nods to its audience. The vibrant colors and approachable subject matter make it accessible, almost inviting. It’s a piece that could easily find a home in a gallery or a private collection, speaking to both art connoisseurs and casual admirers.

Art as Connection
​ What makes Jackson’s work so compelling is his ability to connect.  The interplay of photography and paint mirrors the way we layer our lives—our memories, our experiences, and the stories we choose to tell. And much like his process, those layers aren’t always neat or linear. They drip, bleed, and overlap, creating something far richer than what could be achieved through precision alone.

A Reflection on Legacy
 Jonathan Paul Jackson’s work is more than a snapshot of his talent—it’s a legacy in progress. This painting, with its vibrant flowers and tactile wooden base, feels timeless. It’s as though the piece belongs to nature itself, yet it carries the unmistakable mark of its creator.
In an art world often dominated by trends, Jackson continues to chart his own course. His work reminds us that beauty isn’t found in perfection but in authenticity. The cracks in the wood, the drips of paint, the blurred edges of a photograph—all of these imperfections come together to form something whole.

Explore More of Jackson’s Artistry
 To truly appreciate Jonathan Paul Jackson’s work, one must not only see it but also understand the process and philosophy behind it. This YouTube video provides an intimate look into his studio practice, offering a glimpse of the thought and care that goes into each piece.
Art is a journey, both for the artist and the viewer. This floral mixed-media piece is an invitation to step into Jonathan Paul Jackson’s world—a place where nature and humanity coexist, where beauty is as much about the process as the final product, and where every layer tells a story.

Jonathan Paul Jackson is a name that continues to resonate within the contemporary art scene, captivating audiences with his ability to intertwine cultural references, textured elements, and profound symbolism. His work is a dialogue between history and the present, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and transformation. In this analysis, we’ll delve into one of his standout mixed-media pieces—a deeply layered work that masterfully combines the human, the historical, and the abstract.

The First Encounter: A Multi-Sensory Experience
 Looking at Jackson’s artwork, the first thing that strikes you is the central figure: a sculptural head resembling the Benin bronzes, with its intricate patterns and regal posture. This element serves as the focal point, anchoring the piece in a rich cultural narrative. The sculpture’s metallic texture contrasts beautifully with the surrounding bursts of color and patterns, creating a visual push-and-pull that draws the viewer deeper into the work.
The piece is not simply a representation of history; it is a reinterpretation. Surrounding the bronze figure are layered strokes of black, red, and orange, paired with geometric patterns and translucent overlays. These additions feel almost like a force field—perhaps suggesting the way cultural heritage is both preserved and under constant pressure from outside forces.

Texture as Narrative
 One of Jackson’s most remarkable strengths is his ability to incorporate texture into his storytelling. In this painting, you can almost feel the roughness of the fabric, the weight of the bronze, and the transient nature of the painterly strokes. The choice of materials and the tactile appearance of the work remind us that art is not merely to be observed—it is to be felt.
The interplay of textures also reflects the layered nature of identity. The central sculpture represents heritage and tradition, while the surrounding chaos—drips of paint, splashes of color, and industrial motifs—suggests modernity’s impositions. This juxtaposition captures the tension of living between worlds, of being rooted in history while navigating contemporary landscapes.

Symbolism: A Bridge Between Eras
 In the center of this work lies a narrative that speaks volumes without uttering a word. The face of the sculpture bears marks of time and wear, suggesting the resilience of cultural identities in the face of adversity. The bright, almost neon-colored objects—such as the pale purple embellishment adorning the sculpture—introduce a sense of the surreal.
These additions feel like interruptions, reminding us of the ways in which cultural legacies are often appropriated or altered by outside influences. Yet, Jackson’s choices also imply that this “disruption” can serve as a reinvention, allowing for growth and transformation without losing the essence of the original.

A Personal Reflection: A Conversation with Jonathan Paul Jackson
 When I first encountered Jonathan’s work, it wasn’t just the art that stayed with me—it was the conversation. I remember sitting down with him during one of his studio visits, where he spoke about the inspirations behind his pieces. He shared how he often feels like an archaeologist of emotions and identities, piecing together fragments of memory, culture, and imagination into something whole.
This painting reminds me of his words: “Art isn’t about perfection; it’s about starting a conversation—sometimes with yourself.” It’s clear that this work is an extension of that philosophy. Every detail invites dialogue, whether it’s the choice of patterns along the border, which echo African textiles, or the painterly marks that feel as though they were added in a moment of creative spontaneity.

The Emotional Weight of Patterns and Colors
 The borders of the painting are adorned with geometric patterns—zigzags, linear motifs, and textures that feel both ancient and modern. These elements not only frame the central figure but also act as a bridge, connecting the past and present.
The use of red and orange along the left side creates an emotional intensity, while the cooler tones of blue and white at the bottom ground the piece. These colors work together to create a sense of duality: fire and calm, conflict and resolution.
The black cross-like marks in the foreground remind me of maps or grids, perhaps suggesting paths, boundaries, or even crossroads. They anchor the piece, providing structure amid the chaos.

Why This Painting Matters
 Jonathan Paul Jackson’s work always leaves you with more questions than answers, and this painting is no exception. It compels us to reflect on our own identities, our connection to history, and the ways in which we adapt and transform through time.
This particular piece is a celebration of resilience, a reminder that even amidst chaos, there is beauty and strength. Jackson challenges us to see history not as something static but as something alive—evolving with each layer, each mark, and each reinterpretation.

Explore More of Jonathan Paul Jackson’s Work
​ Jonathan Paul Jackson’s work is more than just art—it’s an experience. To see more of his incredible creations and gain insight into his artistic process, visit his Instagram profile. Each post is a glimpse into his creative world, showcasing the breadth and depth of his talent.
For those who appreciate art that challenges, inspires, and connects us to something greater, Jackson’s work is not to be missed.

 As an artist, my work often feels like a dialogue—a silent exchange between myself and the emotions I strive to capture on canvas. Art, after all, is deeply intertwined with emotion; it has the power to reflect our most intimate joys, fears, and vulnerabilities. But creating emotionally resonant art is no accident. It requires understanding, channeling, and ultimately mastering one’s emotions.
This is where tools like the FeelWise Card Deck become invaluable. By integrating emotional awareness into the creative process, artists can uncover new layers of depth and authenticity in their work. Drawing inspiration from my painting practice and the principles of emotional intelligence, I’ll share how you can nurture powerful art pieces in the modern world.

Why Emotional Awareness Matters in Art
 Emotional awareness isn't just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of creativity. According to research highlighted on Feel-Wise, emotions shape our perceptions, decisions, and interactions. This science reveals that understanding emotions enhances not only personal growth but also creative problem-solving. For artists, this means delving into the emotional core of your ideas to produce work that resonates with others on a profound level.
When I painted Poetry of Solace, a piece from my series The Lost, I explored themes of quiet reflection and the bittersweet nature of solitude. Every stroke on the canvas was informed by the emotions I identified and processed through reflective practices. Emotions, when consciously engaged, act as a compass that guides your creative direction.

The FeelWise Card Deck: A Catalyst for Creativity
 The FeelWise Card Deck is an innovative tool designed to help individuals identify and channel their emotions effectively. It comprises 156 emotion identification cards and 60 mindfulness cards, making it a practical resource for artists seeking emotional clarity.
When used in the studio, the card deck can inspire creative breakthroughs by:

1. Identifying Emotional States: Use the emotion cards to name and explore your feelings before starting a piece. For example, are you feeling serene, restless, or contemplative?
2. Transforming Emotions into Action: The mindfulness cards offer techniques to process and channel these emotions into creative energy. A practice like mindful breathing can help center your thoughts, opening a clearer path to artistic expression.
3. Deepening Emotional Storytelling: By reflecting on specific emotions, you can infuse your work with nuanced narratives, making it more relatable to viewers.

Imagine standing before a blank canvas, grappling with creative block. Instead of frustration, you draw an emotion card labeled 'Craving' and reflect on what this feeling means to you. Through mindfulness exercises, this abstract emotion evolves into a tangible concept, becoming the foundation for your next masterpiece.

Practical Applications in Modern Art
 In today’s fast-paced world, art serves as both an escape and a mirror to society’s emotional landscape. By cultivating emotional awareness, artists can create works that speak to universal experiences while remaining deeply personal.
Take, for instance, my painting Epitaph of Feelings. This mixed-media piece explores the tension between vulnerability and resilience, themes I identified after engaging with mindfulness techniques. The process was transformative: I wasn’t just creating art; I was weaving my emotional journey into something tangible.

The FeelWise Card Deck can serve a similar purpose for modern artists, particularly those working in abstract, conceptual, or narrative styles. Here’s how you can integrate it into your practice:

• Journaling: Begin your creative session by journaling about the emotions you identify with the card deck. Writing helps clarify your thoughts and uncovers hidden layers of meaning.
• Inspiration Board: Create an emotion-based inspiration board by pairing the cards with colors, textures, or shapes that reflect their essence.
• Mindful Breaks: Use the mindfulness cards during creative lulls to regain focus and inspiration.

Building a More Authentic Connection with Viewers
 Art has always been about connection—between the artist and the work, and between the work and its audience. Emotional awareness amplifies this connection, as it ensures authenticity in every brushstroke. When viewers encounter my paintings, I hope they feel the emotions I poured into them: the yearning, the joy, the quiet melancholy.
The beauty of tools like the FeelWise Card Deck is their universality. They’re not just for artists but for anyone seeking to understand and express their emotions. By incorporating emotional intelligence into your art, you’re not only enhancing your creative process but also inviting others to embark on their own emotional journeys through your work.

Conclusion
 In a world where emotions often feel overwhelming or suppressed, art provides a powerful outlet for expression and connection. Emotional awareness, facilitated by resources like the FeelWise Card Deck, transforms art from mere aesthetic to meaningful storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning your journey, embracing this practice will deepen your relationship with creativity and with yourself.
For more information about the science of emotional awareness, visit Http://www.Feel-wise.com. To begin your journey with the FeelWise Card Deck, purchase it on Amazon here.

In the world of contemporary art, few artists manage to capture the delicate balance between natural beauty and human intervention as Jonathan Paul Jackson does. Known for his striking mixed-media pieces that blend photography, painting, and textured elements, Jackson’s work invites viewers to engage deeply with themes of transformation, disruption, and harmony. Today, I want to take you on a journey through one of his evocative paintings that seamlessly marries organic and abstract forms, leaving us questioning the boundaries between nature and creativity.

First Impressions: The Power of Vibrancy
 At first glance, Jackson’s piece commands attention with its vivid depiction of poppies, rendered in a mesmerizing combination of photography and paint. The bold reds of the flowers create a captivating contrast against the lush greens of the background, evoking feelings of life, vitality, and fragility. The floral imagery feels rooted in nature, yet something about its execution—the irregular placement, the layering, and the occasional interruption—sets it apart from traditional botanical art.
This initial impression is quickly disrupted by the bold swaths of orange paint splashed across the composition. While the natural elements suggest serenity and growth, the painterly interruptions hint at something deeper: the chaos and unpredictability of the human experience. These layers force us to look beyond the surface beauty, encouraging a deeper reflection on the relationships between nature, humanity, and art itself.

A Deeper Dive: The Mediums in Conversation
 One of Jackson’s most compelling qualities as an artist is his masterful use of mixed media. In this particular piece, he combines photographic elements with painterly techniques, creating a layered and textured aesthetic that feels both modern and timeless. The photographic base anchors the work in reality, while the painted overlays challenge it, making the viewer oscillate between the familiar and the abstract.
The addition of an earthy, textured border resembling burlap or rough paper provides yet another dimension. This tactile frame creates the illusion of a contained environment—a microcosm where art and nature coexist. The painted red flowers extending into the border are particularly intriguing, as they blur the boundaries between the central composition and its surrounding space. It’s as if Jackson is reminding us that art, like nature, cannot be contained.

Themes of Disruption and Transformation
 Jackson’s use of bold orange paint feels deliberate and provocative. Positioned across the delicate floral imagery, it disrupts the tranquil scene with an almost aggressive energy. This splash of color could symbolize various themes: the impact of human intervention on nature, the raw energy of creativity, or even the idea of growth through chaos. The juxtaposition of these elements asks the viewer to consider how beauty and disorder can coexist in a single space.
Furthermore, the contrast between the photographic precision and the expressive brushstrokes adds a narrative layer to the piece. Is this a commentary on the evolving relationship between humans and the environment? Or is it an exploration of how art, much like nature, thrives in moments of unpredictability? Jackson’s work doesn’t offer clear answers, but it invites us to sit with these questions, making it all the more engaging.

The Emotional Resonance of Texture
 Another standout feature of this piece is its textured quality. The uneven, rough edges of the border give the work an earthy, organic feel, grounding it in the physical world. At the same time, the brushstrokes and splashes of paint evoke a sense of urgency and spontaneity, as though the artist captured a fleeting moment of creative expression. This dynamic interplay between permanence and impermanence mirrors the cycles of life and decay found in nature.
The tactile quality of the piece is not just visual—it’s emotional. It draws you in, making you want to reach out and touch it, to feel the layers and textures that make up its composition. This physicality transforms the act of viewing into an intimate experience, where the viewer becomes part of the artwork’s narrative.

Why Jonathan Paul Jackson’s Work Matters 
 Jonathan Paul Jackson’s art is more than just visually stunning—it’s thought-provoking, immersive, and deeply relevant. His ability to blend traditional and contemporary techniques, while addressing complex themes, sets him apart in the contemporary art scene. This piece exemplifies his unique approach, where beauty and disruption coexist to create something truly extraordinary.
As someone who has had the privilege of knowing Jackson personally and experiencing his work firsthand, I can say with confidence that his art leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone simply looking to explore the world of contemporary art, I highly recommend seeking out his exhibitions. Witnessing his art in person is a transformative experience, and it’s one I encourage you not to miss.

Discover More About Jonathan Paul Jackson
 To explore more of Jonathan Paul Jackson’s incredible work, I encourage you to visit his profile on Foltz Fine Art Gallery. There, you’ll find a deeper dive into his creative process and a selection of his latest pieces. His art challenges us, inspires us, and, most importantly, reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit.

 Moll Brau's paintings are more than visual compositions—they are visceral experiences. They command attention, demanding that the viewer engage not just with their eyes but with their entire emotional spectrum. In the work before us, Brau explores the fragility and tenacity of the human spirit with vibrant hues, dynamic forms, and an arresting sense of vulnerability. As someone who finds great inspiration in Brau's art, I often return to her pieces to reconnect with what it truly means to be alive—those raw, unfiltered moments where emotion becomes tangible. Every brushstroke is a testament to the chaotic beauty of existence.

 In this painting, Brau captures a figure caught mid-motion, almost as if in suspended animation. The figure’s pose is unconventional—legs contorted, body twisting, and arms stretched taut, holding a bow and arrow in a moment of paradoxical strength and vulnerability. The viewer is drawn to the dramatic juxtaposition of the bow's tension against the supple curves of the body. The figure seems to float, defying gravity, evoking a sense of both power and precariousness. The vibrant, fiery background of oranges and yellows engulfs the canvas, conjuring an atmosphere of both warmth and intensity. This color palette suggests a moment of transformation, as if the figure is preparing to release not just the arrow but an internal burden, ready to relinquish something deeply personal.

 The fluidity of Brau’s style is unmistakable. Her mastery of blending bold, sweeping brushstrokes with more delicate details creates a dreamlike atmosphere, leaving the viewer with a sense of being caught between two worlds. The energetic splashes of neon yellows and greens across the lower half of the canvas are striking—suggesting moments of chaos or vitality interrupting the organic flow of the composition. These seemingly sporadic bursts of color infuse the painting with a sense of immediacy and urgency. Brau's work often walks the line between control and abandon, and this piece is no exception.

 One of the most compelling aspects of this painting is the figure’s face. Tilted upwards, it suggests both yearning and surrender. The expression is ambiguous—part pain, part ecstasy—leaving room for interpretation. This openness allows the viewer to project their own emotions onto the work, making it deeply personal. In this way, Brau does not just create art; she invites a dialogue, a shared experience of what it means to feel, to hope, and to struggle.

 Moll Brau is, without a doubt, one of my favorite artists represented in Austin, TX. Every piece she creates seems to embody the emergent thoughts and feelings that accompany those very real, very human moments of being alive. Her work is a celebration of the complexity of existence—the joy, the pain, the beauty, and the chaos. To think of Brau’s art is to remember that life is not meant to be tidy or predictable, but instead, vibrant and untamed.

 Brau's background informs much of her artistic perspective. Represented by Martha's Contemporary in Austin, Texas, Brau is a painter whose work emphasizes physicality, emotion, and movement. Her art blurs the lines between abstraction and figuration, exploring themes of identity, human experience, and the body’s ability to convey complex emotions. Each piece feels like an extension of her personal exploration, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on their own internal landscapes.
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 For those looking to delve deeper into Brau’s work or to see this painting in person, visit Martha’s Contemporary. This gallery is a cornerstone of Austin’s art scene, known for its dedication to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art. Martha's Contemporary continually fosters emerging talent, offering a platform where artists like Moll Brau can push the boundaries of expression. If you are in Austin, I highly recommend experiencing her work firsthand—it is an encounter with raw emotion and undeniable talent that you will not forget.