JoDee Luna's Blog

Whispers of a Bluebird: Finding Hope Through Art and Song

“Grandma, play Bluebird!”
That’s the first request my grandchildren make when I’m babysitting—a phrase as sweet as birdsong, stirring joy and cherished memories. But Bluebird, the painting featured in this video, was born from a much deeper place.

Created during a season of depression and fear, Bluebird represents fortitude—the mental and emotional strength to face adversity—and its gentle counterpart, patience.

The song “Bluebird”, composed by Deborah Keily Hanson, beautifully accompanies this story, adding a soulful layer of hope and resilience.

This video shares the journey behind the painting and music:

How a dream of holding fortitude like a bouquet sparked inspirationWhy the bluebird became a symbol of hope, faith, and perseveranceHow patience and courage intertwine when pursuing creative dreams

Through brushstrokes, music, and reflection, Bluebird reminds us to keep believing, even when the path feels slow or hard.

 Explore More

 Listen to the entire song by composer Deborah Keily Hanson: Bluebird

Reproductions available on my Fine Art America Shop.

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Luna Arts & ED Featured in Shoutout LA Magazine!

I’m honored and beyond excited to share that Luna Arts & ED LLC and our team’s work as artists and educators was recently featured in Shoutout LA Magazine!

As someone who deeply values creativity, community, and the power of education, being recognized by a business that highlights local change makers and visionaries is such a meaningful milestone.

The Heart Behind Luna Arts & ED

In the interview, I had the opportunity to share the journey that led to the birth of Luna Arts & ED LLC—a space where the arts meet education to inspire lifelong learning, emotional growth, and self-expression. From my years as an educator to the transition into entrepreneurship, every step has been driven by a passion to make arts education more accessible, joyful, and impactful.

I talked about:

The mission behind Luna Arts & ED and JoDee Luna ArtHow we integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and arts-integration into classrooms and communitiesThe beautiful synergy between creative expression and personal healingAnd, of course, the incredible team and support system (shoutout to Justin Luna and our artist-educator collaborators!)Why This Feature Matters

Being featured by Shoutout LA is more than just a spotlight—it’s a celebration of the work we’re doing to bring art into homes, schools, and hearts. It’s a reminder that when we lead with passion, purpose, and authenticity, people notice. It fuels my desire to keep showing up, creating, and serving the creative community with all my heart.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Thank you to Shoutout LA for the thoughtful feature and for giving small businesses, artists, and educators a platform to share their stories. I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition and even more inspired to continue growing Luna Arts & ED into a space that nurtures both artistic and academic potential in every learner.

You can read the full article here:  Shoutout LA: Meet JoDee Luna – Artist, Author & Owner of Luna Arts & ED LLC

With heart, soul, and creativity,
JoDee Luna 
Artist | Author | Arts Integration Advocate

Empowered Women: The Strength Behind ‘Imagine’ Painting

Imagine is an oil on canvas dedicated to women who are not waiting for a Prince Charming to rescue them.

Women whose faith and courage make them bold and beautiful. Women who believe and pursue their God-given calling.

The Visual Story of Imagine

In this painting, a resolute woman sits astride a powerful white horse, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Clad in flowing garments reminiscent of pure white linen, she rides with strength and grace, embodying a spirit of unwavering faith. The ethereal background suggests a heavenly expanse, evoking the triumph of those who trust in their divine purpose. Through the interplay of light and texture, the painting captures the essence of resilience and divine empowerment.

The Scriptural Connection

Revelation 19:14 states: “The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.”

The historical significance of this scripture is compelling. In ancient Rome, victorious generals would celebrate their triumphs with a grand procession, leading their armies on horseback through the city. The white horse symbolized victory, power, and divine favor. Unlike the captives who followed in chains, the victorious warriors rode freely, honoring their leader.

This verse reminds us that as believers, we are not captives but participants in the victory of Christ. Women, too, are part of this procession—riding with strength, dignity, and purpose. Imagine captures this victorious journey, inviting women to embrace their divine calling rather than wait for external validation.

A Personal Reflection

The inspiration for Imagine came from witnessing the journeys of courageous women who step out in faith, pursuing their dreams despite challenges. Whether in art, education, or leadership, I have seen women rise, unshackled by doubt or societal expectations. This painting is a tribute to them—to us—as we ride boldly into our purpose.

Join the Conversation

How does this image of strength and victory resonate with you? Have you ever had a moment when you felt called to step forward in faith and courage? I invite you to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the strength within us and inspire one another to keep moving forward.

Watch the creation process of Imagine here:

The Journey of Words: Rediscovering Flow in Writing

The impish author I’d grown to think an impostor starts to perform again. 

The magical mystery befuddles me.

How can a once prolific practice abate when I paint? I wonder.

Then the stirring starts.

I’m enamored with the flow and cadence of thoughts transforming into words.

With passion and purpose the prose progresses.

I’ll never figure out the why and the how.

But I strongly suspect there is someone on the other side who does.

Perhaps it’s His breath blowing through the veil that separates earth from eternity?

Are you a multi-faceted creative who finds yourself in this dilemma?

Your passion for more than one creative expression causes an ebb and flow in each. When you’re painting or sculpturing, the words don’t flow so readily. When you’re on a writing bender, you don’t feel like painting.

I’ve found it helpful to resist fighting the frustration, but going with whatever is working at the time. Trusting the Creator of All to inspire what is on His heart for me to write, paint, or create.

What are your experiences with creative blocks or the ebb and flow of inspiration? I’d love to hear back from you in the comments if this resonates.

If you’re a multi-faceted creative in need of ongoing encouragement, sign up for my email list and digital magazine, Artistry Unleashed, for access to a host of resources:

Artistry Unleashed

is for creatives who want to develop talents and use those talents to make a difference in their world. Artistic types in need of encouragement, inspiration, and helpful tips for making art easy, writing flow, or crafting creative.

Subscribe to the JoDee Luna Art Email List so you don’t miss an issue!

Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics

I’ve also written a book for multi-faceted creatives. A self-help/creativity book for people who simply cannot commit to a single form of creative expression. 

Select this link to purchase on Amazon: Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics

Read more about the book by visiting https://jodeelunaart.com/book/

Step Away to Create: Managing Overwhelm as an Artist

In creativity as in life, sometimes feelings of overwhelm call for us to step away. To get fresh perspective. To see our art or circumstances through new eyes. 

The online Collins Dictionary defines overwhelm: 

“If something is overwhelming, it affects you very strongly, and you do not know how to deal with it.”

The antidote: 

“The task won’t feel so overwhelming if you break it down into small, easy-to-accomplish steps.”

10 Learnings That Changed How I Think About Emotions by Brene Brown quotes Jon Kata-Zinn’s Mindfulness research findings to describe overwhelm:

The feeling “our lives are somehow unfolding faster than the human nervous system and psyche are able to manage well.” 

The antidote is “non-doing time.” 

For the artist, it is important to step away and take some “non-doing time.” Whatever rests your brain and settles your emotions.

Take a walk.Listen to music that relaxes you. Rest with your eyes by closing them.Enjoy your garden, soaking in the sunshine.

It is also crucial to “break the project down into small, easy-to-achieve steps.”

To do this, we focus on improving the skills we need to move ahead:

Watch YouTube instructional videos. Take an art class to get expert advice from an accomplished artist.

It’s also helpful to join online groups that support people with similar creative passions.

Join an Artists for Joy Creative Cluster with Merideth Hite Estevez. Join a writers’ community like YPM, Your Platform Matters, and get expert coaching with Ann Kroeker.

These are all positive steps I’ve taken. They improve my art, writing, and platform-building skills. These skills will help me self-publish my next manuscript some day.

My recent painting project, “Imagine,” comes to mind when I think about overwhelm for the artistic. Taking process videos helps me to look at the painting with fresh eyes:

As I watch the videos, I see areas I need to improve.

I painted “Imagine” up to a certain point until overwhelm froze my brush in midair.

I knew I needed to step away to get fresh perspective.

The day after posting a new photo on Facebook, I noticed her dress was too high on one side. “I’ll have to adjust that,” I muttered.

I’m moving into uncharted territory having never painted a horse. Just the thought of it envelopes me in overwhelm.

Time to step away again. Look at up-close images of horses’ faces. I will also watch a few YouTube videos to learn techniques before going further.. 

“A journey begins with one step.”

An art project continues with “…small, easy to accomplish steps.”

A book begins with writing but progresses with coaching support.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as an artist, writer, or any other creative, remember it’s okay to step away. Seek help if needed and then try again.

If you’re a creative in need of ongoing encouragement, join my email list so you don’t miss a newsletter. You’ll also get free resources only for subscribers: https://mailchi.mp/5210fe4b3ab8/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives

Connect with me around the web: https://linktr.ee/jodeeluna

All God’s Creatures Great and Small

African animals surround a modern-day Adam and Eve in this oil on canvas.

From the tall the giraffe and ominous elephant to the tiny hummingbird and baby in the woman’s womb, all are God’s creatures.

I appreciate seeing the painting through the eyes of others. Here’s a few of the encouraging comments I received:

“Love this so much! It’s what peace looks like.” – Jane Catlin Anderson

“Truly, the attention to detail and textures in this piece are incredible! I have been eyeing it for a while, and I keep seeing something new or interesting or surprising…it’s remarkable, JoDee, and is such a beautiful, and holy, work! You have honestly captured worship in this painting!!” – Mary Vance Thompson Berlin

“Powerful! A glimpse of heaven. . .all at peace. You did an amazing job.” – Linda Huard

Embrace the Creative Stirring: Tips for Artists and Writers

The creative stirring starts. 

Sleep evades me, so I rise early to write. 

The Creative Stirring

This sense that something is missing. There’s more to come. God has other opportunities on the way.

My mind mulls over what I read on  https://janefriedman.com:
Is It a Book? 5 Ways to Test Your Nonfiction Book Idea by Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser .

A suggestion listed under ways to “differentiate your book from others like it” creates a stirring: A fresh form, i.e., adding photos to prose, etc.

This reminds me of a project I started years ago but never finished.  

I creating book collections that merged art and photography with inspirational writings. I started the project by collecting photographs of my paintings. I also included the inspirational writings that go with them into a book template.

But the template style didn’t fit. Years ago, a work colleague, Kristi, suggested I make table top books. At the time I’d never heard about InDesign.

I’ve thought about what it would take to do this. I would need to develop my InDesign skills to include interior and cover book design. The challenge excites and yet terrifies. But something inside urges me to embrace this challenge.

I envision the creative stirring like hot wax of creativity poured into candles that light the way. 

One of my recent reads does just that.

ALL THAT IS MADE
A Guide to Faith and the Creative Life by Alabaster

What a powerful message found in the book’s description:

“Our makings come from the larger backdrop of God’s creative canvas.”

Now that connects with the artist in me! Here’s another inspirational excerpt:

“You have a part—let that sink in. Everything you create in the Spirit of the One who gives purpose is another building block in his glorious work to bring his peace, wholeness, love, and light to this world.” 

The Creative Stirring

It takes time to discern the creative stirring. To strain those heavenly whispers from earthly ambitions. 

To open our minds to new possibilities.

To embrace creating in ways we never thought of before. Or have held in our hearts for years but never pursued because we…

feared the unknowndoubted the idea lacked the skills

But what if we dared to process the creative stirring through journal writing?

Discussed our idea with a trusted creative?

What if the creative stirring developed into a new direction?

What if who we were meant to be waits for us on the other side of the creative stirring?

What if what we were meant to do waits for us there as well?

Would we press in?

Would we dare?

Would we believe?

Would we try to pursue the creative stirring?

Overcoming similar challenges has led to personal growth and creativity: Learning how to create websites, painting portraits, photograph paintings, post on social media, and self-publish my own book:

Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics.

What about you?

Is something stirring inside of you?

If so, do you find yourself fearful?

Try these simple steps to overcome your obstacles so you can pursue the creative stirring:

Process the stirring through journal writing.Share your idea(s) with a trusted creative.Research to discover the skills you will need and where you can learn those skills.

I encourage you to share your own experiences and fears related to pursuing the creative stirring in a comment.

Let’s pray for each other as we embrace the creative stirring!

Inspiration and Resources for Creatives

If you’re a creative in search of support, check out Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. You can download editions from this page: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/.

Join my email list so you don’t miss an edition.

Subscribers also have access to free DIY arts and craft lessons. You get inspiration you can print and frame.

Embrace the Creative Stirring: Tips for Artists

The creative stirring starts. 

Sleep evades me, so I rise early to write. 

The Creative Stirring

This sense that something is missing. There’s more to come. God has other opportunities on the way.

My mind mulls over what I read on  https://janefriedman.com:
Is It a Book? 5 Ways to Test Your Nonfiction Book Idea by Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser .

A suggestion listed under ways to “differentiate your book from others like it” creates a stirring: A fresh form, i.e., adding photos to prose, etc.

This reminded me of a project I started years ago but never finished.  

I creating book collections that merged art and photography with inspirational writings. I started the project by collecting photographs of my paintings. I also included the inspirational writings that go with them into a book template.

But the template style didn’t fit. Years ago, a work colleague, Kristi, suggested I make table top books. At the time I’d never heard about InDesign.

I’ve thought about what it would take to do this. I would need to develop my InDesign skills to include interior and cover book design. The challenge excites and yet terrifies. But something inside urges me to embrace this challenge.

I envision the creative stirring like hot wax of creativity poured into candles that light the way. 

One of my recent reads does just that.

ALL THAT IS MADE
A Guide to Faith and the Creative Life by Alabaster

What a powerful message found in the book’s description:

“Our makings come from the larger backdrop of God’s creative canvas.”

Now that connects with the artist in me! Here’s another powerful excerpt:

“You have a part—let that sink in. Everything you create in the Spirit of the One who gives purpose is another building block in his glorious work to bring his peace, wholeness, love, and light to this world.” 

The Creative Stirring

It takes time to discern the creative stirring. To parse out those heavenly whispers from earthly ambitions. 

To open our minds to new possibilities.

To embrace creating in ways we never thought of before. Or have held in our hearts for years but never pursued because we…

feared the unknowndoubted the idea lacked the skills

But what if we dared to process the creative stirring through journal writing?

Discussed our idea with a trusted creative?

What if the creative stirring developed into a new direction?

What if who we were meant to be waits for us on the other side of the creative stirring?

What if what we were meant to do waits for us there as well?

Would we press in?

Would we dare?

Would we believe?

Would we try to pursue the creative stirring?

Overcoming similar challenges has led to personal growth and creativity: Learning how to create websites, painting portraits, photograph paintings, post on social media, and self-publish my own book:

Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics.

What about you?

Is something stirring inside of you?

If so, do you find yourself fearful?

Try these simple steps to overcome your obstacles so you can pursue the creative stirring:

Process the stirring through journal writing.Share your idea(s) with a trusted creative.Research to discover the skills you will need and where you can learn those skills.

I encourage you to share your own experiences and fears related to pursuing the creative stirring in a comment.

Let’s pray for each other as we embrace the creative stirring!

Inspiration and Resources for Creatives

If you’re a creative in search of support, check out Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. You can download editions from this page: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/.

Join my email list so you don’t miss an edition.

Subscribers also have access to free DIY arts and craft lessons. You get inspiration you can print and frame.

Summer Sippin’ Wiens Cellars Winery Mixed Media

My sister and I spent a delightful day painting at the Wiens Cellars Winery. Fostering Creativity: Art Experiences to Infuse Your Soul with Inspiration features this art experience.

I painted a mixed media portrait with photos I took around and in the winery.

Here’s a video of the design and painting process:

For more DIY arts and crafts tutorials, subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Also check out Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. You can download editions from this page: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/.

Join my email list so you don’t miss an edition.

Subscribers also have access to free DIY arts and craft lessons. You get inspiration you can print and frame.

Fostering Creativity: Art Experiences to Infuse Your Soul with Inspiration

When was the last time you felt creative joy?

Merideth Hite Estevez presented this question to her Artists for Joy Creative Cluster I recently joined. 

“Fuel your creative well-being with our supportive community!” A promise Merideth not only makes but supports with what she describes as a “…15-week adventure to experience joy in our creative practice among friends and fellow artists.”

“Going to the Sawdust and Art A Fair Art Festivals,” I replied to the break-out group. This took place after the main session. 

I shared how the festivals infused my husband, sister, and brother-in-law with creativity! 

I’ve thought a lot about Merideth’s question she also asks in her book, The Artist’s Joy.

The question presented in another form today: What makes you feel most alive?

My mind’s answer was immediate, Painting with my sister at the Wiens Cellar Winery with family and friends visiting nearby. 

Precious people and painting merged into one grand day. 

Contentment infused with creating. 

I’ve thought a lot about art experiences lately. Ideas for creating these special times are as vast as one’s imagination. 

They can be as simple as paint and sip nights with friends. 

Attending a local art association where you can watch a demonstrator and chat with other artists. 

Or doing arts and crafts with children and grandchildren.

While painting at the Wiens Cellar Winery in Temecula, California, my grandson asked if he could draw next to us. 

“Grandma, how do you know what to paint?”

“Watch Auntie Gina,” I answered. “See how she paints grape vines along a border?” 

He took out his paper, pencil, and markers and created a drawing with bright green grape vines. 

“Grandma, I wish I could paint right now. I’m better at painting than drawing.”

“Next time, we will bring your easel and paints.” I assured him. 

Art Experiences.

Doing what you love with the people you love!

Creativity grows in clusters like grapes adorning vines. 

Sharing ideas and inspiration with other artists. Going on fun artistic excursions. Simply setting aside time to paint next to someone.

Something inside grew deep roots the day I painted next my sister at a winery. 

I look forward to the blooms yet to come. 

What art experiences infuse your soul with new inspiration? 

If you’re a creative in search of support, explore the resources at Artists for Joy .

Also check out Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. You can download editions from this page: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/.

Join my email list so you don’t miss an edition.

Subscribers also have access to free DIY arts and craft lessons. You get inspiration you can print and frame.