“Hey friends, Want to hear a SWEET fact? All my art prints are printed in house by Paul, my husband, they are the highest quality prints that you can ever get. 

They are printed on archival paper with archival inks and have a life span of 100 years behind glass! You know what that means? Well, let me explain it to you, that means these prints are going to out last you, which also means you can pass them down to your future generation to enjoy. Isn’t that Amazing? 

The best part is, every one of my prints comes with a story that I lovingly wrote for you, it depends which prints you choose to have in your home, but I do promise you one thing, that each artwork brings only positive living in your home. 

Treat your prints like manifestos, let them inspire your life!

And if you love my art, you are in luck!
I am having a 20% OFF Sitewide Sale effective today Nov 26th and ends on Dec 3rd at midnight. I hope you'll take advantage of it. Happy Shopping my Friends.

With Creative Joy,
​Ting

Self Acceptance Series Print Sale on Now till Nov. 26, Midnight. Click Here

Friends, what is forgiveness? Forgiveness is overcoming ill feelings toward an offense. 

Here is a confession, I have done many things in my life that I am not proud of, and one of the things I am not proud of is my unwillingness to forgive myself.

And I know you can relate,

My empathetic heart is very biased, and I am afraid to say, not in my favor. You see, my friend, I am so quick to forgive everyone that has harmed in my life but so slow at forgiving myself.

Lately, during a conversation with a friend, she expressed the same sentiment, and I thought there is a lesson to be learned here for all of us. 

If we are willing to forgive others, then there should be no difference when it comes to forgiving ourselves. We need to give ourselves grace, overcome our self-resentment, and work towards self-forgiveness.

If we don't forgive ourselves now, then when are we ever going to love ourselves? 

Are we going to lie in bed every night, wishing and hoping that we could have done better? 

Or Are we going to lie in bed every night, thanking God for this beautiful life and try to honor it the best we can?  

Remember, we are only humans, live your life with purpose and be kind to yourself and others. 

Once in a while, you may fall off the cliff, but it does not mean you should self-sabotage, instead learn from it and take control of your happiness by self-accepting. True happiness takes self-mastery, and I am not there yet. :)

Hence the Art series of Self Acceptance is painted. This series is about self-discovery, love, and acceptance. 

This collection of Self Acceptance Artwork will empower you to live your life to the fullest by first accepting and loving yourself. You are beautiful. 

Self Acceptance will suit any boudoir. This charming and feminine series is perfect for any woman that wants to be empowered by her self discovery.

To view this collection, please click onto the pictures below.
Self Acceptance Series Print Sale on Now till Nov. 26, Midnight. Click Here
With a Self Accepting Heart,
Ting

Hey friends, Do you remember the first time you realized your mom loves you?

My mom is not doing well, and I will continue to celebrate her love with you.

I am thinking of my mom and feeling her spirit all around me. She is sad at the moment, but she is LOVED.

I remember my first memory of what love was, and this painting "Unconditional Love", where a girl is sitting, looking at her mom, the Moon, it  tells a story of that day, and what I am about to share with you is the "behind the scene" story.

I was eight years old at that time, and I was no longer living with my mom. I was schooling in Singapore while my parents operated their business in Malaysia.

Anyway, My mom came to visit, and she would usually stay for a few weeks. I was so thrilled to have mom by my side for a little while.

While she was visiting, we would hang out doing nothing in particular, just being with each other was more than enough for me.

One afternoon I came home from school, and she wasn’t around. So I waited for her to return, when she came home she handed me a box, I opened it, and there it was, a pair of shoes! They weren’t anything fancy, they were just regular canvas shoes for school, but it was the thought that counted.

You see, my school shoes were falling apart on me, but I have forgotten to mention them to my mom, but because she deeply cared for me, she has noticed.

In our family culture, love was not expressed verbally nor in grand gesture. Therefore a little gesture like that was a HUGE thing for me.

And that was the precise moment a light bulb went off in my head, and I thought to myself, “That is LOVE!”.

To read the original story of unconditional love, click here: https://www.tingyuenart.com/unconditional-love-print.html

This artwork is perfect for your child's or your mother's room. The original was sold to a lovely lady that had lost her son. I gave a print of this to my mom, it is now hanging in her room in the senior centre.

With unconditional love,
Ting

I come to you with a heavy heart today. I am losing someone dear to my heart, my mom, Mei.

I have painted about my mom and have expressed my love for her in my paintings.

For the past ten years, my mom suffers from Dementia. Last week, my mom fell into an unresponsive state and got hospitalized.

I talk to Mei every week, and ever since the Pandemic, her health has declined, so I called her twice a week.

A month ago, my mom called me, which was surprising to me. You see, since my mom has been suffering from Dementia, she does not do that anymore, My phone number is plaster on her wall, but she does not seem to realize that.

Anyway, she called me out of the blues, to tell me that she found my phone number and that she wants to come and see me. So I agreed that she should, although we should wait till the Pandemic is over to be safe.

The following day, I was elated that she had called the night before. That night, she called again, and I was equally impressed. But I also knew it could be the last of her lucid mind.

Subsequently, the phone calls that followed were a mixture of lucidity and confusion. 

My last conversation with her was a monologue on her part, and I listened. That was the last time I talked to my mom. Mei fell into an unresponsive state and got hospitalized, she has now returned to her senior center to rest.

I have dove into a feeling of deep sorrow, knowing that the days are numbered. 

I did not grow up with my mom since I was 7, I miss out on some life lessons, but I also remember some that are so important that it got seared into my young brain and continued to benefit me till today.

My mom is a complex feminist of many values. She is not perfect by any means. Mei is a songstress with a go-getter tenacity, and she is courageous and adventurous. She was also a successful teacher and businesswoman. 

Above all, my mom was a woman that wanted her girls to have the brightest future possible, so much so that she was willing to give up her identity as a mother. She trusted us to forge our lives like she did when she was little.

Her offspring, my sisters, and I bore a lot of our mother's traits, the good and the bad. 

During these days of grieving, my sister, Precious Pearl, said to me, when you are feeling sad about mom, try to think of the good times that you have spent with her.

And I have so many. Here is one:

"My mom and I went for a walk. I bought her a coffee maker and some coffee. I wanted to train her to drink a cup a day for health benefits.

That gorgeous spring day, Mei and I were having a good time. On our way home, we were chatting up a storm,  oblivious to our surroundings, we got lost. 

So my mom and I went to the closest convenience store and asked the clerk to call us a cab. While we were waiting for the taxi, we shared our misadventure with the clerk. The clerk then pulled out a cab voucher and told us that she does not take cabs and that she got it as a gift. 

The clerk then passed it on to us and told us to use it. Mom and I felt so blessed that we met a lady with such a big heart (I hope she is reading this)  we thought she was just the icing to our adventure. As we rode the taxi home,  we reminisced about the kind clerk and laughed about our misadventure."

Love you, mother,

Now, I would love it, if you could share one of your fondest moment about your mom with me below on the comment.  Let's honor our moms today and every day. <3

With deep sorrow 
​Ting Yuen

So many artists fail at their businesses and here are the reasons why.

Hey friends,

Are you a hobbyist painter working in an uncreative environment that would love to turn your art hobby into a viable business and be your own boss?
So that you can stop working in an uncreative environment, trading time for money?

If this is you, you should read further.

Growing up, I spent most of my free time drawing, sketching and designing gorgeous clothes for my dolls.

In my young, naïve mind, I knew I was going to be an artist or a designer one day. 

When I discovered painting in my twenties, a door of opportunities opened up for me. First of all, I felt obsessed, I wanted to paint every spare moment, and that got me thinking about how I can pivot my hobby into a business.

After a long journey in the restaurant industry, my uninspiring job was taking a toll on my mental health, dissatisfied with my career choice, I had it,  I knew it was time for a change. 

I had an artist streak with an entrepreneurial mind, I wanted to be a full-time artist with a viable art business. 

I also knew it wasn’t going to be an easy transition because I was aware that many artists have failed before me. But my determination led me to set out steps to defy the odds.

How did I know that the Starving Artist myth does not apply to me? Well, I did a research study on the artists that I have met.

Why do most artists fail?

In the art industry, I have met many artists, and most of them do their craft as a part-time hustle because they do not have the confidence to rely solely on their craft. 

The ones that are doing art as a full-time business, most of them are having a hard time making ends meet but not without a lack of talent.  

I have noticed, the ones that fail to have a successful, viable business are lacking mindset skills, perpetual habits, and marketing skills.

From my business point of view, their problems are manageable and solvable. 

Looking back at my career, the biggest needle movers are the 7 Essential Habits that brought me success, the ones that I have set up to defy the odds, and I know it will help you too. 

If you are thinking of turning your side hustle or your hobby into a viable business, I have created a guide to help you to discover the possibility. This guide will bring you from thinking of doing to taking action.

Grab your Guide Below.

I hope you will take action today and go for your dreams and live an inspired, motivated, and creative life with financial independence.

With Creative Joy,
Ting Yuen

​

 " To me, success is making a positive difference through art - making art that affects the world and that changes the way people feel about themselves and the world." Kat Grahan

Hi Friends, thank you for allowing me to visit your inbox every week. I enjoy sending inspirations your way. 
 
You see, I believe that daily positive thinking is viable for a fulfilling life.
 
Did you know before I was a painter, I was working in the service industry? I wore many hats, from serving to managing to a wine sommelier. The industry did not provide my creative soul the satisfaction that my spirit wanted, but it allowed Paul, my husband, and I to live on Cayman Island. He and I moved there as soon as we got married!
 
Unfortunately, one fateful day under the big blue sky of the Caribbean island, my best friend, Paul was injured in a car accident. Our life became wallowed in the great blue sky of pain. Instantly, our life dreams and plans crumbled. The two of us felt despaired, discouraged, and stressed.
 
Paul yearned for me to start painting because he knew it was something that I wanted to do for a very long time, and intuitively he knew it was going to help me to reclaim my sanity.
 
And that is how I started my journey as a painter. As soon as I opened my first tube of paint, painting became my therapy, and that is how my Artist Diary series was born. I painted every spare minute that I could find, and I became obsessed.
 
The joy of painting crafted me a life of self-kindness, it awakened my spirit, and it became a heart-led approach to healing. As I heal, Paul did as well.
 
I am aware that no one has a perfect life, and we all have our own stories to tell, so that is the reason why I paint about life, aspirations, and inspirations. I painted these stories because they helped me to lift my spirit, and when I decided to share my art with the world, the universe brought you to me.
 
Through my art journaling, we share a connection between kindness and possibility, and we helped each other through our darkest hours.
 
Your life may have many life events that are similar to mine, and that is how we find our common grounds. I am forever grateful that through my painting journey, we found each other.
 
This year has been challenging for all of us, and a dose of positive reminders or manifesto is needed, and that is the reason why Paul and I have recently included the painting, Sky's the Limit to our private collection. 

You see, during the last few years of transformation, Paul and I have looked at this painting everyday, she reminded us that our potential to true happiness was limitless. Her message and the manifestation of growth that she brought to us was undeniable.
 
So my friends, when you choose a piece of artwork that you want to live with for years to come, remember it is so much more than what matches your interior design or couch.
 
Choose wall art that reinforces positivity and growth. One that sets the tone for positive living to your life, afterall you have to live with it every day, so why not let your wall decor do more than ecstatic benefit.
 
Let your chosen print or painting be the healer and motivator of your life.
 
The world as you know it may not be ideal, but it is your responsibility to make your life as positive as possible, and sometimes that is to surround yourself with art that reminds you of beauty and goodness in the world.
 
This week, I have created a compilation of artwork that has made a difference in my life, to view the paintings and stories, please scroll down.
 
I would also like to know, which of my artwork has spoken to you with light and encouragement and which one brings you transformation. I would be deeply grateful if you would share your comments below.
 
With Creative Joy,
Ting xo

British Columbia provided our Art Business with endless beauty, but the connection we have with you, our art tribe is what drove our inspiration.
 
Hello friends, I have to say the last time when Paul and I drove away from B.C., which was about a month ago, it was heartfelt.
 
As we dove through the mountainous terrain, we reminisced about our past with fondness.
 
During our time in British Columbia, Paul and I have hiked, skid, and snowshoed countless mountains, we've also crossed many rivers by foot, rode our bikes in the forest, and hung out on our raft on many lakes. It is truly a nature lover's paradise.
 
British Columbia has been nothing but short of magical for Paul and me. We have grown tremendously as a couple and spiritually.
 
In business, we have pursued many challenges and our little Art Rush Gallery has grown in size and has become a mighty little business.
 
Both of us, want to take this time to give our gratitude to British Columbia, a place that has blessed our art business with a tremendous amount of growth.
 
We would also like to thank you, for visiting and connecting with us at our gallery in various B.C. locations. You have given us the chance to grow and prosper as artists. We appreciate you, for endorsing your trust in our business.
 
Paul and I will always be grateful for the time we have had in this beautiful province and for all the people we have met there.
 
You may have walked into our Art Rush Gallery or found us on Social Media by chance, but we believe it was our good fortune and fate that brought us together.
 
Both of us have always said that, we have the best customers and friends because we believe in similar things, respect for nature, creativity, and humanity. Our appreciation goes to British Columbia for bringing us together in the most magnetic way.
 
The two of us, are excited about our new beginning in Nova Scotia. Distance is not a factor, as with today’s technology, keeping in touch is a breeze.
 
We look forward to sharing more of our creations with you very soon. (And the speed of doing that, depends on how quickly our unpacking of the house is coming along.) LOL!

Take care and stay safe everyone. 
 
With Creative Joy,
Ting and Paul

Hello there,
Most of us do suffer from self-confidence. It is prevalent in the world.

I grew up without my parents since I was 7, so most things I have learned in life at a very young age is about survival. I faked myself through school, self-confidence, bullying, racism, you name it, but I was independent and courageous, or perhaps I was just blissfully ignorant.

What my independence taught me is that our mind is a powerful tool. Whatever we believe in becomes our reality.

Years ago, when I've decided that I was going to make a living from my art. My only support system was my husband, Paul. He believed in my art, and was and still is my biggest fan, even when I was completely unsure of what my outcome would be.

When the opportunity to open our own "Art Gallery" presented itself, we did just that. 
 
As I reflect back, when Paul and I took the leap of faith to open our own art gallery, what got us there, was courage not so much confidence.

But I wanted to be a successful working artist so badly that I wasn't going to give up the opportunity to become one when it was time to prove that I can.

I believe confidence is earned by doing things that you are afraid of, or have no knowledge about, but you do it anyway and that takes Courage. 

For example, if Paul and I didn't stick our necks out there, to feel the discomfort of opening our first art gallery and me, having to be the face of the business, I wouldn't be here today to tell the story and to encourage you to explore the possibility.

Courage plays an enormous role in the success of our business, confidence came later.

So, my creative friend, it doesn't matter how you grow up or what you went through in life. It is up to you as an individual to find a way to gain confidence.

If you want to be a successful artist or entrepreneur, you have to believe that it is possible, but you need to build your courage to become just that because your mind creates your reality.

Your upbringing may have shaped your lack of confidence, but if you want to, you have the power to change it. If you grew up with a lack of self-confidence and you self doubt yourself incessantly, doesn't mean you can't change that thought. And it doesn't mean that you will never be able to accomplish your goals.

Negative thoughts are perceptions, and they are not reality. They cripple us, and they make us question our self-worth.

Which, leads me to the importance of confidence. When you have self-confidence, it shows in the way you create your art, and it also shows how you represent yourself to your peers and your audience.

When you create, you have to trust your knowledge and intuition, but you also need the courage to make mistakes and learn from them.

Confidence takes positive self-reflection. Remember, your art is the way you see the world, which is a truly unique expression. You are the only one with that particular energy, and you are the only one that creates in that voice.

So how do you compare yourself with others? If you think your art is not good enough, the only way to combat that is to keep practicing. With practice, you can get better and better, as your craft improves, so will your confidence.

Confidence is something that you need to do for yourself. It is essential for your livelihood and, you must work at it.

As an artist, you need to be resilient. You are incredibly brave to put your art out to the world and let the world see you in the most vulnerable way. The art critics and your audience are going to react, the way they react is out of your control, but the way you let their words influence your thoughts is in your control.

I find construction criticism useful. It doesn't mean I am going to change the way I create, although if the advice is valid, I learn from it, and if it is not valid, I just let it be an opinion, it gets discarded.

So my fellow artist, keep your thought positive and discard the negative. Negative thoughts can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes can be your greatest asset, allow your mistakes to teach you on how to become a better artist.

Be a confident artist, in yourself and in the way you create art. When you are assertive, your aura will shine and, so will your art. The wonderful thing about self-confidence is that it is learnable because your mind is powerful.

P/S If you find this article helpful, I would really appreciate it, if you would share it with your friends and family, I will be forever grateful.

With Creative Joy,
Ting

Hi Friends, Goals are an essential part of life. They keep our minds active and creative, which is so good for our brain health. Goals and dreams also keep our curiosity open to new opportunities, which will supply us with endless inspiration to draw from, and that is nourishing for our soul.

If you are anything like me, you love to dream and follow through with it. If you love to dream but failed to accomplish it, it doesn't mean that you are not good enough for your dream or that you don't have it in you to see things through.

You may feel like you are a failure, but the truth is far from that. Trust me, the only part of the puzzle you are missing is actionable steps to bring you to the finish line.

I have created a guide that will help you to get to the finish line. There are only ten actionable steps that you need to take to bring you safely to your goal without stress.

You see, my friend, I have done a lot of uprooting since I was a kid, granted all decisions at that time were made by my parents, but they taught me to take risks in life at a very young age. I have learned that everything is possible from them.

But as I got older, I had a lot of dreams and goals, but I didn't have the formula to see them through.

I was frustrated, well I hate to say it, but I did feel like a loser. I thought I was going to go through life like a lost cause.

When I got older, I realized that dreams and goals are not obstacles if you break them down into bitesize pieces. They are all attainable if you are willing to go through the steps.

For those of you who know me well, know that my husband, Paul, and I have moved around from one province to the next, from town to town and country to country for the past 28 years. And since we have our Art Business, we had to set up our Art Gallery in variety of places that we've settled down.

We also traveled extensively, and just before the Pandemic, we have accomplished our four-month dream trip to Asia. Recently, our latest feat was to move across Canada (second time around) and purchased our dream home with the ocean view.

So when it comes to dreaming and accomplishing them, Paul and I are quite good at it, and I know you too, can be good at accomplishing your goal.

If you wish to know how we did it, I have created a step-by-step guide to bring you there. I have refined my steps along the way, and I think I finally got it down.

Sign up HERE for your 10 Strategic Steps to Accomplish your Goal  free guide, it will give you the know-how, courage and confidence to accomplish everything that you want in life.

With Creative Joy,
Ting