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"We Are Here for One Another" - Artist Bethany Kirwen Talking about Her Lifelong Passion for Rocks and Spreading Kindness

"We Are Here for One Another" - Artist Bethany Kirwen Talking about Her Lifelong Passion for Rocks and Spreading Kindness 71

“When the world’s divisive dialogue and tragic events would wound my heart and evaporate my half-full optimistic glass, rock painting was my only therapeutic joy”, Bethany Kirwen.

 

Dear rock painting enthusiasts and lovers of art,

Today I have the great pleasure of presenting to you the fascinating story of a lifelong journey of kindness and passion for art. I invite you to read the story of wonderful artist: Bethany Kirwen of Wisconsin, USA and her most recent plan of creating a 365 collection of “Daily Happy Rocks” with which to put together a calendar of painted rocks.

Bethany’s love for rocks started, as she beautifully writes to me, with “a simple gesture of kindness - a smile”. The passion followed her all through her life, as since that day she continued to paint smiley faces, lady bugs, or turtles just to elicit smiles from loved ones. Such joyous, simple pursuits even sparked the little girl’s and her sister’s imagination to start their own business right from their Lake Huron “little red wagon”.

 

First rocks painted by USA artist Bethany Kirwen, smiley faces for children

Bethany's memorable "smiley rocks" which started it all

 

Twenty-five years later Bethany found herself gifting elementary school students and teachers with little smiley rocks she called "Happy Rocks", When introduced to classes, the Happy Rocks were accompanied with a poem Bethany wrote to encourage kindness and share smiles to the world.

The story of the Happy Rocks continued for nearly 25 years, when thousands of painted stone gifts, painted brightly, traveled the world to lift spirits, to encourage appreciation, or grow strength. How many stories must those rocks have written! As Bethany describes:

“Most of my rocks have found their own adventures. They traveled the world, were placed in the hands of the homeless, comforted hospital patients, reminded tired workers how important they were, and casually left for a surprise.”

 

Showcase painted rocks by artist Bethany Kirwen

Painted rocks by artist Bethany Kirwen | Facebook | Website |

 

For Bethany rocks are a “Nature’s gift”,“they symbolise strength, endurance, and resilience”. When in late 2016 Bethany found herself without her gallery representation of pastels and acrylics, she decided to return to her lifetime love for rocks. She picked the strength and endurance and resilience of the rocks she surrounds herself with and started again with a new plan: to give people an inspiring, thought-provoking message each day.

“I began to explore the power of words in a new, exciting way”, she explains.

And so the Daily Happy Rock calendar journey began.

“As a crusader for good, this was/is one small way I can promote hope, kindness, compassion, love, encouragement, inspiration, and it feels purposeful. I was Divinely moved toward the creation of a perpetual, daily, desktop calendar. I spent six months of sourcing, designing, and creatively photographing over 400 rocks with thoughtful inspirations.”

 

Work on the calendar of painted rocks by Bethany Kirwen

First steps in the work of Bethany's calendar of painted rocks | Facebook | Website |

 

“Photographing the rocks became artful and memorable to me, especially when placing the rocks in the natural landscapes of our yard, our children’s school playgrounds, the church labyrinth, the beach, and other favorite places.”

 

Faith, golden retriever joining Bethany Kirwen on her rock hunting trips

Faith, happy to join in Bethany's rock hunting trips

 

“Soon however, what was once such a fun and relaxing activity began to fade into disappointment, and frustration, due to a significant health scare in the fall of 2017. My goal to have a published calendar in the hands of others became impossible and my dream had to be put on hold.

After a short period of internal pouting, I asked myself, “What is the gift? What is the lesson?” The thought of my 10 month project being unfinished  left me deeply discouraged with a sense of grief.

But, isn’t life like that? We make plans and sometimes things just don’t turn out like we thought they would. What I did not expect was that the gift of grief brought a lesson of gratitude in countless ways.”

 

Celebrate milestones painted rock by Bethany Kirwen USA

Painted rocks by artist Bethany Kirwen | Facebook | Website |

 

With these amazing teachings and short glimpse into the life of a person who has dedicated her entire life to sharing kindness and positivism into the world, I would like to end up by asking you to send Bethany your words of support and empowerment.

Bethany, you are such a beautiful, positive and extraordinary person. I look forward to having the calendar in my hands whenever its time may come.

Note: The calendar is being published by Daily Happy Rocks and is to be released soon.

Until then, I’ll keep on reciting your words:

“As rock artists, we share love and encouragements to inspire one another and create joyful smiles around the globe. Truly, we are making a difference. And isn’t THAT what life is all about? To walk each other through this journey of life in kindness, love, and encouragement.”

 

Painting by artist Bethany Kirwen

Acrylic painting, private gallery of artist Bethany Kirwen | Facebook | Website |
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Mystical Travels in the World of Pure Rock Art - an Interview with Fascinating French Artist, Lysa Mignot

Mystical Travels in the World of Pure Rock Art - an Interview with Fascinating French Artist, Lysa Mignot 10

Welcome back to our wonderful world of painted rocks and their astonishing creators! Today I have this extraordinary opportunity to introduce to you a fascinating artist, wonderful person, and dear friend, Lysa Mignot of Toulouse, France. 

My journey with the RockStreet  community has allowed me to meet many interesting, talented and hard working people so far, but I must tell, Lysa has never failed to show me the deepest passion and fantastic devotion to her art as noone before.

Here is Lysa's discourse addressed to you all. I left it unedited, because I wanted to preserve the unique glow showing not only in her art creations but also in her writing:               

                             

"Bonjour, mon nom d’artiste est Lyzzz, avec 3 z car je suis une rêveuse.

Hello, my artist name is Lyzzz, with 3 z because I'm a dreamer.

 

French Rock Painter Lysa Mignot, creator of amazing miniature art on stones

Photo: French artist Lysa Mignot of Toulouse | Facebook | Instagram |

 

Je vis dans le sud de la France à Toulouse, qu’on appelle “la Ville Rose” en raison de la couleur de ses briques. Traversée par la Garonne, il règne dans cette ville un climat tempéré, toujours propice à se promener le long de ses berges. 
En remontant le fleuve jusqu’aux Pyrénées, on rencontre le Salat, affluent de la Garonne, qui prend sa source au cœur des montagnes. C’est dans le lit de cette rivière que je recherche mes trésors.
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I live in the south of France in the city of Toulouse, also called "The Pink City" due to the colour of its brick walls. The city is crossed by river Garonne which keeps the climate of the region quite temperate and invites to long walks along its banks. Going up the river to the Pyrenees mountains there is the wonderful Salat, a tributary of the Garonne, with its birth place in the heart of the mountains. It is in the Salat riverbed that I search for and collect my rock treasures.

 

Toulouse in the South of France where rock artist Lysa Mignot lives and creates

Photo: Astounding capture of Salat river by the Pyrénées Mountains

J’ai la manie de collectionner des petits cailloux et ma meilleure satisfaction est de trouver la pierre parfaite en forme de cœur. D’un autre côté, le dessin fait partie de moi depuis toujours. Je suis fascinée par la ramure des arbres et les fleurs sont pour moi une insatiable source d’inspiration. J’ai donc décidé de se faire rencontrer ces deux facettes de ma personnalité.
J’ai peint mon premier galet il y a 10 ans, avec les élèves de la classe de mon fils. Ils avaient besoin de récolter des fonds pour financer un voyage et nous avons vendu plein de galets peints au marché de Noël. 
Je n’ai pas gardé de photos de ces premières pierres mais à partir de ce moment, les choses se sont enchaînées et l’aventure a continué pour moi. Voici un galet cœur que j’ai réalisé à cette période pour la boutique qui exposait mes créations.
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I have always had the habit of collecting small pebbles. One of my biggest joys is to find the perfect stones in the shape of a love heart. Drawing has also been part of me for a very long time. I am fascinated by the antlers of the trees and by flowers. They  are my insatiable source of inspiration. So I decided to meet these two sides of my personality and start painting fantastic trees and flowers on rocks.

I painted my first pebble 10 years ago, with students in my son's class. They needed to raise funds to finance a trip so we managed to sell plenty of painted pebbles at the Christmas market. I did not keep any pictures of those first stones but from that moment things went on and the adventure continued for me.

Here is a pebble heart I have created for the shop that exhibits my creations.

 

Painted stone unique miniature art by French artist Lysa Mignot

Photo: Miniature painted rock, art creation by Lysa Mignot | Facebook | Instagram |

 

Je choisis essentiellement des pierres lisses et de couleur unie, afin de jouer sur les contrastes car je ne peins pas souvent de fond. Je préfère réserver une partie naturelle de la pierre pour qu’elle libère son âme et j’aime travailler sur des galets de petite taille.
J’utilise surtout la peinture acrylique à la plume ou au pinceau et je réalise aussi des pièces en mosaïque. La coquille d’œuf ou la nacre se travaillent facilement et apportent une originalité à mes bijoux.
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I rarely paint the background of the rocks. That is why I choose mostly smooth stones and solid colour to play with the contrasts. I prefer to preserve a natural part of the stone so that it releases its soul. I prefer working on pebbles of small size and create miniature works of art.


I mainly use acrylic paint with pen or brush and I also make mosaic pieces. The eggshell and mother of pearl are easy to work with and make my jewels unique and original.

 

Photo: Fantastic art creations painted rocks by Lysa Mignot | Facebook | Instagram |

 

Même si je reviens toujours aux fleurs et aux arbres, j’aime me renouveler et je suis perpétuellement à la recherche de nouveaux sujets et techniques. 
En ce moment et grâce à la magnifique diversité des créations proposées par les membres du groupe international Rockstreet Collective, j’ai commencé à m’intéresser aux chouettes que j’étudie pour agrandir ma vitrine.
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Even though I always return to flowers and trees, I like to learn and progress with my art. I always look for new ideas and new techniques. Most recently and thanks to the wonderful diversity of the creations exhibited by the members of the international group RockStreet Collective, I started to be interested in owls which I am studying to enlarge my collections now.

 

Painted stone owl by French rock painter Lysa Mignot

Photo: Miniature painted rock, art creation by Lysa Mignot | Facebook | Instagram |

 

 

Comme pour beaucoup d’artistes, des phases de motivation au point zéro me torturent parfois, aussi je remercie vraiment du fond du cœur tous les membres de RockStreet ainsi que sa fondatrice Christine, qui me permettent chaque jour de découvrir une nouvelle surprise venue d’un autre continent.
À vous qui me donnez vos sourires et vos likes, à vous tous je dis merci, restons soudés dans notre famille de rock painters et que perdure cette ambiance merveilleuse de partage. 
Je remercie aussi tous mes amis qui me soutiennent, mes fans qui m’encouragent et mes clients qui me font vivre. 
J’espère vous avoir fait voyager dans mon univers minéral et vous invite à me suivre dans la balade, si le cœur vous en dit.
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As it is for many artists, moments of motivation at zero point sometimes torture me, so I really thank from the bottom of my heart to all the members of RockStreet Collective who allow me every day to discover a new surprise from another continent.

To you who give me your smiles and your likes, to all of you I say thank you, stay united in our family of rock painters and to continue this wonderful atmosphere of sharing and making friends.

I also thank all my friends who support me, my fans who encourage me and my customers who give me a happy means to live.

I hope I have made you travel through my mineral universe and invite you to join me on my artistic walks and enjoy the art that moves you.

Hugs,

Lyzzz

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Discover the Fascinating Story of artist Karin Getaz - the Magic of Her Painted Rocks and Passion for Colours

Discover the Fascinating Story of artist Karin Getaz - the Magic of Her Painted Rocks and Passion for Colours 148

The extraordinary story of artist and rock painter Karin Getaz of Queensland, Australia. Astonishing collection of painted rocks, dot mandalas and modern art.
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A Visit to Italy - The Amazing Marilena Sostero Talking about Her Passion for Creating Art on Rocks

A Visit to Italy - The Amazing Marilena Sostero Talking about Her Passion for Creating Art on Rocks 29

It is surprising for me how, after ten years now, my art still brings so much joy and happy smiles to everyone…
È sorprendente per me come, dopo dieci anni, la mia arte porti ancora tanta gioia e sorrisi felici a tutti…

 

Ancona Italy place of Marilena Sostero

A beautiful day in Ancona, Italy. Photo by artist Marilena Sostero

 

Greetings to everyone from Italy!

My name is Marilena Sostero and I live in a beautiful city by the sea, called Ancona.

For many years I have passionately painted using oil techniques. I also loved making portraits in crayons and charcoal. Later I approached the art of rock painting, with much love and fun.

The most exciting thing about rock painting is how you can change a stone or a little pebble found by chance, into a small artwork that so many people love!

 I love to find rocks in the shape of a cottage or a mushroom, which nobody appreciates ,  and turn them into beautiful pieces of art.


Saluti a tutti dall'Italia!
Mi chiamo Marilena Sostero e vivo in una bella città sul mare, Ancona.
Per molti anni ho dipinto con grande passione quadri con tecnica ad olio e poi ritratti a pastelli e carboncino. Poi mi sono avvicinata all’arte della pittura su roccia, con molto amore e divertimento. Trovo emozionante ricavare da un sasso o da una pietra trovata per caso, una piccola opera d’arte che piace a appassiona tante persone. Adoro trovare le forme di una casetta o di un fungo da un sasso che nessuno apprezzae e trasformali in bellissime opere d'arte.

 

Painted rocks by Italian artist Marilena Sostero for sale on Rock Street

Mixed media by Marilena Sostero | I sassi di Marilena |  Instagram | for sale Here


My great passion is to paint stones of every form, but my true love is to reproduce the ancient houses with the flowers lurking on the walls. I love to create these houses without painting the walls with colours, but using only shadows to create the depth. Then I add the flowers and trunks that climb around the windows with synthetic paste. I do not draw almost anything in pencil, but I rely on the brush using black colour to letting my imagination carry me on.

Here is one of the works I never wanted to sell, because it embodies the best I want to achieve.

La mia grande passsione è dipingere i sassi di ogni forma, ma il vero amore è riprodurre le case antiche con i fiori che si arraampicano sui muri. Adoro creare queste case senza dipingere i muri con i colori, ma usando solo i colori per creare la profondità. Poi aggiungo con la pasta sintetica i fiori e i tronchi che si arrampicano intorno alle finestre. Non disegno quasi nulla con la matita, ma mi affido al pennello col colore nero e mi lascio trasportare dalla fantasia.
Ecco una delle opere che non ho mai voluto vendere, perchè rappresenta meglio quello che cerco.

Artwork mixed medium by Italian artist Marilena Sostero

Artwork painted rock by Marilena Sostero | I sassi di Marilena |  Instagram |

If I were to give a piece of advice to someone who has just started painting I would say:
Always observe with great attention all the beautiful things that are around us … and never miss the joy of creating, like any baby would do.


Se dovessi dare un consiglio a qualcuno che ha appena iniziato a dipingere, direi: Osservare sempre con grande attenzione tutte le cose belle che vediamo intorno a noi… e non perdere mai la gioia di creare come farebbe un bambino.

Painted rocks by Italian artist Marilena Sostero

Painted rocks by Marilena Sostero | I sassi di Marilena |  Instagram | 

I would like to thank you all for your attention and wish you best of luck with your painting in the future.

My best regards and appreciation, Hugo and Marilena


Vorrei ringraziare tutti voi per la vostra attenzione e augurarvi buona fortuna con la vostra pittura in futuro.

I miei migliori saluti e apprezzamenti, Hugo e Marilena

Hugo dog photo by Marilena Sostero

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The Amazing Painted Rocks of Brazil - This Week's Artist, Débora Penachione

The Amazing Painted Rocks of Brazil - This Week's Artist, Débora Penachione 11

Beautiful story of an artist's growth, the art of painting on rocks, and journey to Brazil - this week's artist: Debora Penachione of RockStreet Collective.
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HISTORIA DE UNA PIEDRA - THE HISTORY OF A STONE - by rock artist Loli Gambin

HISTORIA DE UNA PIEDRA - THE HISTORY OF A STONE - by rock artist Loli Gambin 19

"The history of a painted rock" by formidable Spanish artist Loli Gambin of "Piedras para sonreir". A beautiful story about family love, birthday surprises and art on rocks both in Spanish and English.
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