Category Archives: For you

Art, For you, Uncategorized

Feeling Stressed? Pick Up a Brush (or a Stylus!)—No Experience Needed!

Let’s be real—life can get overwhelming. Between work, responsibilities, and the endless to-do lists, stress finds a way to sneak in. But what if I told you there’s a simple, fun, and completely judgment-free way to let go of that stress? No, it doesn’t involve meditation (although that’s great too). I’m talking about art.

Before you roll your eyes and say, “But I’m not an artist!”—hold on. This isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about letting yourself play with colors, lines, and shapes—just for the joy of it. No rules. No pressure. Just you, your imagination, and the chance to unwind.

Why Art Helps Reduce Stress (Even if You’re Not an Artist)

Ever noticed how little kids can spend hours coloring, completely lost in their world? That’s because art has a way of pulling us into the present moment, much like meditation. It allows us to focus on something other than our worries. Plus, studies show that making art can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), boost dopamine (the happy hormone), and even help with relaxation.

Getting Started: Traditional vs. Digital Art

The beauty of art is that it comes in many forms. You don’t need expensive supplies or a fancy setup—just a willingness to experiment. Here are two easy ways to dive in:

1. Traditional Art: Get Your Hands Messy!

Nothing beats the feeling of putting paint on paper or letting a pencil glide across a sketchbook. Some simple, stress-busting ideas:

🎨 Doodling: Grab a pen and let your hand wander. No plan, no pressure—just freeform scribbles.

🎨 Watercolor Painting: Watching colors blend on paper is almost hypnotic. No need to “paint something”—just enjoy the flow.

🎨 Adult Coloring Books: They exist for a reason! Filling in shapes with color is soothing, and you don’t have to think too much.

2. Digital Art: Zero Mess, All the Fun!

Maybe you don’t want to deal with paint, paper, or clean-up. That’s where digital art comes in! All you need is a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Some easy ways to play:

🖌️ Adobe Fresco: Try the watercolor brushes—they act just like real paint but without the mess.

🖌️ Doodling on an iPad: Apps like Procreate or even basic sketch apps let you draw without worrying about “mistakes.”

🖌️ Color Therapy Apps: There are apps designed just for coloring, and they can be surprisingly calming.

The “No-Pressure” Approach to Art

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying art for stress relief is judging themselves too much. This isn’t about skill—it’s about expression. Let go of the idea that things need to look “good.” No one’s grading you. There’s no right or wrong way to create. If you’re having fun and feeling more relaxed, you’re doing it right!

Join a Supportive Creative Space

That’s why I created “No Rules, Just Create”—a space where we can come together to make art, share inspiration, and create without fear or judgment. There are no special requirements, no right or wrong ways to express yourself—just an open invitation to explore, experiment, and enjoy the creative process. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or playing with digital tools, you’re welcome here!

Make It a Ritual

The more you make time for creative moments, the more benefits you’ll feel. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes a day to sketch, paint, or color. Think of it as a mini-mental vacation—a time just for you.

Final Thoughts: Just Create—No Rules, No Stress

At the end of the day, art isn’t about being “good” at it—it’s about giving yourself permission to play, explore, and unwind. Whether you’re sketching on a napkin, blending watercolors, or experimenting with digital brushes, the process itself is what matters. Creativity is a powerful tool for stress relief, and it’s available to everyone—no experience required.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a break and create something—anything. Let go of expectations, enjoy the moment, and remember: there are no rules, just creativity. And if you ever need a supportive space to share your journey, “No Rules, Just Create” is always open for you. 🎨✨

Now, go grab that brush (or stylus) and start creating! You deserve it. 😊

Adobe Firefly Video (beta)

For you, My News, Uncategorized

The Heart of Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Kindness, and the Magic of Art

Hello, my friends,

As we step into the warm embrace of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the countless blessings in my life. At the very top of that list is you—yes, you, my amazing readers. Thank you for being here, for taking the time to engage with my words and my art. You inspire me every day to keep creating, sharing, and connecting.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a gentle nudge to pause and appreciate the good in our lives. In a world that can often feel chaotic, kindness becomes a powerful force. I truly believe that even the smallest act of kindness—a smile, a helping hand, or a thoughtful word—can create ripples of positivity. We all have the power to lift each other up, to make someone’s day a little brighter. And isn’t that the essence of Thanksgiving?

For me, art has always been a bridge—a way to connect not only with others but also with myself. It’s a source of calm in the storm, a space to relax, reflect, and rebuild. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or just doodling, art has this incredible ability to bring people together. It speaks a language we all understand, one of emotions, colors, and creativity.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to pick up a paintbrush, a pencil, or even just a piece of paper. Create something, no matter how simple or imperfect. Let your mind wander and your heart guide you. Share it with someone you love, or keep it as a quiet reminder of the joy of creating.

As I sit here writing this, I’m filled with gratitude—not just for the big things but also for the little moments that make life beautiful. For the laughter shared with friends, the warmth of a cozy fire, the joy of creating, and the simple yet profound gift of connection.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Whether you’ve been here for years or just stumbled upon my blog today, know that you matter. Your presence means the world to me, and I hope my words and art have brought even a little light into your life.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, kindness, and all the things that make your heart happy. Let’s continue to create, connect, and spread joy together.

With gratitude,

Victoria

P.S. If you missed my announcement, I’ve moved all my technology-related conversations, including tutorials, to my dedicated tech blog. Be sure to check it out for in-depth content and updates!

For you, My News, My news of the week

Domestic Violence

Today marks another year since I lost my daughter to domestic violence. Another year has passed, and it has not gotten any easier. My daughter died at her own father’s hands. Her name was Mariam. All these years, I’ve blamed myself for not being able to save my baby (I know it was impossible in that situation), and I’ve been asking her for forgiveness.

But this year, I did something I haven’t been able to do for so many years. I didn’t see my baby grow up, so I painted a portrait of her as I imagined she would look now. It wasn’t easy—many emotions were involved—but I did it.

This year, I also decided to turn my pain into something positive. In the next few weeks, I will create a Facebook page for domestic violence survivors where we can all heal and see the beauty of the world through art. I will share the group with you when it will go live.

So, I am asking all of you, if you are a domestic violence survivor, to join my group. If you know someone who is, please share it with them.

Remember: Violence is NEVER OK. It’s never OK if someone apologizes after abuse saying, “I’m sorry,” “I’m sorry I was mad,” “I’m sorry, it will never happen again,” “I’m sorry, you know I love you,” or “I’m sorry, but it was your fault, you made me do this.” REMEMBER: It’s not your fault. You DON’T deserve it. You DID NOT make anyone abuse you.

REMEMBER: Help is available 24/7. Call, Chat, or TEXT

Just in case you missed it: You can read all my technology news on my Victoria Pavlov Tech Blog

Art, For you, Uncategorized

The Therapeutic Duo

Painting and Photography for Mental HealthIn our fast-paced and often chaotic world, finding moments of tranquility and self-expression has become essential for maintaining our mental well-being. While traditional therapy and mindfulness practices have proven beneficial, there are alternative avenues that can provide solace and healing. Two creative outlets, painting, and photography, have emerged as powerful tools to support mental health, allowing individuals to explore their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and find inner peace.

Painting, a timeless art form, offers a unique opportunity to channel emotions onto canvas. It enables individuals to externalize their inner struggles, hopes, and dreams through colors, shapes, and strokes. Engaging in painting allows one to embrace the present moment, engaging in a meditative process that promotes mindfulness and stress relief. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a novice with a paintbrush, the act of painting itself can be immensely therapeutic, providing a sense of control and a means to express the inexpressible.

Similarly, photography has become increasingly accessible to people through the ubiquity of smartphones and digital cameras. It empowers individuals to capture fleeting moments, freeze emotions, and document their personal journeys. Photography offers a unique perspective on the world, encouraging individuals to slow down, observe their surroundings, and find beauty in the simplest of things. This act of mindfulness, coupled with the ability to express oneself visually, can be immensely empowering and calming, fostering a greater connection with oneself and the world.

Both painting and photography share a common thread: they provide a safe space for self-expression. By engaging in these creative processes, individuals can explore and express their deepest thoughts and emotions without needing words. They allow a non-judgmental exploration of one’s inner landscape, offering a sense of liberation and release. This, in turn, can lead to increased self-awareness, improved emotional well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose. Moreover, painting and photography can serve as a bridge to connect with others. Artistic endeavors often create opportunities for individuals to share their work, seek feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations. By connecting with fellow artists or enthusiasts, individuals can develop a sense of community and support, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. This connection can be particularly valuable for those who may struggle to articulate their emotions verbally but thrive in creativity. Incorporating painting and photography into our lives is not about creating masterpieces; it is about embracing the process, the journey, and the healing power of self-expression. Whether you paint with vibrant strokes or capture the world through a camera lens, these creative outlets can become potent tools in our mental health toolkit. They offer us the opportunity to be present, discover our inner selves, and connect profoundly with others. So, pick up a brush or grab your camera, and let the therapeutic magic of painting and photography unfold. Your mental well-being will thank you for it.

In the rapidly evolving world of digital imaging, new technologies constantly emerge, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer among these advancements. In this blog post, I will explain my thoughts about why digital artists should embrace AI-generated images as a powerful tool to unlock new realms of creativity, expand artistic possibilities, and captivate audiences like never before. Read More

For you, Uncategorized

Share hope and a smile.

For many years, I thought about sharing this story with you, my readers. But I wasn’t brave enough to do it, and I thought that some people could find it funny or worthless to share. Last year’s events taught me something that only life could teach: if you have something to share that could change the life of even one person for the better, do it.
So, this is my story of the Winter Holidays:
We had a very close family, and we celebrated the holidays like every family. Everything stopped at age 16, and I never had a Christmas tree after or celebrated any holiday. We lost everything, but we survived. Life was an experiment in survival. The lack of money and food washed away the possibility of a joyful celebration of the winter holidays. My mom and I were able to give my daughter a used book from our home collection (we had only a few left). So we wrapped it in a newspaper at night, so she did not see it, and gifted it to her on Christmas morning. My daughter’s gift to us was a spoon from our kitchen wrapped in newspaper. Christmas celebration was about reading books about people from other countries. They were like reading a fairytale that never became a reality.
Now, every year during winter Holidays, I feel like I am in a fairytale story. It’s not about buying expensive decorations or gifts. It’s the fact that “I can celebrate and feel joyful.” Winter holidays are about celebrations, families, hope, and happiness. Today, I went to the store and saw all the winter decorations. Once again, I felt like “I can feel the joy.” This feeling never gets old.
Why am I sharing this story today? Please don’t forget about those in need during this joyful season of celebrations, someone who needs our help or a reminder that they are not alone.
Below, I have attached a few links you can use to spread hope and a smile. If you don’t want to use those links, please donate $1 at your local grocery store or online.
Thank you.

ASPCA
Animal Recovery Center
Adoption Center

St. Jude
Kids In Clinic Wish List
Research Hospital

PTSD Foundation of America
Office Supplies

Make-A-Wish
Alaska and Washington

Adobe Mobile, Digital Art, Event, For you, My News, Uncategorized

International women’s day

Happy International Women’s Day, ladies! I wish all of you to be happy, strong, and love yourself. I love this day, and I was celebrating this day for as long as I can remember. Whether it was with greeting cards (made by myself or bought from the store), perfume, and flowers, a lot of flowers always were in the house on this day. My favorite flowers were yellow tulips. I still love them. Also, this day was associated with early spring.
Today I want to share this day with you. I have news I want to share.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, I painted Frida Kahlo. Frida represents everything that I adore and respect in women. She combined a fantastic talent and beautiful artistic soul with incredible strength. She was a brilliant painter. Frida painted what she felt. She never thought about how to “fit into society,” not in her art and not based on what society believes how a woman should look. “Feet, what do I want them for if I have wings to fly.” She was a feminist, so am I. 

I painted Frida many times. But I painted today’s portrait of Frida differently. I painted it in black and white (just like a picture of her that I saw). Look into her eyes, and you will see the beauty and the strength of her soul. 

Painted in Adobe Fresco on Apple iPad Pro using Apple pencil. 

Frida Kahlo

My other news for today, and I so proud and happy about it:
Every year I mentor two girls for one year. During the year, I will build their knowledge in digital imaging. This program is free. The only requirements are:
1: a willing to learn
2: be from immigrant or minority community
3: be from a low-income family
4: have internet access
I am doing this by myself, and I don’t have any support, so I can’t provide my students with the internet, iPad, or anything else. I hope one day I will be able to help with these requirements as well.
P.S. If any of my readers want to help with anything, please let me know.

Now drum roll, please! I want to introduce my first student for this year – Tiffany Ferguson! She is 9 years old and a very talented girl. She loves working with Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, and traditional painting. We had our first two classes, and to be honest I am impressed with her progress and willingness to learn! I will be posting our progress every month.

Image by Renee L. Ferguson

Thank you Renee L. Ferguson for the behind the scenes images she took during our classes.

For you, Giveaway, My News, Uncategorized

‘Tis the Season

It was a time in my life when my daughter and I were without food. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to work. I wasn’t able to find a job anywhere. I was looking for a job all day and every day. We were able to buy a jar of pickles on sale for 85¢, and a loaf of bread also on sale for $1,07. We sliced pickles very thin to put it on top of a slice of bread. We ate it three times a day. We were happy to afford it and eat every day and to be honest, I love pickles.


It’s the Holiday season again, but this year it’s different than it used to be. The entire world is having to deal with COVID-19 this year. Every single person is affected by it in one or another way.
So many people are without work, heat, or food. So many people could not put any food on the table. So many children are hungry.
Together, we can help. We can help some families to put a slice of pickles on top of a slice of bread.
I have created a few coloring pages for this Holiday Season. You can download them for free and use them in your traditional or digital painting. If you feel that you can spare some money to help the hungry people in Georgia, please donate anything to the Atlanta Foodbank you can (even $1 will be gladly appreciated).


Thank you so much, and Happy Holidays Season!

Adjust AI

Adeob Mobile, Adobe, Adobe Mobile, Adobe Photoshop, For you

My New Coloring Pages

Because of COVID-19 many of us are staying at homes for a period of time.  I have created some coloring pages for children ages two and up. Feel free to download them for free. You can print out any of the pages and color them with your children using traditional pencils, or you can download them and use them in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Fresco on mobile. 

I also created some elegant backgrounds you can use in your digital workflow (digital painting, photo compositing, or graphic design). All backgrounds are free of charge, so download them and create something beautiful, and positive. 

My Patreon

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