DESCRIPTION
Some days you need a reminder that you're without a doubt, stronger than you feel. Not a slogan on a mug or an AI-created photograph — something you can actually look at, and feel deeply, that encouragingly says keep going every time you pass it.
That's what this is. I painted her closed on purpose. Not blooming, not confident, not finished — because that's the moment that called to me, when I felt closed up and afraid to open up and be seen.
I wasn't painting just a pretty lotus bud amongst leaves — I was painting my feelings at the time, using a lotus bud instead of my own words, because some things are easier to say in color than out loud.
The lotus is one of the oldest symbols of awakening: it grows up through mud and dark water, and long before it ever opens, it's just a bud, hidden in green and shadow, waiting. The leaves curl around her like they're protecting her — they even have veins, same as we do.
You don't have to bloom today. You just have to stay rooted, and keep growing toward the light, working on your confidence and courage one day at a time. That's what she's doing right now, in this painting — not performing courage, just gathering it.
Even closed, unsure, mid-bud — you are already worth looking at. The courage and strength will come, in its own time, the same way it did for me. Every pastel mark on this paper came from my own hand. I know what it feels like to need this reminder, because I needed it myself when I made it.
PERFECT FOR
Meditation room decor • Yoga studio wall art • Spa-inspired interiors • Botanical and nature art collections • A gift for someone who needs to hear this
MADE TO ORDER
Archival fine art giclée print of an original soft pastel painting, printed on 200gsm archival matte paper with a subtle watercolor texture. Each print includes a clean white border, sized to fit standard frames — no mat required.
Please note: each monitor show colors differently, so colors may appear slightly different in print.
SHIPPING
Please allow 1–2 weeks for production before shipping. Sold unframed. Colors may appear slightly different than on-screen due to monitor variation.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES
I except returns and exchanges for 30 days on originals and prints if you are not satisfied. Buyer incurs the cost of shipping in case of returns and exchanges. If your print arrives damaged or incorrect, contact me within 7 days with photos and I’ll replace it at no cost.
SIZES AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZES
Paper sizes: 8"x10", 11"x14"
Approximate image and border sizes:
• 8"x10"— 7"x9" image, ½" white border on all sides
• 11"x14" — 10"x13" image, ½" white border on all sides
Looking for a different size? Other custom sizes are available upon request, including no-border/full-bleed versions — just send me a message.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This print is sold UNFRAMED.
Please note: each monitor show colors differently, so colors may appear slightly different in print.
Artist retains all COPYRIGHT. COPYRIGHT does NOT transfer with sale of piece.
Commissions are always welcome! Check out my website at www.melissatobiaart.com/commissions-01
DESCRIPTION
Some days you need a reminder that you're without a doubt, stronger than you feel. Not a slogan on a mug or an AI-created photograph — something you can actually look at, and feel deeply, that encouragingly says keep going every time you pass it.
That's what this is. I painted her closed on purpose. Not blooming, not confident, not finished — because that's the moment that called to me, when I felt closed up and afraid to open up and be seen.
I wasn't painting just a pretty lotus bud amongst leaves — I was painting my feelings at the time, using a lotus bud instead of my own words, because some things are easier to say in color than out loud.
The lotus is one of the oldest symbols of awakening: it grows up through mud and dark water, and long before it ever opens, it's just a bud, hidden in green and shadow, waiting. The leaves curl around her like they're protecting her — they even have veins, same as we do.
You don't have to bloom today. You just have to stay rooted, and keep growing toward the light, working on your confidence and courage one day at a time. That's what she's doing right now, in this painting — not performing courage, just gathering it.
Even closed, unsure, mid-bud — you are already worth looking at. The courage and strength will come, in its own time, the same way it did for me. Every pastel mark on this paper came from my own hand. I know what it feels like to need this reminder, because I needed it myself when I made it.
PERFECT FOR
Meditation room decor • Yoga studio wall art • Spa-inspired interiors • Botanical and nature art collections • A gift for someone who needs to hear this
MADE TO ORDER
Archival fine art giclée print of an original soft pastel painting, printed on 200gsm archival matte paper with a subtle watercolor texture. Each print includes a clean white border, sized to fit standard frames — no mat required.
Please note: each monitor show colors differently, so colors may appear slightly different in print.
SHIPPING
Please allow 1–2 weeks for production before shipping. Sold unframed. Colors may appear slightly different than on-screen due to monitor variation.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES
I except returns and exchanges for 30 days on originals and prints if you are not satisfied. Buyer incurs the cost of shipping in case of returns and exchanges. If your print arrives damaged or incorrect, contact me within 7 days with photos and I’ll replace it at no cost.
SIZES AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZES
Paper sizes: 8"x10", 11"x14"
Approximate image and border sizes:
• 8"x10"— 7"x9" image, ½" white border on all sides
• 11"x14" — 10"x13" image, ½" white border on all sides
Looking for a different size? Other custom sizes are available upon request, including no-border/full-bleed versions — just send me a message.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This print is sold UNFRAMED.
Please note: each monitor show colors differently, so colors may appear slightly different in print.
Artist retains all COPYRIGHT. COPYRIGHT does NOT transfer with sale of piece.
Commissions are always welcome! Check out my website at www.melissatobiaart.com/commissions-01