May's Theme is VIBRANT

Our theme for May is VIBRANT. It was chosen by our San Antonio chapter and illustrated by Isabel Ann Castro.

When was the last time you experienced something that made you feel more alive?

Heard a melody pulsing with a beat that made your body move. Taken in the view of a lush landscape or sparkling city skyline bursting with light and shadows. Locked eyes with a striking stranger. Poured yourself into prose that crackles off the page with electricity. Lost track of time in a conversation punctuated by spirited laughter. Stopped in your tracks in front of a canvas in a museum or a mural on the street with colors so bold and bright it popped from the paint straight into your synapses.

It might not happen every day. But you can live a life full of energy and enthusiasm. You can strive to bring brightness into every interaction.

Because our world is full of all kinds of vibrant masterpieces. And you are one of them.

INSPIRATION FROM OUR COMMUNITY:

Each month, we ask the readers of our Weekly Highlights newsletter to submit creative work inspired by our global theme.

Here are the featured submissions for May:

That Which Cannot be Seen Can Still be Fought, Pick Up Your Shield and be Brave by Linda Starr in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In creating my paintings I strive to enhance the stories behind them with a vibrant color palette. See more of Linda’s work on her site.

Little Dog in the Big City by Andrea Pereira in San Francisco, California.

This is a digital plein air illustration of San Francisco. It relates to the theme of “vibrant” through the colors and mood of the piece. See more of Andrea’s work on her site.

I’ll Take More of Everything (Every Color In The Sunset) by Glenyse Thompson in St. Petersburg, Florida.

My artwork isn’t just about a burst of color, it’s a vibrant tapestry of humanity. Each color represents a person, a unique thread woven into the rich spectrum of human experience. I celebrate the brilliance and vibrancy within all of us, using my art to showcase the phenomenal diversity that makes us who we are. See more of Glenyse’s work on her site.

Unheard Colours by Akshayaa Selvaraj in India, Tamilnadu, Chennai.

This illustration is inspired by the myriad shades of beauty , resilience, craftsmanship, dedication and passion of this beautiful Woman Artist of the Poikkal Kuthirai Folk Artform. From the innate beauty of every handcrafted detail ,palette of colours and the Woman she powerfully embodies as a icon of matriarch, vibrancy is beyond colours! See more of Akshayaa’s work on instagram @akshayaaselvaraj.

Photosynthesis by Isabella Sziraczky in Alameda, California.

Oil on canvas, 26” x 34”. This work was inspired by the shadows of branches from oak trees in my mom’s backyard. I am forever inspired by naturally occurring patterns, especially ones created by shadows. This painting was created outside as I chased the shifting shadows throughout the afternoon. I am drawn to bright color palettes that emit a sense of warmth and vibrancy. I am fascinated by color interaction and seek to incorporate organic forms in the context of wild colors. This piece was a breakthrough moment for me after not painting in oils for over a year after the start of the pandemic.

Vibrant Whispers: Poetic Radiance by Rodica- Ioana Bandila in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

My poetry is based on and covering the most important aspects of life, starting with love in its multiple facets, life’s existential and inspirational questions and answers , continuing with current issues and humorous instances that make human existence so lively and vibrant!

RECIPE OF HAPPINESS
Don’t let the grey memories
darken the winter of your life!
Take them and bathe them
in the light of your accomplishments,
wash them abundantly
with the tears of joy
from your successes,
sprinkle them with the sincere smiles
of children
and mix them with
the memories of love.
Put them out to dry
in the warmth of your heart
and the grey tones
will eventually perish,
suffocated
by so much
longing for life.

Patiencd Rebirth is Near (I am back) by Keva Epale in Paris, France.

It is an illustration of a young woman blooming inside out. Full of new energy and flair. She is confident and feels confident. Nature (flowers, opening and moving) confirms her renewed state: Rebirth. It is engaging and vibrant for me. It calls and celebrate a new day, new hope, new spirit. See more of Keva’s work on her site.

Say Yes by Marion Batts / AngieDoe in New York, New York.

I wrote a short poem inspired by the word “vibrant”. It immediately made me think of my friend’s beautiful “vibrant” blue eyes shared in a recent IG post and how they made me feel.

Vibrant
Is that the word that comes to mind when you think of me?
He peered over Aviators with eyes the most shocking of blue causing my own to water and wonder how irises could achieve a vibration so high without battery assistance
The coolest shade of cerulean yet my thighs slipped with sweat on the leather clad chair beneath me
I hadn’t become this quickly flushed since that tall tan New Zealander in that corner cafe that one time in April (My glasses had started to fog and gave away the secret heat coming from down under)
But this particular blue
This relief of sweet water on a tongue parched of shock and awe
This pulsating excitement staring me down to my wobbly knees suddenly knew all my secrets
Asked me to sell it my soul and placed the ballpoint in my trembling hand
Pierced the smokescreen facade revealing my gushing core
Became the explanation to every question
Made the answer obvious
Yes.

April Showers… by Kellie Hazell in Tucson, Arizona.

Abstract mixed media that evokes laying down in an overgrown grassy field of wildflowers while looking up to see rays of sunshine and patches of cloudy, rainy blue skies through all the vibrant green and flowers.

The One by Ana Maria Briciu in Cluj Napoca, Romania.

A poem - love vibrates, love alchemizes ❤️

What we are together by Kacie Lyn Martinez in Costa Mesa, California.

My art uses external landscapes as backdrops to explore lyrical, vibrant inner landscapes. See more of Kacie’s work on her site.

Uniquely Bahamian submitted by Anna Stanford in London, UK.

Vault49 London’s packaging designs for Ricardo Rum’s first range of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails, which is based on the vibrancy of The Bahamas, the islands’ culture and its people. Read more about the project.

Come out and PLAY by Leanne Poellinger in La Crescent, Minnesota.

I created this paper collage in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Children’s Museum of La Crosse (Wisconsin, USA), where I spent my career. The colors are vibrant, as is the message/word “PLAY.” I think people of all ages need play to remain vibrant. See more of Leanne’s work on instagram @artbyleannep.

Heart Gazing by Margaret Scott in Edinburgh, Scotland.

This is a small crop from a large mixed media (newspaper and poster paint) work. The colours and brush strokes have life and energy. It is vibrant in the way it has been made, emerging from a place of trusted friendship, self-expression and joy. See more Margaret’s work on instagram @poplozzi.

Want to see your creative work featured on our blog? Subscribe to our Weekly Highlights newsletter to find out when submissions for next month’s theme are open.