By Artist Penny FireHorse | Cosmic Spark Designs
Some moments in an artist's journey arrive like a quiet sunrise — soft, golden, and full of promise. This is one of those moments.

I am beyond honored and thrilled to share that my digital illustration Sailing Away has been selected for the 2026 Edmonds Arts Festival Gallery Arts Exhibition — chosen from over 1,600 submissions from artists across the region. To say this means the world to me would be an understatement.
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About Sailing AwaySailing Away was born from a deep love of water, light, and the sacred stillness that settles in at the end of a day.This award-winning digital illustration captures the tranquil beauty of a sunset on the water, where soothing colors blend seamlessly to evoke the serenity of a day's end. The sails glide gracefully, guiding the boat across waters bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Above, the sky is painted with luminous colors, casting a calming embrace over the scene — a perfect reflection of peace and the quiet joy of a gentle evening sail.
It is a piece about surrender. About letting the current carry you. About finding beauty in the in-between moments — when the day hasn't quite ended, and the night hasn't quite begun.

The Edmonds Arts Festival — A Pacific Northwest TreasureThe Edmonds Arts Festival is one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated and beloved arts events, drawing artists, collectors, and art lovers from across Washington State and beyond. Being selected for the Gallery Arts Exhibition — the festival's juried fine art showcase — is a true honor, and one I do not take lightly.To be among the artists chosen this year, from such an extraordinary pool of talent, is a reminder of why we create. Not just for ourselves, but for the connections our work makes — the emotions it stirs, the conversations it starts, the walls it graces.

A Note of GratitudeNone of this happens in a vacuum. Every kind word, every share, every moment you've spent with my work has carried me to this point. This selection belongs to all of us — the community of art lovers, fellow creatives, and supporters who make the journey worthwhile. 

I cannot wait to see Sailing Away on display at the festival this year. If you're in the Edmonds area, I would absolutely love to see you there. More details on dates, location, and exhibition hours coming soon — so stay tuned!
Want to Own a Piece of the Journey?
Fine art prints of Sailing Away are available now at www.cosmicsparkdesigns.com. Bring a little twilight serenity into your home — before the festival buzz makes the waves even bigger. With gratitude and paint-stained dreams, Artist Penny FireHorse Cosmic Spark Designs


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​I’m honored and excited to share that two of my graphic works--Mystic Tree of Life and Love Overcomes Darkness—have been officially invited for exhibition and sale in the 63rd Annual Art of Possibilities.

This year’s exhibition was especially competitive, with over 600 submissions and a full waitlist, making this invitation deeply meaningful. To have my work selected among such a strong and thoughtfully curated collection is both humbling and affirming.

Mystic Tree of Life is a captivating digital illustration that beautifully blends the symbolism of the tree with elements of mysticism and nature’s wisdom. The intricate design features a tree with sprawling roots and intertwining branches, creating a sense of balance and unity. Vibrant colors and flowing lines evoke growth, transformation, and spiritual connection, highlighting the tree’s role as a symbol of strength and interconnectedness. This piece invites viewers to reflect on the cycles of life, the journey of self-discovery, and the deep connections that bind all living things—offering a sense of harmony and a deeper connection to nature and the universe.

Love Overcomes Darkness is a powerful and emotive artwork symbolizing the triumph of love, hope, and resilience over adversity. Through a striking composition and a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, the piece captures the transformative energy of love as it illuminates even the darkest spaces. Rich textures and deep contrasts evoke strength, renewal, and an unwavering spirit—serving as a reminder that love remains the ultimate force of light.

Being included in Art of Possibilities—is a reminder of the importance of creative voice and community. This exhibition continues to celebrate diverse perspectives, and I’m grateful to contribute to that shared vision.

Thank you to the organizers, curators, and supporters of this incredible event—and to everyone who continues to support my work as Artist Penny FireHorse.  I look forward to connecting with you through these pieces.
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Stay inspired,
Artist Penny FireHorse

Hand-painted custom floral mason jars are a charming and personalized gift idea that can brighten any occasion. This article walks you through the detailed process of creating such a unique piece, from the initial painting of the design to the finishing touches.
Starting the Design
The process begins with completing the name on the jar, which serves as the centerpiece of the design. Once the name is fully painted, the artist moves on to hand-painting the rest of the floral design around it.
Painting the Floral Elements
Adding Dots
The first step in the floral design involves painting numerous dots. These dots form the foundation for the flowers and add texture and detail to the overall design.

Painting Leaves
After the dots are in place, the artist paints the leaves. This is done in clusters, with the artist carefully painting the first set of leaves and then moving on to the next four clusters. The leaves provide a natural and lush backdrop for the flowers.

Adding Flowers
Once the leaves are painted, flowers are added to the first set of leaves. The artist uses additional colors to bring the flowers to life, creating a vibrant and eye-catching design.

Managing Paint Consistency
During the painting process, the artist notices that the paint is thin. To ensure the colors do not run or blend unintentionally, the artist allows the paint to dry a bit before moving on to the next cluster of leaves and flowers. This careful attention to paint consistency helps maintain the clarity and beauty of the design.

Finishing Touches
The final step involves adding finishing touches to the design. This includes refining details and adding the artist's signature, which personalizes the piece and signifies its completion.

Conclusion
Hand-painting a custom floral mason jar requires patience, attention to detail, and artistic skill. The process involves layering dots, leaves, and flowers with careful consideration of paint consistency and color. The result is a unique and beautiful gift that can be cherished for any occasion, making it a thoughtful and creative present option.