iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

“Cedric and Timothy and the Rainy Day” is done! It’s acrylics on wood, 9 x 12 inches. These two sweethearts will be at the Fogue gallery for June’s artwalk in a couple of weeks. They’d love to be a part of your home. 🦔💚🦔

Two gentlemen hedgehogs, arm in arm, take shelter under a mushroom. Acrylic painting.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

It’s been a crazy couple of months, but things are actually getting back to normal. So I was finally able to finish this painting…here are Edmund and Pip (short for Pipperling Cloverfoot Piehaven, of course). They’re out for a spring walk on a stormy day. They are acrylics on canvas, 11 x 14”.

A painting of two hares walking through the countryside. One is larger and holds the paw of the smaller one. They are dressed in matching green suits.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

"Still Hungry" 11 x 14, acrylics on canvas Not my usual cheerful, whimsical subject, I know...but it's what I needed to get out there.

A panting of a large anthropomorphic pig in a rumpled suit - he sits in a room that may have once been luxurious but now is decaying. He holds a golden fork in one giant hand and contemplates a large bowl of gold coins. He looks both sad and irate.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

This is the largest painting I've ever done on canvas. It's "In the Cerulean Conservatory" and it's 24" x 12". I added a couple of close-ups too. #acrylicpainting #whaleart

A whimsical underwater painting shows a massive blue whale swimming through a submerged city. Brass steampunk machinery is integrated into the whale’s side, where a pink octopus operates glowing gauges and pipes. Around them swim mechanical and hybrid sea creatures, including an anglerfish with a lantern, a seahorse, rays, jellyfish, and small fish with brass details. Soft light beams filter down through the water, creating a calm, dreamlike atmosphere.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Like human-created art of animals doing human things? Well as it happens I love painting them! Here are 4 of the paintings I have for sale, all acrylics and all done with my little human hands. They each have a story that I thought up in my little human brain. They want to come live with you!

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

Surprisingly lots of bloom and color in the January garden here in Seattle. It’s been a warmer than average winter so far.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

Had a great rainy Christmas morning 5k run, cooked enjoyed an amazing meal together, and wanted to share this painting to wish you a wonderful solstice and holiday season!

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

This is the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year. Ew. Somehow "sad, grey beige" seems appropriate.

A Pantone chip showing the color "Cloud dancer" which is actually a very very neutral beige.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Here’s a little time lapse video showing the progress of a painting.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

The third one in the series "The Night Society" is done! It will have lights behind it like the other two, but to see them, you'll have to stop by the December artwalk at Fogue Studios & Gallery!

A painting of a mouse leading a snail larger that itself; the mouse has a little uniform on, and. The snail has a bag full of mail and packages strapped over its shell.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Pluribus: WHERE ARE THE ANIMALS??

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

The others just called him Maestro. Now and then he’d wander into the pub, order a glass of wine and a little snack, and play his violin. He never really chatted with anyone but was so soft and unassuming that no one minded much. 1/2

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Happy Halloween! My little frog friend says “be whoever you want to!”

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

Just bird things. A little art, a few fun bird facts; a quiet little weekly newsletter about stuff I find interesting. sonyar.substack.com

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

So, I’m tired of algorithm-driven doomscrolling. I started a little email newsletter instead. It’s just nice stuff: art I’m working on, interesting and positive news, no politics or scary headlines EVER. This week: goats, bumpy fish, and a pear torte. sonyar.substack.com

sonyar.substack.com

Wunderkammer | Substack

A Cabinet of Curiosities. Click to read Wunderkammer, a Substack publication. Launched 3 days ago.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Professor Aloysius Fennelroot lived among books and shadows, in the top story of the tallest tree in Blackthorn Forest. Around his neck hung the Key. No one knew what it opened, though many speculated. (The professor is acrylics on canvas, 10x10. I hope you like him.)

A painting of a barred owl, wearing gold wire glasses, and a red ribbon with a key around his neck. He sits in a round wood window frame, behind him a room is lit in warm lantern light. You can see books, plants and various treasures there.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

Portrait of an elderly Boston terrier; gift for his family. He's watercolor, 9 x 12 on Arches hot press. #watercolor

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Senhor Benedito Capivara is a recent transplant from his tropical birthplace to the cooler countryside where he now lives with his new friend, Orville. He has taken quickly to the quiet life, and keeps his daily constitutional, rain or shine. Acrylics on a 12x12 wood panel. #art #capybara

A painting of a dapper capybara in a grey suit, with a small robin wearing a straw boating hat perched on his head.

A close-up of the capy’s head and robin friend.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

LOOK at the size of this cat in my neighborhood. His name is Ollie and I adore him. He’s the shape and dimensions of a large watermelon.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Clara paused for a moment, looking up from her book; something had caught her eye. For just a moment, a new friend appeared, and then, just as suddenly, was gone. Acrylics on canvas, 11x14. This took way too long to finish, and I obsessed over too many little details. #acrylicpainting

A fox in a long white dress sits in a garden setting, one elbow on a table. She is looking up at a hummingbird that hovers in front of her.

A close up of the fox’s face and the bird.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Scenes from my Chaos Garden. I love this time of year! #seattlegarden

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

What a perfect day for it: my watercolor tribute to Animal Farm, “Napoleon’s Plan,” went home today with a young man who read the book with his grandfather, saw it at Fogue Gallery, and had to have it. I am so honored. 😌 #nokings #fourlegsgood #twolegsbad

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

“Before the Kiss” Acrylic on 6 x 12 wood panel. A gentle moment suspended in time…two lovers in a quiet moment just before connection, where hearts speak softly without words. #AcrylicPainting

A horizontal acrylic painting on a 6 x 12 wood panel. The artwork depicts two anthropomorphic cats sitting in a small wooden boat surrounded by oversized flowers. One cat leans slightly toward the other, their faces almost touching as if about to kiss. The scene feels romantic and whimsical, bathed in soft, pastel tones with intricate floral details. The overall atmosphere is dreamy and intimate.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

The Ai Weiwei exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum is fantastic. Photos don’t do it justice.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

A perfect morning for a run. And what a run! For me this is fast; not “young person in great shape” fast but something I can be proud of. And I am! Had a great time at the West Seattle 5k. #running #westseattle

A cheerful me (middle aged woman with running bib and blue hat)

Garmin watch showing “Fastest 5k - 30:31”

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

The irises were good again this year; here are my top four.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

The colors of these columbines are just so calming. #garden

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Why do I run? At my age? • Because I love cheese. And chocolate. And ice cream. • Because it’s the one time I can get out of my head. • Because I only have to compete against me. • Because I want to stay strong as I age. Even if I look like a goofy old lady. • Because of the calm afterwards.

Me on a run: a goofy looking, sweaty, but happy 59-year-old woman.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Everything’s blooming and it’s the best kind of distraction. I keep stepping outside “just to check on the garden” and end up standing there for ten minutes, staring at moss like it might tell me a secret. Softer air, brighter colors, and somehow everything smells good. Not a bad reset button.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

He is literally making this face: 😬

A news article screenshot reading "Stock sell-off resumes as focus turns to US-China trade war" and a man looking at a screen with a wide-eyed, teeth-gritting expression.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Five years ago yesterday I snapped my achilles tendon, jumping rope barefoot (bad idea, it turns out). And now I run a 5k distance three times a week, every week. #running #anythingispossible #oldladyrunning

My POV, in a wheelchair, looking down at my foot in a medical boot.

My POV, looking at my Garmin watch, showing that I've run my fastest 5k time.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

The amazing Heather Lake trail, just over an hour’s drive from Seattle, feels like entering a different world. #pnwhiking

A mountain range overlooking a snow-covered lake

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

“Help You Find Anything?” introduces Bertram. He’s a bookstore owner and researcher of all things esoteric. I don’t know why I have such a fascination with painting things on shelves but I love to, even when it means that paintings take a ridiculously long time to finish. Acrylics on canvas, 11x14”

A painting of a black bear with a light colored muzzle, dressed in a fine leather coat and other fancy clothes, sitting at a desk with books in front of him and on shelves behind him. He’s reading a book and a delicate cup sits nearby.

The painting described in the other image, in a frame and with a calico cat walking past it.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

I got to watch the bottling of Spruce Hill Winery’s 2024 Rosé of Cinsault. A very special wine to me because it bears (haha) my first wine label art commission! This stuff is delicious too; it’s light & fresh tasting & the color is gorgeous. You can get some from Spruce Hill, but not until May. 🍷🩷

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

After a year and a half of running I’ve finally managed a 10-minute mile! Broke my 1k and 5k records today as well. It’s a perfect day for a run; sunny but cool. Is there anything like #running on a spring day in Seattle? (When you’re #slowaf like me…)

Screenshot of Garmin app showing three new personal records.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Here they are, finished and together! Henrietta Harecroft and Theodore Mendel Fernwhisker, friends and partners in studying the natural world. They are a set, each on a 5x7 wood panel, and will be ready for you to view at Fogue Studios & Gallery in Seattle this Saturday for the Georgetown artwalk!

Two paintings: on the left a hare in a white dress, ready to look into a microscope; on the right a hare in a dapper suit, caught in the midst of sketching a plant.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Henrietta Harecroft spends long hours peering into her brass microscope, cataloging the unseen mysteries of the natural world. She is a friend and partner of Theodore, the fellow in my previous post.

A painting of a hare in a white dress, ready to look into her brass microscope, surrounded by science equipment and ephemera

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

If you haven’t been to the Seattle Chinese Garden in West Seattle, what are you waiting for? It’s beautiful, quiet, free, and full of little visual treasures.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Meet Theodore Mendel Fernwhisker, distinguished botanist and well-traveled illustrator. He will be part of a two-painting set. 5x7 - acrylics on wood panel. Watch this space to see his partner soon! #art #science #hare

A painting of a hare wearing an Edwardian suit, sitting at a desk, paintbrush in hand, illustrating a flower.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Ms Prickles seems to like her portrait! It’s always nice when the subject approves.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Don’t forget to go outside, don’t forget to look at the sky.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

People: why does it take so long for you to finish a painting? Me:

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Even in winter there were still some flowers for a valentines bouquet for my sweetie.

A small bouquet in a pink glass vase, including hellebore, snapdragons, Daphne, camellia buds, and others.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

A pet portrait I completed this week, of Goose, Ms Prickles, and Leo. It's acrylics on canvas, 11x14". I loved painting them as a dashing trio, but I can't decide if they're ready for a night on the town, or up to no good. Maybe a little of both. ☺️ #art #petportraits #fancycats

A painting of three cats, well dressed. Two are white and orange males, dressed in suits and bowties, and in front and between them is a grey tabby, wearing an orange shawl and white gloves, with a green bowtie. The background is oranges and blues.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

I’m scared for this country and for the people I care about, the people in my community, my coworkers, and all the folks out there struggling.

The moon setting over distant bare trees

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Hellebores get #Seattle gardeners through the darkest season.

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Well, it's the end of January , so I'll be taking my 2025 "Wild Tales" animal art calendar out of my Etsy shop soon. You can still get it through Monday, though, and if you do, you can use this code for 15% off: SAVE2025 (It's good for anything in my shop!) www.etsy.com/listing/1836...

etsy.com

Wild Tales 2025 Wall Calendar fun and Fancy Animal Art and Stories - Etsy

This Wall Calendars item by SketchingSeattle has 16 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from United States. Listed on Jan 12, 2025

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Sonya @sonyar.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Meet Johann Thistlebrook, a smart fellow in both mind and appearance. He knows more than he lets on but is always kind and friendly. Johann is acrylics on an 8x8x1" board. #art #seattleartist #maaaahhhh

A painting of a wise looking white goat with curved horns, wearing a white knotted scarf, green vest and a blue overcoat, peering out through a painted frame, where one horn and one ear actually extend outside the frame.

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