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Life Behind the Easel
Personal Posts from me, Jennifer, the artist behind The 3rd Flamingo.


Art Festival Preparation: Apparently, I Need Another Crash Course
It seems like forever since I set up at an art festival. It hasn't been. It was last year. Apparently, a year is plenty of time to forget almost everything—or at least to pray you forget almost everything.
Jennifer Jones
5 days ago3 min read


Making Art: The Paris Dream and the Reality
Before I began taking art classes, I pictured artists painting beside the Seine in berets with perfectly organized boxes of paints. My actual life as an artist involves a Goodwill suitcase, old law school sweatshirts and considerably more repainting.
Jennifer Jones
Sep 113 min read


Fused Glass Bernard: A Promise Seven Years in the Making
Seven years after Matt promised that someday my little fused glass girl would have a dog, we finally found someone who could make Bernard. Of course, Bernard might have a few opinions about the result.
Jennifer Jones
Aug 232 min read


Battle for KATTFest and the Accidental Drumstick Trick
I have seen Tretura perform many, many—and I mean many—times. At the Battle for KATTfest finals, they looked different. They looked like they belonged on the Diamond Ballroom stage. There was even an unexpected drumstick trick.
Jennifer Jones
Aug 202 min read


Painting the Merry Men of Mount Rushmore: Where the Tears Collect
After spending some time out of rotation, the Merry Men of Mount Rushmore are back. Shadowing has improved, noses have received expert consultation, and tears may soon begin flowing down presidential faces.
Jennifer Jones
Jun 112 min read


Behind the Scenes Art Exhibit: I Never Thought I'd Say This
A personal behind-the-scenes art exhibit installation story about hanging the June gallery solo, missing a couple of paintings, and discovering the humor in doing it all alone.
Jennifer Jones
Jun 72 min read


OMG! Thought Just Left – The Clueless Monk of June
June’s monk is mid-thought, eyes rolled up, mouth slack, and hilariously befuddled. O.M.G.! The Thought Just Escaped captures that perfectly human moment when clarity vanishes, leaving confusion, charm, and a little inner peace behind.
Jennifer Jones
Jun 12 min read


“OMG! That’s Hilarious” - May’s Laughing Monk
May’s monk is caught mid-laugh, eyes squinting, mouth wide open, radiating joy. Discover the contagious humor hidden in life’s little absurdities, and learn why laughter is a sacred path to delight.
Jennifer Jones
May 12 min read


Resurrected Paintings: The Shark Always Moving
The shark returns to the canvas in the resurrected paintings series—always moving, quietly waiting, and finally ready for its turn.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 242 min read


Art from the Closet: Resurrected Paintings and Second Chances
Resurrected paintings aren’t abandoned—they’re waiting. A look at how unfinished art comes back to life when the artist is ready.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 122 min read


Capsule Wardrobe, But Make It Me
I set out to build a capsule wardrobe, simple and neutral. I came home with seven pairs of pants, one shirt, and a much better understanding of my style.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 84 min read


O.M.G.! I’m Fine—ish — How This Goofy Monk Found Inner Peace
April brings blooms, chaos, and the monk who perfected the “meh, it’s fine” expression. Read his humorous journey to inner peace, one exaggerated shrug at a time.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 12 min read


Under the Surface Art Exhibit at Street SmARTS Gallery
What started as “just hanging a few paintings” turned into a full underwater world. Come see the Under the Surface art exhibit at Street SmARTS Gallery.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 292 min read


The Embosser Story: Lessons from a Cockeyed Seal
A cockeyed seal, a stubborn embosser, and lessons learned about fixing things—sometimes you just need a little help.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 82 min read


Small Lives Big Ideas Tiny Paintings for March at StreetsmART Gallery
Three small original paintings join the Small Lives Big Ideas wall at StreetsmART Gallery this March, capturing tiny worlds full of whimsy, color, and quiet magic.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 52 min read


OMG! It’s Serendipity, BABY! – March’s Cosmic Surprise Monk
March’s monk calendar art, OMG! It’s Serendipity, BABY! – March’s Cosmic Surprise Monk, captures a serendipitous, uncontainable moment of joy. Astonished delight, hands over his eyes, and pure bliss invite you to marvel at the absurd perfection of simply being alive.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 13 min read


February’s Weight: Grief, Memory, and the Unexpected
February can be heavy. In our family, it carries the memory of loss, laughter, and love. From my brother to my nephew, this month reminds us that grieving deeply is part of loving deeply—and that somehow, it’ll be alright.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 123 min read


Do Whales Get Itches? How These Gentle Giants Scratch an Itch
Ever wondered if whales get itches and how they might scratch them? From rubbing against surfaces to playful breaches, these gentle giants have some surprising ways to get relief.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 82 min read


Orange People and February Feelings at StreetSmART Gallery
Visit StreetSmART Gallery this February to see the orange people, Purplette and Romeo, in a playful, dry take on love, timing, and messy Valentine moments. Stop by First Friday or come anytime this month to experience these bold, emotionally flexible paintings that reward close looking.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 42 min read


O.M.G.! What Was That?!?: February Moments of Calm and Chaos
February’s startled monk captures the moment calm collides with chaos. Read about mindful jumps, tiny surprises, and creative inspiration.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 13 min read
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