The Calming Canvas

02/18/2026

"Lonely at the Top" by Crysta J Hollenback

They say it's lonely so why not fall.
When you choose to stand so tall.
The sun scorches you from all directions
Every effort to make you hide your imperfections.

Now it's not the sun, no that's just a star
It's the people below that can't see that far
It scares them to have a giant among men
So they mock and they criticize
and gossip among them.

What they tell you is it's lonley at the top,
But what they don't know is you'll never stop.

10-09-2022
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"Tall"
12"x16"
Acrylic on canvas
2026

Available
Message to purchase.

02/17/2026

"Surrender is not soft. It is the decision to bloom where chaos planted you."

Surrender
8"×10"
Acrylic on stretched canvas

Available.

Message to purchase.

02/16/2026

🙌 Exciting News!! 🙌
We have March's Step-by-Step Watercolor Class registration open NOW!
Just $40/person

Register before seats run out!

https://calendly.com/crysta-hollenback/paint-2-heal

02/15/2026

Big thank you to these (and a few not pictured) wonderful artists who took the risk to pass thier painting to thier partner. We had a wonderful valentine's day event and I was thoroughly inspired by the creativity from all parties. Thank you for coming to my event, and stay tuned for updates for my next one in March.

02/13/2026

Just 1 day left!!! This event is Saturday, that is tomorrow!!

We are getting close!! Valentine's Day is this Saturday!! Don't forget to register for a memorable and fun day date with your person!

Join us:
💕February 14th, 12-2pm at the Park Avenue Grill
Just $40 for 2 people.

❓️Want to come alone? No worries just pay at the event, $20 per person.

❓️Not a couple, bring a friend, or a few! Everyone who wants to paint is welcome!!

See you soon!
Register ----> https://calendly.com/crysta-hollenback/passthepainting

02/12/2026

Fervid. It’s what the painting felt like before it had a name. It’s the feeling that makes your throat tight and your hands steady at the same time. Not passion—that word's been worn smooth. *Fervid* is sharper. Hot, but not loud. It burns clean, no smoke. Can you feel the passion?

Fervid
8"×10"
Watercolor on paper

Available
Message to purchase

02/11/2026

70 days. Not because I had to—because I chose to. One stroke per day, no matter the chaos. This is what persistence looks like when you stop waiting for perfect conditions. This is "Motivation."

Motivation
16"×20"
Acrylic on canvas
Available

Message to purchase.

02/09/2026

We are getting close!! Valentine's Day is this Saturday!! Don't forget to register for a memorable and fun day date with your person!

Join us:
💕February 14th, 12-2pm at the Park Avenue Grill
Just $40 for 2 people.

❓️Want to come alone? No worries just pay at the event, $20 per person.

❓️Not a couple, bring a friend, or a few! Everyone who wants to paint is welcome!!

See you soon!
Register ----> https://calendly.com/crysta-hollenback/passthepainting

01/29/2026

Two birds sit on a branch in the corner. The critic askes the artist "Why do they take such a small space of the canvas? Wouldn't it be better to fill the canvas?" To which the artist replies, "But where then would they fly?"

11"x14"
Acrylic on stretched canvas
Available.

Message to purchase.

01/27/2026

Did you want to make more memories this year with your partner or friends this Valentine's Day? Or to do something creative?

Join us at our event:

Pass the Painting: A Couple's Date at Park Avenue Grill

📌When: February 14th, 12pm - 2pm

📌Where:Park Avenue Grill
3950 S Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(Treat yourself with sensational food while here!)

📌Cost: 40$ per couple
(1 seat pays for 2 people)

Class Materials brought by me! Don't worry about the rest. Just come and enjoy some relaxation and make memories you will cherish forever.

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Join us with your person for a pass the painting event. This is a watercolor paint event where each couple paints for a set time and then they pass thier painting to thier person to add more to it and then back again. Creating unique art and unforgettable memories!

This event is 2 hours, but stay the full time or leave early the choice is yours!

All class materials provided in registration cost.

Food available for purchase from Host location and is NOT included in the registration cost.

To register follow the link below or scan the QR code.
https://calendly.com/crysta-hollenback/passthepainting

01/26/2026

There are sone days that the sun comes through the window and reminds you just what you have accomplished and how it shines. This picture is my art wall in my home, and oh how it feels just like that.

I didn't start out an artist with paint. I was for the stage I was sure of it. Music and the act of pretending to be someone else someone expressive. I survived on that playing pretend. It wasnt until 2018 that I started painting. And I wasn't great at it. I was rigid and stiff. Everything in its perfect place. Still pretending.

But today looking at this wall and the expression of so many moods and emotions I can finally say the pretending is over. I may not be famous, or a financially stable artist (if that exists), but I am happy and I have worked hard making myself and my craft into something I am proud of.

Thank you for the continued love and support 🩵🤎