SHAKNYS

weird and painfully human.☀️

[shaknys]

Dog in this piece reflects how I feel - caught between light and shadow, trying to release my burdens like a lantern into the sky... I hope it resonates with someone out there and if it does - we can do it, don't give up 💛🫂

[shaknys]

"After the Fireworks" 💛🐾

A sparkler. Small but persistent. Still glowing, even after the noise and chaos have ended.

This painting is my reminder that life doesn’t need grand resolutions or glittering fireworks. Like a dog who joyfully ignores expectations, we just need to keep moving forward - joyfully messy, perfectly imperfect.

For 2025, I’m choosing to focus on small, steady steps. Because even the tiniest spark can light the way, no matter how smoky or overwhelming things seem.

Your spark is enough.

Thank you for being ☀️

[shaknys]

"Self-Compassion – Best Present for Any Occasion 🎁"

For those who find Christmas a challenging time, Remember - Self-compassion is the greatest gift.

This painting is a reminder that amidst the darkness, self-compassion can gift us hope .

Your strength shines brighter than you know. ⭐

Thank you for being 💛

[shaknys]

sleepy 🌙

[shaknys]

Brain Fungus - Chihuahua 🐾

The truth: This painting didn’t turn out how I wanted, and honestly, I really hate it xD But I’m sharing it anyway because not everything has to be perfect.

This painting reflects my whimsical take on mental health. The glowing mushroom sprouting from the chihuahua's head - symbolizes how thoughts, anxieties, and ideas can grow wildly, like fungus in the dark. The mushroom field in the background represents how we’re all connected through shared struggles, even when those struggles feel buried underground. This piece is a playful reminder that our quirks and challenges can bloom into beauty and light when we least expect it.

Thank you for being here ☀️

[shaknys]

 wanted to share my latest painting, “The Weight of the Bloom”. It’s part of a series where I turn anxiety into something visual and a little absurd. This one features a dog wearing a fisher’s hat with a flower growing out of it - my way of capturing situational anxiety. Sometimes, anxiety feels like trying to stay afloat while carrying something unexpectedly heavy. But it’s also about growth - the flower symbolizes the beauty and resilience that can come from facing those moments. 🌱 I’ve been working hard on this series and putting my heart into each piece. Right now, I’m trying to save up to buy a proper printer so I can start offering prints of my work. If you connect with this painting or just want to help me keep creating, I’d really appreciate your support. Whether it’s a small donation through Buy Me a Coffee or PayPal, or purchasing something from my Etsy store (shaknys). Every little bit helps and means so much!☀️ Thanks for taking a look and being here. Let me know what you think of the painting - has anxiety ever felt like this to you? #artwithmeaning #anxietyawareness #relatableart #dogart #mentalhealthmatters #artforthesoul #bucketbutnotstuck #visualstorytelling #popsurrealism

[shaknys]

Hey there ☀️

So, I've been working on this series of paintings where I turn my anxiety into something visual and a little ridiculous. Each painting features a dog in an over-the-top headpiece because that's basically what my brain feels like most days: a worried dog wearing something impractical XD

"Bucket, But Not Stuck" (Green) is all about generalized anxiety. Picture a dog with a glowing green bucket on its head, unable to see properly, bumping into everything. That's me on a bad day: D

"Bear With Me" (Pink) stars a staffie in a pink bear hat, perfectly embodying my social anxiety. It's soft, cute, and comforting... but also a little absurd. Sometimes my anxiety is just me hiding under layers of metaphorical fluff.

"The Weight of the Bloom" (Blue) features a fisher's hat with a flower growing out of it, my take on situational anxiety. It's about those moments when I'm just trying to stay afloat. The flower symbolizes both the weight of the moment and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from facing challenges. It's a reminder that situational anxiety is temporary and that growth is possible when we approach those moments with patience and resilience.

These paintings are personal to me, but I hope they can offer a little comfort to anyone dealing with anxiety, reminding you that you're not alone in the struggle.

Thank you so much for letting me share these goofy, heartfelt dogs with you.

With love and paint-covered hands, SHAKNYS

[shaknys]

I had this plan to finish four paintings tin one day (Saturday). I managed one xD

Today, I’m trying to continue with the second one... But of course... I’m tired and I’ve got allergies hitting me hard xD

All I want to do is curl up in bed, eat junk food, and watch something mindless.

That’s how I feel today.

I’m sitting here in my studio, trying to push through, even though my body and brain are telling me to rest. Some days are like that, a war, between what you planned and what you capable of doing.

I’m curious, what type of person are you? The one who knows when to rest and recharge? Or the one who pushes through no matter what?

[shaknys]

The night stars fell from sky to see you ✨

I can't sleep lately but for some reason it's very good for my creative productivity xD unfortunately not so good for everything else xD

[shaknys]

Turned my painting into a greeting card and made an illustration for a friend named Oak because I'm bad with words and I didn't know what to write xD

[shaknys]

Starry pup ⭐

This piece came from thinking about those quiet moments when the world feels huge and cold, but there’s this small, warm comfort that keeps you grounded. I used acrylics and tried to bring out that magical, otherworldly vibe.

The dog’s wrapped up in a blanket of snow, sitting outside with a glowing star growing out of its head. It’s surreal - cozy and cold at the same time, like a dream. Like my feelings for the last few days.

What kind of feeling or story does this give you? I’d love to hear your thoughts ☀️

[shaknys]

I made this little fever dream on a 4.3 x 5.9-inch piece of paper. Sure, it's tiny, but I swear it has more personality than the majority of people I've met.  Anyway, I hope it makes someone else feel something too.

[shaknys]

🌟 Shadows Play in Stars 🌟

This quick acrylic piece, painted on an uneven primed hardboard, is dedicated to all the beloved pets who've crossed the rainbow bridge, it’s a tribute to the joy, light, and unconditional love they brought into our lives 💛✨