Girl on Fireš„
Art for badasses, plus an opportunity
You know that moment when your life tilts off center? You feel wobbly; donāt trust. Youāre fearful and hear yourself saying WTF (yes, in caps) over and over and over. I had one of those WTF moments in mid-Dec of 2022. Iād been diagnosed with a second liposarcoma, and well, lemme tell you, thereās nothing like a second cancer diagnosis to induce a string of uninterrupted WTFs.
Now, some of you already know this story, but for those who donāt, in early 2023, I rallied like a badass, traveled to Africa, and came home to a second cancer surgery. With the GIRL ON FIREš„ series, I wanted to paint something radically different, to render paintings that reflected my challenges ā emotional and physical, from my later-in-life creativity to my health traumas. I knew if I had these challenges, maybe others did too, and it would be a way to connect. I wanted to render something different but also fun. Because we need fun!
You might have seen my Girl on Fireš„ watercolor art in past issues, where I share Watercolor Tool Tips for Beginners, or in the Feb 2023 Monthly Vibes post. When I started painting the sixth rendition of GIRL ON FIREš„ ROLLER SKATER, I also signed the agreement for the Wild African Adventures in Art exhibition. Now that Wild is over, Iām back with Girl on Fireš„ to finish my ten-piece series and offer you an opportunity to get a Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„!
So who, or what, is GIRL ON FIREš„?
The maybe-not-so-obvious is this: GIRL ON FIREš„ is a watercolor painting. She represents courage in adversity, pain, or grief. She is tireless but clear-headed and radiates strength, fanning her flames through her hair. When the world is on fire, when circumstances feel out of control, GIRL ON FIREš„ is calm and always wears red lipstick.
Your Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ watercolor will have signature red hair, eyes, and lips and she also represents your badassery, which I render into the painting. This could manifest as a drive to overcome your fear of sharks so you can get SCUBA-certified and swim in the ocean (okay, that would be me). Maybe youāre overcoming addiction or are a new parent with a screaming toddler or three. Maybe youāre a parent who has lost a child to illness or tragedy. You could be a trauma survivor, a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a dancer, a poet, a business owner, or a trucker. You might want to memorialize someone near and dear to your heart (who was also a GIRL ON FIREš„). Your GIRL ON FIREš„ could be a prayer warrior. There are endless opportunities and no hard rules to be a GIRL ON FIREš„, just the desire to kick ass, live your best life, and carry on despite the obstacles.
Here's what you get when you order a Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„
Each painting is rendered with a likeness of you in portrait form (head, neck, shoulders), with a touch of whimsy. This is where the fun comes in: Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ styles can include your favorite flowers, insects, birds, a significant or memorable necklace or hairpiece, scarf, clothing item (shoulders only), or something else. Iāve had a request for a GIRL ON FIREš„ mermaid. Each GIRL ON FIREš„ watercolor is 10x8ā on archival, acid-free 140 gsm watercolor paper.
Here are a few recent Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ commissions.
GIRL ON FIREš„ shows courage in adversity, pain, or grief. She is tireless but clear-headed and radiates strength, fanning her flames through her hair. When the world is on fire, when circumstances feel out of control, GIRL ON FIREš„ is calm af and always wears red lipstick.
Why should you order a Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„?
Because you are a badass.
Hereās how to order (or gift) your personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ watercolor commission:
Reply to this letter, text, email, call, or DM me on my socials. This opens the conversation about what element you want to include in your GIRL ON FIREš„. You secure the order with a fifty percent deposit through Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.
Once I receive your deposit, I will request two to three digital headshot images for reference. Iāll sketch an initial Girl on Fire based on your headshot and additional elements and send it to you for feedback. Note: My goal is not a realistic representation of you but a nuanced rendition. Then, I paint. Once your Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ watercolor is finished, I set it with a fixative spray for longevity, and secure it with a foam board and plastic sleeve (sorry, itās the only way to protect the art).
The personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ is $100 US dollars with fifty percent down. You assume shipping costs, which are usually $10-12, depending on your zip code. The balance is due upon receipt of the art. Art ships flat.
Order your Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ watercolor today. Art makes a great gift!
What People Are Saying About Commissioning Watercolor Art from Me
I have had the pleasure of working with Maureen on several commissioned pieces. Her keen intuition and ability to connect are imparted dynamically, emotionally, and beautifully in her artwork. Her knowledge is broad-based and the effort she puts into her projects is beyond compare!
~ Lesley C.
Maureen C. Berry is a talented and versatile artist. Because her watercolors are so striking, I was torn when it came to selecting which would work best in my space. The two I purchasedāone more abstract with an inspirational message woven organically into the design and one a sweet floral miniāhave added so much to my home. Maureen is a delight to work with and patient beyond measure. My pieces arrived beautifully packaged and in perfect condition. I canāt recommend working with Maureen highly enough!
~ Casey W.
When my daughter was stuck on Oahu, a whole country away from me, during the pandemic, I wanted to send her something special. When I saw Maureen's watercolors, the plan was formulated. My daughter's favorite animal is a Red Spanish Sea Dancer nudibranch. When I told Maureen what I was looking for, she came up with a gorgeous design that mimics the true colors and movements of the marine animal. My daughter loved it, and we both appreciated that she now has her first original piece of art hanging on her apartment wall.
~ Carrie H.
Maureenās artistic abilities continue to expand and evolve. Sheās able to bring your vision to the canvas with incredible artistry and creativity. Her pieces breathe life into my own creative space. Highly recommend!
~ Kathy P.
GIRL ON FIREš„ PIANO BENCH (below) is included in the Womenās Perspective exhibition at the Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY, curated by Frederica Huff. June 4-July 30, 2024.
Iām excited to bring this watercolor commission service to you. If you have any questions about the process or are ready to order your Personalized GIRL ON FIREš„ please reply to this letter. If you know a badass who would want one, please share.
Thanks so much for being here! Your support helps me continue to follow my dreams.
Maureen xo
GIRL ON FIREš„ is registered with the US Copyright Office. All rights reserved, maureencberry.com, @2023.
Maureen C. Berry is an American visual artist and author. She was first a food writer, seafood cookbook author, and speaker focusing on sustainability and transitioned to art in 2020 after a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Maureenās core philosophy is to share stories of hope through art. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and their wire fox terrier, Cooper. To learn more, visit maureencberry.com.
Stay curious. Stay safe. Make an impact.
I love how youāve animated them! The winking is adorable!! Good luck with your latest project!! ššØš¼ļø
Brilliant Beautiful ~You are a strong woman āØāØWhat wonderful work!