You Don't Have To Be Whole

[Tapestry (Jenn)]

I made this dragon painting for @Manders ins the Postive Affirmations R5 Swap. I went back and forth on what to make so many times! My original idea was a monochrome night painting with the crescent moon as the focal point. But then I thought “why not add a dragon.” Just a small one…but then my little dragon got big and I just threw the whole monochrome thing out the window and here we are.

I overworked the background with too many lifts. If I could fix anything, I’d darken that up and just let it be. The lettering is done with gold ink.

Process Pics

Planning sketch

Pencil sketch

Frisket plus first watercolor layer

Finished painting, sans lettering

[wittychild (Jen 🇨🇦)]

This is such a lovely painting! The purple dragon really pops, and I love the lettering!

[Manders]

I love seeing the process for this! I absolutely love it! I’m so happy you decided to add a dragon. (Though I would have appreciated anything. )

[MistressJennie (Moderator - Jennie - she/her)]

I love it! The sky, the dragon, and the sentiment.

[Bunny1kenobi (Deanna 🇺🇸)]

Perfectly said, and it’s so cute!

[TheMistressT (Tara - she/her)]

“Why not add a dragon” seems like a phase to live by. Among other phrases, of course. This is both cute and deep.

[Manders]

This quote would be great on a hoodie

[gozer (Becca)]

Beautifully done and adding the dragon was perfect for Manders.

[Tapestry (Jenn)]

Thank you, @MistressJennie, @wittychild, @TheMistressT, @gozer, and @Bunny1kenobi!

@Manders - I’m so glad you like the painting! I think we definitely need a “why not a dragon” hoodie or at least a sticker.

[Manders]

I will totally add that to my projects for 2026

[bethntim (Beth)]

Magnificent!

[Tapestry (Jenn)]

Thank you!