Turquoise as a Creative Compass

By Lynette Melnyk

What Turquoise teaches us about ease, energy, and making waves in your own way

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about turquoise. Maybe it’s the summer heat, or maybe it’s that I’m craving more freedom, more flow—both in art and in life.

Turquoise always pulls me in. It’s the color of clarity, calm, and creative courage. It feels like a deep breath. Like freedom, with a little sparkle in it. It makes me smile—and feel good, inside and out.

When I think of turquoise, I picture myself on a white sandy beach—my toes buried in warm sand, the sun on my shoulders, and the ocean stretching out in front of me. The water shifts with every wave: soft blue to teal to sea-glass green. I’ve sat there, completely mesmerized—held by that wide expanse of color and light. No pressure to do anything. No need to be anything. Just being.

And that’s the energy I want to bring into my art.

Turquoise reminds me that creativity doesn’t have to come from striving, or perfection. It can come from softness. From joy. From presence.
Some of my favorite paintings didn’t begin with a plan—just a brush dipped in turquoise and the quiet question: What if I just begin?

I’ve started keeping little touches of turquoise nearby—jewelry, a paint swatch, a scarf—as reminders to breathe, to smile, to trust. To return to that still place inside where my real voice lives.

The phrase from my mood board, “Make Waves,” has taken on new meaning for me. It’s not about being loud for the sake of it—it’s about movement. Ripples. Impact. Starting where you are and letting your creativity flow outward—imperfect and alive. Whether it means doing something you’ve always dreamed of, being brave enough to take the first step, sharing your work for the first time, or simply creating something for yourself—you’re allowed to take up space.

Turquoise can be calm and dynamic. It soothes and energizes. It reminds us that confidence, clarity, and joy aren’t far away—they’re already here, waiting for us to show up and create.

So this summer, let turquoise be your guide. Paint with it. Sit by water. Wear it. Keep it close as a gentle nudge that your creative voice matters—and it’s never too late to let it shine.

And if you need a reminder (I know I do):
Make waves.
Not the crashing, forceful kind. But your kind.
Gentle ripples. Bold brushstrokes. Brave, imperfect steps.

What does turquoise mean to you?
This season, let it guide you toward what feels true. Create because it brings you joy. Follow your spark. And savor the color of creative freedom.

Some photos ©Lynette Melnyk. Other photos are from years collecting many images from magazines, saved and printed from Pinterest, etc. If I have used a photo and you know of the person that should be credited, please let me know and I will put that in this blog. Thank you.