Blake Lively has opened up about the small activities that help her maintain calm amid ongoing stress. The actress, known for her roles in popular films and television shows, revealed on Instagram on September 17 that she has been turning to watercolor painting as one of her key ways to find peace. Lively described these creative moments as affordable and soothing, highlighting how they serve as effective coping mechanisms during difficult times.
She explained that these watercolor books provide structured templates and reference images, allowing her to personalize the artwork while enjoying a relaxing pastime.
“I found these @emilylexstudio watercolor books in a little story this summer and fell in love,”
Lively shared.
“They’re cheaper and more peaceful than most coping mechanisms and are so rewarding to complete.”
She added,
“You can take as much or as little time as you like, and you can make the painting your own. They give you a template with a black and white sketch drawing to paint over, as well as a reference pic to the late. Love these so much. Highly recommend.”
Ongoing Legal Dispute Casts a Shadow Over Blake Lively
This glimpse into Lively’s personal coping occurs in the midst of a complicated legal battle involving her and the director of her latest film, Justin Baldoni. Since December 2024, Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and attempting to damage her reputation through a calculated smear campaign. Baldoni, who also co-starred in the film, has strongly denied all of these allegations.
The dispute has added tension to Lively’s public and private life, as the actress works through legal processes that continue to unfold. A source recently told Us Weekly that
“Blake is very stressed, upset, and just wants all of this to be done,”
underscoring the emotional toll the situation has taken. Meanwhile, Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds remains by her side, providing support and expressing confidence.
“More confident that the truth will prevail in court,”
according to the source, Reynolds consoles Lively as the battle progresses.
Legal Proceedings Involving Lively, Baldoni, and Ryan Reynolds
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, married since 2012 and parents to four children, have both been drawn into this legal conflict. Baldoni’s countersuit accused the couple of defamation, a claim the Lively-Reynolds team has denied. Ultimately, a judge dismissed the countersuit, though tensions persist as depositions continue. Lively completed her deposition in July, and attention has turned toward pop star Taylor Swift, who may be involved in upcoming court filings. Baldoni alleges Swift participated in Lively’s alleged attempt to take over the film project, a charge Swift has publicly rejected.
In a recent development, Lively’s legal team criticized Baldoni’s efforts to schedule Swift’s deposition, calling it an “astounding” disregard for her privacy and busy schedule.
“In this latest effort, [Baldoni and his team] assert — though, notably, without evidence — that [Swift] has supposedly ‘agreed’ to sit for a deposition sometime between October 20-25 (some three weeks after the close of fact discovery in this matter),”
Lively’s attorneys wrote.
“Their lack of diligence, and disrespect for [Swift’s] privacy and schedule, is astounding. Discovery has been ongoing for more than six months, and [Swift] is someone whose calendar should be presumed to be packed with professional obligations for months in advance. At any point over the past six months, [Baldoni’s team] could have noticed a deposition, served a subpoena, and negotiated an agreeable time and place for this deposition. But they did not.”
Swift’s legal representation denied that she consented to appear, stating,
“Further, my client did not agree to a deposition, but if she is forced into a deposition, we advised (after first hearing about the deposition just three days ago) that her schedule would accommodate the time required during the week of October 20 if the parties were able to work out their disputes. We take no role in those disputes.”
The Impact of the Legal Battle on Lively and Her Support Network
The lawsuit and its associated pressures have evidently weighed heavily on Blake Lively, who has found solace in simple, peaceful activities like watercolor painting. Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, remains a steady source of support throughout the legal proceedings. The involvement of high-profile figures such as Taylor Swift has drawn further public attention, complicating what has already been an emotionally charged dispute.
As the case develops with upcoming depositions and ongoing court battles, Lively’s efforts to focus on personal well-being underscore the challenges faced by public figures navigating legal conflicts in the spotlight. The resolution of this case will likely have significant repercussions for all involved, influencing professional relationships and reputations in Hollywood.
