Free 2008 Calendar

Happy Holidays to all of my faithful readers! I have designed a 2008 calendar including 12 of my paintings from the past year and famous quotes on creativity that I hope will entertain and inspire you. Please click on the link Free 2008 Calendar on my website to download the entire calendar as a PDF (2.5MB) and you can print it on your own printer.

The only thing I ask is if you download it let me know how you like it with a post here.

Enjoy!

A New View

I wanted to expand the visual interest of the pieces I have been working on. Also I wanted to have a little more room to play with some color theories. Below are two new pieces that reflect these desires. I hope that you enjoy them.




Fly to the Sky - Acrylic on Canvas 20"x16"











Down to Earth - Acrylic on Canvas 20"x16"

Busy November

My apologies I have been extremely busy this November. It seems I can not get enough done and I'm behind the eight ball with every shot. I am finally getting around to getting these new pieces up.


"Thriving Nightshade" Acrylic on Canvas 12"x12"
This is Horse Nettle or Carolina Nightshade. I found it interesting that some blossoms were in bloom and others seemed to be reluctant to come out in the dusk.
This is available today!


"Reverence" - Acrylic on Canvas 12"x12"
This sunflower seemed to be bowing in reverence in the early morning sunshine, thankful for the new day. So I named it "Reverence."
This is available today!


"Puckering Poppy" - Acrylic on Canvas 14"x14"
This little lady looked like she was ready to blow you a kiss so I named her "Puckering Poppy."
This is available today!


Chicory at Noon - Acrylic on Canvas 12"x12"
Chicory seems to thrive in almost any condition. This blossom had so much character that seemed to offer promise of a great day. A little trivia: Native Americans boiled the roots to make a wash for fever sores and steeped the roots to create a nerve tonic. (from the KSU wildflower website.) You know we could all use a little nerve tonic once in a while.
This is available today!


"A Part of the Crowd" - Acrylic on Canvas 12"x12"
This sunflower bobbed and weaved and made it difficult to get a good record, yet I was able to make it successful. In the field that I was working the monumental crowd of sunflowers was awesome. And you could hear the whispers of anticipation for the day while they waited for the sun to show over the nearby tree ridge.
This is available today!

Pale Petunia - Acrylic on Canvas 12x12

This delicate little plant are single day bloomers. They open one night and fall away the next and if you shake the plant the bloom will readily fall off. I find this fascinating because such a short blooming cycle for each bloom works for this plant. In a lot of ways I was lucky to have the opportunity to immortalize this particular bloom. It reminds me that sometimes you can get the job done in less time than it may seem not to mention it is a testimony to the industriousness of insects.

This is available today.

Healing Trio - Acrylic on Canvas 12x12

Known as Goat's Rue, Catgut or Devil's Shoestring, "parts of this plant were used medicinally by a number of Native American tribes. At various times it was used to treat rheumatism, fevers, pulmonary problems, bladder disorders, coughing, hair loss, and reproductive disorders." (from the KSU wildflower website.) So it seems this little wildflower can fix nearly anything. It almost sounds like an infomercial for this wildflower as a cure-all.

Never the less I found the petals seductive and beautiful. They were discovered along the roadside and when I saw them I had to stop immediately and record them for my series.

This is available today.

Two for days end

Long Day - Acrylic on Canvas12x12.jpg

Sleepless - Acrylic on Canvas 12x12.jpg

I bought some new brushes today and was so infatuated with them I am posting a pair today. A purple coneflower that finds inspiration in the new fall weather and despite it's name even fall days can be long. As well as a daisy mate that expresses my own last night's tossing and turning for no known reason. Enjoy!

These are available today.

Sun Worship - Acrylic on Canvas 12x12

Today's upload is another sunflower this piece touched me with a divine reverence for nature. Staring proudly into the sun with a bit of clouds in the sky, it spoke to me of rich religious pasts weaving into a modern sacred feminine and an enduring relationship with a timeless and ever watching sun. Enjoy!

This is available today.

Secrets Revealed

Shared Secrets - Acrylic on Canvas 24"x30"

Intimate Secrets - Acrylic on Canvas 24"x30"

Two new sunflower paintings in a larger format. I found a wonderful sunflower field near my home owned by some friends of mine. I have spent a few hours reveling in the search for characters in the massive fields to bring back to paint. I also recently discovered the song "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat which always makes me think of how I feel about my husband. So the life experiences of sunflowers and the song inspiration combined beautifully to symbolize the secret things between lovers. Enjoy!

These are available today.

Art in the Aaron Douglas Art Park

I was honored to be the featured artist in this year's Aaron Douglas Art fair. It sometimes is amazing what an all volunteer committee will come up with. They had not only placed my "Windswept" artwork on the posters and t-shirts in full color they had also produced an outlined version of my artwork and placed it on t-shirts for the kids in the art tent to color for themselves. It was quite humbling to think that my artwork would have the opportunity to inspire young artists. To the left is a young artist sporting his own creation and his brother wearing the full color printed design. I was moved to see all of the young people in their t-shirts.

For the second annual event, the fair was blessed with absolutely wonderful weather. The crowd was large and appreciative which makes the experience for the artists exciting. Quality artists selected for this event which is a testimony to the serious intentions of the Topeka Turn Around Team to provide worthwhile event for the community at large and to be involved in the growth of the art awareness in Topeka. It was a very successful day and I would suggest to all art lovers to mark their calendars for next year's event which promises to be even better as this project grows.

Art fair brings 'glimmer of light to neighborhood'

By Angela Deines
Special to The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, September 09, 2007

Bright colors, the smell of barbecue and the sound of music filled the air Saturday as the Aaron Douglas Art Fair celebrated its second year in central Topeka.

The event, planned by the Topeka Turnaround Team, featured established and first-time artists and musicians who displayed their talents at the Aaron Douglas Art Park between S.W. Lane and Washburn, north of Dillons on S.W. Huntoon.

Lacey Keller, 21, co-chairwoman of the art fair committee, said it is important to keep the fair at the same location as the Aaron Douglas mural site at S.W. 12th and Lane and in that part of central Topeka.

"I think the biggest thing is the energy it (the fair) gives to this part of the community," she said. "It's just a great way to celebrate Aaron Douglas' commitment to this city, and we want to keep that nice homegrown feeling."

The late Topeka-born artist has been called "the father of African-American art" and the "tastemaker" of the Harlem Renaissance.

Andrea Billings-Graham, 25, an art fair committee member, grew up near S.W. 11th and Washburn. She said she is delighted the art fair is taking place in an area of Topeka that most people have written off.

"This gives a glimmer of light to this neighborhood," she said. "I'm just so happy it's here."
Longtime Tennessee Town resident Barbara Leal, 82, said the art fair showcases the Douglas mural and the other positive changes that have taken place in the central Topeka neighborhood.
"This neighborhood is perceived as being unsafe," she said. "But there's something about music and art that really pulls people together, and you can see that here today."

Karen Hiller, chairwoman of the art fair committee and a member of the Topeka Turnaround Team, said committee members envisioned the fair to feature "diverse and emerging artists" and highlight Douglas' artistic contributions to black heritage.

"It (the fair) really took off from the mural project," she said. "It's about bringing the park alive and bringing Aaron Douglas to life."

Seventeen local artists displayed their work at the fair, along with performances from local musical groups.

Retired surgeon Dr. Mark Saylor, 65, who has displayed his paintings only with the Topeka Art Guild, was a first-time exhibitor at the event.

"I got personal encouragement to do so, so I decided to do it," he said. "It's a beautiful day, what more can I say?"

Maxine Bermudez displayed her artwork at last year's fair when there were only a handful of fellow artists showcasing their work.

She said she was glad to see more artists this year at the family-oriented event. "I can see this growing every year," she said. "This is a community of talented people here."

Local artist Michelle Leivan's artwork depicting a Kansas sunflower was the featured art piece of Saturday's event. The oil painting has been on display in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' appointments secretary's office at the Statehouse but was brought out for those attending Saturday's event to view.

Having exhibited at the art fair last year, Leivan said she was honored to have the sunflower piece chosen as the featured piece this year.

Angela Deines is a freelance
writer in Topeka. She can be reached at amdeines@aol.com.

SouthWind Gallery 15 years; 50 Artists

SouthWind Gallery Celebrates 15 Years With 50 Artists

Posted: 9:09 AM Aug 13, 2007
Last Updated: 9:09 AM Aug 13, 2007
By WIBW 13 News

It may be hot outside, but there’s a very cool art exhibit going on at SouthWind Gallery in Topeka.

In honor of their 15th Anniversary, SouthWind Gallery and Framewoods of Topeka are celebrating with an exhibit of works by more than 50 artists!

The exhibit, “15 Years; 50 Artists”, opens at SouthWind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th Street, Topeka, on August 13, 2007 and runs through September 15, 2007.

SouthWind’s list of featured artists for its 15th Anniversary show reads like a “who’s who” among Kansas artists.

Included in this prestigious exhibit are nationally-known artists Roger Shimomura, Ernst Ulmer, Stan Herd, Hugh Greer, Stephen Johnson, Jim Hamil, Jonathan Knight, Judith Mackey, Kim Casebeer, Phillip Hershberger, Anthony Benton Gude, and Kwan Wu. The impressive list includes many other well-known artists: Bev Amudson, Phil Epp, Louis Copt, Mike Savage, Barbara Waterman-Peters, Joan Parker, Doug Osa, Jerry Gaddis, Kevin Sink, Dana Hassett, Judith Lennox Sabbatini, Janet Bailey, Lila Bartel, Carol Bradbury, Barry Busch, Donna Carrington, Daniel Coburn, Delores Purdy Cocoran, David DeArmand, Steve Denny, Michael Duane, Wilbur Elsea, Hartzel Gray, Louise Brock Hamilton, Mike Henry, Hobart Jackson, Apollonia Jamison, Cally Krallman, Lois Kruse, Michelle, Leivan, Scott Lennox, Todd Matson, Esther May, Linden May, Nicole McClure, Stan Metzger, Ed Miller, Beverly Nichols, Gary Ozias, Ed Pointer, Johnne Richardson, Matthew Richter, John Roush, Deb Schroer, Clay Stauffer, and Mike Walsh.

In addition to the exhibit, a “Featured-Artist Reception” and unveiling of the featured artists’ works will be held daily at SouthWind Gallery August 13 – 17, from 4:00- 6:00 p.m., with the featured artists of the day present for the event. The public is invited to attend any or all of these receptions.

Featured Artists Reception Schedule:

Monday, Aug. 13: Judith Mackey; Barbara Waterman-Peters; Esther May; Linden May; Michael Duane; and Deb Schrorer.

Tuesday, Aug. 14 : Hobart Jackson; Stephen Johnson; Steve Denny; Phillip Hershberger; and Bev Amudson.

Wednesday, Aug. 15: Dan Coburn; Lois Kruse; Joan Parker; Mike Walsh; and David DeArmond.

Thursday, Aug. 16: Kim Casebeer, Cally Krallman; Doug Osa; Lila Bartel; and Mike Henry.

Friday, Aug. 17: Stan Herd, Beverly Nichols; Gary Ozias; Carol Bradbury; Donna Carrington; Hartzell Gray; Anthony Benton Gude; and Louise Brock Hamilton.

Evening Promise, Acrylic on Canvas, 24x30

Saturday Afternoon, Acrylic on Canvas 24x30

Prickly Poppy, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Like Peas in a Pod, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Shy Susan, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Morning Greetings, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Persistent Purple Poppy, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Successful Artist Reception at Vintner's Cellar Kansas City Mo.

We had a lot of fun at the Vintner's Cellar Artist Reception with Art at Work.

Vintner's Cellar's Owner with customers at the bar.

I the reception of my pieces was extremely positive and I sold 3 pieces over the course of the evening!

I wish to specially thank these two art lovers for adding my artwork to their collections.

Jennifer, proud owner of "Looking for My Sunshine" and "Summer Heat"

Marni, with her new acquisition, "Coaxing the Shy Susan"

I was delighted that my friends and collegues from SouthWind Gallery traveled all the way from Topeka to attend the reception.

Thank You everyone for the warm welcome to Kansas City MO.

Wind In My Petals Too, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Wind Dance, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Eager Curls, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Lazy Summer Days, Acrylic on Canvas, 24x24

Obviously I Need Attention, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Fresh Glow, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Looking for My Sunshine, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Daisies spend their days staring into the sun. When the sun goes down it seems they loose their purpose. Each of us have our own sun source and depend on it to brighten our days.

Coaxing the Shy Susan, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

I found these Black Eyed Susans in a field not too far from the house. This one struck me as being shy. The other Susans surrounding it was glorifying the sun. Sometimes we all need a little coaxing to present ourselves to the world. Maybe I was feeling like I needed a little coaxing for myself. I have another Shy Susan planned by herself I believe it will have a completely different connotation.

It is What Binds Us, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x12

Don't we often wonder what it is in a relationship that binds us to another? Sometimes in the worst of circumstances we find ourselves contemplating that very question. Once we find the answer it brings with it understanding of the foundation of our love for one another. If the binding is weak the bad days will break that hold while if the binding is strong it will withstand all that the world would throw at it.

July 17 – 21, 2007 Fiesta Mexicana Art Show

The 74th Annual Fiesta Mexicana
is scheduled for July 17 – 21, 2007.

I will have several paintings hangingin this Art Show!

Fiesta Mexicana Art Show

Please join us in the Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center for this exhibit of color, form, and expression by some uniquely talented families in our barrio community. The shows start at 4:30 pm every day of Fiesta and will be held in the air conditioned comfort of the new activity center. Joe Rocha, Art Show coordinator can be reached at 785-232-9511.

In our Aztec culture the importance of one’s “rostro y corazon” (true face and heart) was key to finding one’s calling in the world. This was possible only with a relationship to their community-through this relationship an individual could be born into conscious recognition of their destiny…

Fiesta Hours - Tuesday through Thursday, 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Friday & Saturday, 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Fiesta Schedule
Saturday, July 7th: Run/Walk – Oakland Community Center, 8:00 am
Friday, July 13th: Parade– 8:00pm, Street Party before and after
Saturday, July 14th: Fiesta Golf Tournament – 7 am, Western Hills Golf Course
Saturday, July 14th: Coronation Ball – Ag Hall, 7 pm - Midnight
Sunday, July 15th: Opening Mass - Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 10:00 am
Tues. – Sat. July 17th – 21st: Fiesta Mexicana & Carnival
Tues. - July 17th - Jalapeño Eating Contest , 7 pm, Fiesta stage
Sunday, July 22nd: Closing Mass – Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 10:00 am

Make plans now to attend the Fiesta Mexicana! Great Mexican food, air-conditioned eating area, fantastic entertainment, and much much more!

Artist Reception July 18, 5-8 pm

This is a really cool concept for an artist reception. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, July 18, 5-8 pm, Vintner's Cellar, Kansas City, (13011 State Line Rd, KCMO, 64145, 816-943-1711). Art at Work will be showcasing the work of Dan Smith (European travel photography), Kathy Patton (abstract lacquer pieces), Michelle Leivan (impressionist wildflowers), and Dale Jamieson (naturescape photography). Stop by for wine (by the glass), cheese and crackers, and visit with our artists. Take this opportunity to see how wine is made at Kansas City's only microwinery and purchase a bottle of wine featuring a custom label with original artwork by one of these four artists.

To find out more about Art At Work go to:

www.artatwork-kc.com

Violet Dream, Acrylic on Canvas, 16x20

I have been having strange dreams lately, filled with flowers... imagine that! I have been focused on this wonderful subject and pounding away, painting more pieces in less time than I ever have. I had a "painting block" that I could not paint more than one piece in a day. I simply just pushed through it for a few days, forcing myself out of the comfort zone and by not being satisfied until I gained that control. I have found complete freedom through the work of overcoming that block.
Then the repercussions is dreams of flowers... how bad can that be?

Fair Lady, Acrylic on Canvas, 12X12

Seen Better Days, Acrylic on Canvas, 12X12

My Many Summer Days, Acrylic on Canvas, 12X12

Summer Heat,, Acrylic on Canvas, 12X12

Pair of Susans, Acrylic on Canvas, 12X12

Updated Biography

Inspired by the native wildflowers of the rolling flint hills of Kansas, Michelle Leivan has expanded her exploration to the floral form. Hiking in the luscious meadows and along the rustic roadsides Michelle delights in photographing each floral sighting with anticipation of interpreting each with her expressive and distinctive impressionistic style. Her bold pallet and energetic paintings weave philosophical and intuitive compositions for modern contemplation of nature. Several of these new pieces have been honored by being selected to hang in the Kansas capital building, including Governor Sebelius’ conference room.

Educated at Fort Hays State University, Michelle Leivan has been distinguished as the featured visual artist at the Kansas River Valley Art Fair, Topeka Jazz Festival and has been nominated for the Kansas Governor’s Artist Award. Michelle has participated in one person shows and exhibits at the Manhattan Arts Center, Art Council of Topeka, True Art Gallery and Topeka Performing Arts Center. She has also exhibited in several juried competitions on the internet and in Soho New York. Her work is represented in the Ellis County Historical Archives as well as in several corporate and private collections.

The Perfect Pair, Acrylic on Canvas, 20"x16"

Evening Welcome, Acrylic on Canvas, 12"x12"

In The Evening Sun, Acrylic on Canvas, 12"x12"

Wind In My Petals, Acrylic on Canvas, 14"x14"