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.