Topeka Art Guild Gallery celebrates “Kansans Paint Kansas” art competition - Topeka art | Examiner.com

Topeka Art Guild celebrates the Third Annual “Kansans Paint Kansas” juried art competition this weekend with live music, food and Kansas inspired art. The afternoon party promises to be a fun filled event with Nate Hill of KSNT as Master of Ceremonies, Dulcimer Music by Fred Appelhanz and many of the participating artists will be in attendance. The announcement of prize award winning entries for 2D, 3D, photography and student categories will be made during the grand opening reception on Sunday September 26, 2010 from 2-5pm at the Topeka Art Guild Gallery. Read more at : Topeka Art Guild Gallery celebrates “Kansans Paint Kansas” art competition - Topeka art | Examiner.com

Fifth annual Aaron Douglas Art Fair - Topeka art | Examiner.com

It's that time of year for fall art fairs. These are always enjoyable, there is usually food, fun artsy activities and best of all - original art from local artists! This weekend Topeka kicks off the season with the Aaron Douglas Art Fair: A Celebration of Community on September 25th from 10-5 at the Aaron Douglas Art Park at 12th and Lane. Admission is free.

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Fifth annual Aaron Douglas Art Fair - Topeka art | Examiner.com

NOTO - Art spaces for artists

NOTO - Art spaces for artists

Exciting New Opportunity for
Local and Regional/National Artists

ARTISTS’ SYMPOSIUM

Whether you are an established entrepreneurial artist, or an emerging artist, join the conversation.

Location
The Left Bank Room
820 North Kansas Avenue
Saturday, April 24, 2010
2-4 p.m.

www.notoartsdistrict.com

Plans for the NOTO Arts District Topeka, Kansas

• Hear about the plan for developing an arts district in historic North Topeka
• See how you can become part of this exciting project
• Learn about moving expenses, subsidized rent and other benefits for qualifying artists
• Tour potential art studio spaces with affordable rent
• Review the time frame
• Give your ideas

RSVP to: barbara.peters@att.net
Questions: awolgast@cox.net

A project of the Quality of Life Foundation, Heartland Visioning of Topeka

Tulips and Daffodils found a home

My Facebook posts led to my most recent paintings, "Daffodils - Signs of Spring" and "Easter Tulips" to find a home tonight. As with many art buyers there is a story. Identical twin grand-daughters, one who loves daffodils and the other who loves tulips inspired the purchase of these two paintings. Grandma wanted something unique and beautiful in her house that reflected her beloved girls. I love this story, it is art sold for exactly the way art should be acquired and is the exact reason why I paint. There is not a better complement than to find that your work makes a connection and for it to bring a lifetime of joy and memories for another person. Thank you Jeanie!

Easter Tulips

A new painting for Easter... the tulips have not yet bloomed locally. The snow storm a couple of weeks ago stunted their blooms. It may be a couple of weeks yet before I get new photos of our tulips but I found a photo from last year that I had forgotten that I had and was wanting to paint. I believe it makes a beautiful companion piece for the daffodils I painted last week.

Daffodils Signs of Spring

10"x8" Oil
These beautiful daffodils made it through the snowy weekend of the first of spring. I am so thankful to see them in bloom after the long, snowy winter. My cabin fever has finally broken and I look forward to more flowers in the garden and on the roadside yet to be discovered and painted. Daffodils are not my usual flower to paint, I typically prefer the wildflowers of Kansas, but I loved doing this piece. The weather isn't ideal to paint outside,yet... so I photographed these and painted in my studio, I just couldn't bring myself to cut any of them. The three dimensional quality of the bloom provided a much need challenge for this weekend's painting fun. I continue to experiment with oils and I am finding that with experience comes confidence, isn't that the way it is with everything. One of these days, soon, I'll be ready for some plein aire pieces straight out of the Flint Hills.

Wine Bottle Lamp with Corks and a Scarf

10"x8" oil on canvas

Here is my newest painting another cabin fever inspired still life. These items were just hanging out around the house, just begging to be painted. I am still getting used to using oils and haven't quite found my comfort zone yet. I am less intimidated by the medium and am willing to reach out and explore a bit more. I hope to be out capturing fresh new Kansas Wildflowers soon!

Today is the first day of Spring and I can't wait until spring has finally sprung for real.  This weekend we had over 6 inches of snow to blanket the green promises that were just barely spoken of last week. It looks as if the snow is going to clear quickly as there are a few patches of green already breaking through the new blanket.

One evening last week, when our highs hit the low 70's, I spent some time on our deck picking up the various debris acquired over the long winter, inspecting and rearranging the outdoor furniture in anticipation of a new season. I also made a pass around the house looking for the various flowers and discovered some new sprouts of the purple cone flowers, daffodils and tulips preparing for the glorious season. Also, I rummaged around the back shed, inspected my electric scooter and made sure it was plugged in and ready for it's maiden journey of wildflower discovery for the year, just to have my hopes for this weekend dashed. Such is life, maybe next weekend, at least everything is ready to go.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Orange and Grapes | Michelle Leivan Original Paintings

Not my usual subject matter but it was snowy and I had cabin fever! I also had a strong desire to paint and these were just sitting in the fridge begging to be painted. It was a lot of fun treking down an unexplored path. The last few months have been full of distractions and it was so refreshing to do something completely different.

Orange and Grapes | Michelle Leivan Original Paintings

Landscapes in the Abstract - Opening Reception and Newsletter Link

Tomorrow during the First Friday Art Walk, SouthWind Art Gallery is hosting a bold new show of contemporary abstract landscapes for which I have created some new pieces.

Artists' Reception
Friday, Feb. 5, 2010
6 - 8:30 p.m.

I am stepping out of my box a little for these, but I am having a load of fun! It is going to be a fantastic show with artist's from across the country. Also, my necklaces, winecharms, tiles and cards are available at SouthWind Art Gallery. Not everything is available online, but stop in and see me 10-6 Monday through Thursday.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Landscapes in the Abstract is the title of our annual all-abstract exhibit featuring the work of 33 artists from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Canada.

This year's all-abstract show focuses on the landscape, but rather than literal translations, the artists interpret nature in fresh and powerful abstract forms that capture atmosphere and mood instead of detail The artists' have used shape, color, texture and line that elicits both contemplation and excitement for the viewer.

The stylistic variety in Landscapes in the Abstract is highly engaging with 33 artists participating, each using his or her own visual impressions and emotions to create works of art. The paintings in the exhibit include all mediums from acrylic to oils, to watercolor and encaustic, as well as mixed media pieces.

Landscapes in the Abstract Artists:
Janet Bailey, Ed Balda, Carol A. Bradbury, Steve Denny, Dana Hassett, Mike Henry, Phillip Hershberger, Linda Humphries, Cally Krallman, Michelle Leivan, Jancy Pettit, Beverly Radefeld, and Barbara Waterman-Peters (Topeka, KS); John Gary Brown, Jane R. Flanders, Robert Sudlow, and Joanie Whitenight (Lawrence, KS); James Pringle Cook (Tucson, AZ); Gary Ozias (Downs, KS); Debra J. Groesser (Ralston, NE); Nicole and Wes Hyde (Denver, CO); Stephen Kilborn (Taos, NM); Alyson, KinKade (Loveland, CO); Scott Lennox (Ft. Worth, TX); Mary Binford Miller (Eldorado, KS); Neil Patterson (Alberta, Canada); Jim Rigg (Manhattan, KS); Don Tiller (Port Townsend, WA).

To see more go to www.SouthWindArtGallery.com

Also, February Newsletter Link from Michelle Leivan Original Painting