Frustrated Mother of a Millenial

Ok, so I covered intuition last weekend... Well, my intuition has been on the yellow to orange alert that last few months. My 14-yeer-old son fights my simple requests on every turn! Ok, I know he's a teenager... they are all rebellious. But I'm not talking rebellion; he's a great kid, good hearted and smart.

What I'm talking about it plain out stubbornness. I often spend 3 hrs. trying to get him to do a 5-15 min task. If I don't nag every 30 min. or so it will never get done. So I am stuck getting almost nothing done myself because I have to micromanage this young adult! I know I don't like doing some of those chores either, but when they need to be done, they need to be done, if I do them, it's done. But, being a good mother, I feel I need to teach him that everyone needs to pitch in to make the house run... and as a result the house isn't running, it's a disaster area because he diggs his heels in and just simply doesn't do it. Boy is this situation steping on my bliss!

Well, I discussed this with one of the customers at the shop... "Millenials" had come up in conversation. Being a teacher she seemed to know a little about them. I also discussed it a bit with my brother who said "Back in the day when I was young..... " I had to stop him there I'm not old enough to understand that kind of talk. LOL

So I turned to my computer, and did a little research.

There was quite a bit of information out there. Wow, computers do a lot to those developing brains. One very fascinating document described the difference between a child's approach to the computer vs. an adult.

"To interact effectively, he/she must be able to take in what is
on the screen in a whole-brain fashion, registering the whole screen with all
its different information as one interrelated body of information. Simply put,
the right brain detects the general and specific patterns and decodes the
symbols while the left brain analyses and decides on the logical next action.

Adults new to computing look sequentially at the screen, taking
a relatively long time to shift their gaze bit by bit from one part of the
screen to another, often zigzagging around in a rather panicky fashion while
they wonder what is relevant and whether they will damage anything. (I sadly
identified with this even though I am comfortable with computers.)

Children do not sit down at the computer with any preconceived
notions of technophobia or fear of failing the challenge, so they learn far more
quickly to make this whole-screen assessment, and then focus speedily on what
and how to do it. For this to happen, there are thousands of unconscious
calculations taking place within a second."

http://archive.wcape.school.za/mm99/cd/conf99/proceedings/106/index.htm

Wow, to be in a computer geared mind! Then I happily discovered an outline of the differences of Generation X (which I am supposedly a member of) and the Millenials.

Generation X

• Born 1965-1976 - 51 million of us

  Accept diversity

  Pragmatic/practical

  Self-reliant/individualistic

  Reject rules

  Killer life

  Mistrust institutions

  PC

  Use technology

  Multitask

  Latch-key kids

  Friend-not family

  (I can relate to most of these
  descriptions)

  
  

Millennials

• Born 1977 – 1998 - 75 million of them (So I know I'm not the
  only mother going through this!)
  
• Celebrate diversity (Diversity of choices of whether or not
  you listen to your mother? I'm into divergent thinking but it's gotten over the
  top.)


• Optimistic/realistic (I'd have to argue with the realistic
  part. Or he hides his understanding of reality. I'm probably just another
  game.)


• Self-inventive/individualistic (this is why they also call
  this generation the "me" generation.)


• Rewrite the rules (here, he rewrites my rules, by just not
  doing what I ask to do. He plans his stubbornness carefully.)


• Killer lifestyle (Well, this explains why his motivation has
  taken a vacation, he's killing me here!!!)


• Irrelevance of institutions (I suppose I am an institution
  then???)


• Internet (Social Networking is how he communicates!)


• Assume technology (Yeah, like if he had an X-box instead of a brain he'd be happy.)

• Multitask fast (No kidding here, he can play x-box games,
  chat to his friends and watch TV all at the same time. But it takes him 3 hrs to do a 15min chore; maybe I'm not giving him enough to do at the same
  time!)


• Nurtured (he's definitely that being an only child!)



• Friends = family (Oh, I see, if I take away his technology
  that he uses to spend time with his "family" then I'm depriving him of his
  "family," --- I tell ya, he's going to be a orphan if he doesn't start stepping
  up.)
  http://www.abanet.org/lpm/lpt/articles/mgt08044.html
  

Wow now that was eye opening! Do I sound too Generation Xer there?

The same article did give some mentoring suggestions as well for these Millenials:

• Structured, supportive work environment (I beleive he has
  this)


• Personalized work (the trick is to get him to understand it
  is personal)


• Interactive relationship (Interactive as I nag!)


• Be prepared for demands (Oh I know about the demands),
  highexpectations (for who, me or him?)

I suppose I have been looking at this problem in the wrong way. He'll have to experiance some Generation X practical discipline and let him figure out an interactive way around it without rewriting the rules and come around to celebrating the diversity of his own mother. LOL

Anyway, I am sure we'll see this through, but it's the getting there that is making my yellow and orange intuitive alarms scream. But according to the lists above we aren't all that different. Just a bit of change in the perspective.

Here is another interesting site but I found little connection with my situation or my other research. It talks about them being a "we" generation and how they want to make an impact on the world. At this point I don't believe this is on my son's agenda, unless he can save the world with an X-box controler. http://www.youngmoney.com/careers/career_trends/050315

Intuition number 2 in the 5 Element Tarot

Now that our friend Folly has acquired skills to continue his journey he finds himself in a quandary. There are so many things that he could do, how is he to decide what direction is is best for him?

Fortunately, the next encounter on our fool’s journey he discovers Intuition: Number 2 in the Five Element Tarot, the traditional location for the High Priestess, and this little lady does justice to that convention symbolizing instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge.

Intuition - Five Element Tarot Painting

The Inner Voice Knows Our Bliss.

Now that our friend Folly has acquired skills to continue his journey he finds himself in a quandary. There are so many things that he could do, how is he to decide what direction is is best for him?

Fortunately, the next encounter on our fool’s journey he discovers Intuition: Number 2 in the Five Element Tarot, the traditional location for the High Priestess, and this little lady does justice to that convention symbolizing instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge.

She knows the many uses of the tools given to Folly through Skill and can provide the understanding to use his unique talents to begin his destiny.

She silently guards the sunflower which is filled with the secrets of the spirit and all the inner mysteries of life and promises that these mysteries do exist for those who seek them.

As with many ancient goddesses, she is virgin, she is powerful and sacred. Protected by the crossed Creative Wand and Logic’s sword that forms a V a symbol of all that is feminine.

Although she is capable of the esoteric she is grounded, shown by the humbling veil covering her head. Also, her neck is decorated with the worldly pentacle showing she is able to illuminate in the present what you may not already know.

Two pillars stand behind her representing the duality within each of us and the positive and the negative possibilities of our discoveries and knowledge.

She sits on a pedestal in a meditative stance, reverently channeling the intuitive into her cup. Drink from it if you are willing to draw from her inner wealth.

Folly is awed by this beautiful and mysterious lady when she already knows his quandary and she offers him a drink her cup and in that act provides him a direction that combines his newly acquired talents with a direction that will fulfill his spirit.

Is there something about yourself that you are overlooking? What is that little inner voice is trying to tell you? Are you willing to drink from the cup of intuition to gain a deeper understanding of your destiny?



Attract the carefree life with Intuition apparel and merchandise offered by Leivan Originals using this image and the phrase "The Inner Voice Knows Our Bliss."



As of the time of this post the Original is available for sale. See if Original is Available.

Kansas Wildflowers Book Published.

Kansas Wildflowers.

By Michelle Leivan

Book Preview

Although I am quite obsessed with the Five Element Tarot Series right now, I am not giving up on my Kansas Wildflowers... just waiting for spring. :) So in anticipation of spring I had to make a new product that will help you enjoy spring early! I might even say... A perfect Mother's Day Gift!

I have published a book featuring my Kansas Wildflower series. It's called "Kansas Wildflowers: Take a Trip in Impressionistic Beauty on the Tallgrass Prarie." It has 7"x7" pages and it comes in hardcover and softcover. You can prieview it in the link above.

Cultural Changes and Copyright Protection.

Ok, so I wanted something profound to talk about today...and I found it. Here is a video that discusses the antiquated copyright laws that are currently on the books and how our kids live daily on the wrong side of the law. Great food for thought.

The website it's on, www.ted.com describes the video as:

Larry Lessig gets TEDsters to their feet, whooping and whistling, following this elegant presentation of three stories and an argument. The Net's most adored lawyer brings together John Philip Sousa, celestial copyrights, and the "ASCAP cartel" to build a case for creative freedom. He pins down the key shortcomings of our dusty, pre-digital intellectual property laws, and reveals how bad laws beget bad code. Then, in an homage to cutting-edge artistry, he throws in some of the most hilarious remixes you've ever seen.the website it's on descibes it as:

Watch the video first then read my thoughts:

This was an awesome video. I think it is a extremely pertinent to the changes in our culture due to technology... I love the history he presented and the "common sense" that is lacking in our culture in general.

Making my art "freely" available for non-commercial use gives me no qualms what so ever. I started offering desktop images of my new paintings for free... if they sign up for my email update list. But if they would show up in a "Walmart" commercial... unlikely as it is, I'd be litigating.

The concept of "re-creating" lends credence and homage to what is fuel for the new remix. The saying, imitation is the highest form of flattery... goes a long way in this argument.

His final point, of people knowingly living outside the law and not caring... that is something to be considered. Especially when it comes to our kids.

I think that the laws are always antiquated. In a Ottawa County in KS, there is a law on the books still that once they release you from the county jail they must provide you with a horse and a gun. I believe the county has been violating that law for quite a while. (Heck, in KS we can't even get past the science evolution theory vs. creation theory debate.) So, I think that antiquated law will be there for a while yet... until someone holds the county liable for a horse and a gun when they're released from jail.

There has to be a happy medium with this debate. I believe "common sense" change in the order for the day. But many times a subject as touchy as this is like arguing with someone about their religion. (Evolution or Creation anyone?) :)

Unexpected Upshot...

Last night I was posting on an artist forum and was responding to someone who had seen my videos and it occurred to me that my Five Element Tarot series has some unexpected upshots for me. Kinda like the Pink Trojan Bunny! (If you haven't seen "Spamalot" or Monty Python you might not know what I'm talking about.) Anyway...

What I discovered is that each of these pieces I'm doing have a life lesson within them... just for me! It is like looking into my own soul. I have noticed that with each piece I am gaining deep inner knowledge about myself. Painting has always been a personal thing, I reap benefits on a number of levels, the main one being keeping my sanity.

In the past I was inspired by people around me... my Feminine Desert series dealt with young women and the issue of co-dependency. It was an issue I had dealt with myself and wanted to reach other young women.

With this new project I intended to explore the subject with less personal involvement and a more academic perspective on the symbolism and the images being something that everyone can understand... rather than a mystery as I believed it to be when I first discovered the Tarot.

Well, I was wrong... Apparently this is a journey that I am to undertake and discover not only hidden ideas in the Tarot but also my inner being.

With Folly, I started this endeavor - much like the young fool and jumped in with both feet. It was exhilarating. I worked through some personal intimidations and discovered I had nothing to fear.... (but fear itself of course. LOL) I am still trying to get comfortable in front of the camera... that has never been something I have been comfortable with... it's odd hearing yourself... You spend time editing a video of yourself... you start to notice things you have never noticed before... I had no idea that I had such an accent... and I hear influences of other people in my voice and speech patterns. Oh well, I guess it's just me a conglomeration of all that is around me.

The last one Skill - I have always taken for granted my skills and talents... I discovered that I need to honor them and be grateful for them... that if I put as much effort into my own projects as I do my other commitments, like my job... they will pay off and I can enjoy the process.

Over the years, many people have told me how hard it is to get your art exposed never mind try to make a living with it. And my art work always has taken a back seat do to that mentality, everything else was "more important." My new attitude is: well, yeah, it is hard, so what, the boss expects hard work too.... why not spend my hard earned time and learned talents to produce something that I enjoy doing and other people will enjoy too. Isn't that what the arts are all about? Communicating with our fellow man. Whew, got the courage now! *grin* So in a nutshell, with Skill I've learned that it's a crazy situation unless you take control of your own destiny and use your talents to not only uplift others but also yourself.

As a result this project has become somewhat of an obsession of mine.... Ahhh, what a great journey! Looking forward to the rest of the ride! Hope you'll see it through with me.

FYI (the picture posted here is from a picture board, you know the ones that you put your face in a hole and take a picture to become part of the piece. We are supposed to be looking at a Giant Pink Trojan Bunny! LOL It is was sitting in front of the "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Broadway in NYC. In September of 2006 my family and I went to NYC for my art opening there... we also took a vacation and spent a few days there, our one huge indulgence was to see a live theater show... "Spamalot" won the unanimous vote... I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor. Ahh, fun times.

That Strange Feeling....

First of all today I want to send out a huge "Thank You! and Congratualations!" to Sage who bought 3 paintings today! I hope they bring a lifetime of enjoyment to you and yours! And your support of my art is much appreciated!

Now that isn't the strange feeling I intend to talk about but it sure is exciting. On to that strange feeling....

Since the beginning of my new obsession... the Vlog and the Five Element Tarot, I have had a really positive feeling for my goals on this project. The objective clear, the ideas free flowing, it is just a great place to be for me mentally and spiritually. What's even greater is that I have been getting feedback! Some outright contact such as emails from people I haven't heard from in a while and then some quieter and more subtle, like subscribers to my Vlog and my Blogs of people I do not know. This is just exciting and adds to that positive feeling I've had for this project from it's inception. Thank you all who have been sending me feedback in all manner, I love it.

Once every 6 months or so, I "Googled" and "Yahooed" myself. If you haven't done it yourself, do it...it's fun! I do it because I forget all of the artist portfolio sites I've posted my work on (there are many) and it's good to keep up on what's out there. I know I blogged about doing this with "Five Element Tarot" just recently but that was to see if I was getting somewhere with my current efforts. Searching for myself, that's a different matter - it shows a full history of where I've made a mark on the system.

It used to be that I had a few links, my website of course, and the couple of sites that I have my artwork posted on (like d'art, art.com, cafepress, etc. it all depends on how well they promote the site and if I'm looked at on the sites. I have spent years posting on artist portfolio sites... they are great but I didn't get hit often enough to end up on a top search ranking.) and then there are some obscure link from the newspaper article I was mentioned in or some group I belong to, etc. these you can find on the 5th or 6th page of a search.

Well, yesterday, I decided to check it out again... What spurred me this time is that someone had found me through d'art website. My site tracks refurral URL's, the page that sent you to my site. So I wanted to investigate where I was out there again. It had been a while since I did it, so why not...

I was struck dumb... On Google, my work, my website, my new vlogs, and such took up nearly all of the first 6 pages. On Yahoo, I have most of the first 3 pages!... just amazing this thing called "The Web." I had no idea how quickly prolific you can get out there on the web. What a strange feeling... knowing that I'm that accessable, finally. I have spent a lot of time and effort over the last few years trying to "market" on the net. Just to have my name out there, and it takes a lot of finesse to get people to pop in and take a look at what you do.

This whole thing makes point toward positive thinking and creative manifestation... what ever you focus on just gets bigger... positive or negative... I am so thankful that the positive is going strong.

Now, to get known well enough that people can actually recognize the last name Leivan without doing something illegal. Then I'll be in! :)

Skill - #1 in the 5 Element Tarot

Artist re-conceptualizes the traditional tarot deck to 100 cards. Here the #1 card in the Major Arcana is discribed.

Skill - A New Five Element Tarot Painting

Discover and Master Your Talent!

After a precarious beginning, our Folly discovers a character that can provide him with the basic tools to begin his journey, Skill: Number 1 in the 5 Element Tarot deck, holding the time-honored location for the Magician.

Pictured here, our journeyman’s master has such confidence in his skills that he can rest easy holding the most basic building blocks of life in his hand, DNA.

He studies at the world’s table adorned with a Pentacle of Permanence and strewn with the other 4 of the 5 elements, the tools of his craft that he knows well, the Book of Knowledge, the Torch of Ambition, the Pen of Decision and the Lock of Security. Do not mistake his relaxed posture for laziness, at times most of the work can be done before we even lift a finger through our logical plans.

His beloved cat enjoys the sunny day and the breeze through an open window, reflecting the confidence and learned skills of the master. This whole scenario amazes our fool who willingly offers all of his possessions for the Skill of the master.

Quickly the master gathers these meager items and manipulates them for Folly, Revealing all of the directions that life can take, once he has learned the proper expertise.
Folly, delighted with all of this continues on his journey with renewed confidence – but these new skills can only take him so far.

What do you see in this character? Are you willing to learn how to use the tools given to us by Skill?

Attract the carefree life with Skill apparel and merchandise offered by Leivan Originals using this image and the phrase "Discover and Master Your Talent."

As of the time of this post the Original is available for sale. See if Original is Available.

In the Top 3 --- Thanks!

This morning I did an internet search for my key word "Five Element Tarot" and "5 Element Tarot" and in just a short 24 hrs. I managed to get ALL TOP 3 positions out of 91,800 on Google and within the TOP 3 out of 1,130,000 on Yahoo! Some feat considering there is a world of competition out there!

In case you don't know, positioning on these sites are due in part to activity. So that means, dear readers/viewers you have put me at the top! Not that easy of a feat! THANKS!

This project is catching fire and that's great news! I'm so excited about this news. So please keep tuned in and we'll have fun!

Five Element Tarot Introduction - Folly

The site is redesigned, the video is done, now you can enjoy watching the creative process in action. My new series Five Element Tarot re-concptualizes the traditional concept of an ancient game. It is speculated that our familiar everyday playing cards derived from these images from as far back at ancient Egypt.

Here I explore the fantastic symbolism which when studied gives you insight to the global consciencenous of the human condition. Please join me! and Let the Journey Begin with Carefree Abandon!

Five Element Tarot Introduction - Folly



Add to My Profile | More Videos

Video Blogging

What I have been doing this year so far? I am holding my own feet to the fire! I discovered a post forum online about art on the web and video blogging is really awsome for the visual artist. You will be able to seek a peek into my studio and creative process without leaving your computer chair! I got really energized. about the possibilities and it seemed a perfect medium to get the word out about what I'm doing here.

I have spent almost every waking moment in the last few weeks preparing to create my video. I have a digital camcorder (bought it when my son was young and has mostly been used for family videos) also 3 or 4 years ago I invested in Studio 9 a video editing program (bought it to edit family videos to send to my husband who was deployed during that time.) With that program I can do Chroma screen (like they use for the weather maps on the news) and picture in picture. I also needed good lighting, had a couple of halogen work lights on stands... they hadn't been used in so long some of the contacts rusted... had to fix those... So now I figure I am tech set up.

I also am relearning and expanding my knowledge about the software and trying to get the green screen to work like I wanted, creating the green screen (tried to paint a background at first, 57" square, didn't work, found $1 yard bright green material, stretched it over the canvas and presto) redesigning my website to highlight the series, creating associated products with cafe press, shopping for masks (I was thankful for Mardi Gras season!) and buying 3 new domain names and getting them redirected to go to my curent website. (maskedartist.com - maskedmuse.com - 5ElementTarot.com)

So, now I'm ready to actually do the video of myself talking about my art and my "masked muse" - on this week's agenda! (working Monday-Wednesday and Friday then family event this weekend--- I guess that leaves me with Thursday! Whew, can hardly wait!)

I have decided to use a suggested "masked artist" idea... with a twist. I think I'll present my artwork in a conversational style but I will have the "Masked Muse" using picture in picture and the green screen to add in comments to myself and animate the aspects of the pieces. I think the muse can be a funny addition and I think it will be fun for you and myself to see the process of creating this series. I will do my best to entertain.

I do not have a video of myself painting my first few pieces because I've already painted them so, I wanted something else that would be fun. I found a free animation program online called "CreaToon" and was able to easily animate my first painting into an introduction segment. This was fun! Again the learning curve, but the program isn't difficult to learn.

Once I get these processes down it will be easier and less time consuming? (fingers crossed) At this point I can make no guarantees as to how often I will blog - my hope is to have a minimum of 2 a month, around the 1st and the 15th.

On my previous posts I have linked you to my intro video with no sound yet...I'll add sound when I edit the whole video and my first painting "Folly."

I also believe there is a huge number of people out there that will find interest in this subject as well, I hope to share this process with as many people as I can. I have noticed a growing surg of public interest in the last few years of esoteric and mystic concepts, especially online.

For my finale will be printing the deck and offering them for sale to my loyal fans. I truely believe all of my skills and knowledge over the years seem to have lead me right to this project.

I would love to hear what you think and please ask your friends to join the party!

Five Element Tarot Intro Video - No Sound Yet

I know I have been scarce since the first of the year but I have my reasons.... I have been setting myself up for video blogging! I intend to blog about my new Five Element Tarot series, problem is I'm a little camera shy. I think once I jump into the cold water once, the rest will be cake?

5 element tarot intro video - no sound yet

The Journey Begins - Folly

Presented here is Folly: number 0 in the traditional tarot and it serves the same purpose here. It is a wonderful place to start, many things are just perfect the way they are.

Here a young man starts his journey on a glorious sun filled morning with the innocence and frivolity of youth. His ever faithful companion mutt barks at his heels caught up in the excitement and worry of this new venture.

He holds a cup in his right hand with a gesture of a toast inviting you to join him as he boldly steps off the precipice into the unknown. In his left hand he holds a walking stick, providing him support when he gets weary or finds himself on treacherous ground. It also leads him with fiery creativity to gain everything he can from his journeys to become a wiser man.

A sword swings at the ready on his left hip, reminding him of the quick wit and nimble reflexes that will also sustain him through his journey. A single pentacle coin adorns his knapsack strap reminding us that earthly matters can not be ignored even in our most joyous moments.

Finally, a purple cone flower is gently swayed toward him almost in the action of pushing him forward or could it be that it is simply attracted to him by his soul filled with exuberance?

Attract the carefree life with Folly apparel and merchandise offered by Leivan Originals using this image and the phrase "Let the journey begin with carefree abandon."

See if Original is Available

Five Element Tarot

With the advent of this new series I just wanted to take a moment and explain the "Five Element Tarot" where it came from and a few words about my inspiration. I have pondered creating a series of paintings featuring the Tarot for years. I find the iconography and the history within the card images intriguing. To study the images and their traditional messages is like looking into the global conscientious of the human condition. My previous work with the figure as can be seen in my "Feminine Desert" series combined with my more current work with the "Kansas Wildflowers" series seemed to be preparing me for this very project.

My husband introduced me to Piers Anthony’s “God of Tarot” upon finishing the wonderful novel I was hit with an epiphany. It wasn’t necessarily the story itself but the index where a conceptual 100 card tarot is described and listed as noted and use by the story’s main character and the “Holy Order of Vision”. The set defined by the author uses 5 elemental suits with the conventional 14 cards, and 30 triumphs or Major Arcana cards, creating 100 cards for the deck instead of the traditional 78 cards.

My imagination was captured and I was awed by the simple promise of possibilities with the additional cards. The table of cards and their meaning presented by Piers Anthony created was just the beginning of my inspiration. While studying the potential presented I found that I disagreed with some of his definitions and so have made the concept my own with a few changes in the original schema. This is in no way is intended to discredit the author. I was simply uncomfortable with his a few of his cards for my on needs. I will get to my interpretations and discoveries as I paint them.

I know that there is complex symbolism that connects the traditional set of 78 cards such as The Major Arcana and the Tree of Life via the Kabala. I will argue that that concept is maintained through the pip cards. But I am not really here for argument what is important to me is the Fool’s journey and the trials and tribulations we all face universally and traveling with him through my art and see if there was anything I could glean from this mission. So, if you are a hard core traditionalist this deck and voyage may not be for you. But for the adventurous spirit please join me; let’s begin by jumping off a cliff!

Here is a brief overview of the differences between the traditional tarot deck and my newly inspired deck.

Five elements: ♦-Earth; ♠-Air; ♣-Fire; ♥-Water and -Spirit (I chose a 5 petal flower for this new suit) This envelopes the 5 suits each with the traditional 14 cards 1-10, Page (Maiden), Knight, Queen, King.

My Major Arcana set will include each of these 5 elements within the painting.

The 30 Major Arcana Cards

0 Folly-Fool
1 Skill -Magician
2 Intuition -High Priestess
3 Action -Empress
4 Power-Emperor
5 Memory -Hierophant
6 Choice -Lovers
7 Precession - Chariot
8 Emotion - Desire
9 Discipline - Strength
10 Nature - Family
11 Chance - Wheel of Fortune
12 Time - Sphinx
13 Reflection - Past
14 Will - Future
15 Honor - Justice
16 Sacrifice -Hanged Man
17 Change - Death
18 Vision -Imagination
19 Transfer -Temperance
20 Deception -Devil
21 Revelation -Lightning Struck Tower
22 Hope/Fear -Star
23 Lunacy -Moon
24 Triumph -Sun
25 Reason -Thought
26 Decision -Judgment
27 Wisdom - Savant
28 Completion -Universe
∞ Unknown - Ghost

You will notice that there are some slight changes in order from the traditional cards and numbers. None of these are set in stone until I paint them, well ok set in canvas. I would be pleased if you felt strongly that I was off on any of these to please comment. This is all part of the journey.

I anticipate that this project will take at least a year to complete. So I invite you to join me in this exploration. Come let's jump off the cliff together!

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.
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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.

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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.