New Year News! What a way to Begin

I have had a very eventful and successful Holiday Season, I hope that the Holidays found you well and ready for a Happy New Year!

It is amazing what can happen unexpectedly. One of my goals I've created for myself is to have new work with each new show at The Art Collective and at The Art Guild of Topeka and to add at least one new place to exhibit my work each month. Well, thankfully, this has turn out fairly simple for the first two months of 2009 so far. I have shows in Western Kansas at the Gorham City Hall, and Eastern Kansas at SouthWind Gallery, and Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness in Topeka. Details below...

Please let me know if you have been out to see any of these events. Feedback is so fun to hear and is important to me.

Wow! What a great way to kick off the New Year! and hope to see you in the galleries in 2009!

Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness

Location: 1301 Gage location in Topeka, Kansas
Event Dates: 1/2/2009 - 2/28/2009
Reception: 1/2/2000 · 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

I will have a solo show of my Feminine Desert: Paintumentary at Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness, opening First Friday Art Walk and running February of 2009.

About the Series:

"Feminine Desert: Paintumentary" is a series of paintings and prose based on the perception duality many young women present to the world. The conflict of the independence they believe they portray versus the true co-dependency they actually exhibit to the world, a contradiction they are too often unable to recognize.

Each piece is dominated by abstract human figures. The pallet used allows expression of the human form in a multicultural, non-ethnic specific tone, capturing the universal aspect of humanity. Notable the use of color creates a striking contrast to the expected outcome in portraiture.

The Inspiration:

As young women I watched my sister-in-laws struggle with co-dependency issues. I believe many young women, including myself, at some point in our lives have a tendency to please others and are eager for self sacrifice and believe we are happy if the people in our lives are happy with us.

My in-laws and I spent many evenings in long discussions about their relationship choices and their desire to define themselves through other's eyes. I ached to witness their lives filled with disappointment and tough affairs of the heart. I sought relief and turned to my art to sort out my own anguish I began painting the series.

One evening I was nearly done with the current twenty pieces and I had another long night talking about relationship disillusionment with one of these young women. During the drive home I mulled over the long debates. I found my inspiration to complete the series. As soon as I got home, in a flurry of creativity wrote all of the accompanying prose for this series. What developed was an intricate intertwining of imagery, prose and use of anagram within each title to create a message which mimics the complexity of co-dependency. I hope that the message will encourage women of all ages to find love within and discover their inner freedom and beauty.

Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness

The imagery, commentary and call to action that Feminine Desert presents is for young women to find love within rather than seeking approval from others. The message encourages the seeking of inner beauty which will only enhance the great looks the customers reap through Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness' services.

This show has also spurred the completion of my second self-published book Feminine Desert: Paintumentary, available online under my "Book" link on my website.

Wildfowers Invade Western Kansas

Location: Gorham City Hall

125 Market Street
Gorham KS 67640

Event Dates: 12/1/2008 - 4/30/2009

This month my Kansas Wildflowers are invading Western Kansas! Several pieces will be on display and for sale in Gorham City Hall through April 30th. Ok, so I know the mayor - that's how it happens! If you get a chance to stop in say Hi! to Mayor Martinson for me!

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Gorham



Flower Power 2

Location: SouthWind Gallery at Framewoods of Topeka

Event Dates: 1/16/2009 - 2/28/2009
Reception: 2/6/2009 · 6 pm - 8:00 pm

http://www.southwindgalleryoftopeka.com/

785.273.5994
3074 SW 29th
Topeka KS 66614

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 4pm

Sometimes working at a gallery has it's advantages - I will be showing two new works at SouthWind Gallery at Framewoods of Topeka in the Flower Power 2 group show. The show features floral works by regional women artists. I am honored to have my hung work with all of these excellent artists.

Which opens January 16th with the artist reception on February 6th during February's First Friday Art Walk.

The Collective Art Gallery
3121 SW Huntoon St.
Topeka, KS 66604-1662
ph: 785.234.4254
HOURS: Wed-Fri: noon-4 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
or by appointment.

The Collective Art Gallery presents:

"NEW ART FOR A NEW YEAR"

In honor of the new year, the Collective Member Artists are mounting a group exhibition, featuring new work by each one such as pictured piece "Ophelia" by Michelle Leivan.... (yes it's uninhibited self promotion here.)

Opening reception is scheduled for Friday January 2, 2009, 5:30-8:30PM in conjunction with the "First Friday Art Walk!" Show runs through January 31, 2009

Gates and Portals

Location: Topeka Art Guild
Event Dates: 12/5/2008 - 1/31/2009
Reception: 1/2/2009 · 6:00 - 8:00

Art Guild Gallery
Topeka Art Guild, Inc.
5331 SW 22nd Place
Topeka, KS 66614
Phone: 785.273.7646

"Gates and Portals"

Member Artists reveal their own concept of Gates and Portals to bring us into the New Year! Artist Reception Jan 2, 2008. The Art Guild Gallery, located in the west end of Fairlawn Shopping Center, Topeka, KS, is staffed by volunteer members. It is free and open to the public.

Sun Resort and Art Enhance Beauty

Before I get to the exhibit announcement... here is a little interesting story about this show.

A couple of weeks ago, I assisted my friend and mentor, Barbara Waterman Peters layout her new self-published book "Baci." We spent a few hours creating an awsome little book of essays, poems and art about her demon cat on a program called "Book Smart" provided for self publishing on Blurb.com. It was a fun project! I recommend the book as well!

After finishing the book, I showed Barbara the Feminine Desert book that I had been dinking with in Book Smart for the last few months. I don't know why it had gotten stuffed to the "later" box but it only had a few changes to be ready for publishing. She advised me strongly to get that book finished and out on the web as soon as possible.

Ok, I'll admit, it the project remained where it was (I'll blame it on the Holidays taking up time...) until, Thursday evening... It is now up online Feminine Desert: Paintumentary What spurred such action? Well... I was asked to exhibit the entire series!

And wait there is so much more to the story....

I was contacted on Thursday by Christine from Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness looking to exhibit artwork in her business. I was recommended through a local arts promotion and grant organization called Arts Connect Topeka. As I was replying to her email and suggesting my Feminine Desert Series for her location I decided that I should pull the pieces down from the attic where they are stored to inspect them. They really needed to be looked at before I made a commitment.

After sending the email off, I crawled toward the back of attic I noticed that the recently stored Christmas boxes were WET! In near panic I tossed those boxes to the left and right. There was a leak in our roof dangerously close to my art storage area. I called to my husband and he quickly assisted me in bringing every piece of art in the area down for further investigation. I can't express my relief, the boxes that the pieces had been stored in did get damp but the framed artwork was relatively unscathed!

It's wild how events come together serendipitously! We discovered a leak in the roof early enough it did little damage to the roof, my artwork was saved from destruction, I finished my Feminine Desert book as recommended, and I got a new exhibit! All from one simple email inquiry.... can I say it... WOW!

So, Now about the show....

Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness presents Feminine Desert: Paintumentary by local Artist Michelle Leivan.

The exhibit will open on January 2, 2009 during the First Friday Art Walk 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness at the 1301 Gage location in Topeka, Kansas and will run through the month of February.

The imagery, commentary and call to action that Feminine Desert presents is for young women to find love within rather than seeking approval from others. The message encourages the seeking of inner beauty which will only enhance the great looks the customers reap through Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness’ services.

About the Series:
“Feminine Desert: Paintumentary” is a series of paintings and prose based on the perception duality many young women present to the world. The conflict of the independence they believe they portray versus the true co-dependency they actually exhibit to the world, a contradiction they are too often unable to recognize.Each piece is dominated by abstract human figures. The pallet used allows expression of the human form in a multicultural, non-ethnic specific tone, capturing the universal aspect of humanity. Notable the use of color creates a striking contrast to the expected outcome in portraiture.

Michelle Leivan has also self-published her second book featuring the entire Feminine Desert series with paintings and prose available online through her website link "Books" at http://www.michelleleivan.com/.


The Inspiration:
As young women I watched my sister-in-laws struggle with co-dependency issues. I believe many young women, including myself, at some point in our lives have a tendency to please others and are eager for self sacrifice and believe we are happy if the people in our lives are happy with us.

My in-laws and I spent many evenings in long discussions about their relationship choices and their desire to define themselves through other’s eyes. I ached to witness their lives filled with disappointment and tough affairs of the heart. I sought relief and turned to my art to sort out my own anguish I began painting the series.

One evening I was nearly done with the current twenty pieces and I had another long night talking about relationship disillusionment with one of these young women. During the drive home I mulled over the long debates. I found my inspiration to complete the series. As soon as I got home, in a flurry of creativity wrote all of the accompanying prose for this series. What developed was an intricate intertwining of imagery, prose and use of anagram within each title to create a message which mimics the complexity of co-dependency. I hope that the message will encourage women of all ages to find love within and discover their inner freedom and beauty.

For more information about Michelle Leivan and to view the series online with prose please go to The Originals link at http://www.michelleleivan.com/. To contact the artist please call her at 785-220-8460 or email michelle@leivan.net.

For more information about Sun Resort Tanning and Fitness please contact Christine Hogan, Business Development, 785-783-8666 http://www.sunresorts.net/, christy@sunresorts.net

New Feminine Desert Book by Michelle Leivan

Feminine Desert: paintumentary is a book of paintings and prose based on the perception duality many young women present to the world. The conflict of the independence they believe they portray versus the true co-dependency they actually exhibit to the world, a contradiction they are too often unable to recognize.

Each piece is dominated by abstract human figures. The pallet used allows expression of the human form in a multicultural, non-ethnic specific tone, capturing the universal aspect of humanity. Notable the use of color creates a striking contrast to the expected outcome in portraiture.

Click here to preview

Rainy Repose - 20"x20" Acrylic on Canvas

Wouldn’t you know the very day I get back to painting after “Life” getting in the way of painting goals it would rain? This is why the piece is named “Rainy Repose.” Despite this wet obstacle I went ahead and painted. It was a piece I had started at the end of May and hadn’t gotten back to it. It is rare that I start a piece and do not finish it within a sitting or two, in the past, when I have put a piece aside too long it turned out to be a complete flop. I am very pleased with the results and I think the summer shower added to my mood and it reflected nicely on the canvas. The time in between must have been needed to make this piece successful. To me she seems so calm and ok with waiting on the rain. A very comfortable piece says acceptance rather than struggle.

I have been anticipating being able to paint outside since February and I have painted outside this spring, but the last month or so I have unintentionally put off painting. I had a bunch of spring repairs to do (one being a repair from a limb going through our camper trailer roof!) and the back yard to clean up from the winter. I ended up doing so many of these things that I put myself into a Fibromyalgia flare followed by an upper repertory infection that lingered for about three weeks. I do need to feel good to be creative. Whew, maybe all of those delays and frustrations are over.

Although I haven’t been painting it doesn’t mean that I have ignored everything to do with my paintings. I have been doing the other, not so creative stuff. I have two new galleries! I can now be found regularly at The Collective Art Gallery of Topeka and The Topeka Art Guild. As well as couple of other new prospects... to be announced as they come into reality. I have been working on a redesign of my Feminine Desert book to be available like my Kansas Wildflower book. Then I have been doing research for my Five Element Tarot Series and exploring the Flint Hills for my Kansas Wildflower series.

Also, I have once again redesigned my site… it’s almost getting to be a quarterly event. I found a new service that is specifically geared for artists and if all goes well, I believe it will be my final “parking spot.” My main concern is to provide a place for you to keep up with all my stuff and you will always be able to find me at www.leivan.net no matter where I decide to park the site.

Finally, I want to mention in this post, I have added a live webcam of our back porch to my site. It can be found on my front page www.leivan.net or leivan.camstreams.com. The porch is one of my most favorite places to paint. Our life seems to revolve around that space in the summer time. I love to be outdoors as much as possible. You can check it out on occasion to see if you can catch me painting. Camstreams.com also makes chat available on the webcam’s homepage and I have had quite a few hits on it in the short week that I have had it available. I thought it would be a fun addition to the interaction of my website.

Comforting Dreams – Acrylic on Canvas 24”x24”

I have been having some crazy dreams lately. Some have been inspiring, others thought provoking, others obviously dealing with something. And my yellow figurative pieces usually serve as a mirror to what is immediately happening in my soul or maybe it’s my subconscious and therefore aptly what has transpired in my dreams.

Dreams inspire emotions, provide insight, and show our attitudes that need our attention so that we might travel toward our successes. Everyday we are inundated with information, such as advertisers explaining how their product or service can fulfill our dreams, dealing with interpersonal relationships, all of which can be daunting if not examined. Each of us has to face our own personal perceptions of our daily lives and the stage of our sleeping mind can provide an outlet for our conflicts and triumphs. Not to mention we can travel through imaginative dreamscapes and do things that we can not do in our everyday life, such as fly like a superhuman.

Being sentient beings, we are aware of the human condition I believe the dream world is a gift that if taken for granted or dismissed will not provide important exposure to resolutions and avenues that are helpful in our life’s journey.

Although not all dreams are remembered, the ones we do remember are remarkable, bringing into our lives intimate details. Some linger long after we have awoken, holding captive their powerful symbolic images. Full stories presented in a full surround sound and virtual reality setting or in a simple third party theater perspective. As a remembered dream they can be highly charged emotionally, presenting us with a highly personal space to become adventurous. They can even bring us closer to our loved ones alive or deceased giving us a sense of being with them only moments before.

Then there is déjà-vu, precognition, communication and visitations, all which belong to the realm of clairvoyance. All giving a truly personal experience that must be experienced in order to be believed of which acceptance of the truth in these can only be debated on the principles of faith. It would seem to me that God would not merely produce an accident or worthless chain of events drifting from one state of consciousness to another, but a connection to something instead. Fascinating!

It’s amazing how the mind works and we spend at least one third of our lives in the state to experience dreams. I have a hard time believing that they are not significant to our existence. How significant these nocturnal events are? I don’t know, but they sure spice up our lives. Don’t you think?

I often get a critique from family members when I believe I’m finished with a piece. It’s a way to explore the finish product, to discuss it with another human being, kind of like sharing last night’s dreams and get a little feedback. My son had some thoughts about this piece that revealed his teenage hormones; I’ll leave it his reaction up to your imagination. Be that as it may, it was not a direction I had intended and decided that sometimes a reaction to a pieces is not only a reflection of my mind but also the mind of the viewer.

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

Whispered Witness - Acrylic on Canvas 20x20

I just had to do another in this series, they are screaming to get out! Or maybe I'm just having issues! LOL This piece speaks to me of all of those inner secrets we all have. Each one making us either stronger or breaking us down. She should reflect your own inner dialogue rather than you being able to find my secrets, because she keeps them pretty close. She will also willingly hear your inner most desires. Why not give her a try! I promise she won't tell a soul.

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

Quiet Vigilance

Sometimes you have to take several steps backwards to gather your thoughts. As an effort to regain some inspiration, I went gallery hopping last Friday. As serendipity would have it, Barbara Waterman-Peters was attending the collective gallery. We had a wonderful discussion about artwork and she took a look at my portfolio. She enjoyed everything but encouraged me to continue my exploration of my yellow nudes. My last set was done when I was living in a similar situation, so it followed that they would be a logical avenue to shake my current moody slump. With rejuvenated energy, I went back to my yellow nudes. I discovered, they have never really went away, just took a break. Now I have a huge array of subject matter and direction to keep my days filled with painting.

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

Action - Number 3 in the Five Element Tarot Series

Follow the artist’s “Fool’s Journey” as Michelle Leivan creates and re-conceptualizes the traditional Tarot into a 100 card deck.

As a sojourn of the soul, each painting explores the connection to the global consciousness revealed by the symbolism within each card. Witness the evolution of creating a volume of inspired archetypes as seen from the 21st century.

Action - The Only Way Out Is Through

Having discovered his bliss our Folly is now eager to make it all happen immediately. He rushes into his journey and discovers Action: Number 3 in the Five Element Tarot, typically the Empress.

Sitting in the shade of the Spiritually Healing Echinacea, quite obviously full with child our gracious lady holds in her hand the Scepter of Responsibility, symbolizing the acceptance of our actions as our own. Keeping the Cornucopia of Bounty nearby and protected by a Key of Knowledge as a necklace, she sits comfortably on the cushioned ground representing the promise of riches that our pursuit of happiness can contain.
Upon her head she wears a Crown of Success reminding us that the expression of our future will be seen in this world but will also affect our spirit.

With a gentle and motherly smile, our Folly is instinctively drawn to Action and her lesson. Like any mother, she can see his enthusiasm and eagerness to manifest his destiny today. She passionately instructs him that just, as it takes 9 short months to create a child a lifetime is filled in being a mother to that child. In the beginning all things worthwhile start delicately and require patience, nurturing, love and attention to reach greatness.
The journey has just begun and we must gather a lifetime of lessons as we learn them and apply them to our path to realize our fortune. Skill and Intuition can help lead us toward our bliss, but to truly immerse ourselves into life fulfillment and for the process to enrich our daily life, we must have an unwavering internal passion to pursue your goal.

With this new deeper understanding of what it takes to reach his destiny, our young Folly resumes his journey with a newly discovered determination for his path.

Do you have the passion, persistence and stamina to work through to your destiny?

Attract the carefree life with Action apparel and merchandise offered by Leivan Originals using this image and the phrase "The Only Way Out Is Through."

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

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.

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.

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



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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

30 Minute Nude from Live Model

30 Minute Nude 3-36-07

17.5 x 23

Watercolor Crayon and Acrylic on Paper

This piece was drawn from a live model with a 30 minute pose. Nearly the entire work was done during that period. I did darken the background with violet once the watercolor wash was dry. It was particularly intrigued with the line that was created with light and shadow that ran from her shoulder blade down her spine and sinuously curved around her buttocks.

As we are getting ready at work for our First Friday Art Walk on April 6th, we had two artists come in with a couple of pieces. After some discussion, I discovered that there is an open drawing session here in town with a live model every other Monday. I was very excited to find this out as I spent many hours in figure drawing during my college years and became one of my most favorite subjects. It has been nearly 10 years since I had an opportunity to draw from a live model and I have missed it.

Self Portrait with a Dog of a Different Color

Self Portrait with a Dog of a Different Color
Oil on Canvas
22"x28

I am getting behind in posting my new works. This piece has been done for a little while. It is oil which is a fairly new medium for me. I had a lot of fun with this one and enjoyed the color possibilities. I also utilized symbolism in this piece. I wanted to say more than I usually do with this piece. The dog is our family mutt Rascal and represents traditional symbolism: companionship, health, service, loyalty, protection, future prosperity. I placed the drum to depict the continuous rhythm of life and the plant mimics the sinuous nature of femininity and reminds me of the continuing renewal of self and the intertwining of humanity. As for the pose of the figure, contrast it with the self portrait I use as my profile image, what do you think? Please give me a comment about what you think.

I was inspired by the early century masters shown at the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City. Chuck and I went to KC for a romantic weekend during Valentine's week. We toured the Museum and there is nothing more inspiring than getting to view the masters in real life.

"The art of Expressionist, Fauve, Cubist, Bauhaus, Dada and Surrealist artists working between 1900 and 1945 is presented in the Nelson-Atkins building. During these tumultuous years of the early 20th century, the forms and meanings of art were in constant flux. Highlights from this defining period of Modernism include outstanding works by Emil Nolde, Kees van Dongen, Juan Gris, Constantin Brancusi, Wassily Kandinsky, Giorgio de Chirico, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Kay Sage and Alexander Calder."

It's a great museum and I would highly recomend a visit.

Oils - a new adventure

"Dillon in his NY hat" - 8"x10" Oil on Canvas


"Frog Woman" - 10" x 16" Oil on Canvas Board

My son was home sick with the flu last week and in one of his more lucid and bored afternoons he wanted to paint. This was exciting to me because he hasn't wanted to paint with me for ages... I guess being a teenager, busy with school and friends leaves little time for painting with ole' mom. Anyway, delighted with the prospect, I asked him "Oils or Acrylics" He said "oils." I drug out the new oils I had been collecting over the last few months anticipating this spontaneous activity.

For some reason a few months ago, Dillon made up his mind that painting in oils has to be easier than painting in acrylic. I believe he had seen a Bob Ross "Joy of Painting" session and was impressed with the speed and agility of the artist... I've explained to him that either way, it takes practice... But this is what lead to the beginning of the oil tube collection and I had hoped to entice him to paint earlier than this last week.

As for me, I have shied away from oils as my college instructors all had sensitivities to oils and would not use them. Being pleased with the results of acrylics, I have never thought it important to actually try oils. I have had artist friends tell me that oils are a much more sensual medium. Well, so with the interest from my boy - I decided to venture into this new medium with Dillon's enthusiasm to fuel the curiosity.

Above you will find my first two efforts in oils from that day. The first was the portrait of Dillon and then just for giggles, I made the "Frog Lady." I was able to explore my color pallet and how it interacts with oils. I would have to rule the experience - fun.

Chuck at Le Petite Cafe NYC - 10"x26"

This is another NYC experience piece. We found Le Petite Cafe (and it's literally petite) near the corner of West Broadway and Spring St. in Soho. In this painting you are only missing about 4 ft of the front window to the right, so you can see this is a very small cafe.

Dillon and I had stumbled upon it Thursday morning when looking for a place to eat breakfast near the Agora Gallery's Soho location. They serve the greatest coffee and the most awesome omelets.

This was Friday, the beginning of the exciting day that we walked from Soho to Times Square and we wanted a harty breakfast to begin our exploration of the city. Also, Chuck had not been able to get into NYC for my opening so he wanted to also start the day off by seeing my pieces at the Agora Gallery. Dillon and I had raved about it so much Chuck wanted to experience it too.

We truly enjoyed ourselves this particular morning and I remember telling both Chuck and Dillon "Life couldn't get much better than this."

Dillon in NYC subway - 10" x 26"

I bought some new canvases in November which are 10" x 26" thinking they would make perfect landscapes for the wide open spaces of our local Flint Hills area.

Then, this last Wednesday I was poking around and reviewing the photos from our NYC trip. I found a photo of my son in the subway. It was the typical horizontal format and included the subway train arriving to the station. Also, you could see a bit of the platform across the way. I was thinking that the picture was great and it crossed my mind to paint the piece in full. Then somewhere in the back of my mind the previously ignored and waiting for a great plein air day, long and skinny canvases came to mind.

A little cropping and excitement mounted as inspiration hit. The tall canvases worked perfectly for the skyscraping urbanscape of the NYC experience.

This piece is a little different from the other figurative pieces that I have done as I have reached further toward realism. I had no intention of bringing complete realism to the piece but I wanted to identify where the subject was without recreating the photo. I also wanted to create the mood of the moment captured.

The day we took this photo we had traveled by foot in an indirect path from Soho to Times Square. By midnight, we found ourselves exhausted, drenched by a rain storm and determined to find our way back to our hotel in Soho through the subway system.

It was an awesome journey for our first NYC trip as a family and it is important to me to relive this through my work.

I have plans for a few more memorable moments to document and I hope that you will enjoy them.