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

Art Heals and Comforts

I was strolling through the bookstore the other day and was approached by one of my patrons. To my surprise I discovered that my artwork has provided spiritual comfort and growth when hung in private sacred spaces. This particular patron, Debra Fisher told me her story that I would like to share with you.

Debra was going through a divorce and suddenly lost her only daughter Claire in a car accident. One day to her surprise she saw “Evening Promise” (pictured) in the window of a gallery. It reminded her of Claire with the colors and the mood it created and she couldn’t help but look at it every day as she drove to and from work. Drawn, she inquired about the piece. She was pleased to discover the name of the piece because it solidified her connection because evening was a special time of day for Claire. All of her original art was gone from the divorce and this piece was her first purchase to rebuild her collection. Taking it home, she placed it in the bedroom in which she had created a sanctuary. Every morning as she woke and evening before bed she would gaze upon the piece and feel closer to Claire and gain strength to face another day with her other trials. As time went by her divorce was finalized and she began to heal from the year’s losses. She discussed the comfort the piece gave her and the healing progress she was proud of and in response, her friend pointed out, “It’s no wonder the painting helped you heal, its Echinacea which is a healing flower.”

Her story nearly brought me to tears. When painting these pieces I can never anticipate how they will find their way into people’s lives. All I know is that they also help me through the process of painting them in a variety of different ways and I am always honored to discover that my work has inspired healing and comfort.

Bubbly - Acrylic on Canvas 24"x24"

It is funny how some things seem to just come together without you even thinking about them. My anticipation of seeing my husband in a few weeks ran right out of my brush today. It struck me as I was doing my final once over deciding on a name (one of the most difficult parts of painting.) that this lady's crooked smile mimicked by her curling toes reminded me of a song that sustained me during the beginning of this deployment. It's a cute little love song. See if you don't agree that what the brush was trying to say to me.

Bubbly by
Artist(band)
Colbie Caillat

I've been awake for a while now
You've got me feelin' like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tinglees in a silly place

It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

The rain is fallin' on my window pane
But we are hidin' in a safer place
Under the covers stayin' safe and warm
You give me feelings that I adore

They start in my toes
Make me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

What am I gonna say
When you make me feel this way?
I just, mmm

It starts in my toes
Makes me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

I’ve been asleep for a while now
You tucked me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

It starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feelin' shows
'Cause you make me smile
Baby just take your time now
Holdin' me tight

Wherever, wherever, where ever you go
Wherever, wherever, where ever you go

If you haven't heard it, Check it out from AOL music mp3s Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

Singing Morning - Acrylic on Canvas 12x12

It has been a very busy week and I am behind on my art blogging. This piece was painted on Wednesday while I gallery sat at tht Topeka Art Guild. It was my first day to attend the gallery and it was very quiet that day. There wasn't the opportunity to sit on my back porch this time and paint from my collection of live flowers so I returned to my photographs.

This flower is a pale purple cone flower which grows wild in the area. They present with a paler purple, almost a white which is strikingly different than the purple cone flowers that are commonly seen. Their petals are long and spindly which give them a delicate and dancing appearance.

My inspiration for this piece was from a photo I had taken a couple of years ago and I have painted from the photo more than once. It was insteresting to step back into those images I have many than I have plans to paint and several that are my favorites. I decided to paint one of my favorites because I was more comfortable with the image and knew that I could be successful even if I was interupted several times while I was working in the gallery. I believe it was the right decision and I am please with the way it turned out.

For me this piece seems to sing with color and to be as fresh and bright as the mornings have been around here. Hence, the name "Singing Morning."

Simple Art Booth Design

In the last couple of weeks I was asked to be the Art Director of the Aaron Douglas Art Fair. It's a wonderful community event here in Topeka. In the last couple of days it has come to my attention that many artists do not have a booth and some are intimidated to make one.

I designed my booth years ago and it has served me well. If you have simple construction skills, such as being able build and stretch a canvas, you can build a booth. I have made a PDF that explains my design which is compact and easy to construct from common materials at the lumber yard.

My booth design is a simple Plastic Lattice Design the final size of the lattice work is a 3 sided 8’ x 8’ lattice frame. With basic construction skills you should be able to create it in an afternoon. Some advantages of this design are: the lattice work allows for breeze to flow through on hot summer days. When used with the 10’x10’ gazebo (typical space allowed at art fairs) your artwork is inside enough that if you have a light rain it will be somewhat protected.

If you are interested in building this style of booth here is the PDF link.Simple Art Booth Design. This is the exact design I used to build my own art booth so I know it works and is sturdy enough to hold medium to light weight artwork. It has lasted years even though I store it outside exposed to the weather. I accept no liability on construction or design. You build at your own risk.

A little Night Music

The Mistress of the Dark featured my artwork "A Song for You" on her blog A Little Night Music. For her Tuesday Tunes: Week number 44.

Although that image was sold to the Topeka Performing Arts Center with reproduction rights, glicee prints are available. I also have simular original pieces available on my site and merchandise available at Cafe Press.

Thank you, Mistress of the Dark for the shout out on my artwork!

New City Cafe Opening

I just got confirmation for a new one person show!

Location: New City Cafe (Gage Center, Topeka)
Event Dates: 10/1/2008 - 10/31/2008
Reception: 10/1/2008 • 4:30 - 6:00

New City Cafe
4005 SW Gage Center Drive
Topeka, KS 66604-1831
Phone: 785.271.8646

Michelle Leivan unveils new paintings in the“Celestial Correspondence” Series which are dominated by abstract female nudes inspired by the complex social and emotional soul searching which developed during the deployment of her husband. This two part series completed during two Iraqi tours documents the artist's inner dialogue and is a celebration to the long anticipated return of her husband later in the month.

Leivan's enduring subject is the female form with a subversive twist on the classic nude. Stripping the figure of the culturally significant cues of beauty, she dares the viewer to find the subtle essence of facial expression and gesture. Michelle's unexpected pallet provides a multicultural, non-ethnic specific tone which captures the universal aspects of femininity.

Also for the adventurous at heart...

WINE TASTINGS

First Wednesday October from 4:30 to 6:00 pm

Come taste four different wines for only $10.

After the Storm – 20”x20” Acrylic on Canvas

Thunderstorms have graced our area for about the last week. I find them fascinating, romantic and frustrating all at the same time. I find them fascinating in that they are a wonder of nature, providing the earth with refreshing nourishment and yet they can be amazingly destructive. Romantic, there is nothing better than cuddling with a lover during a storm lights out, appreciating each other and the weather, with the rain tapping on the window panes, the lightening offering a strobe effect to the rhythm and thunder punctuating what lovers do best. Then frustrating, in that I can’t go outside and paint on my porch, the day has been dictated to be indoor activities and I am not quite cured completely from the cabin fever created by the tardiness of the nice weather last season.

On top of that, I struggle with my Fibromyalgia on rainy days. It doesn’t make me bed ridden but after several days of damp weather it takes great physical and mental effort to get things done which normally would be a snap.

Interestingly, my son made the observation that this piece had a different mood than my last few nudes. As I pondered that thought, I believe his view is correct because I am not in the same mood as when I did the last ones. This piece is a direct reflection of the way I feel on the rainy days and have to struggle to do even the simplest things. Today was full of interruptions and fatigue. Yet, immense pleasure can be found in the simplest of accomplishments if you just allow yourself to stop and feel it. The subtle smile of my figure hints at this allowance.

This piece also has a more traditional pose. The uncomfortable perspective that characterizes several of my other nudes is not used in this piece. Maybe it is because I wanted comfort from the promise of a trying day that rain brings.

Blessing and Sprouts – Acrylic on Canvas 12”x12”

My sister-in-law has been on my mind lately; she has three young ones and is a single mom. They came to visit last week and I got a huge dose of young sprouts. I have no idea how she keeps her sanity. For the few days they were with us it almost felt like someone had opened Pandora’s Box right in the middle of our living room and it permeated everything we did or attempted to do. Even the simplest tasks such as cooking would be interrupted by the pandemonium. The boys were ornery, energetic and seemed to literally bounce off the walls. Her littlest of two years, was amazingly curious and she has such a beautiful radiance that you can not really get upset with her. She has a mischievous smile that will make any annoyance evaporate. I had forgotten what it was like with my son, but of course he was the only one. The mix of ages and interests is just astounding to consider taking on. I suppose when you start out with them new and adding them to your life gradually, you figure out how to handle it. I think I was just overwhelmed because it was completely out of my experience. I can honestly say though, I enjoyed having them here but was relieved to get back to my quiet comfort zone.
I do know I was thankful for the tools in my own mental toolbox to cope even for the short time they were here. Yesterday I mentioned Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” this book is such a wonderful resource if you a seeking peace of mind. The day I bought the book I picked it up and read the first chapter and I was hooked. It spoke to me on so many levels and inspired me to further explore my Kansas Wildflower Series and to begin my experimentation of doing them en plain aire.

One passage struck a cord with me, and I’ll share it here:

“Seeing beauty in a flower could awaken humans, however briefly, to the beauty that is an essential part of their own innermost being, their true nature. The first recognition of beauty was one of the most significant events in the evolution of human consciousness. The feelings of joy and love are intrinsically connected to that recognition. Without fully realizing it, flowers would become for us an expression in form of that which is most high, most sacred, and ultimately formless within ourselves. Flowers, more fleeting, more ethereal, and more delicate than the plants out of which they emerged, would become like messengers from another realm, like a bridge between the world of physical forms and the formless. They not only had a scent that was delicate and pleasing to humans, but also brought a fragrance from the realm of spirit. Using the word 'enlightenment' in a wider sense than the conventionally accepted one, we could look upon flowers as the enlightenment of plants.”

There is much more to that chapter and the book in it’s entirety but this is the one paragraph that continues to inspire my current work with my wildflowers and on a deeper level explains human reaction the arts and the intrinsic desire to be creative. It has also dawned on me recently you can find the same joy, love and wonder when observing our own tiny sprouts.

Wednesday Night Discussions – Acrylic on Canvas 12”x12”

Several weeks ago, well maybe it could be classified now as months, my neighbor Barbara and I happened to be outside at the same time and we got to talking. This isn’t a new experience, over the last few years living in our house we often saw Barbara outside working in her lawn and on occasion we would strike up a conversation. But this day, months ago, proved to be significant. For some reason we began to talk about religion and faith, we seemed to be on a similar wavelength. I brought up a new book that I’d started. Currently, it’s a very popular book and was currently being hyped by Oprah. It was Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth.” By coincidence she had also been reading the very same book and a good friend of hers, Pat was too. They had wanted to get together and discuss the book but hadn’t gotten around to doing it. I was game if they where game. So, our Wednesday night discussions began.

As our conversations evolve, we frequently get away from the book and discuss the many things that are happening in our lives. Through these experiences we have grown a friendship that I would not have anticipated. I look forward to our weekly get together and each week we struggle to remember which chapter we are on. Over the weeks we have become quite lax in our intended agenda, but as if fate dictated our path, whether starts out pointedly about the book or not, swings to be significant to the chapter we initially intended to discuss. Being that it is the end of the day, we are quite informal and spend most of the time, simply enjoying each other’s company. Oh, it’s so much fun!

This last Wednesday, I shared with both of them several of the pieces I have gotten done in the past few weeks. They expressed an interest and watching how I painted and to see the creative process. So, today I called Barbara and told her I was going to be painting this morning and if it pleased her, she was welcome to come over and see what this painting thing was all about. She sauntered on over and before she knew it, she was getting involved in the painting with ideas, comments and a new perspective. As the piece grew, it started to show an influence of the three of us and our Wednesday evenings. I think just having one of them there and the interactions we’ve had subconsciously dictated the end result. None the less, it was refreshing to have another to get involved with my process. Maybe next time I can put a brush in her hand too.

So to honor our morning today and as a reminder of my new friends and our “Wednesday Night Discussions” I have named this piece to reflect these two important relationships with my neighbors.

Morning Allure – Acrylic on Canvas 36”x36”

Morning is such a peaceful time of the day; it’s the beginning of a whole world of opportunities. Ok, I know how cliché that is, but it is true. If you stop and really take the time to observe the fresh day you can find deep wells of peace and serenity. If you allow it, the chaos and clutter of the previous day can be washed away with the dreams of the night before and a state of clearing of the mind and hope for what the day will bring.

It brought to mind “Morning Has Broken.”

As Sung by Cat Stevens

lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon

Morning has broken, like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning

Praise for the springing fresh from the word

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven

Like the first dewfall, on the first grass

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Sprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning

Born of the one light, Eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of the new day

Last evening I was in a tense mood, I had more on my agenda that didn’t get done and on top of that, my teenager decided to be obstinate. He’s in trouble and for some reason he thinks he can still create his own agenda. Then, after the threat of a local thunderstorm (figuratively and literally) this morning was relatively cool and is promising a mild day.

This piece is painted plein air directly from my new Echinacea plants. It is a little looser then my previous pieces and I am pleased with this new direction. My potted plants are showing the toll of the warm up from the last few days and I am pleased that a few blooms remain. There are also new buds which are persevering to break open and to despite the July heat. Perhaps a lesson can be learned from these blooms to remember that no matter what the weather life goes on and each morning can be an opportunity to start anew.

Susan’s Wind Dance – 20”x20” Acrylic on Canvas

Another piece from the gift of a bunch of potted Black-eyed Susans from a mother of one of my son’s friends, once again painted en plain aire. I was so excited to sit down and create from this lovely gift.

However, it never seems to fail that I have a manic Monday. My day started out very serene and pleasant, I found myself up early and made myself busy immediately with the tasks planned beginning of course with painting. Then as the heat of the day came on, and distractions seemed to have been blown in with the wind and the dance to balance everything began. I know you’ve experienced a day very similar, suddenly pulled away by circumstances beyond your control, then appointments to keep that drag on forever. Now mind you, it wasn’t what I’d classify as a “bad” day, just a variety of unexpected turns and surprises, not all of them pleasant or what I’d jump up and down for joy about.

The first distraction was the discovery that my son had gotten into a fight with a long time friend, (I think if you boiled the issues down and got to the meat of the matter, it concerned testosterone poisoning and alpha male posturing) no one was seriously hurt, but egos were bruised. Several other boys were spectators and instigators so that took the better part of the day to sort out. I was so thankful that I knew the parents well of the boy he actually fought. We all agreed both where in the wrong and that we would punish each appropriately. Needless to say both boys have lost many privileges and are grounded for a while. Oh, the angst of the teenage years!

Then I had a car appointment that was just crazy, I ended up with a phone call that they couldn’t start my VW bug! If you have never owned a VW bug then you might not know that if you put the key in upside down it won’t start the car! LOL. I had to make a special trip back into town to start the car for them so they could pull it in to do the servicing. They did a wonderful job despite not knowing how to start the VW (by the way it was a new windshield they were installing and not any of the mechanical things!!! We can be thankful for the small things.)

Needless to say, as the day waned, I was so pleased to finally wind down my day by getting back to where the day started and to finish what I had begun. The most amazing part is that I was just a little frustrated with this piece in the morning when I believed all was right in the world, then later in the day after the chaos, the piece came together without a hitch. I must have needed to get away from the piece and deal with the issues for the piece to evolve as it did. The creative process, who would’ve thunk it!

Big Sky Beauty - Acrylic on Canvas 48"x36"

You never know what a day will bring to you. I woke up this morning at 4:30 am and couldn’t get back to sleep. So I decided that my day should start so I ate breakfast and waited until 6:30 to take my son to his football weights program. When I got home it was such a beautiful morning I decided to paint. I have been broadcasting when I paint on the web at http://leivan.camstreams.com and decided to broadcast this session. While on a break I viewed the chat room and there was a viewer there “ArtLover” who I found out was in London… simply amazing. We started talking about the piece and invited a critique. Together we discussed many aspects of the piece. What a wonderful experience! Input can be so valuable. Sometimes painting can seem so solitary. Thank you anonymous “ArtLover” for your input and friendly chat. Hope to see you on again.

About the name of the piece, I painted these “en plain aire” direct from potted Echinacea that I purchased a few days ago. These particular flowers are called “Big Sky Sundown” and they are a special hybrid by P.P.A.F Evan Saul. Their color is more of a sunset pinky orange (what I love to call sky blue pink) rather than magenta. They are so lovely and I enjoyed painting them.

Susan Sunshine - 24”x24” Acrylic on Canvas

Today I received a gift of a bunch of potted Black-eyed Susans from a mother of one of my son’s friends. I was so excited that I had to paint one en plain aire. This lovely little lady stood up and away from the bunch, almost with a defiance to get the best light of the day. It has been a long time since I painted from a live subject and it was invigorating. For this summer I planned to go out to the Flint Hills and paint directly from life but haven’t found an afternoon that could be dedicated to the 40 mile trip. What a better way than to bring the native wildflowers directly to my back porch to paint them… an inspiration. Maybe I’ll have to visit the nursery tomorrow and fill my back porch with additional blooms!

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.

I am trying to contain my excitement because this month and continuing my work will now be available in two local galleries.

As an artist it is imperative to get your work seen. So I regularly pursue new venues for my artwork. This month I have acquired two new spaces. The Topeka Art Guild and the prestigious The Collective Art Gallery here in Topeka. Both places will have samples of my current work but they will carry different series.

The Topeka Art Guild will carry several pieces from my "Kansas Wildflower Series" and The Collective will display my newest "Celestial Correspondence" series.

Fresh off the Easel
This Month at The Collective Art Gallery Topeka.
3121 SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS 66604 - 785.234.4254
Hours: Wed-Fri 12-4 p.m. Sat 10-2 p.m and First Fridays 5:30 - 8:30 (July First Friday is on June 27th)

From My Celestial Correspondence Series
Quiet Vigilance 24"x24" Acrylic on Canvas.
Comforing Dreams 24"x24" Acrylic on Canvas.

You can both of these on my most recient posts.


Now Showing!

Kansas Wildflower Series
is at The Topeka Art Guild this month.
5331 SW 22nd Place, Topeka, KS 66614 - 785.273.7646 Hours: 11 AM - 5 PM, Wed - Saturday and First Fridays 5:30 - 8:30 (July First Friday is on June 27th)

Several pieces from my popular series is available this month at the Topeka Art Guild. I believe we can officially say that I have invaded Topeka's art community!

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.