Stroke of Genius Game

www.StrokeOfGeniusGame.com
When my husband and I were first married we created a game together to pass the time. One of us would put a spontaneous line on a piece of paper and the other would create a new image from that first line. Stroke of Genius is a game that was sparked from this fun pastime. It allows for more players with an eye on the realities of the competitive art world.

Stroke of Genius creative, wacky drawing card game that offers on the spot fun for three or more players. It takes minutes to learn to play and a lifetime to perfect. Each spontaneous stroke challenges you, sparks the imagination and offers limitless possibilities and healthy self expression. Your fellow Artist provides that first stroke and the Juror a word of thought provoking direction. Your task is to quickly finish the picture, in any way you want. Keep in mind, you must please the ever subjective Juror to earn enough Spark Cards to declare yourself the Art Genius and win!

What’s in the Box?*

· Stroke of Genius Spark Word Cards – 96 cards each featuring 6 Spark Words, 6 cards are blank so you can fill in your own favorite Spark Words.

· A 6-sided die

· ½” of drawing sheets

· 8 crayons (you will need to rummage around in your own art box if you have more than six players)

· Quick play rules



* colors and items are subject to change but this list is typically what is in the box.

This game is the result of the creative work of Michelle Leivan. She has conceived, designed, illustrated, published and hand assembled the game and packaging. She also reserves the creative copyright for this game.

Please contact Michelle for any questions or comments.

michelle@leivan.net

Memories of Smoky Hill - 20x16 Acrylic on Canvas

I grew up around the middle of the Smoky Hills. Named for the "hazy" appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills provide a transition between the mixed-grass prairie and the short-grass prairie of the plains. The area flows through the middle and covering the western two thirds of Kansas and overlaps the western edge of the beautiful Flint Hills. The Smoky Hill River Valley covers the north and south of I-70 from Abilene west. It was a beautiful place to grow up. For more about the Smoky Hills: http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Extension/smoky/places.html
And the Smoky Hill River Valley http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/ka/history-travelers.cfm

In the well drained hillsides of the Smoky Hills can be found wild Echinacea often referred to locally as “snake root.” (not to be mistaken for White Snakeroot - Eupatorium rugosum a poisonous.) The locals meant Echinacea angustifolia - Narrow-leaf Coneflower which could be dug up in the cow pastures and sold for cash at a broker that very day, it was like picking up nickels, dimes and quarters. A body could dig for an entire day and make about $100. At the time the new age herbal movement was in its infancy and the whole process of collecting it seemed mysterious as to why they were buying it… the stuff wasn’t sold on the Wal-Mart pharmacy shelves as it is today. Nonetheless, the plant got us through many a tight spot through our college years for which I am forever grateful. This is one of the reasons I frequently paint the purple coneflower. There is such a personal connection for me that is deeper than just the simple beauty and grace of the plant.

This current piece reminds me of the popular Tuscan Style Décor with a twist of Kansas, which leads me to think about Italy and wines… talk about the beginning of a romance!

When you grow up in a place and have become accustom to what the landscape offers, you can find yourself out of sorts when you drive down a road you haven’t bothered driving in a while and as you pop over a hill, there is suddenly a sample of Italy where there once was flowing acres of wheat. A few months ago I was pleasantly surprised to discover the vineyard and winery that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, just 3 miles north of Salina on Old 81 hwy. It had been years since we traveled that road. It was common in my childhood to drive Old 81 as family once live along that highway. That day we discovered this “new” feature we didn’t have time to stop in and have a taste.

This weekend, finally we had an opportunity to try this fine Kansas Product. We located a selection at Lakeside Liquor Store at 29th and Croco, Topeka. We selected the “Czech Red” This long-time popular wine from Smoky Hill Vineyards is crafted from a blend of several grapes. "Czechoslovkian style" means it is a sweet wine created to yield an abundance of fruit flavor. The wine's brilliant cherry red hue invokes thoughts of the palette of color found at many area festivals celebrating the heritage and cultural diversity in Kansas. Light-bodied and sweet, it is great with hamburgers fresh of the grill. Enjoy it served at room temperature, or chilled to bring out the full fruitiness of the wine. Yep they nailed it. Yummy! http://www.kansaswine.com/

All this talk of the Smoky Hill Wine and Flowers reminds me that I haven’t mentioned my new set of products in my blog. Kansas romance in its finest form can be found with these wine glass charms featuring a print of a wildflower from the Kansas Wildflower Series, handmade, dated and signed. They are like jewelry for your wine glass, but they also serve the purpose of marking your glass at a party because each set of charms features six different images making it easy for identification.

They are currently sold locally at Ice & Olives at 29th and Croco, Topeka and online at my new Etsy.com shop LeivanOriginals.Etsy.com.

Apollo in Delphos Facing the Evening Sun - 20x16 Acrylic on Canvas

Crimson faced sunflower isn’t as common in Kansas as is the yellow sunflower but I find them inspiring with their brilliant reds set off with their green foliage. Inspiration comes from many sources... Delphos Kansas being the background for this piece as it was the last piece.

I am using a new technique to create these pieces. I have used templates that I have created by taking photo enlargements and cutting the template out in many stages to separate the initial colors. Then I continue with finishing the floral by painting them much like I have done with my past pieces. This technique expands my freedom with composition and contemplation of several possibilities. I am no longer tied to the first stroke of the brush to position the flower.

Apollo, Delpi, Delphos, UFOs!

The following incident occurred in Delphos on a dark, clear night November 2, 1971. It has never been debunked...

A sixteen-year-old farm boy heard a rumbling noise. When he stepped outside to investigate the noise, he saw a brilliant object near the ground. Although it was not clearly visible, he noticed a mass of blue, red, and orange colors on the dome shaped object. The object was said to be around 8-feet in diameter. With a bright, shimmering glow which extended from the base to the ground, illuminating nearby trees and the ground. After the object flew off, a glowing ring appeared on the spot. Analysis showed that the soil had undergone considerable physical and chemical changes that lasted for several months.

For more about this please visit UFOcasebook.com

The strange and unusual can be found in many places and it is particularly inspirational when it hits close to home and your own history. I can remember people talking about this in my early years. It has been a great source of conversation and debate. The UFO issue at large is like arguing with someone about their religion. You aren't going to sway them from their faith either believing or disbelieving. Which brings be back to the Greeks and their Oracle at Delphi dedicated to Apollo. You couldn't convince a Greek that the Oracle at Delphi was just getting their prophecies through inhalation of methane causing a hallucinogenic trance. This suggests that there is so much about the world that we simply accept through our faith in the unseen or misunderstood.

I will suggest here that there is much more to Delphos, Kansas rich history. I would suggest visiting if you get the chance… for online information go to the city website
Delphos, Kansas.

Apollo in Delphos Facing the Morning Sun - 20x16 Acrylic on Canvas

The golden faced sunflower is extremely common in Kansas they inspire all of the mythology that surrounds the Greek concepts of their sun god who supported all the arts in the ancient culture.

From deTraci Regula, About.com Apollo was the son of the supreme Greek god Zeus and Leto, a nymph. Zeus's wife Hera was outraged and convinced the earth to refuse to allow Leto to give birth anywhere on its surface. But the island of Delos allowed Leto to take refuge there and give birth to Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis, goddess of the hunt and wild things. The goddess Themis assisted in raising him by feeding him ambrosia, the sacred nectar of the gods.

When I first learned about Greek mythology, it intrigued me to discover that a familiar nearby town name had Greek inspiration. We have all heard of the Oracle at Delphi, well, Delphos is a quaint (blink and miss it) town where I grew up in central Kansas. I remember many events I attended at The Bohemian Hall which stands three miles west of the Pike Monument in the post-rock country. This was the center of the early Czech community.

But there is much more to this little town than meets the eye…

Spiritualism first came to Ottawa County, Kansas in 1873. The first meetings were held in a home. The group became known as the Universal Church, which is said to be the earliest religious organization in the area, although Methodists, Catholics, and Presbyterians also came to this area in the 1870's.

In 1877, the group traveled to Delphos, Kansas with 13 members. Within a few years, their numbers grew to nearly one hundred members. The camp was located in an oak grove northwest of Delphos, were Spiritualists held summer camp meetings for many years. Hundreds of people attended the meetings, many of them coming in on special trains, which ran two or three times a day from Salina, through Solomon, and onto Delphos.

It's estimated that the trains brought in between 1500 and 2000 people at the peak of the Spiritualist's popularity. The train tracks ran right along side the campsite. The meetings in those early years had a carnival-like atmosphere with many tents and a large stage.

A large tent was used for services for two years after the camp was moved. Later, a local resident had dug a basement on his land in Wells, planning to build a house over it. When his finances ran short, he sold the lot to the Spiritualists. The basement was enlarged and with the help of the men in the community, rock was hauled from surrounding pastures, to lay up the basement walls. Cooking for the men was done on a wood range in one of the cabins, which were moved from the Delphos Camp.

The original charter was issued by the State of Kansas in 1881. And it states, "This Corporation shall be The First Association of Spiritualists of Delphos, Ottawa County, Kansas [...] The purposes for which this corporation is formed are the attainment and promulgation of knowledge, religious, scientific, and educational." Due to the death of many of the older members, the fact that more had moved away, and flooding along the Solomon river (which had caused several meetings to be canceled), the camp was dismantled and moved to Wells, in 1934. From Delphos, Kansas - Spiritualists learn more about the Spritualists at Sunset Spiritualist Church

My parents lived in Wells, Kansas early in their marriage. My grandparents had a farm just a couple of miles outside Wells. I can remember my mother talking about having gone to one of these meeting simply out of curiosity. She was told that she would soon have a drop leaf table with seating for three... I have that drop leaf table right now in my kitchen and I use that table often to create my paintings.

What a wildly ironic connection, Apollo, Delphi, Delphos, Spiritualism and my kitchen table which is used to create art!

I am using a new technique to create these pieces. I have used templates that I have created by taking photo enlargements and cutting the template out in many stages to separate the initial colors. Then I continue with finishing the floral by painting them much like I have done with my past pieces. This technique expands my freedom with composition and contemplation of several possibilities. I am no longer tied to the first stroke of the brush to position the flower.

Believe it or not there is more to come on the next Post. Apollo in Delphos Facing the Evening Sun!

Wild Indigo Sunspot - Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

Talk about stepping out of the box! The last painting “Susan on Denim” started a flurry of inspiration and activity. It’s so refreshing to be inspired and productive. The Holiday season kept me so busy it seemed I never had any quietude. No time to sit and contemplate not to mention to act on inspiration.

Today, during a quite moment, I was thinking about my backgrounds, wanting to mix it up bring some energy to my method and “paint roller, in the shed” just popped into my head. “Wow, that would be fun to experiment with,” quickly followed. So I spent the afternoon playing with the paint roller. Mixing it up with the floral work and the new direction of color was fantastic fun. Filling the roller, then only putting paint on a part of the roller, then two colors together, the possibilities seem endless. I am pleased with the final image and I believe I’ll experiment a bit more with the rollers.

This piece shows a single strand of Wild Indigo with several suggestions of the sun set in a patchwork background with blues and purples.

View other pieces from my Kansas Wildflower Series.

Susan on Denim

Oh what fun it is to have some closure on a piece that has been bugging me for weeks. Sometimes inspiration comes in spurts and jumps. Like the human that I am not everything I work on is successful and so when I am struggling with a piece it gets put in the “later” box.

Then every once in a while, when I’m feeling courageous, I’ll rummage through the box and pick one to rework. This is one of those pieces and this week I found complete satisfaction, working through a former block.

With this rework also came a bit of experimentation and turning away from a rut. This is also quite freeing. I pulled away from my strong bright colors and allowed the background build with a variety of layers creating a rich denim color behind the bold Black Eyed Susan. I also wove the square through the petals bringing a playful dialogue between foreground and background. Finally, I scrubbed through a few areas of the top layer to reveal the under painting that had given me such trouble in the past. It was a little like taking a victory lap.

I hope you enjoy this piece.

See other works from my Kansas Wildflower Series.

Sweet Tweets! New Twitter Fan!

I joined Twitter several months ago. There was some buzz about the application and how cool it was. Well, as I spent a couple of days tweeting the whole business just didn’t make sense. I had 3 followers and didn’t know who to follow myself… it was just so foreign to me. Why does anyone what to hear what an obscure artist is doing during the day? Ok, I just wasn’t getting it.

Then fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with Chad Manspeaker and Joshua Dieker with Mixed Media (a new Topeka company offering their experience with Web 2.0 and website development.) They had worked in our local elections as Nancy Boyda’s campaign management. They used Obama’s campaign model by utilizing social media to enhance her constituency outreach.

What an eye opener. He made it really simple, tweet about yourself, use the search tool to find people in your area to follow or people who have similar interests and watch your circle grow. Also, he introduced me the integration of Twitter and Facebook if they find you on one application they will probably seek you out on the other.

He also explained how it’s changing the entire concept of marketing back to the oldest most original concept of marketing – by word of mouth (or should I say by stroke of the keyboard) and friends recommendations. The only difference is that it goes at light speed rather than plodding along via Pony Express. He wasn’t kidding.

To keep from being intimidated I didn’t want to grow too fast, just a steady growth so that I wouldn’t get overwhelmed and this is exactly what I got. It’s amazing! In just a couple of weeks and maybe 3 hrs total of poking around, I have 47 followers on Twitter, many whom I don’t know but have found my tweets interesting and I have found their tweets interesting as well. On Facebook, my friends have grown to more than 42 (and not all from my personal solicitation) from around 5 many local people who have access to the galleries that I show in and many who I know but haven’t been in touch with for years. My circle includes many from the local media circle as well. The best news of all is that my website gained 171% in activity from last month. People are starting to find me online and it is literally growing on a daily basis.

Between Twitter and Facebook if used properly can launch your online presence from obscurity to a targeted, interested, friend base. Now, I am not even going to pretend to know all the ins and outs of either application, because I am still learning. My strategy is simple. Use Twitter and Facebook in tandem to enhance my online presence and drive traffic to my site.

Facebook has several perks for artists who participate: just take a look at their Statistics. http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics
Specifically for artists, more than half of their 150 million users are outside of college and their fastest growing demographic is people over 30 years old…. This adds up to educated people who have the funds to buy art. Many people who are on twitter own the high end phones with internet services. If they have those kinds of toys, logic follows they can also afford fine art. Just take a look at those stats on the site and see how that plays into a marketing goal for the artist.

Next, not only did I have my profile on Facebook, I also created a “page” about me and my artwork. These can be found at the bottom of the page under “advertising.” Creating a “page” is completely free and then you can add applications to them as well. With “devices” turned on and the Twitter application added to my Facebook profile, I can update my status on one and catch both systems in one sweep, even from my cell phone. Also, I discovered that I can RSS (really simple syndication) my blog to pick up my blogs as notes for both my page and my profile. What a time saving applications! No more cutting a pasting my blog so that all of my friends can find it!

A local group of Twitter fans started to gather in the evenings at “Tweet Ups” where you can actually meet fellow Tweeters in real life. What a fantastic opportunity to rub elbows with those interesting people! I have planned a “Tweet Up” for SouthWind Gallery in Topeka where I work, it is a preview opportunity for the tweeters to get together, enjoy new art (some of which are mine) and get to know each other. All in building bonds across the area. (If you are interested take a look at my events on Facebook “Michelle Leivan” or follow me on twitter @michelle_leivan)

Finally, one final thought – people buy art from artists they connect with, either the art itself connects or they know the artist and therefore enjoy the artwork even more through the relationship connection. The advent of the Web 2.0 creates the “conversation” era for the information age. The web is no longer a simple tool to find or present information, now we can make connections, social interactions! Share and have conversations with people across the world. It’s just simply amazing! Isn’t life Tweet!

Critiques and “Cutting Edge Subject Matter”

A few months back I applied for Junction City Arts Council’s Premier Artist Search 2009. It was the type of contest that, like every other art contest… subjective. It is healthy to occasionally subject yourself to criticism as an artist and my hope was for the minor entry fee to get feedback from professionals with fresh eyes. I was successful in that endeavor but it has put me in a quandary for the last few days because I received the coveted feedback. Let me start a out telling you what I received.

Three art professionals were asked to critique the work. Two are unidentified and one gracefully put her critique on letterhead. There were 4 categories for the judges to respond to: Professionalism and technical skills, Originality, Clarity of Style and Overall presentation. Each with a scale of 1 to 5 – making it possible for a high score of 20.

The first unnamed juror was extremely lean on their comments… Nothing on Professionalism?? On Creativity “I have seen similar work before.” (I am really wondering if they haven’t see MY work before.) On Clarity of Style “I see two styles in this body of work & I believe the florals show stronger.” Then Overall: “I see the floral as a much stronger form for marketability. Finally, overall score given 12.5 (Ok so I see their point, did wonder where they had seen bald headed yellow nudes in Kansas though… Maybe just concentrated on the florals. Overall, I am dissatisfied with my feedback from the juror… Money wasted here?)

The second unnamed juror was a bit more insightful. Score marked hand written on top “10” --- oops! “As the artist points out in her statement, the images presented reflect at least three distinct series. While all three have their virtues, the problem is that they are too distinct – so much so that it is hard to see the imprint of one artist on the total body of work. I prefer the simplicity and material usage in the “Kansas Wildflower” series. They are unpretentiously presented, beautifully colored and skillfully rendered. Other than the entire body of work being figurative and brightly colored, it’s hard to discern obvious or even subtle connections. While it isn’t necessarily a weakness to work in such seemingly disparate series, it does make it hard for the viewer to fairly assess or even find the underlying aesthetic of the artist. Some work appears too illustrative, perhaps even appropriate for a children’s book. (Clear concise, constructive. But I’m still wondering if my Tarot series or my nudes are for children’s books, maybe it’s just a right mind type of thing.)

Finally the last critique… worth the entry fee… This one was an identified local gallery owner.

Professionalism and Technical Skills: 4
Comments: Michelle appears to be a really good commercial artist. She has a strong grasp of style, form and function. I am not sure I buy her philosophy, but I am happy to see a strong point of view. In viewing her collectors, I see a list of people that I also respect and have shared as clients through the years. It makes me believe that there is more to Michelle than we are seeing here.

Originality: 4
Comments: Her work is a little trite. I think I would like to see her open herself up to more risk taking. She has a good sense of color and use of color in juxtaposition to design. She pulls both components off seamlessly.

Clarity of Style: 5
Comments: Very clear style and direction; almost too commercial. I would advise her to stay away from the floral work. It has been overdone and there are people that do it much better than she does. If she was in my artist stable I would push her to experiment more with color and form and strive for cutting edge subject matter…. Oh the last sentence, I so much want clarity on that statement.

Overall: 5
Comments: The talent is there. She is a very good artist. But, I would push her to let go of herself and express the miracle that may be inside her. I believe that there is much more she can be doing that may surprise even her… Good News! Overall this critique filled with thoughtful criticism definitely made it worth the fee.

Oh, the quandary…. Florals or no Florals but cutting edge subject matter. Ahhh, I must remember where I am and that these professionals also live where I do and if I was successful and receiving comment from a professional from the east or west coast… I am sure that my critiques would have a completely different feel, not to mention if I ask my neighbor for her opinion.

But my biggest and most haunting statement was “cutting edge subject matter” Surely it’s more than throwing some stuff together and calling it Steve…. I live in Kansas, in the center of the Bible Belt, this is where my current market is. For the most part, as artists our work is a reflection of our inner being, the environment we live in and our various skills.

It is important to meet your market and I fail to do that locally with all of my series except my florals so they are here to stay for the time being. But, I love my other pieces as well. I completely understand that the majority of my local market will not appreciate them and may not even understand them. These scream at me time to time to be created so then to stay sane I must oblige. In order to finance my work with sales and until my market expands beyond the Midwest my work will continue down a few different paths. I don’t believe I am the only artist in history with this quandary.

I guess what I need to walk away with is the realization that as an artist we are in a regular flux of growth and expansion. Maybe I do need to let go of myself and just let it flow. I am sure in time my work will merge into something that may surprise even me. Who knows where these thoughts may lead… sounds like a new adventure.

I just wish I knew what “cutting edge subject matter” is exactly… Where is Picasso when you want to ask him a question? LOL If you know the answer please enlighten me… I need to know!

Tenacious Troika

I am not sure why I chose to paint these Pale Poppy Mallows at this time. Maybe I needed a break from my Echinacea. I remember photographing this set. I took several pictures trying to get the right angle and lighting to capture their character. They are grouped in protection but still hold their own personality. This set makes me think of the closeness of my family of three and individual growth that is safely nurtured in our home. This trio of Pale Poppy Mallows is presented with a blue-green background.

Twining Touch

20"x16" Acrylic on Canvas

Twining Touch features two pale purple cone flowers (echinacea pallida) depicted in a loving private embrase with their petals and stems. They seem to have found a space of their own that can not be disturbed by the outside world. It remindes me of the longing for my husband's touch while he was deployed and the bliss of his gentle touch when he arrived back home.I think we all need these tender caresses from a loved one just to remind us we are among the living.



This is the second piece that will be place in the "Flower Power 2" show with SouthWind Gallery of Topeka. This show opens January 16th and runs through February 15th the Artist Reception is on February 6th during the First Friday Art Walk.

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.