Tag Blessings

Montana Artrepreneur Program

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This will be my year to look up to the sky and shout it out…I am going to soar.  I am going to push myself beyond what I’ve thought would ever be possible.  I am going to ask for support.  I am going to have tears, laughter and emotional ups and downs.  So many ideas to put down on paper, so many visions to paint on canvas, so much to explore.  It’s going to be a time to be good to myself and share myself with others.  It will be a time to override fear, push it so far back that maybe it might disappear!

Loads of words tossed about in that first paragraph, makes me smile.  I am beginning the  Montana Artrepreneur Program for 2016.  I can certify in May of 2017, if I’m ready.  The blessing with this program is that it is self-paced.  Removing the pressure to finish as we artists have an impossible life sometimes trying to keep on track.  We get distracted with creating, which is our passion.  This course will be teaching me the business aspect of the art world.  Sounds boring but gosh, I need this so much!  It is an opportunity to take a course that is equal to two years of college in a time frame of ten months.  Taught within a small cohort of other artists (our cohort has 10 artist participating).   A coach (who is also an artist).  And past MAP artists as mentors.   All to provide that needed, valuable, individual attention.  The time frame is ten months to complete the course but that is flexible, no pressure.   Being the crazed goal oriented personality that I am I’ve set the bar high and told myself I will finish in May 2017.  It doesn’t feel impossible to me at this point.  I may have to retract that comment come May of 2017!

We had our first 10 hour workshop in February.  Oh, so much to learn, so much to absorb and that handbook.  I was told not to be fearful of this 3 inch book but at first sight it was something to behold.  Still, it gave me goose bumps, so thrilling.  The workshop  opened up my mind.  The opportunity is just laying out there waiting for all artists if we are willing to put the work into our passion.  There is a way to make sense of it all, I really like that possibility.

Looking forward to 2016 and the knowledge I’m about to receive.  Keeping my mind open and my heart ready to embrace this life of art.  I am grateful.

Observation

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I opened my e-mail this morning and read a post that discussed observation.  That really resonated with my heart today.  This photo is one of several little collections of shells and various “memories” I’ve placed in jars.  Three are full of shells from my visits to various coastlines here in the states and others are items I’ve found on walks while traveling.  One collection dish I have in my studio is full of items my children or grandchildren have given me, all reminders of a time we shared or a small gift they lovingly gave me.

Years ago I stopped making photo albums and scrapbooks.  Recently, visiting with a friend about a trip, I came home and dug out my scrapbook of that particular trip taken 18 years ago.  I’d written notes by all the photos, most of which I would not have remembered today.  The word, observation, this morning made me think about memories and how we go about preserving  them.   Observation and memories connect somehow for me. Possibly because as an artist I see a subject, place it in my memory and later seek inspiration from that observation to create.  It is important to have memories for me.  Even the not so wonderful memories have a meaning, a lesson, a way of changing our lives.  I’m sad that I no longer have the time to scrapbook but in today’s world of digital photography it is so easy to let go of that form of preservation.  Times have changed and our observation of our world has changed as well.

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My Journey…Whispers of my Soul…

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My art journey continues as I’ve been given a huge opportunity in August.

The local gallery that represents my art, Toucan Gallery, has asked me to be the featured artist for the upcoming August Art Walk.  It truly is an honor and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

The three paintings pictured will be part of a series I am hoping to have on exhibit.  I’ve titled this series Whispers of my Soul.  When I began to create in my head what I wanted to paint for this exhibit my first thought was my go to art pieces…animals.  My Faces of Montana series has been popular, having sold all but one of the originals.

 I woke in the middle of the night with the idea of doing something completely different.  I still wanted to incorporate my techniques of using layers, recycled papers and a mix of mediums but in a different direction.

This exhibit is a step forward for me in so many ways.  I feel as those these paintings are truly Whispers of my Soul.  I want to bring my creativity deep within to the surface and express some of the joy I feel while splashing on the paint.  Art is such a passion for most artist, we paint how we feel, we paint our lives, our emotions, the whispers of our souls.

The exhibit will have other works as well…I am painting, painting in the studio!

It will all be fabulous and a bit scary, my first “big” exhibit.  Feeling ready….and above all, blessed.

My heart is singing!

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I’ve stared for a couple of days at these four canvases with backgrounds finished.  A bit of creative spirit rose early today!  With my coffee in hand I spent the morning in my home studio.  Three years ago my Mom passed away, the last couple days I’ve not been able to stop the memories swirling in my mind.  This piece reflects some of what I’ve felt and simply some of what I love in art.  I’ve always enjoyed painting hearts with wings.  When I began the piece I thought it was just another subject that I enjoy.  After finishing the piece it felt more like my Mom earned her well deserved wings and was singing her way into heaven!  It always intrigue’s me, the thought process of my art.  When I do a background I never know what I will paint on the canvas, what message I want to get across…most often than not, it is best for me to just let it flow!  Enjoy each day.  Find your wings and soar with a song in your heart.  Make your dreams come true!

Thanks for visiting my blog.  copy heart Comments are welcomed!

Ms. Liberty

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Started a few days ago on this piece. Never imagined that I would do this piece!  It just came together when I saw a photo of the Statue of Liberty.  I’ve always leaned toward being very patriotic.  My father was a Marine in the Korean War and my husband spent two years along the Berlin Wall with the Army.  Many, many friends of mine spent time in Vietnam.  That was a tough time for our young people, sometimes I felt so lost, asking so many whys.  The freedom that we enjoy should never be taken for granted and I am so proud of all those who have sacrificed for our freedom.  God Bless America!

Happy Fourth of July!

copy Ms Liberty

Studio Time

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IMG_5559A new year, a new feel in the studio.

This wonderful mantle has been in our family for years.  I received the honor of having it in my home when my mother passed away.  Placing it in my studio gives me creative inspiration and, well, a great place to display some of my art!  It’s a daily reminder of my mom who continually supported my efforts.  I keep her close to my heart with wonderful memories.   She consistently requested The Green Green Grass of Home when I would play the piano for her.  When I was thinking about a name for my blog to represent my art, well, I didn’t have to think terribly long as Green Grass Art popped into my mind almost immediately.  It’s been a bit over a year since I began this journey with my blog.  Many wonderful events have happened.  I feel so blessed and I know me-mom is smiling!

Wishing all of you a creative and uplifting year of 2013.

 

Early Birds Get No Sleep!

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IMG_5152Having the blessing of my workshop successfully completed, I woke early to this beautiful sunrise.  I would have preferred a few more Zz’s but what a sight to begin a new day.

Waking up is the very nature of the teaching and the practice.  “Budh” means to wake up.  We call the one who is awake a Buddha.  The Buddha is someone who dispenses the teachings and the practice of awakening.  Each of us can transform his or herself into a lamp that can help the entire world awaken.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

New Art in the Studio

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This beautiful mosaic is a new collection my daughter is putting together.  She is a mosaic artist.  She recently made the decision to relocate back to our home state.   A wonderful gift, as having her share my art studio brings a new level of inspiration into my world!  She lived out of state for ten years so having her closer to our family is truly our Thanksgiving blessing this year.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with joy!

Gallery Open House

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The gallery open house last night.

A great event with wine and goodies served.  Lots of friends stopping by to wish me well and give me hugs of congrats.

It’s a wonderful time in my life and I’m feeling so blessed.  I guess my smile says it all.

Thank you everyone for all the support over the last year.  Thanks to all those who have given me “likes” on my blog as encouragement is always needed along the journey.  It’s the small gifts of kindness and grace that uplift me.  We all touch each other in small ways each day, sometimes not even realizing what it truly means to that person on the receiving end.

Mini Canvas

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Just finished this mini canvas and easel.  Next Friday is the open house at the gallery.  This will be my donation for one of the door prizes for the event.

Hoping several friends and family are able to attend.  It will be a fun evening and my first event to show my art pieces.

Thank you everyone for your amazing support over the last year.  I am so blessed.

“Happiness is in my hands”