"French Beginnings"

"French Beginnings"

12 x 12" oil on museum quality panel

$600

Open is a good thing.  

Open means we are allowing good to flow into our life.  

Open means we are allowing good to flow out from us.  

Maybe that's why I was so attracted to this opening in France.  

'Course the fact that I could use some Caribbean blue on it probably didn't hurt;))

In Other News:

 November Newsletter had one video and one article that were soooo awesome...I wanted to make sure you didn't miss out , so here's the link (just click here) just in case you didn't catch it. 

And if you want to make sure you stay in the loop, you can click here to subscribe to my email updates:))  

The 2013 Calendars will be heading out in the mail later this week--thanks so much for ordering one!

So much to be grateful for!...the Gratitude Dropbox is now appearing at the end of each post.  To add your thoughts and catch up on what others are saying, just click and go!  Feel free to share it with the special people in your life---you never know who you might inspire to start their own gratitude adventure:)!

Last but not least....a new free Ebook, heading your way this week AND a brand spanking new website designed with you in mind heading your way the first of the year.  

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

Click to Share What You Are Grateful for Today!

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"A Room With a View" SOLD

"A Room With a View"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$600

"Tell me

 what is it you plan to do 

with your one wild and precious life?"

~Mary Oliver

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

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"Invitation to Beauty"

"Invitation to Beauty"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

SOLD

I went in search of a special place---of the France I have long held in my mind's eye.

Of a place that I could slip into and feel part of the timeless beauty.


A place that would quench my thirst for shuttered windows, smooth aged courtyards and cats who speak French (funny, French meows sound amazingly similar to the English counterpart;)

I found this place at Le Vieux Couvent:))

Some things are, of a certainty, meant to be shared.  


Le Vieux Couvent is that place.

So to answer the big question that some of you have been asking---

Yes!

Yes to France.

Yes to 14 amazing, open hearted, ready for JOY artists going with me:))

Yes for 10 rose-scented, pastry-filled, painting the day away days...June 20-30, 2013.

Details are  being put into place as I write.  If you would like to be among the first to get an invitation, email me by clicking here, to have your name on the must go to France list:)))

'Til then, consider this your invitation to beauty:)))

P.S.  To all my friends in the USA---hope you are having a wonderful 4th of July--complete with some family time and good, home-cooked food!

Wanna Paint with Me?  You can view my 2013 workshop schedule by clicking here:))
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"Shutters Blue, Garden Green, Roses Pink" SOLD

Shutters Blue, Garden Green, Roses Pink

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

SOLD

Workshops.  

Preparing, packing, schlepping--all part of the necessary requirements for having one.

I'm not gonna lie to you. 

 If I had a personal assistant I would hand those jobs over so quick--- I would run the risk of whiplash:))

HOWEVER, lacking an assitant (Ed doesn't count)...

If I didn't prep, pack and schlepp I would be forfeiting...

So Much Awesomeness!

(If video does not appear on your page, click here)

For instance, this past week I got to hang out several evenings with Kathleen O'Neil Stevenson, talking about things like....water based oil paints and which ones are the cadillacs, where can I find those neat containers she has her art supplies stashed in....and of course a side trip to the local art store to check out paint colors like they were new shades of nail polish:))  

And then the 18 artists who gathered into Kathleen's Renaissance Gallery in Carmel were such a talented , fun loving group!  Getting to hear their stories of when and why they started painting, and how much they simply loved the doing of it--just such a gift to listen in!

AND did I mention....they were really talented?!

Artists at work 

 (one of my larger paintings is hanging at the far end --a whopping 30 x 40, you can click here to see it close up:)

Melody created an awesome color chart based on my palette. 

 I threatened to steal it, but had to settle for a photograph.  

Just too many artists with their eye on me...dang it!!

Lots of room to spread out in Kathleen's inspiring gallery space. 

 Love how she had my paintings hanging out in her shabby chic chairs.  

Again, wanted to steal chairs for my studio, but too many artists watching.

Foiled again!!

More details and paintings to come from the Carmel IN Workshop:))) 

 Stay Tuned!

Carpe Diem!!....Due to a late cancel, I have an opening in my workshop next week in Lexington, KY, March 8-10.  Contact me by clicking here if you would like to slide in the open spot:))!!

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"A Window to Joy" SOLD

"A Window to Joy"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

An open window in France, a petite "jardin in a box" and some golden rays of sunshine.  Either way your lookin'--in or out---it pretty much says JOY:)!!  

P.S.  What you can't "see" is the smell of fresh crepes, strawberries and real whipped cream wafting out the window.....:))

As promised, some beautiful paintings from the Marco Island Workshop gals!  I wish you could see them (both the artists and the paintings) in person.  So many smiles and so much laughter--the enthusiasm is visible in the artists and their art!!  

Wait 'til you see the paintings they cranked out today!!  Photos of those and the artists in tomorrow's post:))))))

Beautiful Paintings from Day 1/Marco Island Workshop!!

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"A Little Piece of Provence" SOLD

"A Little Piece of Provence"

8 X 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

Somethings are just too rich. 
Like an entire slice of "Death by Chocolate" cake
(although, I must admit, sounds like a heck of a way to go:))

Or chocolate milk with a chocolate iced, cream filled donut.

I think, just maybe, that Provence comes under that heading.
That is why today I am just serving you just a slice.
If you sneak back for seconds,
I will not be held responsible.....

In Other News:))

• 

• Carpe Diem!!!--Spots have opened in my Maysville, KY workshop just two weeks away (Oct 25-27)--Email or call--your place awaits:)) Click here to contact me   (Only $225 for 3 Day Oil Painting Workshop) 
• 1 + 1 + 1= Awesome (the Big Three of What Artists Need) this week on my internet radio show, Artists Helping Artists !
• If you are enjoying AHA radio, now you can help support it just by placing your Dick Blick Art Supply order via the Artists Helping Artists site...(all you need to do is click on the Dick Blick logo in the right column of Artists Helping Artists site (click to go)  and a small percentage of the order you place will be funded back to AHA!!) 
• And it's high time I draw for my monthly giveaway:))  July-August-Sept!!  That will happen this week, so check back in for the winners:))  If you aren't signed up to receive my blog/newsletter yet--you might want to do so, as that is where the winners are carefully selected from by Eddie (and random.org).  Just go to the box in the upper right corner of my blog and sign in (click here to go to blog page)--that way you will have your name in for each and every monthly drawing:))
• And last but not least--A digital version of my book, "The Artist's Toolbox" is nearly ready to go public:))  It was written with those folks in mind who are  just getting ready to launch into the marketing of their art--you can read more about it at this link (click to go)  and look at the preview-- the digital version will be out by the end of October for under 20 bucks:))!

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"I Close My Eyes and Dream" SOLD

"I Close My Eyes and Dream"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality canvas

$200

"Creative power is not an act of the will,

it is rather

 an act of willingness to believe." 

                                                                                                                                                           ~E. Holmes

P.S.  I believe in blue

         French blue:)))

Carpe Diem!!!--Spots have opened in my Maysville, KY workshop just two weeks away (Oct 25-27)--Email or call--your place awaits:))  Click here to contact me
(Only $225 for 3 Day Oil Painting Workshop) Pin It

"La Grange Française" (The French Barn) SOLD

"La Grange Française"  (The French Barn)

8 x8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

How come even the barns are pretty in France??  Tile roofs, old stone, flowers creeping 'round  an arched door that allows us to see through to the field beyond. 

I'm thinking that's why the cows party 'til the people come home.

Just sayin'.

Please Note:

Details are now posted for the Jan/2012 "Petite Pleasures"  Marco Island, FL workshop.  Escape the cold and come paint with me:)) 

To view it and my other workshops, just click here.

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"Be Open" SOLD

"Be Open"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

"Above all, watch with glittering eyes,

the whole world around you,

because the greatest secrets are always hidden

in the most unlikely places"

                                                                                                               ~Roald Dahl

Open window in France = An eyeful of roses

Be open.

it's a good thing:))

 

In Other News:

• More Eddie and Phyllis headed your way.  Stay tuned:))
• If you haven't had a chance to check out the workshops for next year, here's your chance:))  click here.
• All the Catalicious series of paintings are now in one place on my website for your viewing enjoyment:))  click here  and all of Eddie and Phyllis series are now in one place as well...click here

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"Delight in the Day" SOLD

"Delight in the Day"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$550

"Every time you actualize more of your potential by becoming more yourself, your joy increases, regardless of what is going on in your external circumstances.....ask yourself, what gift within me is seeking to emerge?"

                                                                                                                            ~M. Beckwith

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"Magical Morning Sun" SOLD

"Magical Morning Sun"

6 x6" oil on museum quality panel

$200

Old stones warming in the sun 

 Bees humming a dance to the fragrance of the rose

The sameness of it all brings comfort to passing days 

 Our "transience" is the complement to their timelessness 

Houses like a living thing, harbouring all of our lives,

guarding our hearts to be awakened to another day by

 Old stones warming in the sun

Wild bees humming a dance to the fragrance of the rose

All by the beauty of  magical morning sun

Just an FYI---if you ever need to find a specific blog post I've done, there are two ways to search for it.  Well, three actually-- if you want to add you spending an entire day looking over 300 plus postings by the old scroll method.
I'm gonna guess you would be interested more in the first two:))

First, click here to ensure that you are indeed on my blog and not a) on your email  or b) on the portion of my blog embedded in my website. Then...

Way No. 1:  On right hand side of my blog, scroll down the page until you see my smiling face and the blurb about me.  Directly under that you will see a small box that says above it "Search This Blog".  Type in any word, phrase, etc. that may be a clue to what you are looking for.  Your answers will appear at the top of the blog.  Just like magic!!    Note:  The first four will be listed, but if there are more posts (like there are about Eddie) you will see page numbers at the bottom, denoting more pages to view in your search.

Way No. 2:  On right hand side of my blog, scroll down 'til the very last thing called "Labels".  This generally groups like artwork together.  Generally.  It is only as effective as the guy who "tagged" the paintings with the label, which in this case would be Eddie.  Please direct all complaints for errors to him. Pin It

"Candy Colors of France" SOLD

"Candy Colors of France"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Pastel spring candies and aged French buildings have a lot in common. Both are easy on the eye, leave you wanting more,  and we can each have a favorite:)) 

I am a sucker for pastel M & M's and French blue awnings that have faded in the sun.  How 'bout you?

I have uncovered something that you French-a-holics will enjoy.  It's Fabulous Fifi....A French-influenced weblog featuring unique decorating, styling, gardening, crafts and food ideas for incurable romantics.  Only visit if you have time--I like to have never got out of there yesterday:))  Have fun! Pin It

"My Heart's Already There--La France" SOLD

"My Heart's Already There--La France"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

"I see my path, but I don't know where it leads.  Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it." 

                                                                                                                                                      ~Rosalia de Castro

This quote hangs above my tub.  Torn from a magazine, a bit rumpled, it serves to remind me that surely the joy is in the journey, the anticipation of what's coming next. To be alive in this very present moment and to allow myself to be filled  with a sense of wonderment of what lies ahead. 

Often times, journeys of the heart are some of the best trips we take:))) 

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"Coloring Outside the Lines in France" SOLD

"Coloring Outside the Lines in France"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

If I were to call  and tell you to meet moi (love slinging those big French words around..:)) at this French cafe  to plan our strategy for coloring outside the lines   in France---whilst sipping strong French coffee ---and that all the arrangements had already been made for you to join me--JUST HOW QUICK COULD YOU PACK YOUR BAGS AND GET TO THE AIRPORT???

See, you are a highly motivated person.

You just need the right stimulation

France and Coffee:))

In Other News:  We are kickin' up our hills in Tennessee at the workshop:)))  David Gillihan and all the ArtistsonMain plus some newcomers (like me) are having a yee haw time and....wish you were here painting with us:)))  Photos to follow later.  Eddie gets excited over using the mouse to post for me 'til he remembers it's not that kind of mouse.

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"Color Notes of France" SOLD

"Color Notes of France"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

 

How foolish it seems. Listen to your heart? Your inner voice? Follow that direction? What about all this work? Who's going to do that?

The secret is listening to your heart and making that the "business" of the day or moment. Trusting that what your heart guides you to, makes more sense and knows more than the eyes that are taken in by the visual of the big "to do" list.

How about the "to be" list. To be instead of do. Notice how flowers and birds just be? They just be themselves. And look what happens. They are fed and clothed and cared for.

And in their "beingness" they delight us. Their singing, their fragrance, make our burdens seem non existent and brighten eyes tired from staring at ever growing "to-do" lists.

Let your work be your prayer and your living an art.:):)



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"The Light Falls Softly in France" SOLD

"The Light Falls Softly in France"

12 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$350

   

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.

                                                                                                           ~Aaron Rose

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.

                                                                                  ~Michael Strassfeld

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!

                                                                              ~John Muir

The windows of my soul I throw

Wide open to the sun.

                                                                        ~John Greenleaf Whittier

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything,

That's how the light gets in.

                                                        ~Leonard Cohen

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.

                                                                ~Kahlil Gibran

Your life is something opaque, not transparent, as long as you look at it in an ordinary human way. But if you hold it up against the light of God's goodness, it shines and turns transparent, radiant and bright. And then you ask yourself in amazement: Is this really my own life I see before me?

~Albert Schweitzer

Thank you for the light you shine into my life and those around you. 

You are

An extraordinary gift.

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"All Roads Lead Home" SOLD

"All Roads Lead Home"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

Available to Purchase for Help Japan Challenge

Click Here to Bid

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Please Note: All profits from this sale will go to the Help Japan Fund. 

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"A Perfect Day for a Slow Getaway in France" SOLD

"A Perfect Day for a Slow Getaway in France"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

There are those days that are perfect for a ride. 

It's in the air

the birds are urging you onward

Everything looks brand spanking new

Outfitted in yellow sunshine

Pedaling feet to take you just where you wish to go
A perfect day for a slow getaway in France:)

The joy of life is in the little things... 

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"La Grand Opening in France"

"La Grand Opening in France"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$550

With each group of artists that I am honored to spend time with---I am always so touched by their talent, their unique way of being in the world, how they share and care for each other--and cheer each other on as well.  I find each group has its own energy, each its own joy---and I am the lucky person that gets to soak it all in! 

This group of ladies at my Lexington, KY workshop made for a delightful 3 days! Karla made and brought home made candy, Brenda shared her great organizing techniques, Anne decorated her eye especially for us:)), Nita gave us the quote to remember, Anna made sure everyone got to park cheaply, everyone shared paint, forgotten palette knives, mediums, ideas---and this group totally  painted the hours away! 

A very big thank you to each one of you for choosing to study with me--you were a blast!!!

Look what a beautiful crop of day one paintings this group of artists produced!!

Memorable quote of the workshop??  After everyone shared their thoughts on the musical easel session, Nita concluded we were all just a bunch of "loose" women.  (She was referring to our brushwork...I think.  Anyway, what happened in Lexington, stays in Lexington....)

"The Girls"

Moi, Rhojean, Trudi, Karla, Debbie, Faye, Roni, Sherry, Anne, Sarah,

Nita, Linda, Pris, Brenda, Anna, and Sue

AKA.....Loose Women:))

Next workshop??  Nashville Tenn:))  Ready or not--here I come!! (David Gillihan and the Artists on Main--I'm headin' your way and can't wait!!)

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"Red Hot Blues" SOLD

"Red Hot Blues"
18 x 18in oil on museum quality panel
SOLD

Be the first to love what you do.

"Art is what we call...

the thing an artist does."

                                                                                                                    ~Seth Godin

Be the first to love what you do.

When we are willing to make what wants to be made rather than make what we want, we become open to new directions"

                                                                                                 ~ Julia Cameron

Be the first to love what you do.

"Creativity is the mind at play with the materials that it loves."

                                                                                                                                    ~Carl Jung

Be the first to love what you do.
"Eventually, you will realize that the world didn't give you what is etched on your soul-character, nor can it take it away.  Only you can choose to let it remain unexpressed--don't hang back, waiting for approval from others to be yourself."
                                                                      ~Michael Beckwith

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