New Painting, You Brighten My Soul

New Painting
You Brighten My Soul
24" x 24"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available
www.ginamariedunn.com

We have to breathe in order to stay alive, but only when we have love in our hearts are we alive in the truest sense.

My husband has been traveling this week, so I used the evening hours after the kiddos went to bed to finish up this painting. I was putting the last touches on it, and wondering what to call it, when at that moment a text message from a dear friend popped up.

"You brighten my soul"  was all it said.

Just seeing those words cracked my heart open, and I knew at that moment the painting's name. Surround yourself with those who brighten your soul and you will see the divine love and happiness that is within all of us mirrored back.  May your weekend be filled with a brightness that shines from within.  

Autumn's Early Glow

16" x 20"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Original and Fine Art Giclee Prints Available HERE.

Close your eyes and think about something you are really grateful for. Tune into that warm emotional rush you feel when you focus on that something.  Experiencing that feeling of true gratitude, puts us into a state of grace.

This morning I awoke and heard that little voice inside got me out of bed and lead me out to the studio. As I painted and watched the sun rise around me, I felt grateful. Grateful for the moment to be surrounded by Autumn's early glow, (hence the title) grateful for my space to create, the time I lovingly carve out for myself to nurture my own spirit so I can extend that out into the world as a mother and as a teacher.

No matter what is happening, when you are able to feel gratitude, it helps to reduce fear and bring you back to an inner peace.

How different would our lives be if we could see everything that happens as a blessing?

Love is my Religion, Sunday in the Studio

It was an early morning of work out in the studio. I can never anticipate when The Muse will descend, and today I woke up as the sun rose, with something calling me to go out and paint.  

It's hard to describe that feeling that pulls me to the studio...it's bigger than me, and when I don't listen to its voice it just simply doesn't feel right. Coincidentally, this happened on this Sunday morning, as rather than being called to attend Church I truly believe it is the hand of God that lead me out to the studio.

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With my rigorous Catholic upbringing, even attending a Catholic university to pursue my art degree, going to Church was always a part of the routine. Couple that tradition with living here in the Bible Belt where what Church you attend seems like another way people use to define themselves, you would think the foundation is set for me to attend Church regularly on Sundays. However, I have found as I get older my need for organized religion has waned.  Sure, I can say it's too hard to get three young children out the door for a 9 a.m. service, but that excuse only goes so far. 

I have started to make peace with the fact that, although I dearly love the traditions in which I was raised, and am sometimes drawn to the comfort of an old Catholic Church like a moth to a flame, I don't feel that organized religion is the only way to find God.  There is no right way. God is inside of each one of us, and I can say with certainty that I have had more honest conversations with him out in the art studio, or on long early morning runs at our ranch in West Texas, or even on my yoga mat, than anywhere else. 

True peace comes when you are able to connect to the divine that is inside all of us, because when you do that all that's left is love. 

Who's to say our traditions won't ebb and flow, and our Sunday morning routine won't change...in fact I'm banking that it will, especially as my kids grow older because I want to give them the chance to choose for themselves the best way to find God. But for now this works.

So this morning it's just me, Brooklyn the dog, Dave Matthews Band and the rain. Fall is descending on Dallas, slowly but surely, and all is cozy in the world. Grateful for this peaceful time to create while the troops inside sleep in late-- now time to clean up so I can go make them pancakes.

How to Appreciate Contemporary Art

I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't 

= Modern Art

A Platform for Consciousness
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Take Me Away, Down the Star Mile
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Contemporary Art is generally classified as any art that was produced after World War II. It comes in many shapes and forms and can often be quite abstract, thought-proking and even shocking.   This type of art usually makes you think outside the box and can stir emotions on a visceral level.  Taking the time to look at a piece of art, and feel its presence, can cause you to examine your own feelings and experiences that arise from the painting, leading you to see the possibilities around you and stimulate your mind for change and social growth.

The great thing about contemporary art is that there are no limits to medium or subject matter. It's used as  more a tool for change and inspiration in modern society. 

Art does not have to match the couch! 

Before We Turn to Stone
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City of Blinding Lights
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Tips for appreciating contemporary art:
1. Come at it with an open mind.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions-- about the artists, what inspired them, their background, materials used, the process which it was created. Ask the Artist directly or the Gallery you are dealing with--they are there to provide you with information and love to talk about the art. 

3. Do some research on the Artists.  You may find that learning the story behind the people who created the art makes it more tangible for you.

4. Try to feel what you see:  Tap into personality, character and individuality in the work reflecting back to the Artist.  Can you see yourself in the painting (not literally, of course)?  Try to connect with the passion that the Artist used while creating that work. When a piece resonates with you, it will be because of that connection. Art is a universal language we all share.

Fall Cleaning

"Creativity is a gift...it doesn't come through if the air is cluttered." 

- John Lennon

Here is a picture of the studio right now...the definition of "clutter".  I haven't gone in there in five days because just the thoughts of it eeks me out. It's like a big messy monster waiting for me. My neat-freak, borderline OCD germaphobe husband has to walk through it every night when he comes home from work and bless his heart I think he's using every ounce of self-restraint not to wring my neck. 

After recently completing two large new paintings for my upcoming show at Calypso St. Barth in October, working with my mom to refinish some large pieces of furniture for a friend, caring for an unexpectedly hospitalized family member, teaching yoga at Exhale Spa, receiving a new art supply order that came in bulk, and embarking on the journey of getting one little person off to kindergarten and two to preschool--and our family of 5 adjusted to our Fall routine,  I've found the studio in disarray, and my artistic mind too cluttered to think, much less produce.

Creativity comes in waves. I've learned this over the years.  Learned to surf the highs and wait through the lows, knowing another wave is always just around the corner.  After coming off the high of producing new pieces, I'm cruising through a valley right now and ready to make some space for new creativity to happen.  I literally have to clear this out.

The word Aparigraha, translated from Sanskrit means non possessiveness or non grasping. Aparigraha gives us the permission to let go of not just excess material goods, but also the fear and clinging we experience around trying to protect what we think we own. All suffering is caused by our resistance to loss or change. It is so simple: When we cling, we suffer. Aparigraha is really about letting go. It’s about living the moment. 

Remembering there are far, far greater things ahead than anything we leave behind.

All right. I'm off to clean-wish me luck.

New Painting, Dreaming in Sanskrit

Dreaming in Sanskrit
24" x 30" x 1.5"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available

24" x 30"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Available for purchase here.

We don’t need to chase the shadow

Don’t need to wrestle, don’t need to battle
Wherever we go, it will always follow
Go to bed, dream at night, rise up tomorrow
Just let it all go
Let yourself be hollow
Empty every drop out of the bottle
When you let it all go
That’s when you’ll know
Sunlight shine bright, light up the temple

—	Sunlight, on MC Yogi’s album, Pilgrimage

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Studio doors flung open, painting en plein air while the kiddos run amuck outside. This painting is my most recent to date. Feeling gratitude for the special stars in my life, beautiful and unique, each drawing light from each other and reflecting that back into the world.

New Painting, "The Way of the Light"

The Way of the Light
48" x 36" x 1.5"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

We're all stumbling towards the light with varying degrees of grace at any given moment.

Here's a pic of the piece when it was in progress....

Sunflowers on our recent family trip to Carmel Valley, sunflowers on my yoga pants and sunflowers in progress on a big new canvas. Coincidence? Methinks not.
Growth, progression, shining your light, reaching your full potential, seeing the beauty all around you...these have been common themes in my work lately.  
The title is inspired by one of my favorite songs. It was introduced to me by my teacher, Julie Boyd, and listening to it out on the studio, adding it to the playlists of the classes I have been teaching has helped me channel her energy even though she is now far away.  Her advice has always been to give love. I think that can apply to everything we do. Do things with great love, and with your best effort and then you can be at peace with everything you do. The universe will take care of the rest.


Way of the Light- by The Gift of Gab

We're all stumbling towards the light with varying degrees of grace at any given moment.

Here's a pic of the piece when it was in progress....

Just like a sudden rush 
Flowin all through my soul now 
Way of the Light 
Everything's alright now 
When ya living in the Light now 
Way of the Light 

Running through rhythms 
Proceeding in the torch lights 
Floating on melodies 
Helping make my thoughts glide 
Jumping off a climb in the faith I'm a fall guy 
Never falling though, in the heavens we all fly 
Fourth Dimension rocketships telling ya all why 
Wake up from ya slumber my children it's all lies 
Money just like everything else, it all dies 
Help me focus on wealth, not material wealth 
'Cause true wealth resides deep inside 

I put the pen to the paper and let the ink thin 
Give what it's channeling through me without no thinking 
About it, no doubt about it, part of my being 
Came into open the spirit and let you see in 
It's time to let 'er off for now, no further seeking 
I follow it as I hear about to begin 
Follow the Light as I take you on a journey deep in 
Sound of the side of the light you might just wanna be in 
Way of the Light 
Way of the Light you wanna be in 

Go on and flow with what you seeking 
Playing it right 
The little voice inside is speaking 
Saying it tight 
Beyond your logic and your reason 

Cultivating image instead of the great soul 
Cultivate an image but it was all for show 
Blow up, explode, didn't it erupt way though 
Millions of dollars does not a mortal make whole 
You can only take what you've given away though, come on 

New Painting: We Are the Light Bearers

24" x 24"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Available

Fine Art Giclee Prints Available on Etsy

Sunflowers bear the light, they breathe the light in and use it to grow tall and strong, and then they share this light with the world.

I just completed this painting and wanted to share it with you. I had been stuck on this canvas for months, and it was sort of hiding out in the art studio, waiting for inspiration. After a few strings of events, inspiration struck!


#1. I visited the 1700 Seeds Project in the Dallas, Bishop Arts District. This is a living, breathing, work of art-- a temporary instillation of 1700 sunflower seeds planted and in full bloom in an undeveloped field in the middle of a thriving metropolitan area.  The sunflower was my grandmother's favorite flower and holds so much special meaning to our family. She told me she loved them so much because they made her happy. Whenever I see them I think of her, and I felt her presence among them.  It was such a special moment to share with my mom and kids, three generations of women who were raised to follow their hearts and find the happiness that lies within.

#2. After finding my artwork via my Etsy site and purchasing several paintings, a client in Denver had these kinds words to say: "There's something wholly intangible about your paintings; I believe it's actually a part of your energy that's breathed into your art, not unlike a blessing. It's special because you are special! "  I was struck by how someone whom I have never met could hear my authentic voice by looking at my work.  Sylvia, if you are out there, thank you!


#3. I never forgot what one of my yoga teachers, Leslie Storms, once said ago about being a light bearer, and how we should ask ourselves what we can do each day to bring light to the world. Those words truly touched my heart.  Now I find myself asking each day--how can I be a light bearer? How can I help, share love, show kindness, etc.  


Hope you enjoy the new piece.

Creative Intelligence

This picture of autistic Artist Stephen Wiltshire's unbelievable take on the NYC skyline has really impacted me. (for more of his story, visit here ).   What an inspiration!

His work shows us what the mind is capable of.   The human brain is both mysterious and amazing in how it works - it takes away in some areas but blesses us abundantly in others. Those who learn how to make the most of the abundance truly have a gift!!!

Here's to those with high creative intelligence--a trait not easily measured or fully understood/appreciated.  Applying our creative intelligence invites us to keep both heart and eyes wide open to the emerging moment. We’d all be more creative if we paid less attention to the surfaces, our doings and achievements, our ambitions and desires; and more attention to the depths, the hidden forces and faculties that lie within ourselves and others, within all things and all experiences.

God dispenses His genius in many different vessels...how are you using your today?

Life Calmly Gives Out Its Own Secret
Fine Art Giclee Prints available here.

Let it Go

What Lies Beneath
24" x 36"
SOLD
Fine art Giclee Prints available here.

It’s time to. . .

Let go of the anger of what could have been
Let go of the worry of what might become
Let go of the mistakes you think you’ve made
Let go of a future you cannot yet see
Let go of the expectations of others, their path is not your own
Let go of your need for control, it is only an illusion
Let go of your training and education, it was simply a place to begin
Let go of the comfortable and familiar, what you need is not found there
Let go of the distractions that keep you from your path
Let go of the tools and talents you have not yet acquired
Let go of your schedules, lists, and plans
Let go of jealousy, it’s only ignorance in disguise
Let go of competition, your path is yours alone
Let go of the critics who don’t understand
Let go of the life you had planned to live
Let it all go

It’s time to create your story
It’s time to do the work you are here to do
Then let it go

Let it Go
18" x 24"
SOLD
More original paintings and prints available here.

Closing Reception

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius


Thank you to everyone who came out to the closing reception for my art show!
Pieces will hang through this week.

With LuminArte Gallery Owners Jim Lively and Jamie Labar

You're Invited - Private Reception

I am having a closing reception for my art show, entitled, "Flags, UFO's and Bad Weather" at LuminArte Gallery in the Dallas Design District this Thursday evening, June 28.  It was such an honor to be a part of this small group show of select artists from throughout the country. The title of this show proved to be interesting scaffolding for the pieces each one of us created.

Beneath An Orange Sky
30" x 40"

LuminArte Gallery 

1727 E. Levee St. 

Dallas, 75207

Invitation is attached. I would love to see you there. Please invite your friends and make a fun evening out of it...the more, the merrier!

Also, please connect with ay artwork on FaceBook by clicking here and "Liking" my page. It's the best way to stay up to date with what's going on with my artwork, new shows, special promotions and projects that inspire me.

New Painting, "Wings to Fly"

30" x 40"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Original is Avaialble
Fine Art Giclee Prints Available Here

The Pegasus, or winged horse, is a symbol of aspiring to the greatest heights of accomplishment. They embody the concept of harnessing spiritual energy. Grounded by the stability of its body, yet in flight by the ephemeral power of its wings, Pegasus stands for clarity of mind, and how clean mental focus combined with stable footing can transform our lives in magical ways.

Why Buy Art?

I Was Made to Love You
Fine Art Giclee Prints available here

Why buy art?

If you're asking, you're missing the point. 
Art's power and usefulness isn't solely on a conscious level.
Art is like gravity; it works on you whether you understand it or not
and your belief isn't required either. Art can be practical and useful; art helps you. 
Art is meant to be interactive; it is meant to be USED
and is not just something mindlessly decorative.
Art doesn't have to match the couch.


A useful fact is that looking at art forces your mind to be SOMEWHERE ELSE.
Even if you only look at art for 10 SECONDS,  this is often enough to completely
change your present orientation. 
Looking away from anything for a full 10 seconds, no peeking,
can rest your mind sufficiently so that when you look back, you immediately see 
what you missed before.
Changing your orientation , even for 10 seconds,  helps you see what you missed, 
can head off depression, help break bad habits, 
calm your temper, help you feel better and help you see and think more clearly.
Because art affects us primarily in a subliminal way, through symbols,
we can use art to help us make constructive changes.
For example, how many of your New Year's resolutions did you keep?
Art can help. For example, think symbolically and buy a pink piggy bank. 
Chubby pig symbols help you conserve, on money and calories. 
The piggy helps because it is already chubby;
it is symbolic of the RESULTS of having enough. As a symbol, it reminds us of bounty,
and subconsciously,  when we are around it, 
we have less need to indulge, either by spending too much or eating too much.
Remember, belief is not required.

That's one example of how artistic symbols can work as reminders.
Art can be also used in OPPOSITION to any situation that is blocking you,
in a COMPLEMENTARY way, and thus it can help you solve problems.  
Artistic symbols have been known under many names, some of which are totems, guards, and spells.
By consciously buying art that reminds you of your goal's reward,
and keeping that picture hanging in front of you, 
in your face, where you can see it all the time, 
helps you stay focused on your goals and on your rewards
every time you look at it. 

Buy art that makes you feel a little uncomfortable.
Pieces that "stretch" your comfort level won't bore you in a couple of years 
because they symbolize future progress.
By comparing where you are now to where you're headed, 
you may feel a little uncomfortable around the art,  at first.

Likewise, you may be tired of a  painting after only a couple of years.
But it's a good idea to wait before selling it. Why?
Think: are you the same person now as when you bought it?  Changes
in you, and in your life, likewise change your need for symbols.  
Pieces need rest, just like us.  If you're tired of a piece, put it away
for a couple of years, and give it time to rest.  
Surprisingly, the piece can often appear fresh again, after a time.
It's not that the piece grew boring;  it's more likely that you grew,  into a new perspective. 

Choose art images that inspire, calm, captivate and intrigue you, 
confuse, offer escape, and above all, choose images and symbols that ARE NOT BORING.  
Keep them around you and use as needed.
In seconds, art can change your attitude for the better , flood you with energy,  and free 
up your psyche to find new solutions to old dilemmas.
A picture is worth a thousand words; it doesn't require a prescription, 
and nourishes your soul.

Let Me Come and Be Still in Your Silence
Fine Art Giclee Prints Available Here