New Painting: If I Find My Way, How Much Will I Find?

New Painting

If I Find My Way, How Much Will I Find?

24" x 28"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Available

This painting will hang in the Dallas Public Library System's "It's All Just a Story" art exhibition this month, a group show where participating artists interpret a selected childhood story. This painting was inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden.

Detail

“One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever. One knows it sometimes when one gets up at the tender solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands out and throws one's head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvelous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one's heart stands still at the strange unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun--which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years. One knows it then for a moment or so. And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries. Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark blue at night with the millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in someone's eyes.” 
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Light up the Whole Sky

Beneath an Orange Sky
30" x 40", Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available

The sun never says to the earth,
‘You owe me.’
Look what happens with
a love like that.
It lights up the whole sky.
Hafiz

This painting was inspired by one of my favorite quotes. When we allow our hearts to shine with love is when we are fully alive. I hope on today, of all days, you can enjoy love in all of its forms. Wishing you a beautiful Valentine's Day that lights up the whole sky.

The paint is literally still drying on this one, but it will be on display at my show at Uptown's Dear Clark that opens this Thursday. Hope my Dallas friends can make it out.

Yoga Revelation

Connected and Detached
30" x 48"
Private Collection of the Artist
Fine Art Giclee Prints available here

Revelation: If you love yourself, practice yoga. If you don't, practice yoga so you can discover the love. If you love another person, practice yoga...you will have more to share with those you love. If you seek purpose or meaning in life, practice yoga. Practice will give insight to what you don't realize you truly seek. Yoga unites all aspects of Self so that you can emerge a powerful force to help others while here. Practice will integrate itself into every atom of your cellular being...the Light will become more visible when you least expect it.

New Painting, "Searching for Somebody I Used to Know"

20" x 24"
Oil and Mixed Media
Available

This is a new piece created as I struggle to come to terms with mental illness that has taken over a loved one.

Life throws you curve balls. I am suddenly searching for the ghost of the girl I knew. The layers in this painting represent the layers of "life" that pile on that have an impact for the better or worse - the dark colors - the darkness...I could go on.
My art is a mirror, reflecting who I am.  

                        I'm grateful to have this channel of creativity and expression 

through the both happiness and the suffering. 

This piece will be on display at Dear Clark Salon in Uptown Dallas. Show opens this Thursday. Hope my Dallas friends can make it out. 

Left Brain/Right Brain...Which One Are You?

“I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.”

“I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feat. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am 
everything I wanted to be.”


Came across this image today via ArtHash on FB, and was captivated by its beauty. And of the damn good advertising team that Merecedes Benz has working for them.


Which one are you?

Bartering Artists: Dallas/Fort Worth Artists Use Creativity as Cash

In a tough economy, money may be short, but talent and skills are not. The DFW Arts Community has tapped into an age-old method to legally obtain what you need, want, or never knew you had to have, without having to pay: barter.

Bartering Artists is a group allowing local artists to make exchanges with service providers in a friendly environment. Services range from chiropractic care, salon services, marketing assistance, and legal advice, to name a few. Created just five months ago using Facebook as its main platform, the group has over 725 members, with successful barters occuring daily.

photographer Sam Bortnick (photo from left to right: Ashley Jones, Patricia Rodriguez, Cori Berg)

As an artist with no car, who gets around by bicycle, Bartering Artist Founder, Patricia Rodriguez, often asked friends for rides in exchange for art. She started the group because she saw a real need for creating a supportive network of people who wanted to barter their time and skills.

“The basic idea is to provide a platform where bartering is acceptable and the value is placed on people as resources and not cash. Add into the mix that Artists found the group and the opportunities to be creative seem endless. We are here to help people network,” says Rodriguez.

The first “Meet and Greet”, one of several planned live bartering events, was held on Sept 4^th, at Exposition Park’s Fallout Lounge. The venue quickly filled with artists, photographers, hair stylists, masseuses, yogis, DJs, cake makers and jacks-of-all-trades who came ready to mingle with barters in hand. The art up for exchange was as diverse as the people and over 100 exchanges were made that evening alone.

Rodriguez is excited for what the future holds.

photographer Deborah Frances (photo of artist Christian Millet)

“People are collecting art and supporting each other’s businesses. Galleries are offering their spaces to show our art.  There’s a real, palpable sense of community. I hope to eventually get much needed health and dental services integrated into the group. There is so much that is needed that people go without because they can't afford it.”

Follow Bartering Artists on Facebook.

My article , above, appeared in the Jan/Feb issue of Origin Magazine. I am thrilled to be a part of the Origin Magazine family as their Texas Art Director. Origin Magazine is a national arts + culture publication with an emphasis on conscious living.

30 Ways to Boost Creativity

Came across this image on Pinterest, and I  just love it.

Although intended for photographers, I drew so much from this, and I think we all can. Everyone can benefit from a little added creativty. Don't be afraid to think differently or in new ways. Let go of old habits and invite something new into your life!

The Transformative Space of Yoga Teacher Training

Transformation
Fine Art giclee Prints available here

"Do you really want to be a yoga teacher?" 

"When are you going to find the time to teach yoga...aren't you busy enough already?" 

"Why did you sign up for this teacher training?"

Just a few of the questions that have been asked by others and by myself as I complete my first month of Authentic Yoga Teacher Training at Exhale with Julie Boyd and Cheryl Oliver. All have been heavily considered.


I am really enjoying the book, Yoga and the Quest for the New Self, by Stephen Cope, and wanted to share a passage that resonated with me and reminds me of my Yoga Teacher Training.  It is not about the outcome of this journey that drew me to it...it is the process. A process in which I have wholeheartedly immersed myself, willing to let go of expectations and open to receive. 

"When any of us gets ready to "hatch out"into the next developmental expression of self, we begin looking for cocoons that will help us through the rebirth process. I like to call these cocoons transformational spaces--environments made up of webs of special kinds of relationships, safety, freedom and challenge. We intuitively search for these spaces at those times in life when we're attempting to align with an internal developments thrust. At these times of growth we seek out "training environments"--schools, college, the army, a mentor, a spiritual community.The transformational spaces we choose have certain qualities that are essential to the work of development. Without them, we cannot truly find ourselves.

Effective transformational spaces create the conditions for our growth and make our growth all but inevitable. Once we find them and commit to them, transformations pretty much a 'done deal' ."

I realized that I have chosen, in yoga and in my teacher training, a tradition that had in abundance of the qualities of a mature transformative space: powerful teachers and mentors, the constancy of thousands of years of teachings, effective practices and techniques, inspirational scriptures and texts, and the comfort and companionship of a community of practitioners. Powerful stuff.

Rhythm of Love

Rhythm of Love

11" x 14"

Fine Art Canvas Giclee Prints of various sizes are available here.

‎"Rhythm of Love" will be going to a client in Australia this week, my second piece to go to the Land Down Under. 


Many thanks to The Art Menu for facilitating this sale!

The Art Menu is a Dallas-based company who handles the sale of canvas giclee prints from my original paintings.  They represent an elite group of roughly 20 Dallas-area Artists, and I am grateful to be one of them.  

 It's not an everyday occurrence when someone can purchase a giclee and actually say they got to know the Artist behind it. This company recognizes local talent and takes time to share the Artists' visions and the unique stories behind each piece with their audience. And isn't that why everyone buys art...to connect with something meaningful? To be a part of a story, share an experience and create a memory?  Kudos to these guys for making this privilege more accessible to people who may not be in the market to purchase original artwork, but still want to own a meaningful piece.

To top it off, they are some genuinely nice guys and I really enjoy working with them!  

Check out my artwork page with them here. We will be adding some new images this month, so stay tuned!

Also, here's a peek at a few listed as giclee prints:

The City of Blinding Lights

Our True Nature

And You Will Rise Up Like the Sea

The company launched just this year and I have been with them since the beginning.  As a working Artist, it's wonderful to have the hassle of producing my own giclées out of my hands, and put the paint brush back where it belongs so to speak.  Their giclee prints are produced in Dallas' Design District in a meticulous process that ensures the utmost qulaity. I have seen several of them in person and it is really quite difficult to tell if they are prints or originals.


Check them out on Facebook here to stay on top of news and upcoming shows. The Art Menu is planning several launch events in 2012 that are not to be missed! 

Newly Commissioned Painting, "A Peace That Passes All Understanding"

24" x 36" x 1.5"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Private collection of Caroline Pollock Peters, Houston Texas
Fine Art Giclee Prints Available here

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

God is always with us. This is what my client wanted to commemorate with a piece that will be hung in her entryway, so she and her family can be reminded that everything is for Him. After discussing ideas on color and composition via email, I was happy to bring her vision to life.  This will be my first piece going to Houston.

I Wish They Made these Shoes in My Size

My daughter, 5 1/2, ran into my room yesterday, excitedly, yelling, "Mommy! Mommy! I tied my own shoes!" This is something she has been working on for months at home, so it was pretty big news around here. I took a picture to commemorate.


I was so happy for her, but immediately awash with acute awareness of how the days are flying past and she is growing before my eyes. It reminded me of the old adage, which I had come across on Twitter just recently: "The final job of teacher...student no longer needs the teacher." The same can be said for parenting. It is amazing to bear witness this slow unfolding. Bittersweet, indeed, but a process so full of love.


Wishing everyone a feeling of peace in this present moment, that today and every day you can stop see and feel the love that is all around you, that is in you, and be inspired.

A New Journey, Yoga Teacher Training

”Seeing is forgetting the name 
of the thing one sees.” 

Robert Irwin

Nourish 

Today I begin Yoga Teacher Training.


I have been an Artist since I could hold a crayon in my chubby toddler hands,at least that's what my mother tells me. I have been practicing yoga since I became pregnant with my daughter 6 years ago, and in the past two years have deepened my practice. The benefits yoga has brought to my life have unfolded in ways I never dreamed. 


For years I ran competitively, logging lots of miles and medals, and I would chase that flow state, that being "in the zone" that always seemed to elude my Type A, chattering, insomniac brain.  I managed to capture glimpses of it, often, and briefly, but was left feeling depleted, a seesaw of highs and lows. I wondered why I ran so much. What was I running from?  It was an  activity I enjoyed initially as an escape from the hectic life of a working mother of very young children, but soon grew tired of the solitude and struggle to be better, faster, more.  I wanted a community; I wanted to stop competing.  I loved the physical outlet but craved something more nourishing emotionally.


Quieting the mind, which is one of the primary aims of yoga, through both physical poses and philosophy, was always my intent through my art. I never thought there was any other way to reach this state of equipoise other than through creating. Once I started deepening my yoga practice, all of a sudden the planets aligned. Through the practice of yoga I find I can achieve that same state for "flow", when ideas and presence and awareness are moving through you, your body is simply the vehicle. 


Now, in my 32 years, I finally feel whole. I am more present as a person, and as a mother. Less affected by the inevitable bumps in the road and the chaos of a full household. Each day, I wake up and practice, or paint, or write about the things I love, before my family starts stirring, and return to my children, anew. They see it in my eyes, in my smile. My husband knows it too, that's why he lovingly pitches in the lion's share when he's able to...to let me pursue my passions.


Yoga brought balance to my life. Yoga is my art. My art is my yoga...they are one and the same. 

There's a Certain Peace That Comes With Surrender

I couldn't have articulated it better than my Colleague at Yoga Modern, Barbara Brady: "Art is not just a pretty picture. It is the seeing, the true seeing (I don’t mean with the eyes) of the artist’s soul, and their way of communicating that seeing. Art, like yoga may be found in the most unexpected of forms, you just need to pay attention." 


I am called to share this with others. How, exactly? That part has not yet been revealed. But I know this is the right path. And sometimes that feeling of knowing is enough.


Namaste.

Human Nature

You don't really know human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around--and why his parents will always wave back. 

-William D Tammeus

Like the Lotus

Relax
24" x 24"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available, on display at The Blues Jean Bar Dallas
Giclee prints available online here

‎"Like the lotus, you experience three primary stages of evolution. The first is marked by ignorance and darkness, when you lie below the dense mud - a closed chyrsalis - which, by nature of existence, will eventually be pulled upwards by the warmth of the Sun. 

The second is exemplified by the climb through the clouded waters of your emotional experience, yet still the flower reaches to the Sun, knowing no other destiny ... no other purpose. T

he third brings full illumination in the splendour of the light. The lotus flower blossoms, baring its exquisite beauty to all those who are aware, enough to recognise God unfolding." ~ Patricia Cori

Other Creative Souls: Dallas' Linda Bourgault

As a creative person, it fascinates me to discover what makes other like-minded souls tick. Check out the work of Dallas Artist Linda Bourgault. Linda has an uncanny knack to manifest grace and gentle wisdom in all of her work, whether it be painting or photography. She is fantastically prolific. We will be showing work together this Saturday night at Kettle Art Gallery during the ArtHash exhibition. 

If you're local, come check out some amazing artwork by 50+local artists and what's sure to be a night that will leave you with some stories to tell...

Name/Location:  Linda Bourgault, Design District, Dallas, Texas

Education: Art, Southern State College, Magnolia, Arkansas
                  Radio/TV/Film, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Tell me about your work in one sentence. 
I live to create and create to live!

Describe your normal day.
What's normal???

My day begins with meditation, eating a healthy breakfast, write morning pages, take care of business, emails/social networking, and phone calls, work in my studio a minimum of four hours, but usually 8 - 10 hours, and often times much longer... as long as the muse stays with me I keep going. I take breaks along the way, but if everything is flowing I keep painting, shooting or processing images. I make time for friends and family... meet for lunch or do something different so life never gets dull and recharge my batteries. I don't do boring worth a damn!

What are your passions? Art, nature (water whether oceans, lakes or rivers), cinematography, exploring, learning, living authentically, imagination, people (their stories/life experiences) and helping others. I'm dedicated to helping others to help themselves, especially to tap into their creativity which enhances everyone's life whether you a child, adult, CPA, engineer, artist or homemaker.

What are your goals? To be self sustaining as an artist and photographer; continue exploring my fascination with visual poetry as an intuitive and emotional response to imagery in form and materials; develop national/international gallery representation, solo exhibits; continue formal study & training; participate with a trade only gallery and/or interior designers; continue to explore and learn from the rhythms and sensuality offered in nature; develop and offer creative workshops; donate art to charities; join or establish a non-profit organization promoting creative enrichment for youth and adults and to share my vision of 'visual poetry' and how it enhances ones life.

Who are your creative influences?  Photographers: Edward Weston, Ansel Adams, Scot Miller, Alfred Steiglitz, Edward Steichen, Paul Strand, Dan Burkholder and Jan Skulpin-Burkholder  Artists:  Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Billy Keen. Architecture: Goudy and Frank Lloyd Wright.

How do you set the table for your muse? Show up every day to do the work. I always listen and move to music when I paint. Sometimes I sit quietly for awhile just musing or take a walk... I need the organic 'connection' which takes me away from my work and then reconnects me to it. Call it a filtering process that removes mental debris which opens me up further to remaining in the 'now.' This is what helps keep me grounded and focused and frees my imagination.

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?
How much time do we have? Maybe I should write a book...
There are so many people and experiences that have impacted my life ranging from tragedy to ecstasy as well as the simple to the complex in daily life.

My family... especially my Mom and Dad instilled love along with responsibility, accountability and appreciation for nature. My late husband... always do your best, trying isn't good enough, persistence and tenacity pay off, and integrity. My Uncle Bob... encouraged me to read, learn and explore. I learn something from someone or something every day.
Is there anyone who you really look up to as an inspiration?
Celebrity or the expression coined by Andy Warhol, who said in 1968 that "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." isn't what I'm drawn to. Although I recognize it as having a strong influence in western society and it's troubling ramifications. I'm much more interested in substance and sustainability as an artist and an inhabitant of our planet.
The kind of people I find to be inspiring are those who practice persistence and tenacity, creativity, use their imaginations, dreamers, visualizers such as Mary Colter, Julia Cameron, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bill Worrell, Maya Angelou and Steve Jobs.

What motivates you on a daily basis?
My intense need, passion really, to tap the creative energy I've had building within me for so long...  shooting and painting are the vehicles for utilizing this energy to create (art)! I also need to put food on the table and that's a HUGE motivator for me.

I do indulge daily in French roast coffee and a piece of dark chocolate. I call it my 'breakfast of champions' since I can't get my motor runnin' without it.

What's your working style?
When I'm shooting I keep working until I've captured the imagery I need. That can be as short as an hour or much longer depending upon whether I'm shooting for myself or for a client plus other variables. It's the same with processing images.

When I'm painting I block out a minimum of four hours at one go, but I prefer to block out an entire day or days totally dedicated to painting whenever possible... it just flows much better that way. Of course, there's always other things that need doing, so I take time for business and personal activities. Even though I do my best to maintain a regular schedule, whenever I'm 'in the moment' I keep going until I'm tired. So I may be up all night, work until mid morning and then sleep during the afternoon... it just depends .
 What are your websites/social networking links?
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lulugraphix-Art-Photography-Studio/150375998351691?sk=app_2373072738
Website:  linda-bourgault.artistwebsites.com

Dear Friends, 

This Valentine's Day, I invite you to ignore all the commercial marketing of the season and select a truly personal gift--an original painting--that expresses your genuine affection. I have started early this year creating a series of artwork which especially fits this occasion, paintings that come straight from the heart and illustrate love in its purest, most organic sense.

These paintings are created using acrylic and mixed media, and each one has a particular love story, song or sentiment which inspired it. Paintings are highly textured, containing multiple layers of handwritten love letters, parchment paper and mixed media collage. They are fully wired and painted on all sides so there is no need to frame. 

 


I am also able to create custom commission works featuring any personal handwritten notes, love letters, or lyrics to special songs that you would like to present to your loved one in a truly unique way, as long as you place your order to me by January 31. 

I have several in stock, please email me or visit my website to see more pictures.

Sizes range from 8" x 8" to 11" x 14". My hope is for these paintings to be affordable gifts, so they are priced between $95 and $195. Original 8" x 10" or 10" x 10" love-themed giclee prints are also available online here. 

For more details or to purchase, please contact me at utopiapkwyarts@yahoo.com. Thank you for looking!