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Kansas Wildflower Series

Figurative Work

Wildflowers and more in Oil

Stroke of Genius Card Game

Pushing Through


New house, new studio, it is crazy how much there is to do that does not involve art!  Finally had a few minutes to spend in my studio doing something other than organizing! So, relaxing and fun! Somehow I feel a little more sane today. Imagine that! Here is the result, a new painting!

A day lilly that was in our new front yard. I didn't plant them, it was a wonderful surprise as is all the other amazing flowers. I feel so lucky to have the new house with all of it's hidden treasures. 
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Tulips and Daffodils found a home


My Facebook posts led to my most recent paintings, "Daffodils - Signs of Spring" and "Easter Tulips" to find a home tonight. As with many art buyers there is a story. Identical twin grand-daughters, one who loves daffodils and the other who loves tulips inspired the purchase of these two paintings. Grandma wanted something unique and beautiful in her house that reflected her beloved girls. I love this story, it is art sold for exactly the way art should be acquired and is the exact reason why I paint. There is not a better complement than to find that your work makes a connection and for it to bring a lifetime of joy and memories for another person. Thank you Jeanie!
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Easter Tulips


10x8 oil on canvas
A new painting for Easter... the tulips have not yet bloomed locally. The snow storm a couple of weeks ago stunted their blooms. It may be a couple of weeks yet before I get new photos of our tulips but I found a photo from last year that I had forgotten that I had and was wanting to paint. I believe it makes a beautiful companion piece for the daffodils I painted last week.
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Daffodils Signs of Spring


10"x8" Oil
These beautiful daffodils made it through the snowy weekend of the first of spring. I am so thankful to see them in bloom after the long, snowy winter. My cabin fever has finally broken and I look forward to more flowers in the garden and on the roadside yet to be discovered and painted. Daffodils are not my usual flower to paint, I typically prefer the wildflowers of Kansas, but I loved doing this piece. The weather isn't ideal to paint outside,yet... so I photographed these and painted in my studio, I just couldn't bring myself to cut any of them. The three dimensional quality of the bloom provided a much need challenge for this weekend's painting fun. I continue to experiment with oils and I am finding that with experience comes confidence, isn't that the way it is with everything. One of these days, soon, I'll be ready for some plein aire pieces straight out of the Flint Hills.
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Wine Bottle Lamp with Corks and a Scarf


10"x8" oil on canvas
Here is my newest painting another cabin fever inspired still life. These items were just hanging out around the house, just begging to be painted. I am still getting used to using oils and haven't quite found my comfort zone yet. I am less intimidated by the medium and am willing to reach out and explore a bit more. I hope to be out capturing fresh new Kansas Wildflowers soon!

Today is the first day of Spring and I can't wait until spring has finally sprung for real.  This weekend we had over 6 inches of snow to blanket the green promises that were just barely spoken of last week. It looks as if the snow is going to clear quickly as there are a few patches of green already breaking through the new blanket.

One evening last week, when our highs hit the low 70's, I spent some time on our deck picking up the various debris acquired over the long winter, inspecting and rearranging the outdoor furniture in anticipation of a new season. I also made a pass around the house looking for the various flowers and discovered some new sprouts of the purple cone flowers, daffodils and tulips preparing for the glorious season. Also, I rummaged around the back shed, inspected my electric scooter and made sure it was plugged in and ready for it's maiden journey of wildflower discovery for the year, just to have my hopes for this weekend dashed. Such is life, maybe next weekend, at least everything is ready to go.
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Orange and Grapes


Orange and Grapes 8"x10"
Not my usual subject matter but it was snowy and I had cabin fever! I also had a strong desire to paint and these were just sitting in the fridge begging to be painted. It was a lot of fun treking down an unexplored path. The last few months have been full of distractions and it was so refreshing to do something completely different.
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Landscapes in the Abstract

Tomorrow during the First Friday Art Walk, SouthWind Art Gallery is hosting a bold new show of contemporary abstract landscapes for which I have created some new pieces.

Artists' Reception
Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 6 - 8:30 p.m.

I am stepping out of my box a little for these, but I am having a load of fun! It is going to be a fantastic show with artist's from across the country. Also, my necklaces, winecharms, tiles and cards are available at SouthWind Art Gallery. Not everything is available online, but stop in and see me 10-6 Monday through Thursday.

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Landscapes in the Abstract
is the title of our annual all-abstract exhibit featuring the work of 33 artists from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Canada.

This year's all-abstract show focuses on the landscape, but rather than literal translations, the artists interpret nature in fresh and powerful abstract forms that capture atmosphere and mood instead of detail The artists' have used shape, color, texture and line that elicits both contemplation and excitement for the viewer.

The stylistic variety in Landscapes in the Abstract is highly engaging with 33 artists participating, each using his or her own visual impressions and emotions to create works of art. The paintings in the exhibit include all mediums from acrylic to oils, to watercolor and encaustic, as well as mixed media pieces.

Landscapes in the Abstract Artists:
Janet Bailey, Ed Balda, Carol A. Bradbury, Steve Denny, Dana Hassett, Mike Henry, Phillip Hershberger, Linda Humphries, Cally Krallman, Michelle Leivan, Jancy Pettit, Beverly Radefeld, and Barbara Waterman-Peters (Topeka, KS); John Gary Brown, Jane R. Flanders, Robert Sudlow, and Joanie Whitenight (Lawrence, KS); James Pringle Cook (Tucson, AZ); Gary Ozias (Downs, KS); Debra J. Groesser (Ralston, NE); Nicole and Wes Hyde (Denver, CO); Stephen Kilborn (Taos, NM); Alyson, KinKade (Loveland, CO); Scott Lennox (Ft. Worth, TX); Mary Binford Miller (Eldorado, KS); Neil Patterson (Alberta, Canada); Jim Rigg (Manhattan, KS); Don Tiller (Port Townsend, WA). To see more go to

 www.SouthWindArtGallery.com


Also,
February Newsletter Link from Michelle Leivan Original Painting
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Two Opportunities to play Stroke of Genius Game this week!

Greetings!

I want to invite you to two Stroke of Genius Game Night opportunities.

The first is at Ice and Olives in Topeka on October 15, 2009 at 5:30. Ice and Olives' Java Bar, at 29th and Croco, Topeka has a wonderful menu and great coffee. So make plans for supper and free games!

The other opportunity will be at the Arty Party a fun filled fundraiser for Arts Connect on October 17th  7:00pm.-11:00pm
College Hill Apartments, 1425 SW Lane, Topeka. Click here to make your reservations for this event.

Also, catch me on Ralph Hipp's 13 news at 4 on WIBW channel 13 show, October 12th to learn more about the Stroke of Genius Game!

It will be wild and exciting evenings of artsy game fun! Let me know if you are planning to attend either or both of these events!
 
Sincerely,
 
Michelle Leivan
Stroke of Genius Game Night
Ice and Olives on Thursday October 15th
Stroke of Genius Game
5:30 pm - Play Stroke of Genius Game for FREE!

"All you game groupies need to mark your calendar and visit us beginning at 5:30 PM to play "Stroke of Genius", an innovative new game which uses art as its focal point, invented by local artist Michelle Levian." - Barry Busch owner of Ice & Olives' Java Bar.

This game night is a little earlier than the last one at Ice and Olives, and it's because they have GREAT food and coffee. You can make your evening of Food, Fun and Games!

Stroke of Genius is a creative game that challenges you to take a single drawn Stroke and transform it into an imaginative picture that reflects the Spark Word, please the Juror and collect the Spark Word cards to win the game.

I am an Art Genius!Offering fun for three or more players, 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!

And there will even be Stroke of Genius Game Swag as prizes! But surely you'd come even if I didn't bribe you...

You can see some home videos of game play and various comments about the game at www.strokeofgeniusgame.com (it's a facebook page, so why not become a fan while you are there too!)
 
Ice and Olives
Starting at 5:30 p.m.
Thunderbird Square Shopping Center
29th and Croco Rd.
Topeka, KS
785.215.8460
Celebrate the Arts in Topeka with the Stroke of Genius Game!
at the Arty Party!
The Arty Party - Arts Connect Topeka
It's Part Art, Part Party

Celebrating Topeka:
A Great Arts Town!

Cool Cocktails
Delectable Desserts
Interactive Art
Art Market
Stroke of Genius Game play!

Live Music by
Josh Vowell & the Rumble (winner of the Topeka IBC International Blues Challenge)
The Nick Hern Band &Stroke of Genius Game
DJs Ebony & Ivory

Reservation costs:
$35 per person
$75 VIP Includes an exclusive, limited edition, signed and numbered Mike Savage print AND access to the Splash! VIP Lounge
$135 Couple's VIP Includes 2 tickets with Splash! VIP Lounge, and 1 Mike Savage print

Kansas Wildflower Stemware CharmsI will have a display of my artwork in the Art Kansas Wildflower NecklacesMarket where you can buy not only the game but some wonderful gifts of Kansas Wildflower original paintings, necklaces, wine charm sets and notecards for the upcoming holidays! There will be game tables on the patio available so you can to learn how to play Stroke of Genius Game before you buy it for everyone you know!
Where & When
College Hill Apartments
1425 SW Lane
Topeka, Kansas
Saturday, October 17th, 2009
7pm-11pm
Please click here to
make your reservations
for this event!
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Take Kansas Home dot com!

Take Kansas Home.com
Echinacea Tile Set

Take Kansas Home!
TakeKansasHome.com was created through a public-private partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Division and Free Bird Business Solutions.  The goal of this venture is to feature Kansas culture as it is represented in the fine artisan goods produced in our state. Kansas artists offer a host of wonderful handcrafted items, from specialty foods, to artwork, crafts and glassware.

You can find specially selected 8x10 prints, ceramic art tile sets, wine charm sets, note card sets and my Stroke of Genius Game.

http://www.TakeKansasHome.com Go check it out! Find out more about the site, and
do a search for my name!
 
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Stroke of Genius Game Night - Public Premier

Stroke of Genius Game Night
Public Premier
Stroke of Genius Game

"Wednesday August 19, 2009 - 7:00 pm Stroke of Genius Game
is our first "Game Night". All you game groupies need to mark your calendar and visit us beginning at 7 PM to play "Stroke of Genius", an innovative new game which uses art as its focal point, invented by local artist Michelle Levian." - Ice and Olives!

Wow do I need to say more! I am so excited! Oh, maybe a little about the game itself!

Stroke of Genius is a creative, wacky drawing game that sparks the imagination! Come an try it out at the event and get one for your next family game night!

I am an Art Genius!Offering fun for three or more players, 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!

And there will even be Stroke of Genius Game Swag as prizes! SWEET! But surely you'd come even if I didn't bribe you...

You can see some home videos of game play and various comments about the game at www.strokeofgeniusgame.com (it's a facebook page, so why not become a fan while you are there too!)
 
Ice and Olives

Starting at 7:00 p.m.
Thunderbird Square Shopping Center
29th and Croco Rd.
Topeka, KS
785.215.8460
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