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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Greetings!

Stroke of Genius Game Night Ice and Olives on Thursday October 15th 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. 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

7pm-11pm
Please click here to
make your reservations
for this event!

Take Kansas Home!

"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!

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!)