tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75040385762792418722024-02-22T08:45:09.990-05:00Figures...My Art and My LifeUnique Portraits and Fine Art by Kristina Laurendi Havens. Figure Drawing Techniques. My Inherited Artistic Talents. Current Paintings and Drawings. Selling Art On-Line.Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-89661957756406248922020-01-26T22:35:00.000-05:002020-01-26T22:41:52.105-05:00Practical Productive Practice for Artists <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's a million ways to paint an apple. An apple. Think about it. You could paint an apple in any color of the rainbow. Paint it cut in half. Paint it rotting on a cutting board. Paint it in a basket. Paint it in shadow. Put in under a spotlight. Paint it abstract. Paint it in black and white.<br />
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You see where I'm going with this?<br />
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SO many choices.<br />
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If you were told "go paint an apple!"<br />
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Would you know what to do?<br />
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Would you know what surface you want to paint it on?<br />
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What brush to use?<br />
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What palette to use?<br />
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What medium to use?<br />
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What would you want to SAY about the apple in your painting?<br />
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Those are the questions the Artist has to answer before they even pick up a brush. And it's in those questions where frustration can sneak into the studio. I HAVE TO MAKE SO MANY DECISIONS JUST TO MAKE A PAINTING.<br />
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So, the practice - the act of practicing painting - can be frustrating if you don't work within a few parameters.<br />
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What makes practice practical? What makes practice rewarding, so that you want to practice MORE?<br />
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Rules. Parameters. Parameters are your friend.<br />
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I started to realize that the students who were working with me who wanted every color, every brush, and a complex source of inspiration were making SLOWER progress that the students who PRACTICED painting.<br />
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So the short point to my long intro is...<br />
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I'm here to help you practice.<br />
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I'm here to run the drills.<br />
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I'm here to give you measurable goals.<br />
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I'm here to get you to that moment where all you have to do...is pick up the brush and START.<br />
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Think of a pianist who runs through scales for twenty minutes before practicing a full piece. Think of a basketball player shooting 3 pointers for hours a day. Think of a chef who made omelettes for two years before they tackled a four course French dinner for 12.<br />
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The greatest of all time have run the drills. They have done the practice...more than you will ever know.<br />
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Have you ever watched the show Chef's Table on Netflix? Almost every single chef has been through the ringer. They studied under a master, they practiced, they learned the Traditional methods in their field.<br />
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In every story, though...almost without fail...they realized they had their own voice, and they wanted to tell their own story.<br />
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And they build their menu, their style, from the grain of rice to the cut of beef. These chefs - these artists - pick EVERY aspect of their meal with Purpose. Some of them grow their own food, just to control the very source of the taste.<br />
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Why aren't we doing that as visual artists? We SHOULD be doing that as visual artists!<br />
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Choosing our color - even down to the BRAND that we prefer.<br />
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Choosing our surface - and whether we want oil or acrylic ground...or texture...or copper! Have you tried painting on copper?<br />
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Choosing our inspiration - and being as AUTHENTIC to your voice as possible!<br />
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So the goal, as an artist, is to explore enough - to practice enough - to create enough - to start to discern what methods and materials work with our voice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmomoG9zDKXqDnlVvqoLqFEQszGX3Dxxv6kufFVGsnBexZ3uUDOpLjOjb-DPgqex7brmRWBpN21OePSxcx_hMOzSC7tVNReAXEeYGxfidZQaxnF82YAil_KgKkmCtEUcZihVE3tfLHEO7/s1600/6x6+panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmomoG9zDKXqDnlVvqoLqFEQszGX3Dxxv6kufFVGsnBexZ3uUDOpLjOjb-DPgqex7brmRWBpN21OePSxcx_hMOzSC7tVNReAXEeYGxfidZQaxnF82YAil_KgKkmCtEUcZihVE3tfLHEO7/s400/6x6+panels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://sketchzatura-with-krystyna81.teachable.com/p/mastering-limited-palette-painting" target="_blank">That is why I have developed my first round of nine lessons for artists to work on at home. This practice - one small painting a week for nine weeks - is designed to help you explore a variety of limited palettes, on nine different surfaces.</a></span></b></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88XVPWti04ySdpfx35cmyvL01C_bbyiujMC6N1jc9nFiOPQijCksvKeq9FDgmpM2-MB08ShoshrLay8o6XKN59FA8QQPk_rabv-XYy1QlpZoMC8UknKQ7qOxPjOIdch9QB4sLKgsr7Qfd/s1600/burnt+umber+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88XVPWti04ySdpfx35cmyvL01C_bbyiujMC6N1jc9nFiOPQijCksvKeq9FDgmpM2-MB08ShoshrLay8o6XKN59FA8QQPk_rabv-XYy1QlpZoMC8UknKQ7qOxPjOIdch9QB4sLKgsr7Qfd/s400/burnt+umber+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The subject is simple and used throughout the nine paintings. By using the same simple subject, we can also focus on the practice of applying paint. The drawing aspect is absolutely crucial - and without strength in drawing we cannot accomplish much more by throwing in color - but for the purpose of practicing - I have kept the subject simple, and focused on using paint and surface as effective as possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ruBTk39SfVwUsd2tpfeN0HdNWGgxyJ6G-rq2_4woRmz__NzztMkscFXevAZriEht9PZMl-I7BJP_KgarjQLDS_N3cNlgqMqb9OjghW-u0IF6UbxYE4W_aB8jNKE1YhJvWY4UWHUXsEcn/s1600/nine+square+askew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ruBTk39SfVwUsd2tpfeN0HdNWGgxyJ6G-rq2_4woRmz__NzztMkscFXevAZriEht9PZMl-I7BJP_KgarjQLDS_N3cNlgqMqb9OjghW-u0IF6UbxYE4W_aB8jNKE1YhJvWY4UWHUXsEcn/s400/nine+square+askew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
No matter where you are on your artistic journey, Practice is crucial. Practice is the key. Refining the basics to the point where they become ingrained, become effortless...become Mastered.<br />
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I can tell you, truthfully and sincerely, that creating these lessons has helped my paintings as well. The deliberate choices I make when I sit down to paint reflect the lessons I learned in creating this series. In fact...I have done the series twice...so far!!! Once for PRACTICE and again to add video step by steps for my online course curriculum.<br />
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The beauty of this simplicity is that there is still so much VARIETY to explore! These are examples from one limited palette...only the subject changed...yet look at how different they can be!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Iytv9DZMqp1hgagO0WpW6WGbX0c1vdiLqGgiTNZoI_ZC_oRMSKOaBl5m3O7crTUNh3m2pYNqCs5Na0LOVf8rv9-R2kbmNIKrls4HzEAho2ob5400zHt0xTy1x11AoPkJkOiPdrt1xDfE/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Iytv9DZMqp1hgagO0WpW6WGbX0c1vdiLqGgiTNZoI_ZC_oRMSKOaBl5m3O7crTUNh3m2pYNqCs5Na0LOVf8rv9-R2kbmNIKrls4HzEAho2ob5400zHt0xTy1x11AoPkJkOiPdrt1xDfE/s400/IMG_0128.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
I have been teaching for over 20 years. It's a Practice. Anytime anyone says "how are you so GOOD?" my answer is always the same...Practice practice practice.<br />
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If you are looking to create a habit of practice for the next two months, <a href="https://sketchzatura-with-krystyna81.teachable.com/p/mastering-limited-palette-painting" target="_blank">sign up today</a> for the <a href="https://sketchzatura-with-krystyna81.teachable.com/p/mastering-limited-palette-painting" target="_blank">Mastering the Limited Palette</a> series...you will receive your first lesson and the supply list for all nine paintings.<br />
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The <a href="https://sketchzatura-with-krystyna81.teachable.com/p/mastering-limited-palette-painting" target="_blank">Mastering the Limited Palette </a>series is<br />
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Manageable - one 6" by 6" painting per week. A size you can work on anywhere!<br />
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Accessible - for any level. The simple subject allows you to explore the paint, not Labor over complex subjects.<br />
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Memorable - you will create a visual reference to have in your studio - the palette and surface choices used here will give you an entire CHART full of options to use in later works.<br />
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Employable - these are techniques you will use in every painting - no matter what subject you chose! In any style - the painting language explored is versatile - any style of painting from realism to abstraction will incorporate these techniques<br />
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FLEXIBLE - you will receive inspiration beyond the lessons...how to incorporate these limited palettes in your own work.<br />
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By the way...my on line studio is <a href="https://sketchzatura-with-krystyna81.teachable.com/" target="_blank">Sketchzatura. </a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sketchzatura-with-krystyna81.teachable.com/" target="_blank">Sketchzatura</a> is the act of achieving an effortless mastery of drawing - and painting! "Sketch" is the active exercise of practicing your drawing and painting skills. "Sprezzatura" is an Italian term for "effortless mastery". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So..let's get Practicing!!! Effortless Mastery Awaits!!!</span></div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-28114945676343763962020-01-17T11:05:00.003-05:002020-01-17T11:06:33.026-05:00The Most Influential Woman of the Decade (as decided by Me at my kitchen table)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey, it could be worse. I could have made the decision in my bathroom. But the real truth is I made the decision on naming this person The Most Influential Woman of the Decade in my most sacred place...in my studio, in front of my easel.<br />
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Way back in 2009 (holy cow why does it feel like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once?!?) I wrote my first brief blog post about Heather and her blog. A couple years later, Heather wrote a post about a portrait that I sent - unsolicited - to her of her daughter.<br />
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When Heather, aka Dooce, shared that watercolor portrait on her blog...it was...not an exaggeration...life changing.<br />
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You see, the actual act of creating that portrait and sending it out to Heather went against the grain of every thing in my life at that point. I was not in a situation that nurtured chance, risk, or anything out of the Perfect Picture of Domestic Life that was The Goal.<br />
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It was profane, almost. Like that sexy novel hidden among the self help books on my nightstand. I sent the portrait to Heather in secret. I didn't tell anyone I was doing it. I was ashamed at my inner voice, telling me to Paint it, and Send it. It was - truly - the first time in a long time that I didn't care what my close circle would say - I only cared about what my heart told me to do.<br />
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And Heather could not have been more generous with her kindness, and her platform. By sharing that portrait on her blog, she introduced thousands of people to my work, and many became patrons, and for that I am truly grateful. It set my business on a course that allowed me to nurture myself as an artist, and nurture my children because I was in a good place as well.<br />
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<a href="https://krystyna81.blogspot.com/search?q=dooce" target="_blank">Over the years</a>, we collaborated on a few other pieces, and I was inspired by many of her photographs which led to a series of some of my all time favorite portraits.<br />
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Divorce happened, in her life and in mine, and I cannot imagine what it was like for Heather to share that with her audience on her blog. I very rarely talk about mine - even though I would like to share more - because I cannot talk about the impetus for change and growth without talking about the catalyst for it. And, like other conscientious parents out there, I am aware that my children will always be half of me, and half of their dad, and if I insult or disparage either one of us, I'm hurting them as well. <br />
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But I will say this...when I was pretty much at the bottom, when I thought nothing good was coming down the pipe again...I heard from Heather.<br />
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Heather reached out to me in the sweetest way, wanting to create something special to honor the Cowboy (you can read her own words about <a href="https://dooce.com/2019/02/19/a-custom-portrait-for-a-cowboy/" target="_blank">him here)</a>.<br />
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What Heather doesn't know, is that she saw me, she sought me out, when I felt the most lost, forgotten, and invisible.<br />
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I was at a point when I felt like Damaged Goods. I had been battling false police reports, lies to DFCS, having my children removed based on false statements made by a person I removed from my life YEARS before because I knew she was Toxic...holy cow. I was Unseen. Unloved. Unwanted...by the people I spent my whole life trying to please with every fiber of my being.<br />
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But in the midst of this...Heather reached out. She not only hired me to create - she shared it again with her Tribe.<br />
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She believed in me, and shouted it from her keyboard.<br />
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Do you have any idea what that means to someone?<br />
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Do you have any idea how life affirming that was?<br />
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Do you have any idea how powerful she is...to remind me that I am Worthy of praise. That what I do matters. That I made a positive impact on her life.<br />
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And this past December, she reached out to me again, for another covert operation: capturing the children of the Cowboy, for his birthday.<br />
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Heather has faith in people. She believes they are capable. She believes in their minds, their creativity, their decision making process. She has never micro-managed me as an artist, but has always responded with enthusiasm for the choices I have made on my canvas.<br />
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That is rare. I know...I've worked with thousands of wonderful clients. And this amount of Trust has only appeared a few times.<br />
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Heather has a belief, and a trust, in me that is incredibly precious to me.<br />
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The portraits that I created of two of her boyfriend's children are two of my all time favorites. They were done in a limited palette, a very timeless almost sepia-toned range of browns with a touch of black. Based on Heather's photos, they were casual, sweet, and done with a great deal of Love.<br />
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And I will never show you.<br />
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But I will tell you...Heather hired me to create these beautiful pieces right before the Holiday. She paid me a deposit immediately. And that deposit helped me have one of the best Christmas Holidays I have had with my family in years. We're not talking a huge amount...but the amount I needed to buy a few gifts without using my credit card and feed my family and spend the quality time with them we all deserved. It was the first time I had both of my kids for Christmas in four years. And Heather helped make it amazing.<br />
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I wrote this on my blog way back in 2012...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">As a writer, Heather puts herself out there, in front of millions of people every day. Without shying away from the harsh realities in her life, she shares her joy and sorrow with her fans and followers. Her bravery is inspiring. As an Artist, I hope I am following that lead, and sharing a bit of myself with every drawing or painting I share with you. We both know that not everything will be rewarded, but more often criticized, and yet we are compelled to do it anyway.</span><br />
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I went through the harshest period of my life a couple years ago. I was afraid to even leave my house for a while. I was silenced. I was erased from my son's life for a period of time. I was eliminated by family members.<br />
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But throughout all of that, I discovered what true Kindness is. I discovered how special it was to be lifted up by another. I realized how powerful it is to be Seen. To be Heard. To be Trusted.<br />
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As I stood in front of my easel on the last day of 2019, working on two of my favorite portraits of all time, I realized that Heather has meant more to me these last ten years than most people will ever know. While her love life is reduced to internet fodder and her medical issues are another reason for small minded people to Judge What They Do Not Understand, I was one of the lucky ones behind the scenes, being Seen. Being Heard. Being Trusted.<br />
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At a time when I felt silenced in more ways than one, Heather shined a light on my strengths and my potential, and she helped me find my way back to my Voice.<br />
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I wanted to write this today to acknowledge Heather, her impact on me, my self-worth, and how by doing so she has helped me as a Mom, a partner to my own Cowboy, and as an Artist. In a world where sometimes the easiest thing to do is ignore our own pain by tearing another person down...I wanted more than ever to lift someone up.<br />
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I Love you, Heather. And Thank You.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdK1PBYwueUeEY0174lXGcNRr2E3ZccmDYbXU8TNvI9crnIsJsG0ZDlovOMxWCW-0w2yjx3f4B9piyHcfrXmAl0w9BFQO_jb1cfdma08ycLlxr5D4pVQ6MTe3GH1emIu3IoIxka4sp-T7/s1600/you+shall+be+heard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdK1PBYwueUeEY0174lXGcNRr2E3ZccmDYbXU8TNvI9crnIsJsG0ZDlovOMxWCW-0w2yjx3f4B9piyHcfrXmAl0w9BFQO_jb1cfdma08ycLlxr5D4pVQ6MTe3GH1emIu3IoIxka4sp-T7/s640/you+shall+be+heard.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://krystyna81.blogspot.com/2011/10/dooces-favorites-painting-number-five.html" target="_blank">"You Shall Be Heard"</a></div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-51252748236192757312019-12-09T10:57:00.000-05:002019-12-09T10:59:34.253-05:00True Love, Freely Given<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="dp6eb" data-offset-key="6h8v3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6h8v3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6h8v3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"Nobody respects Love that is not freely given."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alan Watts.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="39qs1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="dp6eb" data-offset-key="cbgm1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="cbgm1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I heard this quote in one of his lectures and it was incredibly clarifying for me. The context of the moment in the lecture used the example of parents, telling their child "You SHOULD love me...I am your Mother!" (but of course you can insert any "title" into that last word...father, grandparent, sister, brother, BOSS...etc)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1man3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="dp6eb" data-offset-key="deosn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="deosn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="deosn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">YOU SHOULD LOVE ME. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6b9fo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="dp6eb" data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Then...what happens? The "love" they give to you is not genuine, not from the Heart...it is given to you from a place of fear. And, you don't respect that Love...because you coerced it. You controlled it. You manipulated it. And, ultimately, if they take that love away from you, the precedent you have set is that it's THEIR fault for not following the Rules of Society, and THEY have the problem for deciding, freely, who to love, and who not to love.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I heard this quote on Saturday, then found myself talking to a dear friend on Sunday, who dreads every interaction with one of her sisters. When the sister calls, there is a lot of guilt, shaming, and blaming. Very little compassion, concern, LAUGHTER, joy, etc. But my friend feels obligated to answer the phone (especially being that it was her sisters birthday...double whammy...one sister calling another sister to complain about the THIRD sister who didn't call on the birthday...and now YOU ALL MUST SUFFER)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I had so much compassion for my friend, and a huge amount of empathy...for there was a time when I played the role of any one of those sisters. The "You should have called me" Sister. the "I Always Answer the Phone For My Family Even Though They Treat Me Like Crap" Sister, and finally the "I'm Going to Remove Myself From This Toxicity Now" Sister.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Obligatory Love can cripple any relationship. You are my WIFE...you SHOULD love me. I am your Pastor...you SHOULD love me. I am your TEACHER...you SHOULD love me. I am the most popular mom in the neighborhood...you SHOULD love me. I make more money than you do...you SHOULD love me.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">But expecting Love through obligation is not healthy, and in my experience, does not last.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So...laying out a problem but not providing an implementable action plan is a Politician's Job, and since I know that my role here in this Matrix is a Teacher, let's see if I can find a lesson here...</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6f9so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Lesson: Remove All Obligations of Love </span></div>
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Where do these "required" feelings of Love come from? It could be a family pattern...of course. You may have watched your parents tolerate a lot of bad behavior from THEIR parents, and then you followed the same pattern in the relationship with YOUR parents, and then...because patterns in families repeat...you EXPECTED Love from your kids...in spite of the way you may be treating them...because it was Done That Way for Generations. </div>
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How confusing to a child, to watch someone treat another so badly, speak terrible words and hurl painful insults almost daily, to belittle their mind and poke fun at their feelings, and be told that this is "Love". THIS...is marriage. THIS...is Family.</div>
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THIS...is Love through Obligation. </div>
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There is a contract here: Parent/Child, Husband/Wife, Sibling/Sibling. The contract indemnifies us from having Loving behavior: we don't need to be Love to be Loved...that part has been deemed "unnecessary".</div>
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So...what if we understand, at a deeper level, that these constructs of family, religion, work, school, etc do not place ANYONE at any time in an OBLIGATION to Love? Nor does any CONTRACT ever REMOVE the clause that Love can only be given FREELY. </div>
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This was a huge concept for me to hear, comprehend, and put into practice (while I just heard this particular quote on Saturday, it summed up a lot of what I have been going through over the last few years)</div>
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If Love can only be given freely...where do I feel free to Love?</div>
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And...when I do feel free to Love...how can I create that same environment for those people in my life that I want MUTUAL free love with?</div>
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I started to really look for the people in my life who I truly loved FREELY. Who I called with a sense of Joy and excitement, not trepidation and obligation. I started to notice who I smiled and laughed easily with, as genuinely content to sit and watch TV or cook or swing dance or paint or hike, without fear that if I didn't dress a certain way or spend a certain amount, I was not Enough...where did I always feel like I was enough?</div>
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I noticed who I could have a real argument with...and not be afraid that we couldn't end any discussion by looking in each other's eyes and saying "I hear you...I understand where you are coming from...and I love you".</div>
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I noticed who encouraged me, who delighted in my success, who loved to see me genuinely happy. </div>
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I noticed...how much happier I was, when I was with people who I wanted to be with, not who I was obligated to be with. Who I freely chose to be in my life.</div>
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Lesson: Become Lovable</div>
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OH yeah...there's a whole 'nother part to the equation. Putting into practice, in the relationships you want to perpetuate, the same things you natural seek out.</div>
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So, I loved being around people who are do-ers. People who have passion for adventure and learning and growing and exploring. These people are the ones who always have exciting THINGS to talk about - books or movies or travel or paintings or WHATEVER. And because they have so much to talk about...guess what they don't have as much time for...</div>
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-self pity</div>
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-gossip</div>
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-judgement</div>
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Man oh man. I had NO IDEA how much time I wasted on those three things when I was surrounded by obligatory love instead of free love. </div>
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Here's the big thing I realized: when you are not known to be judgmental, fatalist, or gossipy...people want to be with you. They want to engage with you. They want to create with you. They want to grow with you. </div>
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-enthusiasm</div>
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-positivity</div>
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-understanding</div>
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What three things would you gravitate towards? </div>
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Now...Let me clarify something...I had to change a LOT of ingrained habits, a lot of pathology: I was used to a lot of negativity, and so it felt "normal". Changing it - and being OK with it not being part of the way I lived life every day - was really effing difficult. It's the same as a child who is used to getting only negative attention...it's takes a lot of cognitive behavior therapy to crave POSITIVE attention when all you grew up with was attention given only when you caused trouble. I was used to bullying, belittling, and even the ignoring: You did not behave like I wanted you to behave, so I will withhold my attention and love now. </div>
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It's a hard pattern to see...an even harder one to break...and the most difficult thing...</div>
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Is behaving in a way that is not just "I didn't like the way they did it, so I will do the OPPOSITE just to show them how wrong they are!" This is not a healthy pattern either. </div>
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That is still dis-empowering.</div>
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The true power, the truest Love, is trusting your heart: trusting who you are, at your core. </div>
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You are Love. You are generous. You are compassionate. You are empathetic. You are a creator. You are a giver. You are JOYFUL. You are full of wonder. You are Love.</div>
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Don't just do the opposite of what didn't work for you before...do what comes from the heart.</div>
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And, what I have found, and what I hope to keep nurturing, is that the more I am true to who I am, and the more I become a Loving person, the more my True Love relationships grow. They are few, they are precious, but they are love without obligation. </div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-32393852625951129972019-01-13T21:37:00.001-05:002019-01-13T21:38:39.347-05:00My Most Valuable Paintings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few months ago I was looking for a photo on my computer and I came across a series of snapshots that I had taken of my two kids about 5 years ago. The room they are sitting in was towards the front of our little house, bathed in morning light that was creating a striped pattern on the wall.<br />
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Both kids were engrossed in their personal activities. Ari was writing in her notebook, a habit that continues to require a NEW NOTEBOOK EVERY TIME WE GO TO THE DOLLAR STORE. I keep thinking that there is NO WAY the child could use another notebook, but occasionally I attempt to find the floor of her room, and as I organize her numerous notes, I see that she, indeed, uses every single one...dozens of to-do lists and planning and yarn types and shopping lists and weekend activity plans. It's not exactly snooping...but it does give me a delightful peek into her motivated 11 year old mind!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuRhbPwFvRVOiQktPeNYtNBPVk1ZXvCQABJaAVk-WSpMCSBGWHaDJffVcpL_Fqg8iP_NZl_POOSacCcIUsKjSo4NdJwQQmmAcXrHwndKLnJYoFy0vllOYTIcsM3XdWaMvQdIpIB8ZeVwe/s1600/dino+portrait+detail+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuRhbPwFvRVOiQktPeNYtNBPVk1ZXvCQABJaAVk-WSpMCSBGWHaDJffVcpL_Fqg8iP_NZl_POOSacCcIUsKjSo4NdJwQQmmAcXrHwndKLnJYoFy0vllOYTIcsM3XdWaMvQdIpIB8ZeVwe/s400/dino+portrait+detail+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(detail of the new painting...forgive the wet paint glare!)</div>
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Jack was at his usual spot, the head of the table, Master of The Coffee Table Domain. Various creatures of all shapes, colors, sizes (and expressions!) were at his every command. Sound effects poured effortlessly from his cheeks, and warriors changed outfits and weapons and tactics moment by moment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFFnncwVDi8kX17V_2cRo2c_UqrxcLUUk4eTHdbd2g3nwSijMEsF7zqLcEbIHddeR-6aX4W558mfNMebF_JHrFmsnnFbCVCVeQ2Vgg63UtAH91nfbZpQ9g8Kte9vBdULZFHeITOZZnA-h/s1600/dino+portrait+detail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFFnncwVDi8kX17V_2cRo2c_UqrxcLUUk4eTHdbd2g3nwSijMEsF7zqLcEbIHddeR-6aX4W558mfNMebF_JHrFmsnnFbCVCVeQ2Vgg63UtAH91nfbZpQ9g8Kte9vBdULZFHeITOZZnA-h/s400/dino+portrait+detail+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To me...pure heaven. Not an electronic in sight. Colors everywhere. Chaotic bliss. Relaxed...everyone getting to Be Themselves.<br />
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I started the painting, my heart beating with excitement over the patterns and colors that I couldn't wait to translate into paint on canvas! I also thoroughly enjoy painting my children, as I have many many times before. Not having them 24/7 is tough. So.. sitting in my studio, painting their faces, I constantly send them love and good thoughts. In that way I am always with them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaH3ztXBfhVNQUycPLaQII0badZY0EIIVzWHM6_wC9mu0905XpO8jJhOr7sMZXHu7wlkp1SDoOwq7KjeNi6euTxJLWsIA91Ug-PMi_J8oOINv60haVd3qBGtvT26EjfE72CcHe33BBlnp/s1600/oil+painting+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaH3ztXBfhVNQUycPLaQII0badZY0EIIVzWHM6_wC9mu0905XpO8jJhOr7sMZXHu7wlkp1SDoOwq7KjeNi6euTxJLWsIA91Ug-PMi_J8oOINv60haVd3qBGtvT26EjfE72CcHe33BBlnp/s400/oil+painting+studio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned in a previous post, I really enjoyed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFnNgTSkHPM" target="_blank">Alain de Botton's lecture "Art as Therapy".</a> Listening to it as I painted this most recent portrait of my children, it really impressed upon me WHY I was so motivated to paint this picture at this time.<br />
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Alain de Botton stated (forgive my paraphrasing)<br />
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"If we had a better memory, we wouldn't need art. We forget stuff. Particularly, valuable stuff. A work of Art becomes valuable the more that it captures something significant. The more fragile the moment is, the more valuable the art is because it's touching on something that otherwise we can't put a finger on"<br />
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I LOVED HEARING THIS as I was painting this particular moment!!! It is difficult to put into words the warmth, pride, joy, love, delight that was flowing through me 5 years ago. And unfortunately the last two years have just been a constant war on me as a mother, so much so that there were times that I questioned if I had done ANYTHING right! But this moment reminded me that I did A LOT right. I am a good mom. I look back at all their pictures now, not with a sense of sadness or regret, but SO much pride and joy! I nurtured their individuality, their reading skills, their creativity, their sense of adventure, their HUMOR...I really could not be prouder of my two awesome kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuyT0768TsQQuX7PQvYDfDAeRKsk5LQH-rMu4QEv0I0BHJm-PD8L8_9OS6LH6ulSlgjI79NoDB6r4P2iKEjYXAT-jxVXuO_lyVN8S3fJbKcjTrhHexr3lT0iXCZlBcXukXtAtLJ1O-poZ/s1600/oil+painting+studio+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuyT0768TsQQuX7PQvYDfDAeRKsk5LQH-rMu4QEv0I0BHJm-PD8L8_9OS6LH6ulSlgjI79NoDB6r4P2iKEjYXAT-jxVXuO_lyVN8S3fJbKcjTrhHexr3lT0iXCZlBcXukXtAtLJ1O-poZ/s320/oil+painting+studio+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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THIS is why Art can be so important! Time heals a lot of things, but can also distance you from some of the good stuff from long ago as well. Difficult times, hard feelings, can cloud our perspectives... and memories - especially good ones - can get lost in the shuffle.<br />
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So, according to de Botton, what DOES Art do for us?<br />
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There are three key things...<br />
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1. Art compensates for the fact that we have really bad memories. (99% of my commission work has been created to commemorate good times and good people...so vital to immortalize!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3mYjmo4ohk5sEI9yi3VngbjEYmrGoLGtFXKA8NbSCGyPrGDHrtVIgrvLxnjdkrEOqbRQHQMipv5Lkphlyws0hmeyluqG1lLSQheI6W-F-_-Kd1JRbmn8G58AoISDx28G-ZmqxbYdCAdX/s1600/portrait+painting+little+girl+holding+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3mYjmo4ohk5sEI9yi3VngbjEYmrGoLGtFXKA8NbSCGyPrGDHrtVIgrvLxnjdkrEOqbRQHQMipv5Lkphlyws0hmeyluqG1lLSQheI6W-F-_-Kd1JRbmn8G58AoISDx28G-ZmqxbYdCAdX/s320/portrait+painting+little+girl+holding+bird.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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(Portrait of Ari about aged 5, holding a baby bird)</div>
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2. Art Gives Us Hope. (For me, this means that you honor good moments to inspire even more! I don't paint something beautiful thinking it's going to be the LAST good moment...I paint out of the delight for every beautiful moment that's going to inspire me next! What's more hopeful than appreciating beauty all around?)<br />
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(Jack, aged 11, at a festival in Downtown Atlanta)</div>
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3. Art re-balances us. Art connects us with the missing bit of us. Art opens our eyes to the neglected value of the every-day. (oh my goodness those three points hit me hard!!! Painting re-balances me in ways that I'll need 11 blog posts to explain. It's my therapy! This particular painting really reminded me of GOOD times I spent with my kids. It balanced my perspective at a time I needed it most. And this painting was connecting me with my son..we have very little time together, and just sending the good vibes and love to him during the process has helped me fill the hole in my heart. And this precious moment was VALUED by me so much! I've never been a really big "pose perfectly with your hair brushed and clothes perfect" kind of mom. I thrive on capturing my kids as They Are...and this every-day moment has more value than any perfectly crafted pose)<br />
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(Ari reading, around age 2)</div>
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It has always been my greatest pleasure to paint portraits and commissioned work that captures so much of the points above. I am so appreciative of Alain de Botton's lecture which helped me put those feelings into words!</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-40133042838932337142019-01-07T22:17:00.001-05:002019-01-07T22:17:35.848-05:00Art as Therapy...Alain de Botton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">“Growth occurs when we discover how to remain authentically ourselves in the presence of potentially threatening things. Maturity is the possession of coping skills: we can take in our stride things that previously would have knocked us off course. We are less fragile, less easily shocked and hence more capable of engaging with situations as they really are” </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0714872784/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" target="_blank">Alain de Botton, "Art as Therapy"</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We were heading into court, again. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically. I just wanted to move forward...from the manipulation, lies, cruelty, and the campaign to destroy who I was.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I was trying to stay positive. I was at a Zumba class with some of my absolute favorite women on the planet. At the end of class, several of them gathered around me to get an update on the situation. Many of them had been through similar scenarios - the misuse of the justice system, using children as pawns, the aligning with family members to drive you out, the lying lying lying that seems never-ending.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I broke down, in tears.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">"I'm afraid, the only way that I will be able to win in court, is if I become...like them"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I would have to become vengeful. Spiteful. Jealous. Stonewall progress or therapy. Lie to authorities. Dig in my heals and brush them aside like unwanted trash...because that's what they were doing to me, and I felt that "just keeping my head high" was not going to work.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">These beautiful women gathered around, shared their stories of triumph over tragedy, and then said "we need to pray"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Hands clasped and heads bowed, in that circle my dear friends prayed that I could maintain my integrity, spirit, heart, and soul as I faced this trial. No lies could maintain their power, only the truth and my love for my children would be victorious.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be...the circle of souls that came together and BELIEVED that I was capable of maintaining WHO I WAS gave me such comfort and helped me remain calm, and be victorious...twice...in court.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The situation is a constant battle for reasonable compromise, integrity, and honesty. Just being treated like a human being is something I can barely hope for. But...I have grown. I have matured. Sometimes only harsh situations can strengthen our minds and bodies. And, because I am now less fragile, the bald face lies and being dismissed as if I was a bug on the windshield don't nearly effect me as they used to. In fact, the lies cause me to burst into laughter!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I ran into an old neighbor the other day, and she was telling me that for a few months she had to navigate the horrific Atlanta traffic to get to her job every day. After a while, her daughter looked at her and said "Mom! What is WRONG with you? Why are you miserable?" </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">My neighbor realized that the daily stress of dealing with traffic, the anxiety of facing the horrible commute every day, was making her miserable. She quit her job, and was gleefully back to her true self.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Facing horrible people, and the anxiety of facing them again and again, can make you miserable. Get to know who you really are. And, if you have to deal with horrific traffic or difficult personalities or financial troubles or whatever it may be...remain true to who you are. IF the situation...be it a marriage, a family dynamic, a job, etc...forces you to become something you are not, then it's time to move on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Hopefully, you will have the time that I have had, to study, meditate, and focus on what REALLY matters, so that the crap that doesn't matter can no longer effect you. You will begin to see lies as exposing a deeper truth: the weaknesses and lack of self-confidence or inability to change and grow in the liar is what causes them to lie...it's all they have left. Truly happy, confident, fulfilled people have no reason to destroy others. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Be who you are. Be creative or caring or adventurous. Be loving. Be patient. BE CURIOUS. Explore the magic of your mind.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Eventually, you can drive in traffic and see it as the perfect speed, the perfect situation. Eventually, you can begin to spend time with family again, because you see their personalities as who THEY are, not a reflection of who you are. You can engage with situations as they really are, with deeper understanding and strength.</span></span></span><br />
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Spend a few minutes every day reminding yourself WHO YOU REALLY ARE. Listen only to the TRUTH within you. Remain authentically yourself, even in the face of potentially harmful situations. See the situation for what it really is. Then be yourself. No one can take that away from you.<br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-5872865713300623852018-12-31T00:14:00.000-05:002018-12-31T00:14:30.444-05:00YouTube Play List from my Studio for a Successful 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night, while enjoying the best home made lemon pepper wings courtesy of my BF and a four hour chat-fest marathon with two of my dearest friends, I periodically said "I have to send you the link to this video!" as we discussed our lives and plans for 2019. So I thought I'd put all the links in one place and share them with you all as well!<br />
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YouTube is my constant companion in the studio. It wasn't always this way. In college and grad school, it was the radio or CD's. Eventually my iPod on a speaker, then of course Pandora. Music transitioned to comedians for a long while, then almost two years ago I started to explore lectures - Ted talks mostly - dealing with some of the personal issues I was trying to comprehend.<br />
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As I learned more, understood more, about the psychology and pathology behind the personalities that threw my personal life into a tailspin, every talk, every explanation, every answer eventually led me back to an ultimate truth: I am in control. My thoughts, my reactions, my life.<br />
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One of my favorite lectures, and he has another one I will share in a later post, is about Love. Well, the familiar kind of love we seek. And, more importantly, cultivating and nurturing a better kind of love. I find this talk especially important as a mother, because I would like to live an example of powerful, nurturing, unconditional love to both of my children, so that they seek that type of love in their future relationships.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCS6t6NUAGQ" target="_blank">Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person - Alain de Botton</a><br />
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Alain de Botton talks about loving the entire person, good and bad, and letting go of expectations that Perfect Love means perfect Understanding - without words and communication! Our partner should just KNOW.<br />
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Also, more profoundly when this is present in both individuals in any relationship IMO...<br />
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"the core of what Love is is the willingness to interpret another's behavior"<br />
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THAT is when a relationship can truly thrive.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61d9DKDrMT8" target="_blank">As A Man Thinketh by Earl Nightingale</a><br />
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Law of Attraction...maybe you've heard of this? Maybe you were just thinking about it and now you're reading this? (Yes!)<br />
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<a href="http://james-allen.in1woord.nl/?text=as-a-man-thinketh#c0" target="_blank">James Allen wrote "As A Man Thinketh</a>" in 1903. Over these past two years, my goal has been to Understand. As I delved into healing my heart and my head, the Law of Attraction was referenced by almost every spiritual leader, life coach, Oprah, Jim Carey, Wayne Dyer, etc etc etc that I listened to. And this law is expalined in writings way way way before any Instagram Influencer acted like they were the first one to share it with you. Wayne Dyer talks about the Tao, which also speaks of this law, and those texts are from almost 2000 years ago.<br />
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I love this video, and it was helpful to read the original text as well. Ultimately, our minds are magnets...and we are always attracting what we think about, good or bad. With that kind of power, why think of anything bad again?<br />
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"We're all self-made, but only the successful will admit it"<br />
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Whoa.<br />
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Watch this one...again, and again.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbHYvH347A" target="_blank">Change Your Life in 19 Minutes with Earl Nightingale</a><br />
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and if you like that you should watch Napoleon Hill, author of "<a href="http://www.sacred-texts.com/nth/tgr/tgr08.htm" target="_blank">Think and Grow Rich</a>"<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EQWhQt9OQo" target="_blank">Napoleon Hill Laws of Success</a><br />
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OK I'm quickly realizing that I have about 50 videos saved and I can't share them all in one post but as you watch these, you will see more and more that speak to the same principles. I find time becomes irrelevant in the studio as I listen to these positive speakers over and over. Repetition is so important, as well as understanding where these beliefs come from and how many scientists, theologians, doctors, etc have confirmed almost all of these ideas on the quantum level. Energy is what moves the universe. Thoughts, feelings, have more power than we are ever led to believe.<br />
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I'll leave you with one section of a four part conversation between <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pORiNoCoZqc" target="_blank">Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra "Beyond Miracles"</a><br />
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Wayne discusses the spiritual, Deepak the scientific...and really, to me, shows that once you see the miracle of who we are and what we are made of on the smallest scale, you can't NOT believe in an Infinite Wisdom, an Infinite Intelligence. <br />
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I highly recommend all 4 parts of the conversation, but this was the section that really resonated with me, because here's what I think we all need more of, for ourselves and for others: the ability to believe in our ability to change. And, our understanding that we are all made of the SAME things.<br />
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Deepak explains how quickly our cells re-generate, change, become new. We are not the same body today that we were one day ago, one year ago, ten years ago. Yet, our memories remain. Where exactly, then, are these memories stored? The cells that were in our brain as a young child are no longer here as an adult, yet our memories remain.<br />
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There's a magic in our minds. There's mystery and beauty and SO MUCH to learn about ourselves. <br />
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So many this list becomes a brief overview of what I would like to work on going into 2019<br />
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Love: Learn to communicate, learn to understand where every person I love is coming from. Why they feel the way they feel, why they react the way they react. It's amazing how quickly fights and misunderstandings can be fixed with communication. And, it's important to teach this empathy to my children, and also to teach them to expect it from those who love them.<br />
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Success: Have a desire (goal, plan, etc) and let this desire inspire my thoughts and actions every day.<br />
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Unlimited Potential: Our bodies and minds are always growing, always in the process of changing and becoming new. Believe that I always have the capacity to grow and improve and change...and so does every other person I meet.<br />
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Wishing you all love, success, and unlimited potential in 2019!!<br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-66512197250770814452018-12-27T13:07:00.000-05:002019-01-12T17:34:45.867-05:00Cutlets and Compression Garments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm cleaning out everything. Do you get that way once or twice a year, too? Maybe it's all the presents that came into the house at Christmas while at the same time we're heading into the blank canvas of a new year. Plus, the kids are outgrowing stuff literally and figuratively day by day.</div>
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The purge is cathartic, exciting, therapeutic, etc. Wayne Dyer encouraged his students to "give it all away...without the need for compensation" (I'm paraphrasing) </div>
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As I was going through my dresser drawer by drawer, I came across a few things I had forgotten about. And it reminded me that I am in a much better place, mentally and physically, than I was a few years ago.</div>
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When I started to test the dating waters after my divorce, I worried. Worried about being Enough. Enough to attract a new partner. I mean...I was never enough to so many in my life already. It didn't matter how many presents I sent or parties I threw or phone calls I made or how I kept my house or raised my kids or what I accomplished in my professional life...the elusiveness of Love plagued me every day. And because I witnessed the people whose (unconditional) Love and Approval and Support I desired so much be so freely doled upon everyone else with great enthusiasm...I kept thinking that the reason I was not privy to the same treatment was because I STILL WASN'T ENOUGH.</div>
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Bra inserts to make my breasts look bigger. Tight compression garments to make my butt look smaller. If I could just fit myself into some mold of The Perfect Woman, I would find someone who loved me back.</div>
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One night, getting ready to go out, I put the cold cutlets into my bra and tightened up my thighs and (let me just add...I only weighed about 115 and I'm 5'4"!) as I was leaned over to grab a pair of shoes from the floor of my closet, those slippery boob inserts slipped right out of my bra and onto the floor.</div>
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I LAUGHED SO HARD. I was ready to humiliate myself leaving a trail of fake jellyfish because I thought bigger BOOBS would make me more attractive?!? I laughed that moment off...but it took a while for the lesson to sink in!</div>
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It was only after a seriously life changing event that I could finally SEE that ZERO amount of posturing or prostituting, padding or pinching, would endear my heart and soul to anyone who couldn't see my worth EXACTLY as I am. </div>
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And that's when I stopped looking outwards - I had to start inside. I had to see myself as beautiful and talented and WORTHY and nurturing and loving and funny and accomplished. I had to see myself through the eyes of my students and my friends. I had to remind myself of what pure love felt like...reverting back to my childhood and feeling the embrace of my Babu...the purest Love I could remember. I have to daily remind myself that the Universe, Infinite Intelligence, Mother Nature, God (however you define it for yourself) does NOT see me as angry or depressed or stupid or selfish. The Higher Power sees every good intention, every bit of joy, every ounce of Love that I am, and wants to nurture me as the perfect being that I am.</div>
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Love. That is what will define me. Not boob inserts or duct taped thighs. That nurturing force of Love CRUSHES anything else. Shame, manipulation, guilt...these emotions that I was so used to for so long are finally receding as the waves of love break down old habits and self doubt.</div>
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Slowly...I removed the voices from my life and my head that kept harping on my shortcomings, and started amplifying the voices that built up my strengths. And what this does is allows me to do the same for those I adore and love and nurture in return. I am a better teacher, a better mother, a better partner because I practice this attitude to as many people as I can every day: build up their strengths, don't harp on their weaknesses. Be a source of Unconditional Love that knows mistakes are part of the journey - we are ALL learning and growing and improving every day.</div>
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Love people for who they are...nurture the aspects of their greatness...always believe in their amazing potential. It brings great Joy to my heart to BE that person for myself, and for whoever else needs it from me, every day.</div>
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And..if you feel better about yourself with a padded bra or a control top waist shaper...you do YOU. If it makes you FEEL good, go for it! But I hope that you never ever feel that there is a magic garment or insert that makes you worthier of love...because, dear soul, you are already perfect, and worthy. And I send you great love. </div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-18039256499192315202018-12-13T17:55:00.000-05:002018-12-13T17:55:07.220-05:00It's Just Dog Pee on a Backpack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A couple of months ago, my 11 year old daughter was feverishly working on her "list of things we will do" for a weekend with one of her good friends. According to Ari's list, the weekend would not be complete without a Dollar Store scavenger hunt, shopping at the outlet mall, matching outfits for a family birthday party...and those are just the few points I can remember!<br />
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What I do remember was telling Ari that I would fund part of the adventures, but she was going to be responsible for the rest of her spending money. I encouraged her to look for opportunities to earn money to present themselves, and then be willing to adjust her list if necessary, knowing the weekend was going to be awesome no matter what the budget ended up being.<br />
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Well...here's what you have to know about Arianna. She just knows everything is going to be fine. Every dog is going to be her best friend. Every shopping trip will end with donuts. Every school day has lunch period, so how bad can it be? She has a wonderful attitude to have every day!<br />
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So...countdown to weekend of fun...long list of spending opportunities...small budget...but open to the universe presenting opportunities...and then...<br />
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One morning Ari was at the bus stop in her dad's neighborhood. A woman with a puppy was walking by, and of course the dog WILL be Ari's new best friend, so Ari is enthusiastically petting the dog. Well, as dogs sometimes do, he decided to lift his leg...and pee, right on her backpack.<br />
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Immediately the woman was frantically trying to pull the dog away, apologizing profusely, as Ari broke out in her usual goofy laughter and said "but it's a puppy!!! Look at his fluffy tail!" She was sincerely nonplussed by the turn of events! The woman was trying to find a working water hose, rubbing grass clipping on the pee to try to soak it off, etc. She even said "I am going to buy you a new backpack!" Ari assured her that this was NOT necessary.<br />
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However, the next morning, the same woman showed up at the bus stop, cash in hand. And Ari really tried to refuse the money, but the woman insisted she take it.<br />
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So, when Ari returned to my house a couple days later, she relayed the story to me, and I was incredibly proud of her for how she handled the situation. She knew the backpack was just a thing - she didn't get flustered at the woman, or her dog, or make matters worse but getting upset at the situation. And, she did try to refuse the money.<br />
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So, I said to Ari, that there will be a lot of situations like a dog peeing on your backpack, situations where you could decide to shrug or laugh it off, or situations where you can get angry and make matters worse.<br />
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(Don't get me wrong - there are DEFINITELY situations where justifiable anger is the order of the day. But, if no one is physically or mentally hurt or abused, if the opportunity is there to shrug it off and walk away...then do so. The momentum could easily shift from "let's get angry and blow this out of proportion" to "let's have some perspective and keep calm".)<br />
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In my opinion, Ari's calm response and her knowing that everything would be ok, was what allowed the universe to present her with some of the money she needed for her weekend-of-fun to-do list.<br />
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There are times where anger seems like the correct response...but probably not. (TRUST ME...this is coming from a woman who was jailed based on a lie on the day of her daughter's dance recital.) I can tell you for certain: out of everything that happened to me and my children over the last couple of years, I can distinctly feel the difference in my life, and in my heart, and in my soul from BEFORE i learned to "shrug it off" to after.<br />
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People lie...people manipulate...entrap...coerce...abandon...and sometimes, the worse thing they do is perpetuate an idea that you are not worth forgiveness, support, or love. But I have never felt more powerful than I do today. Because the power never lies in lies or manipulation or revenge - true power is the energy to focus your life, focus your thoughts, focus your mind in a direction that will propel you to greatness. <br />
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After all...isn't it all dog pee on your backpack? You always get to decide how to respond...and your attitude will help you see the solutions that the universe already has lined up for you. <br />
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May Dog Pee With You.<br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-91399734525104393602017-06-12T14:05:00.000-04:002017-06-12T14:07:38.290-04:0016 Saints for Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church Jasper, Georgia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My dear friends...I feel like I have abandoned you and I am so sorry! I'm not sure why life takes the turns it does all the time, and sometimes, only with hindsight, do we get to actually understand what was happening and Why.<br />
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These past few months have been very challenging for me on a personal level, and unfortunately now on many other levels as well. I'm going to spare you the details, but I will tell you this...we all have trials, we all have challenges, we all have grief and suffering. Our experiences are valid because they are happening to us, effecting us, and shaping us. No one escapes challenges. <br />
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I was lucky enough to have lunch with one of my favorite people yesterday, and after I got done explaining my situation, she shared a trial in her own life...and immediately mine seemed small in comparison. My mind immediately shifted into "How do I help my friend? What are the right words to say? What can I DO for her?"<br />
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Truth is...sometimes...just listening is enough. Sometimes...just an extra long hug is enough...sometimes cooking dinner is enough.<br />
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Sometimes...knowing that we all experience hardships is enough. Others have triumphed, and we can as well. For many people, seeking out an example of perseverance, sacrifice, love, determination, strength, is necessary.<br />
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I was lucky enough to create portraits of 16 Saints for Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church in Jasper, Ga that - hopefully - will do exactly that. Hopefully, looking upon these faces will humanize these saints for the viewer...will help you see them as human beings seeking guidance, love, understanding just as we all are. I truly hope that looking into their eyes and gazing upon their likeness as I have interpreted them will provide a small measure of comfort to anyone who needs it.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_II" target="_blank"><img alt="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_II" border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1269" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieddUXGk3vQYMew-UwdGOK2mvLVGKxCd2k7pIHuolKf6-RA95fhyl8WsEXptsibwiUH9azvGSpDtwd3oMljL6nuJkQUciwSNvPgNDlHZekC0azZoWqSr1sR5bmhYNLy6boR9qdkQLa-kjN/s400/john+paul+cr.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_II" target="_blank">Pope John Paul II</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Monica" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Monica</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNuY8AMT1UlvqXbghU-ZE6Ml5XiXVUnPW_GkhSTo5xGcZ7xuA4ruGqwqtqs9ih82KI8slP16-gAVTUcJFILbCqhO3rbO3BMDQgxBaybj3yirbcy7g6SReFu5EhBYymUNQ0zkTGF79zWL3/s1600/monica+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNuY8AMT1UlvqXbghU-ZE6Ml5XiXVUnPW_GkhSTo5xGcZ7xuA4ruGqwqtqs9ih82KI8slP16-gAVTUcJFILbCqhO3rbO3BMDQgxBaybj3yirbcy7g6SReFu5EhBYymUNQ0zkTGF79zWL3/s400/monica+cr.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Monica" target="_blank">Saint Monica</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Xavier_Seelos" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Xavier_Seelos</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cKDjM7ZNGBazffGj5cXGXAn7Jrxls-6-WmeF7AiDn9rl-b9GBWGWEW77XdkGqcgr7caOeDRT8_rz72kz9_Xpk0xPHC6r4Mrj5tgyAFaeMIm37mXKI16Z1DcTatOKrnIWEosuYuyel1qi/s1600/seelos+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cKDjM7ZNGBazffGj5cXGXAn7Jrxls-6-WmeF7AiDn9rl-b9GBWGWEW77XdkGqcgr7caOeDRT8_rz72kz9_Xpk0xPHC6r4Mrj5tgyAFaeMIm37mXKI16Z1DcTatOKrnIWEosuYuyel1qi/s400/seelos+cr.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Xavier_Seelos" target="_blank">Saint Francis Xavier Seelos</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqRxr7VBxsXFfMpZOj5jlC0p7PC-gd715J9MKDUeyysY8Z9uGvCYcPsAXw7wyBbpZCytXIeDh2XUTyDiUE4T_az8yGH7_FnRN-uCxmpngclYPXlkJMF8kao_ofNjRCl_Ydbppk21tqv2_/s1600/thomas+more+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqRxr7VBxsXFfMpZOj5jlC0p7PC-gd715J9MKDUeyysY8Z9uGvCYcPsAXw7wyBbpZCytXIeDh2XUTyDiUE4T_az8yGH7_FnRN-uCxmpngclYPXlkJMF8kao_ofNjRCl_Ydbppk21tqv2_/s400/thomas+more+cr.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More" target="_blank">Saint Thomas Moore</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri_Tekakwitha" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri_Tekakwitha</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnVc4MGCygTpXqjq9JP-nRCH0XlUns5boeg9sG7cFSVlvZca9NJOufvHzfIGfY1MXbMMDLCAi93f9OU2V_kcnVDhQqzdmpNEf74TMtcbfwpV6KNVdC-_6nmTyvJwnMt2hxjpRDJv1SbBp/s1600/Kateri+CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1089" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnVc4MGCygTpXqjq9JP-nRCH0XlUns5boeg9sG7cFSVlvZca9NJOufvHzfIGfY1MXbMMDLCAi93f9OU2V_kcnVDhQqzdmpNEf74TMtcbfwpV6KNVdC-_6nmTyvJwnMt2hxjpRDJv1SbBp/s400/Kateri+CR.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri_Tekakwitha" target="_blank">Saint Kateri</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun%C3%ADpero_Serra" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun%C3%ADpero_Serra</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNOae1CTCcjuIL0_olxgQh53EsktDhSVan9uod3x7uEZMvuZvfifMn7iGVLzMPx1KOEu5c_OvI83E1Z2ZpGNqZ3NmItLc7IxLkWhkDHh4DfhZzwpzRXFr4rqDXfZyjsOMB_8sp8MdCZNv/s1600/serra+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1265" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNOae1CTCcjuIL0_olxgQh53EsktDhSVan9uod3x7uEZMvuZvfifMn7iGVLzMPx1KOEu5c_OvI83E1Z2ZpGNqZ3NmItLc7IxLkWhkDHh4DfhZzwpzRXFr4rqDXfZyjsOMB_8sp8MdCZNv/s400/serra+cr.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun%C3%ADpero_Serra" target="_blank">Saint Junipero</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_of_Lisieux" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_of_Lisieux</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y27iX-FqAFDZHg-RYMdhyphenhyphenyYUqQ6L4liSuK9IoWP7vC-FslX4nrQgpzH1L_Q97sfd-Jm81aFIMcWPt5oaYMe7zUySrw9ivGloPyXo4gUfEAuRHiv_wP4zBsYQI5sePj_E4zrs1C-DGt-e/s1600/Therese+CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="568" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y27iX-FqAFDZHg-RYMdhyphenhyphenyYUqQ6L4liSuK9IoWP7vC-FslX4nrQgpzH1L_Q97sfd-Jm81aFIMcWPt5oaYMe7zUySrw9ivGloPyXo4gUfEAuRHiv_wP4zBsYQI5sePj_E4zrs1C-DGt-e/s400/Therese+CR.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_of_Lisieux" target="_blank"> Saint Therese of Lisieux</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Pro" target="_blank"><img alt="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Pro" border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="588" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6-MkczwrfUhYD-FKeyJK9v23wD-LcaZjs5OSTD8_7OmYt30q4MZ5S39et5YgOVoHOgGEQdcZuFf7JeSzjKOMccR9OauS75fsygtl52hb_6advsV-uxichrbTW-2Vm2NbKjWFDKlRM8-K/s400/Pro+CR.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Pro" target="_blank">Saint Miguel Pro</a></div>
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Saint Vincent de Paul</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHjbWRn9NzKqLLMKwP07n857LeVBDNgVR9onQc1IPUP9NiSCAI1LbJmXBkWjSk2526-AuXdHD_u0DueeVnkOZvwF0fLRcB7si8zhESUoWNk7tZA-EUP5zl-JqBbI3qXIYRw6OdWLYiwxf/s1600/Saint+Joan+of+Arc+CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1279" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHjbWRn9NzKqLLMKwP07n857LeVBDNgVR9onQc1IPUP9NiSCAI1LbJmXBkWjSk2526-AuXdHD_u0DueeVnkOZvwF0fLRcB7si8zhESUoWNk7tZA-EUP5zl-JqBbI3qXIYRw6OdWLYiwxf/s400/Saint+Joan+of+Arc+CR.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Saint Joan of Arc</div>
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Saint Edmund Campion</div>
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Saint Martin of Tours</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbiEPLPswyNgEHoFOKkQwlhpNNSa0exc5wrcNvVo6_KkUGCvdbqRLCxJGdghJmAU0G4doPTYCGONWFcqj9gf8SM2UUatpc-GPgwfqGOCSk8Hj_03MbatfihgilUu0K9DMDj1sOuJcasZe/s1600/Seton+CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="579" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbiEPLPswyNgEHoFOKkQwlhpNNSa0exc5wrcNvVo6_KkUGCvdbqRLCxJGdghJmAU0G4doPTYCGONWFcqj9gf8SM2UUatpc-GPgwfqGOCSk8Hj_03MbatfihgilUu0K9DMDj1sOuJcasZe/s400/Seton+CR.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton</div>
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Saint Sebastian</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTtdhPmO0zvdMvwgffuPZNlnvbYoNiFkmoobu-joPXvfAanCSdMTBffVAPhbeiy_5iMnmmaSpFaH8G8JDQZ6oQUe9M7OvxM6zlerUs_08ZCUctaARWnUBkdr8ynqScKNDwlYffP-158CI/s1600/Saint+maria+Goretti+CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTtdhPmO0zvdMvwgffuPZNlnvbYoNiFkmoobu-joPXvfAanCSdMTBffVAPhbeiy_5iMnmmaSpFaH8G8JDQZ6oQUe9M7OvxM6zlerUs_08ZCUctaARWnUBkdr8ynqScKNDwlYffP-158CI/s400/Saint+maria+Goretti+CR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Saint Maria Goretti</div>
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Saint Louis the King</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-85592413828717565882016-04-27T11:52:00.000-04:002016-04-28T02:17:02.123-04:00Portrait of Jon Snow: Game of Thrones Fan Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Winter sure is taking a long time to get here! <br />
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OK...I could easily fill a whole post with Game of Thrones quotes...but let's get right to my obsession with painting the characters, ok? I have to get back into the studio!<br />
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Right from the start - like most other <a href="http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Season_6" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a> fans - I loved <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3229685/" target="_blank">Kit Harington'</a>s portrayal of Jon Snow. I've never read the books, so I didn't come to the TV series with any pre-conceived notions of who he should be, so I guess in that way I was lucky. Anyway - Kit Harington, obviously, is a very good looking man, and combined with the cinematography and costumes and his amazing acting I had no choice - had to paint a portrait of Jon Snow!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTPCaRh6A3lZ9fWkqMNunIJ4LivrE5FYiHT1QeOZfyKUwNZ46mCNhQUCuJpuOSiFxZiIJfioUpkVrSkkHQ3sx6BZaconCe7tg6Qbc7hn0xEA4nJIwrMClRn7SRlkxmnEXYmLJYoNEXbix/s1600/torrie+grey+gamblin+oil+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTPCaRh6A3lZ9fWkqMNunIJ4LivrE5FYiHT1QeOZfyKUwNZ46mCNhQUCuJpuOSiFxZiIJfioUpkVrSkkHQ3sx6BZaconCe7tg6Qbc7hn0xEA4nJIwrMClRn7SRlkxmnEXYmLJYoNEXbix/s400/torrie+grey+gamblin+oil+paint.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So just the other day I was lucky enough to get my hands on a tube of <a href="http://www.gamblincolors.com/torrit.grey/index.html" target="_blank">Torrit Grey</a> - the color that <a href="http://www.gamblincolors.com/" target="_blank">Gamblin Oil Paints</a> releases every year in honor of Earth day. It is created from all of the dust particles trapped in their filters over the course of the last production year. Anyway...it turns out to be a perfect foil to one of my painting characteristics: I love color. Maybe a little too much at times. I am always trying to "tone down" my skin tones. So...I found a Jon Snow screenshot that I liked, him in a cool green forest with an overall atmosphere of grey-ish green, and got out my usual palette.<br />
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However, this time, every color I mixed - from the black of his hair to the green of the trees to the flesh on his cheeks - had a touch of Torrit grey mixed in. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Now I am not the first artist to do this - having a pile of color that an artist mixes into each color on his painting is sometimes referred to as "the mother". An artist will add a touch of this to every color she mixes, to unify the palette. Often times this is a light purple, like a periwinkle, sometimes a combination of alizarin crimson, white, and blue (french Ultramarine would work)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ2fWvd8iqVx4IIAM4rfZU5ERi3WRo_JNC_ZSon4VoaoN-KkEFa61H1WRFm0cxHG6_P1YglL1USreRNbFamJDbGYiKzysfCkvQW_9hreMtRlgjQha2pX8F02GqVLuK339_JjT_oqNsCoi/s1600/john+snow+paint+palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ2fWvd8iqVx4IIAM4rfZU5ERi3WRo_JNC_ZSon4VoaoN-KkEFa61H1WRFm0cxHG6_P1YglL1USreRNbFamJDbGYiKzysfCkvQW_9hreMtRlgjQha2pX8F02GqVLuK339_JjT_oqNsCoi/s400/john+snow+paint+palette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I knew the reference photo I wanted, the color approach I wanted, I got to work, starting with transparent red oxide on 11" x 14" gessoed panel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIjZs_fYr2b1NpI_MBf9fPHsfkpj_MdHif1HY6cSiHg6TOHYWsLKEXG5ehXM_VRayL4KGG_jvDT9j3L12JCodPz_zE0fZvMSXFf5wQypF99smVW411mR6zM_Z_W3xsvXXrfaRt9pYWBfO/s1600/john+snow+portrait+painting+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIjZs_fYr2b1NpI_MBf9fPHsfkpj_MdHif1HY6cSiHg6TOHYWsLKEXG5ehXM_VRayL4KGG_jvDT9j3L12JCodPz_zE0fZvMSXFf5wQypF99smVW411mR6zM_Z_W3xsvXXrfaRt9pYWBfO/s400/john+snow+portrait+painting+start.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5IAccisH9gahT59YMGIEKS1ivG0ENfKytTc6InUXi7DD5RhlTwA_UkvYE5INS8bMTNEjZKt5QkgjILfSHZlWXFOf5KhhexfXPOLzVNMwM8qg8FUE7D11J4vPHNKYug7w0esQPSWV4HE5/s1600/john+snow+portrait+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5IAccisH9gahT59YMGIEKS1ivG0ENfKytTc6InUXi7DD5RhlTwA_UkvYE5INS8bMTNEjZKt5QkgjILfSHZlWXFOf5KhhexfXPOLzVNMwM8qg8FUE7D11J4vPHNKYug7w0esQPSWV4HE5/s400/john+snow+portrait+detail.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I spent a lot of time on subtle tweaks to every angle on the face - a slight change in the arc of the eyebrow changed the expression from fear to steadfast, a crinkle in the corner of the eye from thoughtfulness to rage, the line of the lips changed from tense to confident. It's amazing what subtle changes can do to an expression. And I am so in awe of what this amazing actor captures in just a glance, I wanted to be sure to honor that in every stroke.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKKwJn4U-_jU9UmIVT9982TRIsx8TnwMrFkYXWTnsOx_P8kEKcGG79QOXAmXiSRoKtQ9l2JQ4ewgNVfckADmF4w0qFshGEYxzxrC6x7R-O3J0YdEovyjEVrrecDTHDaEBG2id4PCkCI_3/s1600/john+snow+portrait+krystyna81+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKKwJn4U-_jU9UmIVT9982TRIsx8TnwMrFkYXWTnsOx_P8kEKcGG79QOXAmXiSRoKtQ9l2JQ4ewgNVfckADmF4w0qFshGEYxzxrC6x7R-O3J0YdEovyjEVrrecDTHDaEBG2id4PCkCI_3/s400/john+snow+portrait+krystyna81+cr.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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I've also painted <a href="http://krystyna81.blogspot.com/2015/04/portrait-painting-of-lord-tywin.html" target="_blank">Tywin Lanister</a>, <a href="http://krystyna81.blogspot.com/2015/04/inspired-by-game-of-thrones-portrait.html" target="_blank">Master Luwin</a>, and Lady Stark (I will share her portrait soon!)</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-58907772670172617392016-03-05T13:08:00.000-05:002016-03-05T13:08:14.220-05:00You Are Valid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sharing my work on line is one of the most rewarding things in my life. Not only because the actual selling of my work supports me and my children, but the act of connecting with people through my work can be so powerful, and sometimes, can even change my life.<br />
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Last week I received a note from a woman who saw my two self-portraits, "Unleashed" and "Draw Forth". She explained...<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ebf6f9; color: #333333; font-family: 'Graphik Web', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>"I am going through a rather complicated breakup and these speak to me. Both the calm resignation in 'Draw Forth' and the hurt and rage in 'Unleashed'. Seeing these emotions external to myself has helped to put some things in perspective"</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/241441582/draw-forth-original-charcoal-drawing-by?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTsZv0F3dr5EejD3rGHKqD1jQH6eWWl-5lyDgsQzb8TaRIdKuFvBCtqBr0HUBwJEfJJOntsFX5QIUsQN9mkQ9Z5NJadS0xFL0llxptC628LlFsQ7s7PpTn8w5XXhw4t1mIrad5EiCEEV4/s400/draw+forth+cr.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ebf6f9; color: #333333; font-family: 'Graphik Web', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>"Draw Forth"</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/241439584/unleashed-original-charcoal-drawing-by?ref=related-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMatZMzYaFnMi6iGnUx9JB06veJtEgT0VGcCT1Et2ZTgsTFPs3DZJ5LtbeaxAHBgcVdN6OG7CyMuck-M39qbF5cQZ6_Mww2yhXENwdzXvHvLrFZQp80uQvPkM3B5_Ty4YcAONqc3E74SEk/s400/charcoal+drawing+modern+unleashed+cr.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ebf6f9; color: #333333; font-family: 'Graphik Web', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>"Unleashed"</i></span></div>
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This note meant so much to me. Just a couple weeks ago, I was having a discussion with a fellow artist about what I was currently working on, and we started talking about work with a Message - social, personal, political, etc. And he asked why I wasn't creating more work with a personal story.<br />
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My only explanation at the time was that for so long now, my thoughts and feeling rarely seem validated, and/or understood by some of the people in my life. NOT ALL - just some. But sometimes they are the people who have the biggest impact on my self-worth.<br />
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I don't want to get into specifics either, because I think there is a way to learn and share without throwing people "under the bus" so to speak. It felt like there was a pattern in my life for so long, that if I wasn't comfortable in a situation or how something was going, I was told "well other people have it worse so don't complain", or if I changed my mind on something I was WRONG to change my mind. Or worse...wrong to have an opinion in the first place.<br />
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Changing your mind, wanting something more out of a relationship, having thoughts and opinions that might differ from someone else, these are all VALID. Valid things to go through in your day to day life. If you are surrounded by people who challenge those feelings, belittle them, or cut you out of your life because of them, that is THEIR short-coming, not yours.<br />
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So what do you do in this kind of situation? First of all, you become a better listener, which I am thankful to say that I am. Because, truly, that is what I want sometimes, too - to be really listened to. Not have my feelings dismissed or belittled or challenged. So that is the first thing I am going to put out there into the universe - my willingness to listen to my friend's, children's, and loved one's feelings, and always let them know that they are valid. <br />
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Secondly, I need to listen to myself. I need to stop letting someone who is bigger than me or who is stronger than me or who makes more money than me or who is simply louder than me (which is not many people) decide which of my feelings are "right" or "wrong". <br />
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So let's get back to my point: this woman's note really meant something to me, because she saw a message in my work, interpreted it for herself, and learned from it. I don't know if there is a higher compliment that I can receive as an artist, or a human being. I am so thankful for that. I am emboldened by her sentiment and finding a lot of personal strength because of it. I'm inspired to re-examine pieces that I have abandoned or never even started because I had become afraid of expressing my thoughts and feelings. <br />
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THANK YOU to every one of you who follows my work because you relate to it, enjoy it, feel something when you look at it - even if it's just joy! - which is a valid response to art! Thank You for listening.<br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-21777678805381318052015-11-01T20:32:00.000-05:002015-11-01T20:34:15.496-05:00Saying Good-Bye to Studio 81<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">This is probably one of the most difficult announcements I've had to make in a long time. The building that houses Studio 81 and Ann Litrel Art has been sold, and we will be moving out very soon. I have decided to close Studio 81 at the end of November. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I was lucky to call this space my Home Away From Home for five years. The opportunity to share this space with Ann came at a time that I found myself desperately needing a place to work without the constant needs of my two very young children. (Although...there were a lot of times they came and painted there with me!)</span><br />
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<img align="none" height="266" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/be834380d9da8b84372e67149/images/ari_and_mom_in_the_studio.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; height: 400px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 600px;" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">One of the first regular classes, and one of the staples at the studio, was our weekly Figure Drawing group. We've had several hundred sessions over the last few years, very fortunate to have a roster of incredibly talented and generous figure models that inspired us every week.</span><br />
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<img align="none" height="266" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/be834380d9da8b84372e67149/images/bb41e6ff-c784-4448-9506-58616af3ea46.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; height: 400px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 600px;" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And of course I could not have kept the studio open without my morning painting classes and mini workshops. There have been numerous faces in and out of these groups over the years, and as life keeps taking us on our journey, health, finances, obligations often changed the size of the groups, but the joy that teaching brings me never wavered.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Over the past few months, I realized that the studio - while never in the red, and I am thankful for that - was not generating enough income for me to justify, as a single mother, maintaining the space. This was very difficult for me, because I never really thought of the studio as "Mine". The studio always became Alive when it was filled with creative souls, and I felt - as I am sure Ann did - that this space was meant to be here, in downtown Woodstock. It was destined to bring creative souls together. And it was partly my privilege to do so.</span><br />
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<img align="none" height="266" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/be834380d9da8b84372e67149/images/78c612e3-bb06-47a5-b3c1-96c193560e74.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; height: 400px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 600px;" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">One of the things I am most grateful for is the fact that this gorgeous space, nestled in the heart of our wonderful downtown, allowed me to bring some of the most amazing artists today to teach workshops. <a href="http://www.caseybaughfineart.com/" target="_blank">Casey Baugh</a> ended up teaching four workshops here, <a href="http://kerrydunn.com/" target="_blank">Kerry Dunn</a> twice, and <a href="http://www.jeffhein.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Hein</a> will be back in just a couple weeks to help celebrate the final weeks of our studio with his second workshop. These workshops invigorated me, inspired me, and have helped me grow both as an artist and as instructor. They will forever be some of my favorite memories at the studio.</span><br />
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<img align="none" height="400" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/be834380d9da8b84372e67149/images/d1609add-57a8-4465-b876-0ae1620ea855.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; height: 400px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 600px;" width="600" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Looking through photos, I realize that my children have greatly benefited from enjoying the space as well. They often created along side me, or used the quiet time to read, and grew up these last five years getting to know downtown Woodstock. It was important for me, too, that they saw me having a place to work and create. </span><br />
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<img align="none" height="400" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/be834380d9da8b84372e67149/images/ffb96439-92f0-493c-882a-e8f8e59cdb74.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; height: 400px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 600px;" width="600" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And anyone who has met my children know that they are quite the characters. Jack would stand on the sidewalk shouting out "Art Show! Come see the Art Show!" for Friday night live (when he wasn't entertaining the adults, of course!) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Critique nights, Friday Night Live, watching the sunset from the roof, sharing wine with friends, laughing until it hurts, spilling pastels (you know who you are!), explaining the naked woman in the middle of the room to the police officer, and way too many other memories to count. What a joy it has been to call this studio Home for as long as I have, and it was only a home because I got to share it with all of you.</span><br />
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<img align="none" height="450" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/be834380d9da8b84372e67149/images/63c04e90-1f8a-43a0-abb7-7f107801ae3b.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; height: 450px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 600px;" width="600" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">So what will happen next? Well my Tuesday morning students barely took a breath before they started planning who would get to host the first class at their house! So I don't think they'll let me sit idle for too long! And I wouldn't have that any other way. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">The first thing on my to-do list will be to liquidate as much of the props, furniture, easels, and of course - ART - at the studio in the next few weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And, I am currently looking for a home, hopefully with a home studio space. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">In some ways, I hope that saying good-bye to this space will help me pursue one of my biggest goals, which is to get to the point where I can teach a workshop anywhere in the world. If I keep the studio, I will always be in the mindset of bringing students and other artists to me. I'm excited about the new adventure of going out into the world and teaching all over. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">What beautiful bookends I have on my time in the studio - how the universe brought me the opportunity at a time when my on-line business was bringing in enough money for me to pay the rent and start teaching. When I needed a space outside my home, when I needed to remind myself that I was more than just Mom. And now, as the universe has set this move in motion, I am lucky enough to have a large commission that will carry me through the next few months as I settle into a new teaching routine, and I feel that it is also that nudge to "Go...pursue the next step". I am tearfully grateful that I am being watched out for.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Thank you so much, Ann Litrel, for seeing the beauty and potential in this gorgeous room, and allowing me to share it with you all of these years. And thank you to every single one of you who made it all worth while.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I will be sending out a final schedule for the month, including our last two Figure drawing evenings, my last Friday Night Live, and the big studio clearance sale.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Much love to you all, and Happy Creating,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Kristina </span><br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-41233924728696069712015-08-03T10:59:00.000-04:002015-08-03T10:59:33.106-04:00Figure Drawing Open Studio Woodstock GA <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDmqkygvW-xKr5uEUDdYhZoCsNk3zM73Jx37VApGpBuP8qfgDs0OpXbLXMbg3pgJAfznciArdq-_CUjQF-r-ZzBVGPfydeur9pz0G5j-aSnvT8vYULBpm8cuUYuNGjRO6ttyYHek0nTM5/s1600/open+figure+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDmqkygvW-xKr5uEUDdYhZoCsNk3zM73Jx37VApGpBuP8qfgDs0OpXbLXMbg3pgJAfznciArdq-_CUjQF-r-ZzBVGPfydeur9pz0G5j-aSnvT8vYULBpm8cuUYuNGjRO6ttyYHek0nTM5/s640/open+figure+drawing.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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I'm excited to announce that the open figure drawing studio sessions are starting again!</div>
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Every Tuesday night August - September 2015</div>
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(No Session on September 22nd)</div>
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Model schedule still in the works but so far...</div>
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August 4th - Mike</div>
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August 11th - Melanie T.</div>
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August 18th - Michika</div>
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August 25th - Ellie</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-70328934580160293802015-07-13T20:58:00.000-04:002015-07-13T20:58:56.747-04:00July Portrait Painting Workshops and Fall Art Classes in Woodstock, GA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpZg95JypZnthhAxVXRf2QUt4pWmSfPgJu6_3hZzrxoM8HCbJNLz3RndYWk2BXVMpzb80ZcFfhWJwmFyGg9ouMcjNwvR09snWl6xbi-eJH_FqH4lWNeAq7kg10r_qlF1WRbRpXvsk5_EV/s1600/body+paint+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpZg95JypZnthhAxVXRf2QUt4pWmSfPgJu6_3hZzrxoM8HCbJNLz3RndYWk2BXVMpzb80ZcFfhWJwmFyGg9ouMcjNwvR09snWl6xbi-eJH_FqH4lWNeAq7kg10r_qlF1WRbRpXvsk5_EV/s400/body+paint+1.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Thursday and Friday - Mini Portrait Workshop</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">July 16th and 17th<br />9:30 - 1:00</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Artists' Choice! Kristina will be on hand as you enjoy two full days from the live model (African American Female) Monochromatic, painterly, inspired by another artist - you decide!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">***ALMOST FULL!***</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><a href="mailto:81artist@comcast.net?subject=July%2016-17%20Portrait%20Workshop" style="background-color: white; color: #6dc6dd; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Email Kristina</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"> right away to hold your spot!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">$80.00 per artist</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">-If you can only attend Thursday or Friday - contact Kristina to see if a daily spot is open.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Thursday and Friday - Mini Portrait Workshop<br />July 30th and 31st<br />9:30 - 1:00</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Artists' Choice! Kristina will be on hand as you enjoy two full days from the live model. Monochromatic, painterly, inspired by another artist - you decide!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">SPECIAL PRICE - for any student who has attended a workshop this summer - $50 for the two day class!</em><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">New Students $80.00</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><a href="mailto:81artist@comcast.net?subject=Final%20Portrait%20Workshop%20July%2030%20-%2031" style="background-color: white; color: #6dc6dd; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">ENROLL NOW</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"> to save your spot!</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Fall Classes Begin August 4th!</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">This fall I will be offering Tuesday and Wednesday morning painting classes. These classes are for all levels.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">New students will be required to complete two still-life paintings before venturing on to other subject matter.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Continuing students are encouraged to alternate between photo reference and live subjects (still life, sculpture, live model, etc)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Tuesday and/or Wednesday Mornings<br />9:30 - 12:30 (Doors will open at 9:15)</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">8 week session August 4th - September 30th (no class 9/22 and 9/30)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">$200.00 for 8 weeks.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Drop in rates of $30 per class available if space permits.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">SPACE IS LIMITED - </span><a href="mailto:81artist@comcast.net?subject=I%27m%20interested%20in%20Fall%20Classes" style="background-color: white; color: #6dc6dd; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">contact Kristina</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"> to reserve a spot or ask questions! </span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Tuesday Night Live Model Group </strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">I miss drawing and painting from the live model - don't you?!? I'm looking for a core group of artists dedicated to bringing back a weekly figure model session. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Tuesday nights August 4th - Sept 29th (no class 9/22)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">I'm looking for 6 fellow artists who want to pre-register for only $10 a week - must commit to all eight weeks! That's only $80!</em><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">After the first 6 artists- drop-in artists can attend any week for $15.00.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">I will ONLY hold these sessions if the minimum artist count is met - </span><a href="mailto:81artist@comcast.net?subject=Tuesday%20Night%20Figure%20Group%20" style="background-color: white; color: #6dc6dd; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">let me know ASAP</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"> if you want to join!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Full nude, artists can work on portrait or figure. We will make timing of poses artists' choice week to week - either a variety of long and short poses or one long pose.</span></div>
Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-29821027934277943802015-04-28T19:51:00.000-04:002016-04-27T11:28:32.211-04:00Portrait Painting of Lord Tywin Lannister, Actor Charles Dance - Game of Thrones Fan Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As explained in my previous post about my portrait of <a href="http://krystyna81.blogspot.com/2015/04/inspired-by-game-of-thrones-portrait.html" target="_blank">Maester Luwin</a>, I am obsessed with the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/" target="_blank">Game of Thrones </a>series, not just because of the amazing actors, but the brilliant cinematography. I pretty much want to paint every scene!<br />
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So here is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001097/" target="_blank">Charles Dance</a>, who plays<a href="http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Tywin_Lannister" target="_blank"> Lord Tywin Lannister</a>, as he stares down his son Tyrion. Spoiler alert!!! OK this has already aired, so you probably know...this is the scene where Tyrion is looking at his father over a crossbow, as his father perches in a most humiliating spot, on the privy in the middle of the night. Never flinching, his stoic gaze remains fixed, firm, and confident. And while all this brilliant acting is going on, I am saying to myself "look at that pretty light on the side of his face!" and I have to paint it.<br />
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Of course, poor guy, many people still look at this portrait and say "Hey! It's that guy from "The Golden Child!"<br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-83892581417085086102015-04-27T23:11:00.000-04:002017-06-12T12:39:20.889-04:00Yoga for the Artist's Soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I started my Yoga practice about two years ago, and I am continually grateful that I came to the Yoga practice when I did. I needed the quiet, the introspective time, sometimes the opportunity to think deeply, to cry freely, to let things get worked out in class. It was part yoga, part therapy.<br />
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I started yoga around the same time I realized that there was a deep problem in my marriage, mostly on my end. My feelings had changed, my love had changed, and I didn't think I was ever going to be able to go back. I had reached an exhausted point - I was physically and emotionally wiped out. I felt I had nothing left to give. I had stopped decorating for holidays, stopped doing fun things with my kids, stopped reading, stopped trying to make new foods. I was just...done. And I hated that feeling.<br />
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On the surface, very few people could tell anything was wrong. There were a couple poor souls who were subjected to my almost weekly phone calls, filled with tears and heartache, trying to figure out what I should do. I kept teaching class, kept working out, kept painting. Hardly anyone knew I moved out until several months after it happened.<br />
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It's been over a year since I moved out, just about one year since all the papers were signed. Yet, this has been the most difficult month so far. <br />
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I'm starting to come to terms with one of the biggest factors that led to the demise of my marriage, and in fact, the thing that keeps coming up in most of my relationships.<br />
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My problem is that I try to make people happy because in turn I wait for them to make me happy.<br />
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It's not as simple as "I made you dinner now tomorrow you make me dinner", or "I bought you a new shirt now you go and buy me a new shirt". It was giving in a lot of little ways, every day. I enjoyed making the foods that my family loved, I enjoyed sending birthday cards and gifts like clockwork, I enjoyed keeping a clean home. There were days when from sun up to sun down, it was just me, doing things for my kids, doing things for my husband, and never having anything done for me in return.<br />
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This is where I am sure many of you are saying "Well wasn't your husband out working so you COULD stay home with your kids? In-grateful bitch!" "Don't you call paying the bills DOING something for you?!" OK. Fine. I get that. You don't know the whole story. And I was a wife, not a servant.<br />
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(It happened in other relationships, too, but I am not going to create a laundry list of "I did this yet they didn't do that".)<br />
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Just sharing how my mind worked for most of the day, every day: How can I make ____ happy? - for every person in my life. And it wasn't just about giving...it was about who I was, how I was trying to make other people happy in the way I lived my life, instead of living a life that made me happy. I thought "If I am the person they want me to be, they will get involved...they will love me back" when all that did was make me miserable, and it did not get them involved.<br />
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I realize that I stopped enjoying just giving to people. Giving little gifts, giving extra hugs, giving homemade food, giving any little thing, just because. Giving turned into a desperation. I was in desperate need of...connecting. I was desperate for my happiness to matter to someone. I was desperately hoping for reciprocity.<br />
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I am not saying that people did not CARE. I was feeling alone, isolated, forgotten, taken advantage of. I was not being my authentic self, either. Sometimes people just don't realize it's happening, or that this is how I felt. I was out of sight, out of mind, for most people. And, truly, I know we are all busy people.<br />
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(I do not want to sound like nobody did anything for me, ever...there were nice things done for me sometimes. And sometimes, it was so unexpected, and I was so out of practice accepting something thoughtful, that I would be shocked into tears)<br />
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But I was letting a lack of connection with my husband create a desperate need in myself for SOMEONE to care. And I tried to get that by doing whatever I could for anyone else in my life. And, eventually, I realized that this was the wrong way to go about it, because the only thing that was happening was that I was making myself miserable. I was not making myself happy. <br />
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So here's where I finally come back to yoga.<br />
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Today in class, my instructor had the class pair off, so that we could practice Thai Massage on each other. As we massaged each other's feet and took turns rubbing shoulders, he repeated several times "Giving and Receiving are the same thing. This is a two way process."<br />
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I'm sure everyone interprets quotes and anecdotes and lessons in different ways, but for me, I had to get back to what giving USED to mean to me: that I was showing someone love, that I was showing someone I cared, that I found JOY in making those around me happy. I had to start finding the JOY in giving, rather than give as a desperate attempt to have someone else do something to bring me a bit of happiness. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Which brings me to the second part of today's lesson.</span><br />
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Paraphrasing my fabulous instructor, he reminded us that "breathing is the key. It is how we react to the moments in life that define us, not the moments themselves. Breathe about it. Don't react to it".</div>
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So...learning about where I am and how I got here... I have terrible reactions. A lot. I react with guns full blazing to a lot of little moments. I am slowly realizing, though, that it has very little to do with that particularly difficult moment, and a lot more to do with my own happiness.</div>
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Now I must admit - I think the phrase"you are in charge of your own happiness" gets used as a cop-out by some people when they do not want to take any responsibility for how they can make other people feel. Intentionally or not, if you hurt someone's feelings, you don't turn to that person and say "well I'm not here to make you happy. That's your own job". </div>
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I know that it is my job to seek out the relationships in my life that feed my soul. I know it is my job to let go of those that don't. I know it's my job to nourish my art, because my art makes me happy. I know it's my privilege to raise two amazing, healthy, smart, funny kids, and that it is truly a joy to do so. I know what I wear, what I eat, where I go, how I dance, should all make me happy...not fit the mold of what I *think* will please someone else enough to want me in their lives.</div>
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I need to get back to giving because I WANT to give. I have to get back to doting on my children while realizing - they are just kids. Kids who are self involved and not yet capable of reciprocity. </div>
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For a little while, I was thinking to myself "you need to stop doing things for people. It just doesn't work".</div>
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And you know what? That thought made me miserable. I love doing things for the people I care about. I need to stop doing things for people as a deposit on future return, though - I need to treat giving like it is receiving. End of story. I give, I get joy. Done. </div>
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It's been a tough year, and a very difficult month. I am thankful for my art, my time in my studio, which truly is my joy, and my therapy. There have been many tear-filled nights holding a brush, trying to work through difficult passages in a painting while also trying to comprehend all of these emotions. But...you know...progress is being made. See? I got my handstand...well...almost...soon enough I won't need the wall :)</div>
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Yoga is a practice. Art is a practice. I am so thankful that I am learning these lessons, whether it's the first time or the tenth time. I am grateful. And...becoming happy. </div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-2129677779310885032015-04-14T23:37:00.000-04:002015-04-14T23:38:11.130-04:00Inspired By Game of Thrones - Portrait Practice - Master Luwin played by Donald Sumpter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Someone who shall remain nameless got me sucked into Game of Thrones. So for the last three months I chain watched episodes and caught up to season 4. I was one of - apparently - 8 million people who turned in on Sunday night to start <a href="http://time.com/3822190/game-of-thrones-season-5-viewers/" target="_blank">Season 5</a>. <br />
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From the very first scene in the series, I was enamored of the lighting and the costumes. I am horrible with names, my attention span isn't what it used to be, and darn it! I have to stay caught up in my Words with Friends Games! But all the world stops when I watch GoT.<br />
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So far I have done three portraits, and I'll share this one first - <a href="http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Luwin" target="_blank">Maester Luwin from Winterfell</a>, played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0838910/" target="_blank">Donald Sumpter</a>. <br />
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One of the aspects I am working on in my paintings is my tendency to paint very "hot" - too much red and orange in my skin tones (we can debate if that's a good or bad thing later...I just want to try and paint in a cooler palette, experiment with the color) So I loved the color of Maester Lewin, especially in this scene where he is teaching Bran about Westeros in the episode "<a href="http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/The_Wolf_and_the_Lion" target="_blank">The Wolf and the Lion</a>".<br />
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I started with very cool, dark, transparent colors to block in the face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TBGIXtwYiwplHtWcK39e-mwxeDzKm2Tez-CiorRDcGhcZBQcoKEHE07t8dYBjVOz3sIzReKyQOgKT5nTKV7051E4Uid4QKwBIeGBq-HT2gAgyWJGyLX2FgIbfNXypbHhBkgMFhhiM0OW/s1600/maester+start+1+game+of+thrones+portrait+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TBGIXtwYiwplHtWcK39e-mwxeDzKm2Tez-CiorRDcGhcZBQcoKEHE07t8dYBjVOz3sIzReKyQOgKT5nTKV7051E4Uid4QKwBIeGBq-HT2gAgyWJGyLX2FgIbfNXypbHhBkgMFhhiM0OW/s1600/maester+start+1+game+of+thrones+portrait+art.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then started to block in some of the flesh on the face. I realized - when taking photos - that my camera (ok iphone) tends to make everything look warmer - more red - than in "real life". So that could be one of my problems - when painting from photographs the reds are too strong.</div>
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Anyway, I purposefully only used cool colors on my palette - the "warmest" color was transparent red oxide. </div>
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Because the scene was filmed in an outdoor cool light, the flesh had a cool feeling, very icy blue, everywhere except his ear. That is the only spot I used any cadmium orange and red. It was a nice contrast to the predominantly cool painting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyLd0Rt18hrb07xoGAxeoWuJ9zWYc0GocxPWrPqBUNpBvDc4PCVSqJqnO0jAipm0YxoKiRKouL6Xr3pmuOHc-kReDbqH3PbnVi5q7QN2cHSYnsygpJakE9ZqnCfJLWRWKhgGnmyTTxRm0/s1600/edge+pro+gear+portrait+painting+palette+game+of+thrones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyLd0Rt18hrb07xoGAxeoWuJ9zWYc0GocxPWrPqBUNpBvDc4PCVSqJqnO0jAipm0YxoKiRKouL6Xr3pmuOHc-kReDbqH3PbnVi5q7QN2cHSYnsygpJakE9ZqnCfJLWRWKhgGnmyTTxRm0/s1600/edge+pro+gear+portrait+painting+palette+game+of+thrones.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I took great care to try and capture what Mr. Sumpter brought to the role of Maester Luwin - the incredible warmth partnered with deep wisdom. I have incredible respect for these marvelous actors, and everyone on the Game of Thrones team...they are all artists.</div>
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The painting is done on an oil primed linen, that had a previous life as another painting, and was then recovered with oil based primer. I intentionally leave some texture along the edges, a little peak of the history of the surface. This portrait is 11" x 14".</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-71357927386562172632015-03-23T22:49:00.000-04:002015-03-23T22:49:28.055-04:00Self Portrait With My Daughter - Part Two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK back to the self portrait...here are a few shots of developing my profile...<br />
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I did my best not to over-work it...I love the cool light from the window on my profile, and the warm light from the floor on my chin. And many of you know...I have an addiction to color, I mean it's worse than my love of dark chocolate. So although I *try* to tone down the red, the painting always ends up feeling dull and lifeless when I do that. I find myself thinking "Do I need to be bland to get into the big shows? Do I need to use just brown and white to be taken seriously?" and truth is...when I do that? I hate the painting. I want my paintings to be fun and joyful and colorful, awards may not agree, but that's where my heart lies.</div>
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And here are a few of the process shots developing Arianna's face. You can see it starts out very abstract, and features come into focus after I establish the larger shapes of the face. No point in making a pretty eye that's too big, too small, or too far to the left - get everything else around the eye correct first.</div>
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These pictures are all from my cell phone, so forgive the poor detail. The final piece...(well...a cropped version of the final...)</div>
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I have titled this piece "In My Shelter She Will Live, Beyond My Shadow She Will Thrive" It's a combination of a couple quotes I read about Motherhood. We moms have a very difficult job, to support our daughters yet push them out of the nest as well. I am realizing that my daughter is already doing things "just to make Mom happy"...like take certain dance classes she doesn't really like, because <u>I </u>want her to enjoy it so much. I want her to have the chance I didn't have, which was to really take her dance as far as it can go (OK she's eight! I'll give it time!) So here's the thing: How do we moms give our kids the support and encouragement they need to succeed, yet give them their own spotlight? I live with too many regrets, of always leveling out in everything I have done, never reaching a level just above "OK". I don't want her to be almost 40, wishing she had achieved more.</div>
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And yet...she is not me...she is her own person...and my job is not to correct my mistakes though her, but to enjoy her every success along side her, and always, always, let her know that I will support any opportunity that comes her way.</div>
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Well hello 2015....when did you get here? I haven't been blogging...sorry...but I have been painting!<br />
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Early this year I began a self portrait with my daughter. Quite accidentally, actually. I was taking photos in the studio one day, and my kids were there with me. I asked Ari to be my photographer, and then I asked her to jump into the photos.<br />
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This is the self portrait I worked on from the photos that day...I will post a better picture when it is all dried and finished!<br />
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Of course she couldn't just sit - first she gathered up a mask and some roses to "accessorize" our pose, and THEN we could take the picture. So about a hundred photos later, I cut and pasted a few together that gave me the look I wanted in her face and mine. <br />
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This is just one photo so you can get the idea of the window light on the floor, and of course, see the fancy accessories Ari added.</div>
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So first steps are shown below - I have so many pictures I am going to break it up into a couple posts. But my plan was to start with bold colors and big shapes, then work into the shadows, then the details.</div>
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This is a wood panel, 36" square, primed with oil. I did put a 9 square grid on the surface so that I could get the scale correct of the two figures. I only began to work on the faces after everything was blocked in - no reason to have the perfect face, and then find out later it should have been two inches to the left or a couple inches smaller! I purposefully aimed to have Ari's face in the middle. When I moved the entire composition to the right, it became to mom-centric. It was a very conscious choice to move me to the left.</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-17869919572942430182014-12-31T13:03:00.000-05:002014-12-31T13:03:19.918-05:00Painting Classes with Kristina Laurendi Havens <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Tuesday Morning Painting Sessions</strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Please note that there are two options for painting classes at Studio 81. Each session lasts six weeks, and reservations are required. The first six weeks: Tuesdays are regular class, Wednesdays are portraiture with instruction and a live model. The second six week session: Tuesday mornings are portraiture and Wednesday will be the regular class. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Make up sessions will be limited, so please register according to your availability. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Questions? </span><a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:81artist@comcast.net?subject=Art%20Classes%20for%202015&body=I%20am%20interested%20in%20your%20morning%20painting%20classes." href="mailto:81artist@comcast.net?subject=Art%20Classes%20for%202015&body=I%20am%20interested%20in%20your%20morning%20painting%20classes." style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" target="_blank">Contact Kristina </a><br />
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Tuesday and Wednesday Morning Painting Classes</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Oil Painting classes are available to all levels on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the studio. Students are encouraged to start with still life to develop an understanding of color and composition, and how to work with paint, before advancing to other subject matter such as portraiture. </span><br />
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Tuesdays 9:30 - 12:30</strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">(Doors open at 9:15)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 6th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 13th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 20th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 27th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 3rd</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 10th</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Cost is $150.00 for all six sessions, drop in rate is available at $30.00 per session and reservations are required.</span><br />
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Wednesdays 9:30 - 12:30</strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">(Doors open at 9:15)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 18th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 25th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 4th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 11th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 18th</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 25th</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Cost is $150.00 for all six sessions, drop in rate is $30.00 per session and reservations are required.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FoEkOgBAoZtE6TIHtV5tC5PPpwrrjMZOpz9LxVMJ5JLfBLcLD4KGycC2r5aEYvPntjZqkagdMWuNVfYbOWkINWdjQs_cuM91EuX3_TM5s0X_1_jdLPxQxY_3Vj7fCp83IORNPg-lRw3L/s1600/painting+Devin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FoEkOgBAoZtE6TIHtV5tC5PPpwrrjMZOpz9LxVMJ5JLfBLcLD4KGycC2r5aEYvPntjZqkagdMWuNVfYbOWkINWdjQs_cuM91EuX3_TM5s0X_1_jdLPxQxY_3Vj7fCp83IORNPg-lRw3L/s1600/painting+Devin.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Portrait Painting Classes</strong><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">By popular request, I have alternated the schedule to include blocks of classes that will focus on portrait painting. The first three classes will be working on studies of portraits, either from photographs or busts. The last three classes will focus on painting from the live model. The model fee is included in the class fee, and a minimum number of students will be required to hold the class. Each class will start with a 30-45 minute demo.</span><br />
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Wednesdays 9:30 - 12:30<br />(Doors open at 9:15)</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 7th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 14th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 21st</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">January 28th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 4th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 11th</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Cost is $195.00 for all six sessions. Reservations are required.</span><br />
<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Tuesdays 9:30 - 12:30</strong><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">(Doors open at 9:15)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 17th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">February 24th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 3rd</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 10th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 17th</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">March 24th</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Cost is $195.00 for all six sessions and reservations are required.</span><br />
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-41406204425936741302014-12-28T13:02:00.003-05:002014-12-28T13:05:10.342-05:002015 Juried Art Exhibitions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Two portraits were selected by esteemed juror <a href="http://michaelshaneneal.com/" target="_blank">Michael Shane Neal </a> for the 2015 Portrait Society of Atlanta Winter Exhibition. The show will take place at the LONA gallery in Lawrenceville December 31st - January 29th.<br />
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"The Agronomist", painted for the <a href="http://www.davinciwine.com/Da-Vinci-Storytellers/2013-Storytellers.php" target="_blank">DaVinci Wine Storyteller Experience</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwsX5EI3QLMPBi514aORxk-B7nmW-JQK956KY-0xbXeWNkxg1ulkVnHRUagfA-jb0_PvkXgSrgzS_lwwcNN560K0fgMBPlSIm301KSMN-Nb50nH5j7DxO1qLOtfV2ZFzsqn9WXLfkEujS/s1600/LaurendiHavens-K-The-Argonomist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwsX5EI3QLMPBi514aORxk-B7nmW-JQK956KY-0xbXeWNkxg1ulkVnHRUagfA-jb0_PvkXgSrgzS_lwwcNN560K0fgMBPlSIm301KSMN-Nb50nH5j7DxO1qLOtfV2ZFzsqn9WXLfkEujS/s1600/LaurendiHavens-K-The-Argonomist.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
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and "My Heart, Away"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03xOP-7pYE09MGCn-AbPo_-7Kq37b2gn1GUkFg5Mxv7VV6-g8M9gW6Pue80CwAQgOyLfGbEfpVtNAKFPDYo1DCOnOsZwvaOXECDogm11LSAnYEK_JaY6oRdcT58gqSYGxuAoGQwfndHB7/s1600/my+heart,+away+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03xOP-7pYE09MGCn-AbPo_-7Kq37b2gn1GUkFg5Mxv7VV6-g8M9gW6Pue80CwAQgOyLfGbEfpVtNAKFPDYo1DCOnOsZwvaOXECDogm11LSAnYEK_JaY6oRdcT58gqSYGxuAoGQwfndHB7/s1600/my+heart,+away+cr.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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I also have two portraits selected for the <a href="http://womenpaintersse.blogspot.com/p/e-newsletter.html" target="_blank">Women Painters of the Southeast 4th Annual Juried Exhibition</a> at the Blue Ridge Arts Center April 3rd to May 1st 2015.</div>
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"Portrait of a Florentine Tourist"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91xHhCGpImuyhb2F12QGSPZOa_6Iif9zCpFhlqou8XMZNmUlEqwcqQsTL_mfrzKzEch-u6XpC4AmYUsCYb4vpYa7I0BFky2joXJS4MDqoKgEtZdF-2TuPaEVLh4s6PcpN4ab_7qKGcC40/s1600/portrait+of+Florentine+Tourist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91xHhCGpImuyhb2F12QGSPZOa_6Iif9zCpFhlqou8XMZNmUlEqwcqQsTL_mfrzKzEch-u6XpC4AmYUsCYb4vpYa7I0BFky2joXJS4MDqoKgEtZdF-2TuPaEVLh4s6PcpN4ab_7qKGcC40/s1600/portrait+of+Florentine+Tourist.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Dauntless"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8WNa61qK3wgPZ7Hys9P9CSPh0MsqxocV6sZnrDct0HQAS56KWB74uLdCrP72lJDg9oHzPy6QkDP0VKrp-oQgnND6GKipWY3KQi9jzzBvQTCC0XP8Wja3xkqvH55OSO0hkLiOGlnRaLkz/s1600/LaurendiHavens-K-Dauntless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8WNa61qK3wgPZ7Hys9P9CSPh0MsqxocV6sZnrDct0HQAS56KWB74uLdCrP72lJDg9oHzPy6QkDP0VKrp-oQgnND6GKipWY3KQi9jzzBvQTCC0XP8Wja3xkqvH55OSO0hkLiOGlnRaLkz/s1600/LaurendiHavens-K-Dauntless.jpg" height="400" width="237" /></a></div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-8179187314625169472014-08-27T22:39:00.000-04:002014-08-27T22:39:44.944-04:00Glow: The Auction of the Woodstock Vignettes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNPDAo81J9kABf5xtwpDozW20qE_D_cww0G0_xGg1WCc8La6bMB75kwyk5EvtsRZjmwUabNk-bJv4HVPePXE7TwqOVyTdzPlahjg6R8EtpMpRxdIN7fTfrzvPhGbkaJApEyuyG4zZ7XCn/s1600/glow+collage+new+with+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNPDAo81J9kABf5xtwpDozW20qE_D_cww0G0_xGg1WCc8La6bMB75kwyk5EvtsRZjmwUabNk-bJv4HVPePXE7TwqOVyTdzPlahjg6R8EtpMpRxdIN7fTfrzvPhGbkaJApEyuyG4zZ7XCn/s1600/glow+collage+new+with+date.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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In just a couple of weeks, the largest group of paintings I
have ever created will be divided up, and head off to new homes. It’s a bittersweet moment for any artist to
say “good bye” to just one painting, let alone almost 40 all at once, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WoodstockVignettes/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums" target="_blank">TheWoodstock Vignettes</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As an artist, one of the biggest compliments I can receive from someone
is “You've inspired me”. It could be a
student, a collector, or just an admirer.
My great hope with this group of paintings is that I have inspired more
people to believe in, and support, the dream of the <a href="http://www.elmstreetarts.org/" target="_blank">Elm Street Cultural ArtsVillage.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will embrace all aspects of
creativity, from the visual arts to the theater, the musical stage to the
culinary arts. Whatever you are
passionate about, whatever feeds your spirit, you will find an aspect of it
that can be nurtured through this endeavor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The painting Auction, <a href="http://www.elmstreetarts.org/glow/" target="_blank">“Glow”</a>, will take place on the Event
Green on September 20th. Live jazz music
from Tayrn and the Wednesday Trio, hors d’oeuvres from one of your favorite
downtown restaurants, a cash bar, entertainment from our fabulous Emcee and Elm
Street Theater actor Joe Lemmo will all come together under the huge tents.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The money raised by the auction of the Woodstock Vignettes
Paintings will benefit the restoration of the Reeves Home: the future site of
an Art Gallery, art classrooms, and studio spaces.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xxSSDZ_iOZbHELSSZ_MuBIf_Y2TsqN1OAdi3TwVprTm6NouQwVaSJHwNJgdjpZY9U9tsXFrTQTSF6zXnhmfyyzk5QR0kEsm3NuzMoMlJ8oswnS52L1H5mXLI2CyB_alsumYqgKqAoow2/s1600/reeves+front+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xxSSDZ_iOZbHELSSZ_MuBIf_Y2TsqN1OAdi3TwVprTm6NouQwVaSJHwNJgdjpZY9U9tsXFrTQTSF6zXnhmfyyzk5QR0kEsm3NuzMoMlJ8oswnS52L1H5mXLI2CyB_alsumYqgKqAoow2/s1600/reeves+front+small.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFHtob2gVlLYO61-vsMF3B_Gkr3yzmrbfTYHx383kwsbz79nwTo_vTiBNiF2K9uMFVBM8GHq53W_Rik3xNW0uQX8kWQdgCg0Z9hTk6X-B-nTTxC5sQ5GaUPJsVs7r26ekTSaTwZXt_H-2/s1600/reeves+inside+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFHtob2gVlLYO61-vsMF3B_Gkr3yzmrbfTYHx383kwsbz79nwTo_vTiBNiF2K9uMFVBM8GHq53W_Rik3xNW0uQX8kWQdgCg0Z9hTk6X-B-nTTxC5sQ5GaUPJsVs7r26ekTSaTwZXt_H-2/s1600/reeves+inside+small.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.elmstreetarts.org/elm-street-changing-the-way-communities-experience-art/" target="_blank">Renditions of the Reeves House Renovation</a></i></div>
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Registration is required for this special event, as seating
is limited. Please visit <a href="http://www.elmstreetarts.org/glow">www.elmstreetarts.org/glow</a>/ by September 12th to purchase tickets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Follow the Woodstock Vignettes on Facebook at
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WoodstockVignettes" target="_blank">facebook.com/woodstockvignettes </a>for special preview nights and more information
and how you can be part of supporting the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-64243935953473703092014-08-21T10:07:00.003-04:002014-08-21T10:07:40.775-04:00Portrait Society of Atlanta - Spring 2014 Juried Exhibition of Members<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am very honored and excited that two of my portrait painting were juried by <a href="http://oldcityhallgallery.com/frantzen.html" target="_blank">Rose Frantzen</a> into the Spring <a href="http://www.portraitsocietyofatlanta.org/events.htm" target="_blank">2014 Portrait Society of Atlanta Juried Exhibition of Members</a>. The exhibition opens Friday, August 22nd at Roswell Visual Arts Center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2LI568Y4gNDsaSQAbSKjkgo_aDsGQXyio5khVZTJMGrg0oBt8aDSDpSkjzECyIzC9tOTnKUgBlnzwAVHGko1ZSkHGi21RDWDK4D0h_PudinTk11QbGQLez6ZN4KIc6v5AAr-Hrsh-Zus/s1600/portrait+oil+yogi+cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2LI568Y4gNDsaSQAbSKjkgo_aDsGQXyio5khVZTJMGrg0oBt8aDSDpSkjzECyIzC9tOTnKUgBlnzwAVHGko1ZSkHGi21RDWDK4D0h_PudinTk11QbGQLez6ZN4KIc6v5AAr-Hrsh-Zus/s1600/portrait+oil+yogi+cr.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-76629739711557561602014-06-23T10:14:00.000-04:002014-06-23T10:14:59.452-04:00A Few Recent Original Art Sales on Etsy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am thrilled to see some of my favorite pieces are off to new homes in the past couple of months. Saying "good bye" to some of these has motivated me to create some new work!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszGT0zDZ8R0LWCDI38eVGagkO1hWKqdsmWAMQTbwlI0DpA1leNDNwqy7tDiCzZ6zPnDQSSxOrUVSOpuo1sdkE5b8CPy2nhjDDSJihPrFZv1ta6gXyX_ff19lLxjpuZMHjkNLBUVsSdz46/s1600/nude+on+blue+fabric+colorful+pastel+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszGT0zDZ8R0LWCDI38eVGagkO1hWKqdsmWAMQTbwlI0DpA1leNDNwqy7tDiCzZ6zPnDQSSxOrUVSOpuo1sdkE5b8CPy2nhjDDSJihPrFZv1ta6gXyX_ff19lLxjpuZMHjkNLBUVsSdz46/s1600/nude+on+blue+fabric+colorful+pastel+drawing.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pastel drawing from the live model on dark blue paper. More <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krystyna81?section_id=13914634&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">original pastel drawings</a> available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFQkw9G4fJhW8f87hja20I6Epe17P4dzGU-4Y6XeNYzsqF1KSFYNTSj6I9mtVU54-0R2WfVvRcpp4yYD_ZbignAxx3p_5OsRSqqL26_26xuJJRrbgCPmaJqloKU3Xk9vjkgOHYftCIjg_/s1600/nude+on+green+fabric+pastel+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFQkw9G4fJhW8f87hja20I6Epe17P4dzGU-4Y6XeNYzsqF1KSFYNTSj6I9mtVU54-0R2WfVvRcpp4yYD_ZbignAxx3p_5OsRSqqL26_26xuJJRrbgCPmaJqloKU3Xk9vjkgOHYftCIjg_/s1600/nude+on+green+fabric+pastel+drawing.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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Original pastel drawing from the live model. I love that 70's green fabric! More original <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krystyna81?section_id=13914634&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">pastel drawings from the live model </a>are for sale.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVY93XkHqGvrcTkiZFmfmX5EaoTV2_dVVNCOG5Mh-u200mSog4CkwEgY0jvphL4lQCPpx5F5NJNp3DhbDSdalqg4zGtAfaegRlWtaZFcrcNmCFCVSNcfsmpZSQ5OXz_9wSoV9ak8l6tsz/s1600/oil+painting+monochrome+pink+nude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVY93XkHqGvrcTkiZFmfmX5EaoTV2_dVVNCOG5Mh-u200mSog4CkwEgY0jvphL4lQCPpx5F5NJNp3DhbDSdalqg4zGtAfaegRlWtaZFcrcNmCFCVSNcfsmpZSQ5OXz_9wSoV9ak8l6tsz/s1600/oil+painting+monochrome+pink+nude.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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This was one of my favorite paintings for a long time. The monochromatic pink color scheme was based on a beautiful photograph of some delicate pink roses. More <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krystyna81?section_id=10400927&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">original oil paintings</a> are available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGSezXIhRe3-mNMLqZgSwBCnbC5vK4PkpNApLeak3L-9p3PWpDIV3tW7-lMN9DEb1jQdaY8ZMu7BBY1t8iBnfK_ISTCAlj7cRUTb3sIGcGEJf-DwKS3cY-JkVjmMbC0RvpVD6x7UHpNAX/s1600/pastel+painting+seated+nude+colorful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGSezXIhRe3-mNMLqZgSwBCnbC5vK4PkpNApLeak3L-9p3PWpDIV3tW7-lMN9DEb1jQdaY8ZMu7BBY1t8iBnfK_ISTCAlj7cRUTb3sIGcGEJf-DwKS3cY-JkVjmMbC0RvpVD6x7UHpNAX/s1600/pastel+painting+seated+nude+colorful.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
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I love working with pastels on colored paper! The fuchsia pink jumped from this olive green paper. More original<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krystyna81?section_id=13914634&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank"> pastel figure drawings</a> from the live model are here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEsvFNV8ZOtVqSzivBUgY2mgC7HC8-zq3rH3Wukl1YOdk5sgSpjENa7i0Paj_B4qnn5eqPdTxDQskaaWxvgCCLY3tlilDjZ-0LF6K7QAf78LsxU1cncbJJbA2VEJYXgSOjp6kP7X0omjM/s1600/watercolor+sketch+male+nude+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEsvFNV8ZOtVqSzivBUgY2mgC7HC8-zq3rH3Wukl1YOdk5sgSpjENa7i0Paj_B4qnn5eqPdTxDQskaaWxvgCCLY3tlilDjZ-0LF6K7QAf78LsxU1cncbJJbA2VEJYXgSOjp6kP7X0omjM/s1600/watercolor+sketch+male+nude+2.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PeQXRUyocPU0NOGhLLYt0Kp_2z0gh2GJp48J6o4RYq0mRUWqgRPw8md94oGxjgOyTE3kg3jXEL2PfyATR-jRqtky9tIDTl5Gy5kc0VMD6RbpzBfX4PQyB49OmsOnMe372si63tfa2ptd/s1600/watercolor+sketch+male+nude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PeQXRUyocPU0NOGhLLYt0Kp_2z0gh2GJp48J6o4RYq0mRUWqgRPw8md94oGxjgOyTE3kg3jXEL2PfyATR-jRqtky9tIDTl5Gy5kc0VMD6RbpzBfX4PQyB49OmsOnMe372si63tfa2ptd/s1600/watercolor+sketch+male+nude.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two watercolor sketches from the live male model. They are a combination of purples and browns. I love working from the live model, finding and losing shapes in the chest and abdomen as the model breathes. More <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Krystyna81?section_id=10400927&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">original watercolors are in my Etsy shop</a>.</div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504038576279241872.post-30787992947573996372014-05-19T21:09:00.002-04:002014-05-19T21:09:19.203-04:00It's Your Turn to be a DaVinci Storyteller!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year, I was truly blessed to experience one of the best weeks of my life. Surrounded by talented, wonderful people, amazing food, plentiful wine, and heaven-on-earth landscapes everywhere I looked, I was a <a href="http://www.davinciwine.com/Da-Vinci-Storytellers/" target="_blank">2013 DaVinci Wine Storyteller</a>. Now - it's your turn! There are only a few days left to apply - good luck!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaVinciWine?sk=app_1410650542524290&app_data" target="_blank">2014 DaVinci Storyteller Experience</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHoeKz-rRKnQ_3-ZYCKz9GtqOEzTgexxCJCv21_lfAN3qMKHuxTDlMKK0pn6PvJBMxbO92lxGXRZ49G2x4Crbmd6J5vHT2-1N0NRn7n4fIn_Y_q9zW2cGyn8mWOYCyb-x2ZnaYPWBpLvg/s1600/davinci+storytellers+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHoeKz-rRKnQ_3-ZYCKz9GtqOEzTgexxCJCv21_lfAN3qMKHuxTDlMKK0pn6PvJBMxbO92lxGXRZ49G2x4Crbmd6J5vHT2-1N0NRn7n4fIn_Y_q9zW2cGyn8mWOYCyb-x2ZnaYPWBpLvg/s1600/davinci+storytellers+2013.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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With my fellow 2013 Storytellers <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaristasKitchen" target="_blank">Karista Bennett,</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Around-the-World-in-Eighty-Years/168236469887596" target="_blank">Jim O'Donnell</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeelaCyd" target="_blank"> Leela Cyd</a></div>
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Krystyna81http://www.blogger.com/profile/15511024163507167473noreply@blogger.com0