This is a very welcoming church filled with old fashion acceptance.  Here all are welcomed.  No judgment.  It was refreshing.

The El Pueblito United Methodist Church isn’t necessarily a pretty church from the outside.  The building is plain with a very tall turquoise cross at its entrance.  The building has had several lives….it was a gas station, bar, cafe and now a church.

This  little church by the side of the road has what they call a “shared table”.  They serve 500 – 600 hungry men, women and children, every other week.

Steve, the pastor, talked about getting back up on the horse after falling off, never giving up, always trying again and again.  This is so true for artists.  We go into our studio and sometimes fail in sharing our vision.  Our colors are dull, the design doesn’t work, our subject matter is boring….why didn’t we notice that before we decided to paint that still life?  The next day we go into our studio again.  We are determined to wrestle this painting to the ground and by golly, we are going to win.

This is the determination needed to be a successful artist.

I felt full of peace that Sunday morning.   Outside in a field  filled with the colors of autumn, sun dancing on the newly cut grass, violin music playing…………pastor on horseback sharing the love of humanity.

The photos in this blog were taken by photographer Lenny Foster http://www.lennyfoster.com

Check out his website for gorgeous photos of “healing hands”

Here is the class picture from the workshop in Taos last week.  Fabulous people who joined creative thoughts and produced many wonderful paintings.  It always amazes me when a class comes together as this one did.  They were supportive of each other, painted with all their heart, each suffering silently in frustration with the newness of some of the painting ideas yet growing in leaps and bounds.  I have other pictures but am having trouble getting them accepted so will share them later when the problem has been solved.

Taos was unusually hot so we took off early one day and went  to Arroyo Seco to see this lovely town and indulge some Taos Cow ice cream.  Sitting outside on the porch of the Taos Cow  eatery we laughed and shared stories that normally would have been been left untold.

While in Arroya Seco the gals shopped and enjoyed the diverse opportunities that awaited them.  A trip like this awakens the visual spirit.

Workshops are gifts we give ourselves

Not everyone is privy to this energy as they are not yet awake.  It is like when you purchase a new car, all of a sudden you see the model you just purchased everywhere.  You have awaken something within you that was asleep.

Opening our brain to new things is one of the most important aspects of the creative life.  Learning new techniques,  a new way to hold the brush, how to blend colors,  finding a new surface to paint on when you get bored with canvas or paper.  When I am writing there are times when only a pencil will do.  Interesting how our bodies tell us exactly what we need and if we are connected to our feelings when we are painting we are told many things to improve the painting.  Of course, the problem is we over ride this information and we struggle with getting the painting “right”.

Go to the studio today and as you paint relax into the creative flow.  As you are painting remember when that feeling comes that shouts “use red”, but you know red does not work at this place in the painting…..use red!  Trust your gut and give it a try.  We grow when we are willing to take chances.  We grow when we are not afraid.  We grow when we no longer care what others think.

Today…..grow.

Time to witness the birth of an evening.   Time to become one with the universe.

When we take this time to become part of the universe we become  more real as an artist.  We actually see…we look….we are aware.  This is when we are whole.

Take time this week to look….beyond what is normal…..be silent…be still….absorb and breathe.

Enjoy the journey to the inner part of YOU.

Much love

gwen

I usually blog each Monday but this past Monday was my birthday.  I decided to give the whole day to myself.  No computers, no emails!  Birthdays should be a day you give to yourself the gift of celebration, belief in self while wrapping yourself in love. On my birthday I always give myself a gift. I try and find something that is beautiful and makes me feel  special…..this year it was a gorgeous soft cadmium yellow scarf with curled edges that looks and feels like spring.

My puppy Emma gave me a great gift…..she went to doggy daycare for the day!!!!

As I age I look back to see the patterns in my life.  We all have personal patterns ….  some are good, some bad.  These patterns teach us who we are.  The patterns we develop in our ever day life also flow over into our creative life.

This past weekend I taught a Collage and Design workshop to a group of gals who fed my soul. The energy of the group seemed to grow as each day progressed.  Collage papers were everywhere. Laughter, frustration, laughter, frustration.  The collages were stunning and the smiles told it all.  Some were already into creating but others awakened a sleeping giant within their soul.  Watching as a whole new world is being born is a treat like no other.

I will be teaching workshops in Taos, New Mexico this summer.  They will be posted  soon in case you are interested.

So what was I contemplating about?  The new year….2009.  Last year was a tough year for me with lots of losses.  2009 will be welcomed in with vigor and determination.  I asked myself  “Exactly what do the artists need that come and study with me?  How can I help them open their hearts and allow the knowledge of their greatness enter?”

Maybe you can help me with this.  What areas of your art would you like to improve?  Is it the business side, the technical side or maybe the confidence side. Give this some thought and in 2009 we will cover these topics and conquer what holds you back.