Monday Motivation : Up From Under

A series of Monday posts meant to inspire and motivate.

Up From Under

"Up From Under" by Eleatta 2011 (c) 5x7 oil pastel on paper $35

Even in the darkest of circumstances, calling to mind thoughts of gratitude causes hope to surface.

*"Up From Under" is available for purchase by contacting : eleattadiver@gmail.com

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Motivation Monday: Spelling BRAVERY

                                     A series of Monday posts meant to inspire and motivate.                                                       
                                       A Different Way

"I'll Go This Way"by Eleatta (c) oil pastel on 5 x 7 paper ($35)

The essence of being brave is daring to pull away from where the crowd is going.

I'll Just Go This Way or prints of it may be purchased here:
Eleatta Diver - Fine Art

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Your Special Day!

Celebrate life!

Life is richer when we stop and celebrate the little moments with one another. From birthdays to

retirements, there's a steady stream of reasons to celebrate.

My sweet hubby shares a birthday moment with our daughter.

   
 Our youngest son's musical accomplishments, our precious grandson's arrival, and a 30 year anniversary are just a few of my own special moments.

 Celebrations (birth flowers), the current theme I'm painting, have made it easy for folks to find "just the right" gift. Many have been purchased as birthday gifts, retirement gifts and anniversary remembrances. I love hearing all the stories that patrons tell me about the who, what and why behind their purchases. 

"Wild Rose" (June's birth flower) 18x24  $225 SOLD

 I love the stories!
This was one of my favorite stories. "I want to buy this piece for my Mom. She is going to be 73 and I want to give her something, that I know she will love. She has done so much for me...."


Just like Alice 
Feeling a bit like Alice, I've been tumbling down this floral adventure since last December when Durham's Golden Belt artist community held it's 1st Annual 12×12 Benefit Exhibition. That's when I began painting the flowers dedicated to each month.  So many conversations about birth month flowers and their meanings have filled my little studio.

The hidden meaning 
I've been fascinated not only with "birth" flowers but also the hidden flower meanings, some of which date back to the Victorian era. In a culture whose every message is "in your face", I've found their gentle symbolism so refreshing!

The initial 12x12 grouping as shown outside my studio at Golden Belt, in downtown Durham,NC

Here are some birth flowers I've painted since this initial show:

 

The Carnation: January.The pink carnation meant I'll never forget you.
*SOLD

The February birth flower is the violet which symbolizes, faithfulness and humility.
*SOLD

The daffodil is the March birth flower. The flower means domestic happiness and friendship. You are an angel, this is the hidden meaning of this flower that was so favored during the Victorian era.

The daffodil is the April birth flower. The flower means domestic happiness and friendship. "You are an angel", is the hidden meaning, favored during the Victorian era.
*available for purchase: 12x12 acrylic $150

The rose is the June birthday flower and it is a symbol of beauty and love.
* SOLD

The lily of the valley is the May birth flower and signifies humility and sweetness. This flower that was so favored by the Victorian era has that it has a hidden message too, which is "you have made my life complete."
*SOLD

July's flower: water lilly meant an open heart.
 Available: $150 acrylic 12x12"

               This lovely flower carries a sweet hidden message,"Take care of yourself for me."

September: Morning Glory- (Available for purchase) 18x24 $175

 I find that the more I paint, the livelier the quality and have enjoyed using the smaller format to explore new techniques and compositional arrangements. Stay tuned for more!

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Art Parties for Babies?

Art Parties are a great way to celebrate!

   I have a confession. I hate shower games! The funny thing is I don't  think I've actually ever talked to anyone who said they did like them! This realization led me to a great idea! I've begun offering Art Parties as an alternative to the obligatory shower games. (I seem to hear a sigh of relief coming from the masses of women!) Well, maybe not the masses but at least those who are taking me up on the idea of using an Art Party to solve the what-do-I-do-for-the-shower dilemma.

 Besides providing a great way to celebrate some of life's great milestones (birthdays, showers, reunions, retirement etc.) the parties also pack a couple of really big bonus. The host receives a gift of the "sample" painting and the guest of honor receives a complementary demo painting. That's pretty awesome, if I say so myself!

 Here are some pics from a recent party:

The guest of honor and myself right before all the painting fun begins!

 This beautiful soon -to -be -mom was a guest at TWO of my Art Parties at Golden Belt--Downtown Durham. She and her sister had enjoyed painting so much that her sister surprised her with an Art Party for her shower!

All of these women did such an amazing job! Just look at those gorgeous paintings! 

  I count it a privilege to facilitate groups like this. Watching the crowd, all with varying skill levels, develop their paintings brings a smile each time I have the opportunity!

Can you spot me in this pink sea?

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The Art of the Party

Art Party table all set for guests!

 Recently a little girl and her mom "ooohed" and "ahhhed" their way into my Golden Belt studio. Enticed by the table "set up", they inquired about the sign for Art Parties The woman exclaimed, "You know, that's a great idea! I want to do this! I am always signing up my KIDS for fun, artsy things, but we adults never get to do this sort of thing!"

 This was one of the reasons why I began hosting art parties. Painting with friends is a fabulously unique way to spend an evening together,have some creative fun and make a great memory!


For an utterly shameless plug,  see why my Art Parties really ROCK! 

Here's some Art Party FAQs

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

See even more photos of past parties here!


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