Angels Among Us

Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.--Anonymous

I am no theologian but I know there are angels among us. They are not the floating, hovering sort, but rather the close -by and in - your - face kind. They appear in our lives just when we need their smile, their wisdom, their encouragement.

The painting below, extracted from my conversations with paper towels, toys with imagery of these unlikely angels, called friends, that captured my imagination.

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Conversations with Paper Towels

  Have you missed me? I've been 'away' on a playful adventure, of late. It's one that has led me to whole new horizons whithout even leaving home! I 've brought along photos to show you some of the landmarks!

  The 'adventure' was this: exploring possibilites in paper towels. OK. I can hear you thinking, "Wow,"she's really lost her marbles this time!" But wait, hear me out..... 

  About a year ago, I began 'recycling' the paper towels I used to clean my brushes by immersing them in bonding adhesives and priming them onto canvas, then painting. The results gave intriguing textures and rich depths, like this one:

"Wild Poppies' 18x24 Acrylic on repurposed materials SOLD

One day, while creating one of these pieces with my 'paint rag' paper towels. I noticed the subtle lines and suggestions of form that the towels made. A thought crossed my mind: 'What if...?"

Instead of imposing what I want the image to become on the surface, why not allow the bumps, lumps and crevices to whisper their input and thoughts? Like finding dinosaurs and puppy dogs in cloud formations, I began to 'see' images in the the paper towels' landscapes. A clear horizon of potential spread out before me.

I detemined to step back and 'listen'to what the images sugested, instead of rushing forward to paint my pre determined ideas for composition. I decided to take a different approach to my 'conversation' with the painting, offering it respect rather than control.

Ever the lover of allegory and symbolism, I was struck with the similarity between creating a painting and having a conversation. They are both interactive call and responses. I reflected on the fact that just as when I often approach a conversation with a clear intention and a predetermined agenda, it expires quickly into a certain stale quality. Conversely, conversations I enter that are allowed to be open, organic and fluid are far more interesting, adventuresome and colorful.

As I 'listened', my paintings became filled with intriguing and delightfully surprising imagery. Indeed, upon beginning each new one, I felt as though I was meeting someone for the very first time and became delighted in conversing,
finding out just who they were.

The first one I 'discovered' was a poignant image of a woman in mourning.

This is how they begin; smeared, dried, paint stained paper towels unfurl into visual story line.

"They Were All Waiting" in its initial beginging stage

'They Were All Waiting' first washes of color

"They Were All Waiting" completed

This one reminds me of my many friends whose commitment to adopting children often requires patient waiting.

This one appeared as quite a surprise! As it developed, it's imagery reminded me of those with a 'different' spirit, who are doggedly determinded to volunteer for causes they passionately believe in and refuse to take 'No" for an answer.!

This one below, won my heart at first glance. It's humble beginings grew into a 'magical' delight for the imagination.

Well, thanks for letting me share the tales from this journey! More will follow!

 For locals, these new pieces will be displayed in my monthly Open Studios at Golden Belt in downtown Durham. The next one is scheduled for April 19. I'm in studio #3-114 in Building 3 of the Golden Belt campus.When completed, this body of work will contain aproximately 25 pieces and be featured in a local solo exhibit. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for being a part of my world.
Eleatta

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Life Lessons: Hidden Truths Found in Art Parties!

The greatest life lessons are rarely openly expounded. Usually they are cloaked, disguised and tucked under circumstances and opportunities. Rarely do they shout, "Hey, this is really valuable stuff, Fella,! Listen up."

I've found a few of these "life lessons" even lurking in my Art Parties! I didn't go searching for them. They actually crawled out and found me! Since launching  Art Parties by Eleatta , about a year ago, I've been collecting and saving these little bits of truth to share with you! Here, I've lined 5 of them up for your parusal. They're in no particular order. Just enjoy! ...and let me know if you'd like to come observe them in person at an Art Party!

- Every day is a blank canvas.
Each time we rise from bed, we have a brand new opportunity to create the color, line, theme and texture of that day. It's a new day; it's a fresh start.

- Mistakes are fixable
Most of our goofs can be wiped, fixed, altered, repaired, forgiven or forgotten.  Painting is a constant reminder that Mama was right, "Don't cry over spilt milk." If there's a spot or blotch where it shouldn't be, don't panic, just paint over it!

- Lighten up
Don't take yourself too seriously. Relax and enjoy the ride. Studies show that when we try new things, we feel more "alive."Five year olds never need to be coddled into enjoying time at an easel.

- Life is a journey 
 Life is a process. As the paint is layered onto the canvas, step-by-step, I remind the guests to embrace the process. In a day of uploads, downloads, copy and paste, the slower pace is welcome relief.

- Be confident
Outlook and perspective can make or break a man or woman. My observation during Art Parties is that it is the mindset which is brought to the easel that determines the outcome of a painting much more than the "skill" of the party guest.
“As is our confidence, so is our capacity.” — William Hazlitt

These are the first little group of hidden truths from the Art Party room. I'll be sharing more soon. What do you think of these? Are you the type that views flubs and goofs as easily repaired or do you tend to 'sweat the small stuff?" Is it easy for you to remember every day is a blank canvas? I remind myself often of the ancient promise, "God's mercies are new every morning."

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Friends and Freebies!

Friend "therapy"!

Spending time with friends is one of life's simple pleasures. In our busy lives, however, it's necessary to intentionaly carve out time to do so!

I've been delighted to see so many groups of friends use Art Parties as a creative time to reconnect. There have been Mom's groups, birthday celebrations, grad students, office mate gatherings, book clubs all laughing and enjoying a different sort of "ladies night out."

I don't know which is more beautiful, these paintings or these smiles!

Art Parties have also been filled with multiple date nights, with groups of 6 couples painting the night away!

Group date night!

Fall is nudging forward! Somehow I always associate cooler weather with catching up with friends over coffee or tea. So, I've been busy planning a some awesome Art Party specials that will make "friend time" even more memorable. Here are the Specials for September and October :

Returning guests: Freebies! Returning party guests receive a complementary seat when they schedule a party with a minimum of 5 new friends. (As always I can accomodate up to 12 guests.)  Simply register  here with your details.

And for those who have been WANTING to book a party, NOW is the time!

First time party: First time Art Party planners get a great deal in September and October.  As an introductory offer, you may be a group coordinator and come for only $20 when you gather 5 friends to come along ($25 each). Beverages (wine or juice), cheese, crackers and chocolates are included, along with all art supplies needed.

Party Details! Here is where you can find out all you'd like to know about planning a party.Art Party FAQ

As always, parties come complete with hors d'ouerves, cheese, cocolates and wine (if desired.)

Art Party reservations can be made by leaving your info and contact details here. 

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Fresh Paint

   Huddling up in my studio in the evenings for these last few weeks, I find myself still painting "birth flowers" in my ongoing Celebrating Life series. I've found poppies to bequite a "best seller!"Besides being bright and cheerful, the poppy packs a powerful message. During the Victorian era, it whispered a secret message, "Love at First Sight."Here's my latest rendition, below. 

Being stumped for a title, I posted a querry on facebook. As always, help came in about 60 seconds. A friend nailed it with, "Poppy Promenade."Love it!

"Poppy Promenade" by Eleatta (c)18x24"acrylic 2012 Available:$225 plus shipping
eleattadiver@eleatta.com

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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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Art Party: June BOGO!

Art Parties!
June is Pansy BOGO month

This is the inspiration for the June Art Parties!

  Since beginning Art Parties by Eleatta, I have had the privilege of introducing so many party guests to the surprising delight of painting. Last week someone said, "I can't believe I have been missing out on this sort of fun all my life!" Although, coming from the lips of a young 20 something did make me smile!

  I firmly believe that anyone can be empowered to paint if given the right instructions. A lot of my guest's success stems from the careful color planning that I do for each project along with the  guidelines for composition.

  Here's some pics from a few of the masterpieces created this past month with the inspiration of poppies.

If you would like to make some flowers bloom, June is a great time to grab a friend and come paint!

Here's a sneak peek of the first batch of pansies:

 Click here to see why my Art Parties really ROCK! (How's that for an utterly shameless plug?)

Here's some Art Party FAQs

June is BOGO month! Buy one spot and get the second free!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

See even more photos of past parties here!

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