Studio Zanne

Photo Published

2012-02-07T09:45:00.004-06:00

My photograph shown above was published in the Austin Business Journal.

In the Presence of Love

2011-12-07T01:51:00.004-06:00

"Variation No. 2" 12x9" pastel

The above artwork was donated for the ASH Insights Art Show & Sale benefiting the Austin State Hospital January 26, 2012.

"Celebrate the Presence of God within every cell of your being."

"Come, let us stand in the brilliance of Divine Love...let it wash over us and melt away our past...leaving a "new born me". Today is the first day of the rest of my life, may I see only goodness, may I forgive myself and know that the Presence of God dwells within every cell of my being."

~quote by Ann Rothan Three Hundred and Sixty Degree Press

"24 Hours in Austin" Show

2011-11-29T18:58:00.014-06:00

"Urban Cowtown" 24x18" digital print, $275 + tax
© S'zanne Reynolds, Studio Zanne

You're invited...
to glimpse into one day in the life of Austin, Texas
at a fine art photography show and reception.

Austin Details Art + Photo Gallery
Presents

"24 Hours in Austin"

106 East 8th (at Congress)
behind the red doors, Austin, TX MAP

Opening:
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Austin photographers were assigned to create a portrait of Austin in one 24-hour day in October and amassed a remarkable body of work that showcases the city from many vantage points, and at all hours, from 6pm on October 14 throughout the night into the next day at 6 pm.

The exhibit opens in Austin Details Art + Photo Gallery with
a reception on December 3, from 6-9 pm,
featuring a live performance by the Saucerians.

Preview the exhibit during the day Saturday, December 3, from 2-5 pm.
The exhibit runs through December 14, 2011.

PHOTOGRAPHS ON EXHIBIT BY:

Jann Alexander
Larry Alford
Susan Beth
David Bowden
Matthew Crouch
Eric Edge
Denise Fulton
Tara Haelle
Thomas Jack Hilton
Cal Holman
Richard Lee Kaylin
Margaret Licarione
Robert Mead
Laura Morales
Greta Olivas
Erik Pronske
Grant Reid
S'zanne Reynolds
Eric Snethkamp
Johnny Stevens
Valerie Tamburri
Arnold Wells

Published in "Austin Business Journal"

2011-11-28T00:14:00.013-06:00

2011 © S'zanne Reynolds, Studio Zanne

My photo of Michael Kuhn, CEO/founder of Austin based ImagineSolar, has been published in this week's edition of the Austin Business Journal.

Carousel of Happiness

2011-11-20T05:17:00.009-06:00

Merry-go-rounds take you up and down, round and round, planting dreams in the heart that carry your childlike enthusiasm for life into a vision of reality, if you let it...if you remember the thrill of simply imagining another world and what you'd be!

What a unique and simple pleasure the carousel is for the young at heart.

From child to senior, all ages seem to enjoy the feeling of soaring through the universe with childlike abandon.

On this carousel of happiness you can make new friends for life or encounter fun temporary playmates...either way, it teaches us about the importance of our play time and our imagination.

Some take their playtime very seriously...

...others are just there to enjoy the ride.

Some get off the merry-go-round and the feeling of giddiness is short lived. Others step off and are forever young.

Still others enjoy revealing in their dreams and seeing what they might become, long after the ride has stopped.

Life is a lot like a carousel of happiness. Our earth spins, and the scenes change...but it's up to us where we get off and on, and what scenes inspire us to revisit them or change them....and it's up to our hearts and imaginations as to how much fun we have while we're here!

You can visit the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, CO.

Love Made Visible

2011-11-20T05:04:00.004-06:00

"Autumn Afterglow", Digital Image by S'zanne Reynolds

“Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.” ~Khalil Gibran

On the Easel

2011-11-19T15:36:00.001-06:00

Oil in progress by S'zanne Reynolds

I met Bella, a wonderful blues singer, at a local cafe waiting tables. I just had to capture her fiery spirit in a portrait or two. She agreed to visit my studio a few weeks ago to sit for me. The above painting is the result from a short three hour sitting. I need a few more hours to complete the painting. I just love the strong, soulful, moody and defiant aura captured here and in the photos that follow. Stay tuned to see the finished piece.

A detail by S'zanne Reynolds

As her name suggests, Bella is a real beauty...

....as exquisite inside as she is on the outside.

Sitting in the "chair" we enjoyed getting acquainted and
felt as if we were long lost friends from another time.

Bella shared her beautiful voice with me while I painted
and we chattered away the hours.

Angels and Kings

2011-11-16T02:42:00.013-06:00

Artist friend DL Tolar (Donna), shown above with her work,
"Where Angels..."

---While most of the paintings on this blog are mine,
I did not create the above painting.
I bought it from the artist, DL Tolar, aka Donna Tolar.---

Mid October I was helping the Povey and Tolar studios sell their artwork in the Wimberley art studio tour. I had fallen in love with one of Donna Tolar's pieces last year, so, of course, I had to buy it this time around. Shown above, "Where Angels..." by DL Tolar, is now happily situated in my home. I am so grateful to Donna for painting this moving "self-portrait", for it seems to express how so many of us feel.

Inspiring, evocative, troubled, hopeful and tender--this work confesses a stirring narrative of the human condition. I find my stories in her struggle. Do you see yours?

She reminds me of how we want to prevail in all we undertake, but we often feel that we fall short of the opportunities we are presented with and, in fact, may do more harm than good. Our prayers and dreams may feel muted and out of reach unless we discover that we hold the power to remove what binds us--ourselves. Or, we may interpret ourselves as puppets or pawns in the stories of so many others who suffer us to be their heroes, princesses, kings and angels. Like Jacob in the Old Testament, wounded and alone, we wrestle with our angel--our brokenness and pain, our fallen hopes and dreams.

Although this piece does not celebrate the victory or even paint rosy expectations, there is exquisite beauty and grace in her desire to keep at her post throughout her striving. I have known many such angels in my life.

What will be your story in the painting?

Remembering a Great Lady

2011-10-31T23:50:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I learned that artist Ann Templeton, passed away October 17th. She was a dear friend and mentor to many. Ann had a huge influence on my art and was my primary source of inspiration and encouragement when I first returned to art and was introduced to oils and pastels through her. While modest and endearing to her students and other artists alike, Ann was one of the foremost 100 landscape painters in America, in both oils and pastels. Known for her kindness and love of people, Ann was always fun to be around. Her spirit is best recalled in her vibrant love of color expressed her amazing paintings. To see her work, visit www.anntempleton.com.

The words of Vincent van Gogh come to mind:
"A work that is good may not last forever, but the thought expressed by it will, and the work itself will surely survive for a very long time, and those who come later can do no more than follow in the footsteps of such predecessors and copy their example."

We are honored to try and follow in Ann's footsteps and, we know her thoughts will remain with us in her paintings and stories, forever. She will be missed.

Paint-Around Benefits Bastrop Fire Victims

2011-09-25T22:30:00.023-05:00

Ring 'Round the Rosey II, 12x12" pastel by S'zanne & Friends

The above painting was started and finished by me, and also painted on by Carolyn, Richard, Linda and Donna. (To see the original painting this was based on, click here.)
.............................................

Tonight, Austin Pastel Society members gathered at Tres Amigos, the first of this season's monthly meetings, to watch a "paint-around" between five artists. Pastelists who placed in last spring's annual juried member show were invited to reproduce their award-winning artwork in the paint-around. Participants were local artists and APS members Richard Banh, Donna Crosy, Carolyn Kilday, Linda Wells, and myself, S'zanne Reynolds.

A "paint-around" is a painting demonstration where the artists have ten minutes to work simultaneously on his or her own painting, before passing their painting to the artist on their right. Then each has another ten minutes to paint on someone else's artwork before again passing the art to the right. The process is repeated until your own piece comes back to you in which you have the last ten minutes to put on the finishing touches.

So, we ended up having five wonderful paintings that had five different interpretations of the same artwork. It was so much fun to see how each turned out!

The best part of the evening was the post-production silent auction. APS members and guests eagerly bid on all five paintings. A hundred percent of the proceeds of the painting sales are going to help the Bastrop fire victims, as one of our dear members, and many of our friends lost everything to the Central Texas wildfires.

I found this experience to be a great reminder of how truly unique each of us really is...how we each have our own vision that must be expressed.
The process made me cherish our individuality all the more, and value the great possibilities we can create when we come together on behalf of our communities. The world can never have too many artists, visionaries or dreamers!

God bless.

Through Fire or Flood...

2011-09-12T23:37:00.015-05:00

"Frankie's Fall Foliage", 12x12" pastel by S'zanne Reynolds

I'm happy to report that the above pastel arrived safely through the fires on Friday to its new owner in Ft. Worth, TX, today. The client bought it for his wife's birthday. Fun!

I'd been procrastinating on completing the sale as I was a bit concerned and confused about how to ship a pastel. I'd mailed a pastel only once before and it was rather disastrous. I knew I could try more expensive delivery options that specialized in fine art, but I had not built this into my price. And by Friday, I had to contend with wild fires spreading between Austin and Ft. Worth.

No worries anymore! Kudos to EcoBox who came to my rescue!! (Great guys, very helpful...we love them!) I packaged and shipped the piece in a large frame, for about $50, including packing supplies, frame corners, insurance and $15 delivery...quite a deal! Ecobox has all the packing materials, recycled and new boxes, UPS and FedEx accounts. UPS got it there unsinged, early Monday.

Several of my friends, and many, many others, were not so lucky and lost everything in the fires. A portion of this sale will go to the wild fire victims here in Texas.

As American as Apple Pie

2011-09-11T23:05:00.011-05:00

Thinking about 9/11 ten years ago, I'm struck by the awesome spirit of the American people to pull together in fellowship and community. I am especially moved today by this indomitable spirit in the face of the continuous wild fires springing up all over Texas and the floods in the northeast. Whether in the face of natural disasters or terrorists, joblessness or recessions, corruption or hard times, Americans come together and hold strong to their faith in their God, in each other and in liberty for all.

I watched the NYJets/Dallas game tonight at a local establishment. As taps was played in honor of the fallen heros of 9/11, a reverenced hush fell over the crowd. Burly football players choked back tears and the audience here was visibly moved by areal views of New York's Twin Tower Memorial at Ground Zero while Lady Antebellum sang the National Anthem. Afterwards, the crowd cheered on their teams and spirits soared in hope. I thought to myself, truly, this is America--as American as apple pie!

My heart and prayers go out tonight in gratitude to Americans everywhere. God bless.

How did you remember 9/11...please feel free to share your thoughts and stories.

As a side note, I'd like to share an inspiring email on the subject from Scott Heiferman, Co-Founder & CEO of meetup.com:

Fellow Meetuppers,

I don't write to our whole community often, but this week is
special because it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and many
people don't know that Meetup is a 9/11 baby.

Let me tell you the Meetup story. I was living a couple miles
from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought
local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet
and tv. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I
hoped they wouldn't bother me.

When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors
in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to
neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally
ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each
other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being
neighborly.

A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring
people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was
born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and
grow local communities?

We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a
crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make
people distrust one another.

A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months
after 9/11.

Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's
working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups,
Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of
100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one
thing.

Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to
neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me.
They grow businesses and bands together, they teach and
motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find
other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace
together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's
powerful stuff.

It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks
to everyone who shows up.

Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it
weren't for 9/11.

9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to
strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new
community together!!!!

The towers fell, but we rise up. And we're just getting started
with these Meetups.

Scott Heiferman (on behalf of 80 people at Meetup HQ)
Co-Founder & CEO, Meetup
New York City
September 2011

Lifelines

2011-09-05T15:59:00.007-05:00

"Lifelines", iPhone image by S'zanne Reynolds

Passing through Fredericksburg, I stopped to take this image Saturday. Regretfully, I didn't have my good SLR with me so I pulled out my iPhone. I loved the shadow cast on the church from the power lines which made a cross over the church's door. Afterwards, I was intrigued by the way the power line to the church seemed to connect to the sky.

The image makes me ponder what really empowers us. Is it man made, nature made or divinely bestowed? Where do we place our power and who do we give our power to? As such basics as fire and water are in extremes in our lives here in Central Texas, it gave me pause to reflect on what our real lifelines are...and how much we each can express the divine source of power, right where we are. We seem to see this with the most clarity in times of disaster. As the Good Books says:

"You're blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule." The Message, Matthew 5:3

Thoughts and prayers go out to the fire fighters, families and individuals struggling with the Central Texas fires...especially those hardest hit in Bastrop. May all your lifelines be strengthened, preserved or restored with love and care.

Marker Detail of Lifelines, iPhone image by S'zanne Reynolds

Treasures

2011-09-03T08:09:00.006-05:00

"There is nothing that can be taken away from you. You cannot lose your real treasure." ~Osho

What do you treasure today? a three day weekend? family time? painting time? a loved one? your country? rain? the earth? your neighbor? yourself? a job? good health?

"My Father has my treasure and He will walk with me." ~a hymn

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Teaching Pastels at Laguna Gloria This Fall

2011-08-29T18:34:00.009-05:00

"I've taken several classes before but S'zanne brings new info and insights. I'll take this very same course again." --Lizette, student

In my workshops, students will strengthen drawing and painting skills while discovering and/or fine-tuning their own painting style. I'll work with you one-on-one to facilitate establishing individual daily painting practices or rituals, to increase productivity and instill more confidence and freedom.
..................................

FALL 2011 CLASS SCHEDULE

"1303 Pastels 1"
At The Laguna Gloria Art School, Austin, TX

September 20 - October 18, 2011 (No class on Oct 4)
Tuesday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, 4 sessions

A great place to start! No mixing, no drying. Use pastels to quickly move into the world of painting. Learn the principles of value, color, form and space and see how light affects each. Explore many pastel techniques, experiment with different surfaces. Work from still life and photographs. Enjoy weekly demonstrations and gentle critiques. Surprise yourself.
You can paint!

To register/more info, click HERE.

.....................

"1321 Sharpen Your Color Sense"
At The Laguna Gloria Art School, Austin, TX

October 25, 2011 - November 15, 2011
Tuesday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm; 4 sessions

Pastels help you develop a strong sense of color to create paintings where viewers say "I love the color," no matter what your preferred medium. It's incredible: no mixing, no drying. Learn from demos on making "color work" in your paintings. Enjoy exercises to discover new color palettes instead of those tried-and-true solutions. Then translates this new freedom to your favorite medium. Painting experience in other mediums required.

To register/more info, click HERE.

Frankie's Fall Foliage, 12x12" pastel --SOLD

August Wall Paper

2011-08-19T17:28:00.003-05:00

Right click to download for your desktop...Mac users, option click.

Here's a version of Painted Desert for your computer...enjoy!

Sky Worship and the Artist's Soul

2011-08-18T01:45:00.007-05:00

"Painted Desert" by S'zanne, 12x12" pastel

"I never get tired of the blue sky." ~Vincent van Gogh

"The sky is the soul of all scenery. It makes the earth lovely at sunrise and splendid at sunset. In the one it breathes over the earth a crystal-like ether, in the other a liquid gold." ~Thomas Cole

"The artist–painter or poet, singer or drummer–is a sky worshiper, for the sky's blue immensity mirrors her soul. The child artist looks up at the day sky or the night sky and sees her beautiful dreams reflected there. The adult artist, busy and unsettled, can herself find a moment's peace–and even whole-being rejuvenation–by quietly attuning to a red sky, a gray sky, a black sky, a blue sky. The human race has capital saved in that great vault above us."

"I will spend time with the sky, the sun, the moon, the mountains, the ocean waves. I know that I could scorn these loves and turn the sun and moon into nothing: but I find it more heartwarming to affirm them. I am inspired by the blue sky and will not forget where to look for inspiration."

~Eric Maisel, "Affirmations for Artists"

Perfect Moments

2011-08-16T22:03:00.006-05:00

"Coppertoned", 8x6" pastel by S'zanne

Sometimes we are simply paralyzed by our own doubts, worries and fears. I had had it with worrying about having the perfect moment this summer to create the perfect piece or project. For many of us, this kind of perfectionism can be just an excuse not to be productive in the moments we have available to us between our busy schedules.

After starting my day at 7 a.m. running to miscellaneous appointments and errands, I had 30 minutes left to paint before I ran off to work, which then turned into about 15 minutes by the time I took one phone call and ignored the other, let the dogs out/in and packed my lunch.

While not a masterpiece, the quick sketch above is the beginnings of an important conquest. I simply took advantage of the time I had. Instead of taking 15 minutes to set up oils or acrylics, I grabbed the nearest pastels, regardless of color, the closest paper and the first photo I could locate in my box of references to paint from. And presto! A quick study for a future larger painting that I've been wanting to paint for years...but never quite had " the time to get to it"....sound familiar?

In line with this subject are some ideas by Ralph Marston that I found most inspiring:

"It is your ego that creates doubt. It is your ego that manufactures excuses. Your ego holds your imagination back, and prevents you from achieving the fulfillment you truly desire.
Stop weighing yourself down with judgments about what you think you need. You have a whole beautiful, limitless imagination with which you can envision and fulfill what you truly desire."
— Ralph Marston
To read the entire article, click here.

Kissing the Mailman

2011-08-06T16:33:00.004-05:00

A new box of pastels...YUM!!! ...and colors I've been needing!

Much to my delight, a box of Terry Ludwig's "Mystery Box" of remnant pastels arrived today via the US mail. It's a good thing the postman didn't deliver it personally or he would have gotten a big kiss! There's nothing better than receiving an order of art supplies in the mail...and pastels are particularly sexy and delicious. If you've never tried them, or if you are an avid fan, you'll enjoy checking out Terry's Mystery Box sale that runs through the end of August. You never know what colors you'll receive, but then that may be just the jump start you need to finish that painting sitting on your easel!

The mailman also delivered a couple of Ray Mar linen boards that I'd ordered to sample with my oils...and next week my canvas roll and tiny boards should arrive from Jerry's Artarama...it's Christmas in August! Of course, this means I have to get busy and cover some canvas!

Art's Presence

2011-08-06T14:09:00.006-05:00

Showing at Amplify on 607 Congress Ave

I hung three of my works at Amplify Federal Credit Union today in downtown Austin. They'll be up for a month with another artist's work. It was fun to see the paintings bring life and energy to this place of business.

Art creates a presence--a mood or feeling-- and impacts the lives of those found in its company. Moreover, art offers its viewers a companion for their love or a home for their hopes and dreams.

Saying Thank You, Artfully

2011-08-02T00:04:00.008-05:00

Art is a service that can bring joy, comfort and even healing to others. When we focus on it as such, we think of ways to distribute our artwork more widely. I painted the above small acrylics as thank you cards for the attendees of my art reception last weekend...and one for the restaurant owner where my work hung. The cards brought a smile to my clients and showed appreciation of their time and attention. They were also great warm ups for me to get my creativity flowing in new directions. Plus, hopefully these cards will inspire more new collectors, as well as past clients, to want to attend my next shows and add to their small works collection.

SOMETHING NEW: I've decided to offer these kind of original art cards for new subscribers to my Studio Zanne newsletter...and I'll have drawings from time to time for current subscribers. So thank you in advance, for being a reader of my newsletter!

TGIF-Art-Reception Tonight

2011-07-29T14:07:00.003-05:00

Red Rock Rampart, 12 x 9" oil, $375

	Friday, July 29 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Friends, won't you join me for drinks, delectables and dinner conversation...a Studio Zanne art talk...tonight!

RSVP to Russell's directly if you'd like dinner reservations:
(512) 467-7877. Please note: this is NOT the bakery, but the bistro. Hope to see you there!

(off 35th Street and Kerbey Lane)
"Dutch Treat"

Russell's Bistro

1601 West 38th St

Austin, TX

Prayin' for Rain

2011-07-25T22:36:00.003-05:00

"Thinking Rain", digital image by S'zanne

Howl at the moon,
dance naked under the stars,
jump in dust puddles,
tip your kayak,
kiss a stranger,
light a candle,
say a rosary,
flash your lights...heck, flash your neighbor!
...an' pray for rain and cooler weather!

Anyone want to paint puddles with me? Render a rainy day painting and email me the image or send me the link and I'll post them by Aug. 15...or post them to my FB page.

Thinking rain thoughts...!

Landlocked

2011-07-21T17:26:00.005-05:00

Landlocked Lighthouse, 7x5" oil

CLICK HERE TO BID

Well if you're in the middle of Texas this summer and haven't made a trip out to the coast yet, you may be feeling a little landlocked...like this lighthouse of Cape Hatteras, NC. As the ocean encroached on its foundation, the historical lighthouse was moved inland where it rests today. To read more about it, check out this link on Wikipedia.

The Art of Being

2011-06-23T13:36:00.006-05:00

"The most visible creators I know of are those artists whose medium is life itself. The ones who express the inexpressible – without brush, hammer, clay or guitar. They neither paint nor sculpt – their medium is being. Whatever their presence touches has increased life. They see and don't have to draw. They are the artists of being alive." ~J. Stone

We all know people like this, from Mother Teresa to Gandhi, from Martin Luther King to Princess Diana, and from that special grade school teacher to mom...we've all experienced the wonders of these artists of being.

Take a moment to remember and appreciate someone whose presence has touched your life. And, pay it forward...how can you paint on someone's heart today?

A Society of Feathers

2011-06-17T18:24:00.006-05:00

"Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little,
cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more..." -Music Man

I'm not sure why folks seem to love rooster and chicken images, but I'm just as fond of them. Maybe it's because we see a bit of our own society in them. I'll have to paint a few of these fine feathered friends from my recent trip to Jerome, AZ. The roosters especially fascinated me, out strutting their stuff...

The Everyday and Ordinary

2011-06-11T12:04:00.007-05:00

Occasionally, we need to get away from the everyday and ordinary--to get another point of view--to appreciate the ordinariness of everyday life. That's what I love about traveling to new places...

These huge blue-black bees accompanied me on my photo excursion in Jerome's Ghost Town junk yard...buzzing busily 20 plus feet over-head, gathering unseen pollen off the high winds.

Captivating Reflections: Discovering line, color and texture I might not have noticed if it weren't for the bees...I enjoyed finding life reflecting back at me...which is really what an artist or photographer does.

Skewing the camera for yet another point of view of the towering blooms.

Thinking outside the box...

Lost and found objects and edges...

Lost and found history...a taste of our past.

Flowering cabins

Dynamic forms...

Complimentary colors...

....and beauty in form and hue.

Small discoveries

A Fancy Fanny, or, THE END.

Classic Features and Weathered Faces

2011-06-10T23:09:00.011-05:00

There is an art to the weathered faces of history collected in the junk yards of Jerome, AZ...

Signs of the Times

2011-06-09T00:19:00.008-05:00

Enjoyed some of local signs and t-shirts in the pubs and gift shops of Jerome last week...

My particular favorite...

Great burgers and bread pudding here.

My sentiments exactly!

Tee hee!

Who can tell the difference in Arizona? It's HOT!

Shoulda bought this one!

Someone has an odd sense of humor!

Welcome to Jerome!

The Faces of Jerome

2011-06-07T00:27:00.009-05:00

Last Saturday I spent the better part of a blistering afternoon in the ghost town of Jerome, AZ...just about 45 minutes outside of Sedona. I enjoyed taking photos of the quaint collection of junk, old cars and livestock...but the characters I found in some of the faces and friends I met, are my favorite.

Ol' Timer
Surely the most photographed man about town.
This photo made the whole trip worth it...Can't wait to try painting him!

Workin' It

King o' the Heap

Gold-Digging Dale

Run-Away Goat Meets Goat-Hand

Panhandling: "Obama Says to Spread the Wealth"

La Tourista

Ol' Time Biker Boy

An "Orange on Orange" moment...

I've gone "Gypsy Rose" on ya here, folks! ;-)

I'm back home...but you'll see the rest of Jerome soon! Stay tuned...

The Athleticism of Painting

2011-06-05T18:00:00.007-05:00

Buddha Beach, 6x8" oil, Sedona, AZ , $250

After an early morning hike to Cathedral Rock, and discovering I couldn't reach the side I wanted without a long drive in to the other side...I plunked down in the shade of Buddha Beach and painted the backside of the Cathedral. That was after negotiating a later entry payment with the parks guard. Apparently my annual pass was no good in this part of the park, and I didn't have cash on me...so with some fancy sweet talk she was nice enough to let me come back with the cash so I wouldn't miss my painting light.

I think it's my best attempt yet; I'm finally getting the hang of those colors and values. I'm also realizing that I need to think of painting as an athletic sport that requires physical fitness, endurance training, discipline, a good night's rest...and early morning and late afternoon outings...in order to paint in this heat!

On the return trip with cash in hand, I took some fun photos of the extreme colors of this place:

Check out the crazy colors of these cacti--they are actually PINK!

More pinks

Love how the giant flowering bushes match the neon-yellow road stripe!

Painting Local Color in June

2011-06-04T00:49:00.013-05:00

6x12" quick study of "Thunder Mountain" and "Chimney Rock"

Went to about four galleries this evening...was great to see how the locals handled the red rocks...how close and how far off I am. I'm beginning to become more comfortable with using various greys, especially in the shadows. The rocks are rather like painting in skin tones. Of course, then there were those artists who totally depart from realistic colors. I'm not wanting to do that until I master the local color.

It's interesting that I thought the local color here was so different in Sedona. Look at the last couple of years of paintings done around the same time frame of June 3rd and you'll see similar color schemes. Maybe it's a June thing.

June 2009, Austin, Texas

June 2008, Corolla, North Carolina

June 2006, Fredericksburg, Texas

"Love You, Dad"

2011-06-03T11:14:00.006-05:00

"Art is an action against death. It is a denial of death." ~Jacques Lipchitz, sculptor (1891-1973)

That may be because art expresses our acceptance of our inherent worthiness of life and love, in others and in ourselves. This declaration of worth is seen and felt not only in creativity, but in the simplest of daily "artful" interactions.

Last week, I received a text message from someone who hoped I "liked my new phone" and signed, "Love you, Dad." My heart skipped a beat and for a few moments I enjoyed pretending it was from my dad who passed on a few years ago. When I replied that "Dad" had the wrong number and I wished he was still around, the unknown texter replied that he was sending me a hello from my dad. I told him he had made my day...and then looked for the nearest box of tissues.

It was comforting and powerful to see how worthiness of love expressed in the art of kindness from a stranger can go so far as to cross even the seeming boundaries of death. Our heavenly Father must know how much we all need to feel this love and worth every day. Whether or not you're an artist, we all have creative opportunities to express and feel our worth for ourselves and for mankind.

So, consider this your text from "Dad"...and know how much you're loved, valued and accepted by your Heavenly Daddy, today.

"Love you, Dad"

PS. Special thanks to everyone's support, love and encouragement of me on this day, and every day! xoxo

Mid-Week Painting Blues

2011-06-02T20:33:00.003-05:00

I'm tired and feel like reading today rather than painting, so I stay close to home. I should have just stayed in bed...it's mid week and, as tradition would have it, I'm painting quite badly! I spent a few hours on a larger 12x18" this afternoon only to scrap it in favor of trying it again in a 6x8". I limited my colors and got the overall effect I had been going for...though rather odd. Part of the challenge, besides the wind gusts and biting gnats that want to fly into your eyes and mouth, is the gaudy color-scape. Just when you think you've got it, you realize you need to grey back the values to make it work!

Here's what I've been looking at for most of the day...view from the B&B parking lot. The shadows dramatically changed every 30 minutes...it wasn't even the same image by the time I'd finished! Here's some images of what was behind me as I painted:

The front door of the B&B office

B&B courtyard

B&B front gate

I made one excursion at lunch up the road to the nearby Sedona airport...quite the view! I think I may just read tomorrow... or head out to Cathedral Rock. We'll see.

Built for Beauty

2011-06-02T14:38:00.003-05:00

"Sliding Rocks" 9x12" oil

Per your request...here's yesterday's painting out at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, AZ.

"Beauty is one of the rare things that does not lead to doubt of God." ~Jean Anouilh

And, from Eric Maisel's book, Affirmations for Artists:

"Part of my destiny involves beauty. I will make good, true, and beautiful things just because of a sense of the beautiful wells up in me. Beauty brings me joy; and if I must guard against beauty's blandishments, I must also honor the joy it brings. I am built and meant for beauty."

Everything's Turning Up Tera Rose

2011-06-02T00:49:00.023-05:00

I seemed to get more Tera Rose paint on me today than on the canvas...from my lips to my arms! Why doesn't anyone say, "Hey, you have paint on your face!" Do they really think I'm that bad at applying lipstick?

I visited Sliding Rock State Park today...a mass of Tera Rose colored rocks. Well, I made the mistake of trying to paint a rock formation up close and personal. The details where an overwhelming jigsaw puzzle. I went back and simplified the foreground, leaving the detail at the top. Still, it wasn't all that...at least I got further with the color exploration today...obviously!

So, with just over an hour left to belt out a study after scouting out the place all day, my feet were killing me and the park was closing soon. The wind was stinging my eyes and lips and the temperature was dropping. With red paint all over me, I figured it was time to pack it in.

I enjoyed taking photos on the trail where it was too hard to carry all my art supplies...and I got some good future painting reference material.

Slide Rock State Park in Arizona

Big fun

The crowds

Mom maneuvers

Gorgeous water and lichen on the rocks

"The Slide"

Tera Rose Glow

Mohawks and red rock faces

The three sisters

Ice cold!

The deep

Shall I?

Cool dude

Jumpers

Far down

Hiking back through fields

The big view

Finally found the view I'd been looking for when I first drove by...

Andrew Wyeth was here...

Wonder what Moses would have done...

A golden moment...this was part of what I was attempting to paint today.

Returning to town

Watching the sunset with a couple of wild pigs

Favorite rocks

Far out

Painting in Reds

2011-06-01T02:09:00.005-05:00

Tuesday, May 31 starts out with a lovely breakfast at the B&B...followed by some special prayers said on my behalf by the owners of this delightful hotel. Refreshed and excited to be focused on painting, I make a run to the local art store and pick up a park pass at the Safeway.

Before I make it out to paint, I stop and visit with the Sedona Arts Center. They are quite an impressive gallery of local artists with workshops, paint outs and studios. I picked up an application to join their juried membership. Their parking lot is so gorgeous that I decide to stay and paint the views in back...in a nice shady spot.

Here's a quick 2.5 hour study where I'm trying to get familiar with the hues and atmosphere. The darn red paints are so dark and stain everything that it's hard to control them...I use a mountain of white and decide I need my cad orange after all. Of course the light and sky is constantly changing...but that's always the fun of painting en plein air!

Locals refer to this mass on the left as "Snoopy's rock". This is the backside, so you don't see his profile as much...it's supposed to resemble him lying down on his dog house. (oil, about 8x16")

Afterwards, I head over to a nearby Indian restaurant and enjoy an amazing sunset...not to mention the lamb curry! YUM. If my feet didn't hurt so much, I'd run out to the car to get my camera...I think I'm finally relaxing into this place. Back at the B&B I take a dip in the hot tub and chat with guests around the poolside fireplace before retiring.

It's been a great day!

Sedona Calling

2011-06-01T01:37:00.007-05:00

Sedona called me back to her wonderful red rocks and so I find myself here for the week of May 30th. I'm luxuriating at a cozy B&B nestled in among decadent landscaping, hammocks, waterfalls and the grandest views...and a bit of pampering.

Dappled sunlight and breezy cooler temperatures
welcome me into my glamorous getaway.

Funky tribal decor...

...meets Santa Fe style...

...with a twist of eclectic, bohemian warmth. Needless to say,
I feel right at home!

Living room skylight

A room fit for a Painting Princess!

From the B&B, looking back down the road.
Looking forward to what the next day brings!

The Sacredness of Brushstroke...and Chicken

2011-05-24T00:10:00.012-05:00

"If we devote ourselves to sacredness in our vocations, the world will rise to meet us." ~Joel Salatin

Here's some "chicken soup" for the artist's soul:
Joel Salatin speaks on his success raising chickens and how he had no Wall Street plan or PR model...except to express sacredness in every action. It made me reflect on how this could apply to my life and to my art. Does sacredness permeate each brushstroke even though it may get covered up? Do I inject as much nobility into a thumbnail as I do into a painting? Or, do I put nearly as much sacredness and nobility into my artwork as I do in caring for others...or even cleaning the house? Good food for thought!

"...my success is tied to the cumulative effect of everyday stories and faithfulness to injecting sacredness and nobility into every little action of my day. When we put that kind of ministry...sacredness and nobility...to permeate every one of our actions, the world will be ennobled...and we will have raised a great legacy for our children and our families." ~Joel Salatin

An Artist's Prayer

2011-05-23T13:13:00.006-05:00

by S'zanne Reynolds, inspired by the 23rd Psalm

Soul is my Master Artist,

I shall not fail.

You make me to lay down my fears and trust in prosperity,

You lead me to a still and satisfying reflection,
you restore my portrait to its Original soulful likeness.

You show me the art of living in your very Nature.

Even though I sometimes lose my way in darkness,

I find your Way again in the light;

I will fear no shame, broken heartedness, separation, aloneness, failure, despair, grief or sorrow for you are my heart’s constant companion;

your love and your truth complete me better than any comfort-food, shopping extravaganza or exotic vacation.

You prepare an artist’s taboret for me complete with all the art supplies I need, organizing my studio, making provisions for me in the face of my worst critics and those who would not want me to succeed.

Declaring my fulfillment sacred, you sooth and heal my apprehension and restore my receptivity and my reins. You dedicate my talent and abilities to your purpose, hallowing them with charity, gentleness, prayer and heavenly inspiration. My creativity overflows, abundant and blessing.

I dance—goodness, love, forgiveness, tenderness, compassion and heavenly reward pursue me relentlessly, courting me like hot lovers, all the ages of my life, throughout each journey and story, in every part of my routine and in the entire extent of my career—with sparkle and exhilaration!

And, with these angel guides as my muse, I will make my permanent artist-in-residency at the home and business of my Master Artist, keeping company with your Self-Expression and communing among your Color Harmonies forever. My way of life and my Art Being will flow, spring up and result in activity and effectiveness…endlessly, everlastingly, in all ways…for good and all.

Show Time

2011-05-13T14:17:00.007-05:00

"Ring 'Round the Rosey", 12x12" pastel by S'zanne Reynolds

AVAA's 34th Annual Members' Show
May 6 - June 4, 2011

ART RECEPTION:
Saturday, May 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Austin Art Space
7739 Northcross Drive
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 771-2868

My art is included in this exhibit featuring selected works of 50 local artists and members of the Austin Visual Arts Association.

The evening will offer refreshments and music by Justif. Hope to see you there!

Getting Self Out of the Way

2011-05-07T11:04:00.015-05:00

"Painted Desert in Reds", 6x6" pastel study, under-painting in reds

"It does not matter how badly you paint, just so long as you don't paint badly like other people." ~George Edward Moore

The above quotation made me snort with laughter! I often tell myself that it's OK to paint badly before I go into the studio. That way I establish that I'm there just to play and express, and whatever needs to be manifested will. I can judge it later...there's always plenty of time for that. But if I can enjoy the process without the terrifying pressures of perfection, giving myself the freedom to explore problem-solving decisions with childlike enthusiasm as I go, the painting seems to progress a great deal more in the right direction.

Some paintings may turn out well, others not so well...but all are a part of the process of getting "self" or the "inner-critic" out of the way to let a larger Being or Vision emerge. The process of painting involves letting go and trusting as much as it does reacting with small critiques of the progress. It's often a difficult balance to maintain, but the rewards are usually always worth it!

To clarify, this does not mean I expect to paint poorly...but rather, I give myself permission to paint in new ways that I may not think of as "good" or up to par with how I currently paint. In this way, I can free myself of weighty expectations that would impede my explorations and discoveries of new paths to painterly expression.

As for not painting like anyone else...well, most of us artists are non-conformists, thinking and living on the edge of society. Most of us aren't attempting to copy anyone else; we all have the capacity to paint as fiercely individual as we are. However, I have noticed that the less experienced artist often struggles with his or her preconceived notion of the expected outcome of a given painting. (And, even some of us more experienced artists do, from time to time!) When the expected results are not achieved, art students in particular are often gravely disappointed and think the painting, or themselves, a failure.

"Painted Desert Purples", 6x6" pastel study, under-painting in violet

However, this self-defeating attitude is attempting to paint like another...or at least another idea of painting that's inside your inner-critic and what the expected "norm" is to your self. And, that is simply not how YOU really paint...which is often why the disparity begins. We must nurture the creative essence that is our Being and free it to be, without judgement or self-criticism, or we must always battle between painting as we think we should and painting our own vision of the universe. The challenge is to let go regularly enough so as to discover how it is you do really paint...and love it! This takes time and patience with our materials, and practice, practice, practice! Artists constantly evolve and we have to love where we are today. We won't paint that way again, tomorrow.

Some days I do this better than others. But, giving myself permission to paint badly leads me towards new painting adventures of big skies of individual expression and open roads of creative discovery. See you there!

Dreams That Move Mountains

2011-05-04T19:10:00.007-05:00

Digital Image by S'zanne Reynolds

I heard this song by Kutless on the radio and loved the message about having faith and restoring lost hope...and finding faith in your dreams again. Hope you enjoy it, too.
.................................

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Painting as Tribute

2011-05-01T19:45:00.004-05:00

A tribute: a thing said, done or given as a mark of respect. ~Oxford Dictionary.

Robert Genn's video above points out that painting can be a tribute to many worthy subjects such as nature, beauty, mankind, history, etc.

Enjoy this inspiring video by Robert Genn, The Painter's Keys

Know Who You Are

2011-04-25T11:14:00.013-05:00

"Springing-up Cows Everywhere", digital image...a possible future painting.

On the top right of my blog is a link to Ralph Marston's Daily Motivator, and a short synopsis of his daily theme. Today's insight on not having enough time to live our dreams is really helpful as many of us struggle to have more time to paint. Ralph says, "Instead of letting the time slip away, allow the best of your dreams to more fully unfold with each passing moment."

He reminds us to "Remember constantly who you really are and why you have chosen to go in the direction you’re going. Every thought, word and action that comes from your true purpose will draw great value from the moment you’re in. Whatever your age or situation, there’s plenty of time to live richly. And that time is here right now."

Click on the link here, or on my page to read the rest of his inspiring thoughts on the subject.

I find that it's not enough just to say this...you have to LIVE it. You have to create habits around what you want in your life. Twyla Tharp's book, "The Creative Habit" is a constant companion for me these days and I highly recommend her book if you struggle with having the time and courage to do all the things that are important to you...like painting.

Twyla also advises to really know who you are so that you know what you should NOT be doing as well.

Artist, Robert Genn suggests to try any dream or goal for an extended time period. If it proves fruitless, you have no regrets for not trying, and it at least moves you into the direction you need to go. He recommends having a minimum of a six month contract with yourself to try say, painting full time, or painting half a day, etc...and see where you land.

"As a suffering creature, I cannot do without something greater than I--something that is my life--the power to create." ~ Vincent van Gogh

"Feelings of creative joy and the consequent self-worth come from doing the work. We all ask Vincent's question: "There is something inside me--what can it be?" And we learn, "One must work and dare if one really wants to live." Are we up to this question and its answer? If it was easy to fulfill I think everyone would be artists." ~Robert Genn

Painting, A Prayer Journey

2011-04-24T22:40:00.008-05:00

Digital Image, by S'zanne Reynolds

"Work is love made visible." ~Kahlil Gibran

In his March 11 bi-weekly newsletter, Robert Genn talks about painting as a "spiritual event...a sort of a visual prayer--honoring the gifts that surround us and the life we've been given."

Robert elaborates on his vision of painting as a prayer below, dispelling the myth that art is somehow selfish, self-indulgent or without purpose. I love to think of this whether I'm painting, photographing, writing or being creative in the kitchen!

From Robert Genn:

"A spiritual awakening is often found and developed in a wilderness. It can be a poem or a parable of a deep forest, a mountain meadow or a cactus-studded desert. The outdoor spirit of plein air refreshes and further enables the indoor studio chapel. Each new creative beginning is a confirmation of the simple truth of taking care. And while it may all appear to be self-indulgent and isolating, every thought, every stroke, every caress of the brush adds a small refreshment of meaning and purpose to our universe."

The Power of Living on Purpose

2011-04-24T21:39:00.008-05:00

"You should KEEP ON PAINTING no matter how difficult it is...unless it KILLS you, and then you know you have GONE TOO FAR." ~Alice Neel

Last Sunday a small number of women artists gathered at my house to watch the documentary, "Who Does She Think She Is?" It was a wonderful time of self-discovery and recovery of parts of our selves that were lost, collectively and individually. Moved to tears one moment and infuriated the next, we laughed, cried and shouted together.

In the movie, several women, from performing artists, sculptors, painters to producers, talk about the power of living on purpose, the power of living to express their art forms...because that is who they are. They were discovering that it is only right to be who you are meant to be, in spite of the roles society expects you to play as a woman, wife or mother. Some even felt that they would die if they did not create their art.

Some movie quotes:

"Art is all about not knowing where you are going...it's a transforming process."

"The more I paint, the more I understand my place."

Afterwards, our group discussed why some points of view, including family, society or even ourselves, questioned whether it was "selfish" to be an artists and pursue our dreams of creativity outside home and hearth. We wondered why we felt we had to be "allowed" to express ourselves or "ask permission" to create vs. having the choice to express ourselves in the world. Was talent something we are all born with, but some of us want/need to express it more than others? What is talent, but desire, love and passion expressed in many forms?

You're invited to leave comments on who you think you are as an artist or artistic being...and what contribution/purpose your unique vision/art makes in the world. ie. What does living on purpose look like for you and for your art?

And stay tuned...we'll be showing the movie again, extending the invitation to family and friends.

To check out the movie trailer, visit this link.

Painting Rituals

2011-04-20T17:47:00.010-05:00

"Spring Equinox", digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

"Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits." ~Twyla Tharp, "The Creative Habit"

In her book, The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp says habits replace doubt and fear with comfort and routine. What routine gets you warmed up and prepared to paint...if not indeed painting? Maybe it's reading an art book or magazine over coffee before starting to paint. Maybe it's yoga or morning prayer. Perhaps its sketching or photographing what's around you. Or, maybe it's meeting a painting group once a week.

Sometimes we have as many excuses as to why we can't start a painting as we do for not going to the gym..too little time, mile high to-do list, piles of paperwork, emotions running rampant, aching feet and back, exhaustion...sound familiar?

Twyla recalls that more than anything else, rituals of preparation arm us with confidence and self-reliance. Hmm. Self-reliance. Have you ever thought about self-reliance and painting? Self-reliance is built out of the confidence that grows from the painting habit. You no longer need to be talked into painting, you just paint because it's your ritual, your habit.

So go forth and begin practicing your painting rituals today!

Spring's Eye Candy

2011-04-17T00:14:00.007-05:00

"Valerie's View" 8x10" oil by S'zanne Reynolds

A view of a friend's garden in full bloom Wednesday afternoon was a veritable smorgasbord of color. Painted with irises, roses, hanging plants and honey-suckle...her yard was a symphony of birds crooning, butterflies flirting, and squirrels tangoing among the sunlit tree tops which dappled a neighbor's rusty ol' tin roof in a sweet scene of Monet-like eye candy.

I do love painting outdoors and the effort of capturing dancing light.

Who Does She Think She Is?

2011-04-14T18:04:00.008-05:00

"The Female Spirit", 10x8" oil
Private Collection, Richmond, VA

ART PARTY & MOVIE SHOWING:
"Who Does She Think She Is?"

WHEN: 2 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 17
WHERE: Studio Zanne

Responsibility or self-expression? Do we have to choose?
This film features female portraits of courage, their struggles and triumphs in practicing their art.

"This film is not about being a woman, or a woman artist, but rather how to be a human, how to find your true place in life."

Lively discussions to follow! For more info on the movie see:
http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/

BYO drinks and finger foods...
and a painting or two you've been working on.

For a $5 donation, I'll provide some acrylics, brushes & palettes if we want to "play" a little...you bring the scrap paper or canvas...or bring your own paints if you prefer.

The intention: to create a fun and thought provoking afternoon in a supportive atmosphere of an "art family" of friends, deep thinkers and beautiful expressions.

Artists, please RSVP if you want to attend...space is limited!

DO I HEAR $30 - 35?

2011-04-13T19:32:00.006-05:00

"Sunny and Clear", 8x10" acrylic

OK sports fans, I've got a bid on this painting for $25...I low-balled it to get the auction bidders going...it's got 6 more days and it could still be yours...it's for a good cause to help Japan's Red Cross!

DO I HEAR $30 - 35?

Click here to make your bid.

Bull Creek Study

2011-04-12T23:09:00.011-05:00

"Bull Creek Study", 8x10" oil study on board

"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
~Thomas Jefferson

The Soul of a Woman

2011-04-11T01:04:00.010-05:00

"Judith Slaying Holofernes" by Artemisia Gentileschi

"I shall show what a woman is capable of.
You will find Caesar's courage in the soul of a woman."
~ Artemisia Gentileschi, 1593-1652/53

Artemisia Gentileschi was born in Rome to an Italian painter in 1593, a time which forbade women from working in a profession, particularly art. Due to her outstanding talent, her father, a successful Baroque painter, trained her anyway. Later Artemisia apprenticed under her father's artist friend, Agostino Tassi, who repeatedly raped her. When Tassi failed to marry her, the affair was taken to court as the first known public rape case. The trial ended without a clear verdict so the humiliated young Artemisia went to Florence where her father arranged a marriage contract with a Florentine who would allow her to continue working. There she received a number of large commissions and was the only woman to be admitted to the Accademia del Disegno.

Despite the cultural taboo of a working woman and her personal tarnished reputation, Artemisia was one of the first women to become a professional painter. She also became a women's rights advocate rebelling against the gender restrictions of her day.

The above painting by Artemisia is especially interesting as many think it is a reference to her being repeatedly raped. Her sensitive paintings, her dogged determination, her dramatic life story and her "Caesar's courage" do, indeed, reveal a remarkable soul of a woman in history...leaving women artists today quite a courageous legacy to stand on!

"Creating Moments of Joy"

2011-04-07T23:46:00.004-05:00

"Smile!" digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

"Happiness," we are told, "is becoming a focal point of business and here’s why: When you create moments of joy throughout a customer’s encounter with your product, you are more likely to experience the ripple effect that an emotionally positive experience can have on your business." --Ladies Who Launch

I appreciated the above statement as it applies to art. Everyone expresses creatively with a different purpose. For me, I enjoy creating art to express a moment of joy, reflection or some emotional chord that resonates with myself and the world around me, and therefore, with the viewer.

"Romping Around" digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

As artists we are developing an encounter that we hope will draw the observer into the experience of our creative endeavor. If a work is made with integrity of observation, with love and tenderness of line, and with a pure heart towards color...the art speaks for itself and the creative experience is heard, seen and felt with joy...be it performance, poem or painting...be the emotion pain, sadness or joy.

"Jumping for Joy" digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

With so much despair in the world, it's comforting and humbling to remember that there are infinite ways to console others with the joy of our creative truth and expression.

"In our life there is a single color, as on an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love." ~Marc Chagall

To read the whole article from Ladies Who Launch, click here.

Dream It, Begin It

2011-04-05T11:11:00.007-05:00

Beside the Still Waters, 12x18" pastel

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Practicing Confidence in Success

2011-04-04T00:52:00.011-05:00

Umbrella Girl...a pastel in progress.

Confidence. It's not that some of us are lacking it while others have lots of it. We all have confidence in something. It's just that some of us have confidence in failing rather than in succeeding--in losing rather than in wining, in dying rather than living.

I like the synonyms Rodale's gives for confidence: full trust, reliance, dependence, faith, trustworthiness, assured expectation, conviction, sureness, resoluteness, sheet anchor, heart, fearlessness, backbone, tenacity, spunk, self-assurance...etc.

Confidence is an innate quality expressed by all of us. It has nothing to do with whether or not we are good enough or are deserving of being confident. However, we do get to choose what we put our confidence in.

Are we convinced of abundant goodness and supply, unstoppable inspiration and fulfilling creativity? Or, do we have expectations of lack of time and money, creative blocks and poor paintings?

There's a Bible story where these guys are fishing off the coast all night and catch nothing. Jesus stops by and suggests that they cast their net on the right side of the boat. Suddenly the net is so full that the fishermen can barely pull it in. So what changed? It was the same boat with the same fishermen in the same spot with the same net. Even the same fish in the ocean. Maybe their new friend showed them how to transform their confidence in lack, to confidence in plenty? or how to uplift their dependence on limited skills, to faith in a higher expression of talents?

So, if you're an artist who doesn't always have confidence in your talent, time and resources...ask yourself where you've been placing your confidence. You might even try painting on the right side of the boat!

Alternative Views and A Single Focus

2011-04-03T01:08:00.007-05:00

I'm now offering 5 other fun ways to view my blog by typing the word "view" to the end of my URL. (http://www.studiozanne.blogspot.com/view/)

Next, if you click on the top right pull-down menu you'll find the alternate platforms to look through my blog. The first one I've featured here is called "Mosaic". Click here to check it out.

Speaking of alternative views...don't forget to stand back to look at your paintings (or your life) and get the big picture. If you focus in too closely the whole time you are painting, you'll find it warps your perspective and keeps you mired in the details...as it does in most all jobs/tasks. Go for a walk and come back into the room refreshed with a new pair of eyes.

Remember that your eyes can only focus on one thing at a time in any given scene...so this means that your paintings should only have one focus if you are wanting to reproduce life. If the light area is in focus, then the darks should be out of focus...and so on. It's a good practice to apply to your to-do list, too...if you focus on one thing at a time, you'll get much more done at the end of the day than if you stop and start several projects at once.

You may also want to look at your artwork upside down or in a mirror, as well. It helps you identify any mistakes that may be hidden due to the way we see what we believe is reality rather than looking and measuring for what is really accurate. The mirror makes you check your reality against what's actually going on.

Hope you're having a fun, creative weekend!

Help Japan Challenge: Painting Auction

2011-03-29T23:56:00.009-05:00

"Sunny and Clear" by S'zanne Reynolds, 8x10" acrylic

This painting is dedicated to the land of the rising sun, Japan. The sunflower sows seeds of nourishment, longevity, energy, vibrance and loyalty. "Sunny and Clear" offers a prayer of a brighter 'morrow and turns its face towards the comfort of the sun and the hope of happier times.

I've donated this painting to the Help Japan Challenge sponsored by the Daily Paintworks blog. Bidding starts at $25 and proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross for the sale of this painting. You ca bid on Sunny and Clear at their website by clicking on the link here and entering my name under artist.

There are many fine paintings featured on this site contributing to this worthy cause. I hope you'll find one for your home, on behalf of our neighbors and friends in Japan.

Awarded Second Place in Landscape

2011-03-27T23:39:00.008-05:00

Ring 'Round the Rosy, 12x12" pastel by S'zanne Reynolds

I'm so pleased to announce that my pastel, Ring 'Round the Rosy, placed second in the landscape category at the Austin Pastel Society's annual juried show today. It's quite an honor as there were many other very fine landscape paintings in the exhibit.

In addition to sketchbooks and other pastel surfaces, I received a gift certificate towards my favorite pastels by Terry Ludwig...I can't wait to order additional new colors to paint my next cloudscape.

Thank you to juror, Liz Haywood-Sullivan, and congrats to everyone in the show!

The Secret to Her Success

2011-03-27T12:59:00.015-05:00

Photo by Giovanni Dall'Orto , 14-7-2007

Fun Facts of History:

B.C. 100, "Roman artist Iaia of Cyzicus paints and engraves ivory, becoming the foremost painter and sculptor of her day. A lifelong virgin, she worked faster and commanded higher fees than either of the top two male painters of the time."
- Chronology of Women's History by Kirstin Olsen

Iaia, also known as Marcia, is not only more productive, but also earns more than the famous male artists of her time.

Hmm...is it too late to become a lifelong virgin?

For more info on Iaia, click here.

Being Made New

2011-03-20T12:39:00.008-05:00

Self-Communion, digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

I went out to a show where it all began for me. I attended my first oil painting workshops, sold my first painting and took my first steps towards an art career at the Bunkhouse Gallery in Cypress Mill, out past Hamilton Pool.

The memories flooded back and it was as if I was returning to both my birthplace and my grave. I reflected on what has been and what could be...as we all often do when faced with our own history. I got home and looked up the lyrics to a song that had been haunting me all week on the radio. Maybe it will move you as much as it moved me:

You Are More by Tenth Avenue North

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

Refrain:
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

Refrain:
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

(Repeat refrain)

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

(Repeat refrain)

You've been remade....

Art Reception: Saturday, March 19, 2 - 6 p.m.

2011-03-18T17:33:00.010-05:00

"Primrose Promises" 9x12" oil on linen

S'zanne is now showing in...

The Bunkhouse Gallery
19th Fine Art and Jewelry Show
Featuring Greater Austin and Hill Country Artists

March 19 - 27, 2011
Weekends, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
M-F, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

I hope to see you this Saturday...
Art Reception: Saturday, March 19, 2 - 6 p.m.

Location: The Bunkhouse Gallery
at Wenmoh's Ranch
573 Old Spicewood Road 78663

From Austin:
Turn Left from HWY 71 onto Hamilton Pool Rd.
Go 21.2 miles to stop sign at 962 and 962 Spur, turn Right.
Take first right at Old Spicewood Rd ( CR 302).
Turn at second gate on Left into the Bunkhouse.

From Marble Falls:
Go South on HWY 281 to Round Mountain.
Turn Left (east) on RR 962.
Go 7 miles to Old Spicewood Rd and turn Left.
Turn at second gate on Left to the Bunkhouse.

Many paintings, jewelry and pottery under $200.
Wine tasting, silent auction and raffle
to benefit CASA for Highland Lakes.
Live Music by Tim and Angie Wooton on Saturdays and Lynda Jones on Sunday.

Art Reception, Wednesday, March 23, 5-7 p.m.

2011-03-10T13:10:00.004-06:00

"Inner Light", 30x24" oil on canvas, $1250 plus tax

Celebrate music with me and several other local artists in an art reception Wednesday, March 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. in a SXSW art show featuring everything musical. If you can go, please RSVP to my email. Details follow:

SXSW ART SHOW
March 6 - April 25, 2011

ART RECEPTION: Wednesday, March 23, 5 - 7 p.m.

Hyde Park Bar & Grill, at West Gate
4521 West Gate Boulevard
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 899-2700

Art Reception: Sunday, March 27, 3-5 p.m.

2011-03-09T00:28:00.006-06:00

"Variations No. 1", 10x10" pastel

Now showing in...
AUSTIN PASTEL SOCIETY'S
Annual Juried Member Exhibition
March 7- April 30, 2011

You're invited to the:
RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY
Sunday, March 27 from 3 - 5:00 p.m.
Chase Bank Building, Cooridor of Art
700 Lavaca St. - Austin, TX
Parking at 8th/Guadalupe in Chase Garage

"Ring 'Round the Rosy", 12x12" pastel

Creativity: The Tablet of Your Being

2011-03-08T22:14:00.011-06:00

"Mind Passages", digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

Webster defines the verb reflect as "to consider mentally, specifically, to attend earnestly to what passes within the mind." And, reflection is defined as "any state in which the mind considers its own content."

If every day you reflect on the face in the mirror, telling it that you are not so beautiful or talented, not so strong or energetic, not so youthful or vigorous...then you will soon hear the world tell you that you're not so good at anything, anymore. Disguised as your own thoughts you may then suddenly find yourself thinking, "I have nothing to offer, I have nothing to create."

"Cool Contemplations", digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

In this state of mind, it's impossible to be creative. It's pure self-destruction that effaces the very tablet of your being. In order to be creative, you must contemplate the qualities you desire to feel, see and be--the creative, energetic and beautiful-- in order to express them. In other words, you must claim being the very expression of this beautiful, creative divine Mind of the universe in order to see yourself reflected in it, as the expression of it.

So, it's time to silence the disgruntled voices in your head and find your divine creative reflection in the mirror! Face to face with your creative Spirit-Source, you will recall why it is that you are part of the creative process, the One all-together Lovely.

"Hot Mamma Nature", digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

Go outside and see how many beautiful and varied reflections you can find in nature. Then reflect them back to yourself on canvas or camera...on the very tablet of your creative being!

Plunging Barefoot into Spring

2011-02-28T22:57:00.018-06:00

Iris Pools, 10x8" pastel by S'zanne Reynolds

Stuck downtown at 4 p.m. in traffic that seems to be going nowhere fast...I turn around and head to "Lady Bird/Town Lake" (the Colorado River) to while away the hours in a canoe rental. Not exactly dressed for water, I throw my Birks into the bow, roll up my pant legs and wade barefoot into the cool waters to shove off.

Yum!

My vermilion vessel submerges into the cool, dark-green crystal waters of a painting in my mind...making a nice compliment to the scene if I could remove myself to see it. She glides over bits of cerulean blue heaven and rippling gold reeds refracted in her wake. Beneath her hull, sunlit shadows reveal leafy tentacles swaying in a magical mermaid emerald forest of quiet lights and darks. Just above the surface, statuesque log-piled turtles suddenly make tactical dives to hide from close observation.

Swarms of seasonal coots, black duckie-like birds, coo and cluck all around me. These mud hens have white markings on their beaks which are mirrored on their sassy white-tipped rumps so when they fish, bottoms up, predators can't tell their heads from their tails. Isn't Mother Nature clever? Their beady red eyes make them personify a rather sinister cartoon...what characters!

Everything seems to be anticipating the arrival of spring. Early tree buds dapple in the light against the distant mists of grays, golds and young greens...as the arch of a bridge captures the day's last light, rebounding on the river.

Bright orange and yellow sunkissed paddles playfully slap out a rhythm...swoosh, splish, splash...swoosh, splish, splash...as they sing out from all sides. The wind pushes my canoe wildly about until I circle round and lie back, looking up dizzy with spring's promise of renewal through the treetops.

Trains moan and traffic buzzes. Geese honk and lovers smooch. Youth and beauty run by at a steady pace. I think of the young man's hand I used to hold.

Listening from the Treetops

2011-02-27T23:09:00.013-06:00

Whispering Treetops, digital image by S'zanne Reynolds

Visiting with a friend in the parking lot, I heard a child's voice calling out for help across the street. Most of the Sunday crowd had already left church and the outdoor courtyard was empty, but the timid voice continued to call out faintly, "help, help!" We crossed the street and looked up some 40 feet off the ground to find a small boy camouflaged in the tree tops of a large magnolia. Insisting that he couldn't get back down, the child had become afraid at finding himself so far off the ground.

My friend went over to the trunk of the tree and reminded the boy that he could hear God's directions if he just listened for them...that God was showing him the best way to get down and that he was safe in his divine Father's care and could trust Him.

How many of us would have tried to tell the boy what to do? I was impressed that my friend didn't try to give him any human advice about tree climbing, which she had little or no expertise in. But rather, she insisted that he was receptive to God's guidance and could, in fact, hear God's directions.

The boy's parents, who had been looking for him inside the edifice, came outside in time to see their son scaling down a tree taller than the church's roof line. None of us were more grateful than this little boy who ran to his mom and hugged her, happy to be safely on the ground and completely unharmed. I don't think any of us will forget the lesson of this day!

Even though we might not be able to share this child's perspective, we can all relate to going out on a limb and getting stuck there. How often do we remember to listen to God and ask for directions or guidance? Do we remember to have this simple childlike trust in our Father's plan for us...do we ask for help with each step of the way, knowing that His design is complete and fulfilling, supreme and known to us?

So, no matter what your adventure may look like or where your journey may take you, go climb that tree or mountain top...and trust that you'll be able to get back down...listening for directions along the way!

A Date With Art

2011-02-26T22:05:00.006-06:00

I had a date with Art tonight. I went to hear live music at Opa on South Lamar. Faces appeared as mythic creatures, nymphs and jokers...dogs were lions, men were magicians and women were belly dancers. Spiders spun webs of wonder and enchantment under a mighty twin-trunked oak that lassoed the stars and swayed to the rising music dancing over our heads.

I found at least one model to add to my series. It's a good night in Austin.

You Are the Music

2011-02-21T14:59:00.026-06:00

"Inner Light" 30x24" oil on canvas

Regularly sells for $2000, the above painting is now on special for only $1250 plus tax, plus S+H will be COD or arranged to be picked up later. SHOWING at Hyde Park Bar & Grill in West Gate, March 6 - April 25.

I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me-like food or water. ~Ray Charles

As it's almost time for SXSW here in Austin, Texas and it's time to go out and enjoy the city known for being the "Live Music Capital of the World".

The creative forces of music, art, dance and theatre exist inside us as the ebb and flow of our very life forces. Music has been described as wild sound civilized, an ocean, a sculpture, moonlight, religion, a material necessity, the short-hand of emotion, the soul's language, spiritual power, the speech of angels, a refuge, an escape, revelation, and as the food of love.

Whatever music is to you, we as human beings seem to crave it almost as much as food and water. Music is our solace in despair and our glad sound in celebration. Below I've shared some of my favorite things various folks have said about what music is to them. Enjoy...and I hope to see you out there enjoying the live music!
..........................

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. ~Lao Tzu

For me, singing sad songs often has a way of healing a situation. It gets the hurt out in the open into the light, out of the darkness. ~Reba McEntire

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. ~Ludwig van Beethoven

I've said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice. Stevie Ray Vaughan missed on both counts, but I never noticed. ~ B.B. King

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. ~Plato

You can't stay the same. If you're a musician and a singer, you have to change, that's the way it works. ~Van Morrison

If music be the food of love, play on. ~William Shakespeare

There's nothing like music to relieve the soul and uplift it. ~Mickey Hart

Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once. ~Robert Browning

Without music, life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Nietzsche

You are the music while the music lasts. ~ T.S. eliot

Embracing Our Passions or Playing It Safe

2011-02-20T01:52:00.011-06:00

Sedona, Arizona

There are no guarantees in life except change. But will we jump on and embrace change and see where our passion will take us, or will we cling cautiously to the past and to that which is known and safe? Passion dies in an environment of fear and a yearning for guarantees and certainty.
~Brene Brown

Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. ~Sydney Smith

I've never regretted getting in the van and driving around the country with my camera and paints or taking plane trips to far away places. I have deeply regretted staying at home and becoming more comfortable in my surroundings.

Have you noticed that as you allow small regrets to accumulate, like the gym you never work out in or the book you never start, it becomes easier to allow the larger ones to take place...like the vacations you never take or the career change or relationship you never went for?

However, if you demand to see a little progress and risk daily of yourself, then it's much more likely that you'll embrace your larger hopes and dreams. So why not start today?!

Look Where You Would Walk

2011-02-19T10:54:00.011-06:00

One of my favorite photos on the way to the Grand Canyon.

"We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." ~ Mary Baker Eddy

Letting go and letting God...we're all familiar with that phrase, but it's often more challenging than we'd like. We usually want to see our life in outline form...with clear goals and directions before us.

I love the above quote from Mary Baker Eddy. It gives new meaning to the idea of letting go. Instead of mindlessly wandering in the wilderness of confusion and hope, waiting for some divine guidance...we are divinely empowered to take the steps we need to with the sweet promise of finding what we desire on our journey, even our perfect bliss.

How often do we act as having all power within our grasp, within our divine, creative being? And do we really look in the direction where we want our lives to go? or do we timidly look back at our past achievements or past relationships to discover ways to keep doing what we've always done?

I invite you to look where you would like to walk...today!

Playtime: The Soul's Work

2011-02-18T00:01:00.005-06:00

"Texas Pastures" 10x8" acrylic demo

This is a demo I did at an art store recently. It's different from my usual work...I'm just playing with another medium and chillin' out to the music, loving the pink.

From "Coming Home to Myself" by Marion Woodman:

"If play is the work of the soul, imagination is its language...Play and imagination are the raw material of adult self-expression in the arts. Children don't need to be talented to enjoy painting or dancing; they do it because they enjoy it. Adults do not need talent either, just a willingness to let go of set ideas about what it means to express themselves in the arts."

Enjoying the Journey

2011-02-17T22:59:00.004-06:00

5.5x4" acrylic thumbnail: "Red Roof and Crimson Flora"

I did this sweet little thumbnail prior to a demo I did last night. Although there are some adjustments to make, I quite enjoyed this little jewel over the finished painting. It's funny how that happens...sometimes the quick explorations of color and free bold strokes leave you with a much fresher view. Not to mention that I prefer this watercolor paper to the yucky board I painted on afterwards! So supplies do make a difference to how you respond to the paint as well.

Assignment: Do a small pencil value-map of study of a scene on scratch paper. Then divide small sheets of paper in half. In about 5x7" or 5x5" formats, paint the same scene 4-6 times in different colors. Try various color combinations from the color wheel: compliments, split compliments, analogues colors, and triadic combos. Be aware of the values and make sure your colors reflect the values you assigned in the value study. Try some high key and low key colors as well. Have fun!

Remember to enjoy the journey of painting...it's not always about the destination or final product!

Meeting Indifference with Love

2011-02-13T23:49:00.009-06:00

Opening night, Saturday, February 12, 2011, at Austin Art Space with the theme, "For the Love of Art" featured the subject of love. "Becoming Natasha", my piece (above right) was juried into the show.

This weekend an elderly woman in the checkout line in front of me relayed that she'd been married for 65 years and didn't expect anything for Valentine's Day from her husband, nor did she care. Hmm. This gave me pause. You'd think 65 years of marriage would be something to celebrate!

Maybe her indifference was to protect her own heart from her husband's indifference. Indifference may take seed in thought to cover a plethora of fears. We can participate in little indifferences that lead to the small broken shards that make up our messy experiences which eventually become emergencies, stress or broken hearts....until we forget how to love and be loved...and grow used to the cold emptiness. Indifference suffocates the heart and turns the soul towards bitterness.

It's certainly never fun to be on the receiving end of indifference, as most of us know from experience. But what we usually don't realize, is that we all too often respond in kind...as if the hurt will go away if we numb out.

Indifference is defined as a lack of interest; of little or no concern; lack of care; lack of quality; mediocrity; unimportance; insignificance; schizophrenic.

Wow, what a word! I found that if you start to keep company with indifference, you seem to find yourself potentially open to all the rest of the family.

Its relatives are apathy, emotionlessness, impassiveness, impassivity, nonchalance, phlegm, spiritlessness, stolidity, unconcern, unemotionality, distant, callous, disinterest, neutrality, ho-hum, lethargy, cruelty, nonchalance, cold-shoulder, cool, callous, dismissive, withdrawal, dissympathy, estrange, alienate, lack, want, secularism, irreligious, deadness.

Upon closer study, I was quite shocked at how much indifference I myself have participated in. It seems that indifference is that which makes you feel unworthy. And perhaps when we feel indifferently about something, we are feeling unworthy ourselves, or not seeing the value in someone else.

The opposite of indifference-- care, concern, feeling, interest, passion, sensitivity, sympathy, warmth, friendliness, compassion, kindness, pleasure, excitement, esteem, honor, respect, gladness, joy, elation-- is just what we all yearn for in this life.

How do you know how much love and life is out in the world available to you if you never go for it 100%? If you only dole love out in small indifferent measures...how can you realize the passion that is your calling...or the love of your life?

May we all redirect our energies with the divine Love that never fails us...and may we return blessings for cursing, love for hate, and forgiveness and compassion when we're met with the ugly face of indifference...whether in ourselves or in others.

Love someone special this Valentine's Day...love yourself, and then everyone else your thought rests on!

Never Make Assumptions

2011-02-10T16:03:00.020-06:00

"A Painful Commission" by S'zanne Reynolds

Commissions are often a challenge for many artists. I've learned the hard way, never to make assumptions or you can lose the sale, or worse--your client.

Don't assume, for example, that they'll understand why you're taking so long to finish a painting. Explain the process and keep clients updated with the progress, or lack of progress.

Be realistic setting a timeline, and don't be afraid to communicate road blocks or explain why the work may take longer than expected. Keep the lines of communication open and don't ignore any problems.

What you see in your head, is not necessarily what they'll want. Discuss the plans for the work and define the details as much as possible. If they can't point to a particular piece in your portfolio that they like and want you to emulate style-wise, then don't take on the job. You cannot be anything other than the artist you already are at the moment.

And, don't assume, they'll want to purchase the piece upon completion. Have a backup plan and offer them another painting for the same value as the non-refundable deposit.

If you don't currently have a dedicated block of time to complete the commission, say 4-6 hours a day for 2-3 weeks or however long you plan for it to take, ask them to come back in 6 months or put them on a waiting list. Accepting commissions too far in advance of your availability will make you look like you're not really interested in doing business with them, and it may potentially build tension and frustration for all concerned.

We all want our clients to be happy with our commissions, and we desire to act with integrity and professionalism. But even the best intentions can go awry. Click on LadiesWhoLaunch.com for some good guidelines on setting goals, expectations and desired results to help avoid the pitfalls of bad planning and unexpected outcomes in any business.

Art is, after all, a business...the business of creativity!

The Art of Seeing

2011-02-09T00:38:00.006-06:00

Delovely Delisa, 16x19" pastel © 2010

"There is an art to seeing shapes in clouds."
~Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society

I'd say there is an art to seeing....

Did you look up today and see the horizontal bands of clouds, like a woman's shawl about her head?

What do you see when you look up?

Babushka, 24x18" oil © 2006

February Wallpaper

2011-02-08T13:33:00.002-06:00

Right click to download for your desktop...Mac users, option click.

Here's to the month of love with a detail from Ring 'Round the Rosy, a 12x12" pastel.

Ruin: Road to Transformation

2011-02-06T20:28:00.006-06:00

"The Road to Transformation" by S'zanne Reynolds

"Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation."
~from the movie, "Eat Pray Love"

Have you ever really messed up? Totally wiped out on a painting or creative work?

I sure have! But some of my best ruinations have lead to the most transforming freedom of creative thought process...leaving me in a new place, previously undiscovered.

I was once told that the start of a painting was far more important than the finish. We are often all too concerned with the finished product...will it look good in a frame? will it sell?...vs. the creative process of what feeling did we begin with, what was our intention and did we see it through?

Of course, then there is the middle...when much ruination and transformation may take place. And sometimes we finish it out OK, and other times, not so much! But it's often the lessons we take from the ruined paintings that shapes our next few paintings and adds depth to future work.

So have some fun today...on the road to transformation...and ruin a few paintings!

Working in Sunshine and Storm

2011-02-04T00:25:00.006-06:00

A thumbnail work in progress...pastel.

The entire purpose of true education is to make one not only know the truth but live it– to make one enjoy doing right, make one not work in the sunshine and run away in the storm, but work midst clouds of wrong, injustice, envy hate; and wait on God, the strong deliverer, who will reward righteousness and punish iniquity. "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." --MB Eddy

One of my favorite quotes that has been around my desk since high school. While I haven't always enjoyed the challenge of working in sad times vs. glad times...I'm learning to truly appreciate it now. If you can't do what you love through thick and thin...you haven't really learned to love what you do.

Giving It Your Best...and Your Worst

2011-02-02T17:24:00.008-06:00

Work in progress, pastel

Giving your best to yourself and your painting will not always obtain the promise of progress. Some days we just need to take out the turp rag and erase the day's work, wash it off or throw it away and start again. After all, there's nothing more important than new beginnings!

Sometimes I just have to give myself permission to paint badly...in the hopes of discovering the magic of painting well!

Take Courage

2011-01-30T21:53:00.040-06:00

Thumbnail, acrylic

Take courage to explore your heart. Bravely paint or pen your thoughts, fears and desires, and you'll find the beauty, strength, satisfaction, and peace that are already yours within.

Take courage to live your life; it's a life worth living and worth loving. Know yourself, as the child of Soul's creating--perfect, sinless, whole and free!

Take courage. It's God's gift to you, to live unafraid and create freely!

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Love that Remains

2011-01-30T21:53:00.033-06:00

A Saudade Celebration

January 30th, I celebrated, with Brazilians, the day of saudade. It can mean many things to different people, but for me, it's not so much a remembrance of lost loves or better times, as it is a celebration of "the love that remains" in my life.

Previously unaware of saudade, I must have been preparing for this day for a long time. Through trips down memory lane from watching old movie favorites to rediscovering misplaced photo albums and old paintings, I've been remembering the good times and feeling the strength and tenderness of this love that remains.

Spontaneously, a few friends came over to celebrate on this balmy winter night in a Texas style fire-pit ceremony of past joys, and joys to come-- and the love that remains.

"It's amazing, Molly...the love inside, you take it with you!" from the movie, Ghost (1990)

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According to Wikipeidia...

"Saudade is a Portuguese and Galician word difficult to translate adequately, which describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one was fond of and which is lost."

"Saudade has been described as a "vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist...a turning towards the past or towards the future". A stronger form of saudade may be felt towards people and things whose whereabouts are unknown, such as a lost lover, or a family member who has gone missing. It may also be translated as a deep longing or yearning for something which does not exist or is unattainable."

"Saudade was once described as "the love that remains" or "the love that stays" after someone is gone. Saudade is the recollection of feelings, experiences, places or events that once brought excitement, pleasure, well-being, which now triggers the senses and makes one live again. It can be described as an emptiness, like someone ( e.g. one's children, parents, sibling, grandparents, friends) or something (e.g. places, pets, things one used to do in childhood, or other activities performed in the past) that should be there in a particular moment is missing, and the individual feels this absence. In Portuguese, 'tenho saudades tuas', translated as 'I have saudades for you' means 'I miss you', but carries a much stronger tone. In fact, one can have 'saudades' of someone with which one is, but have some feeling of loss towards the past or the future."

Soulmates

2011-01-30T15:05:00.006-06:00

Twin Flame © 2010 S'zanne Reynolds, digital image

There's a scene from the movie, What Dreams May Come, where the departed husband has just learned that his wife has left earth for the illusion of her self-created suicidal purgatory. He is determined to find her, rescue her from this self-induced punishment or hell, and bring her back to his heaven, a state of consciousness created by her paintings.

He's told he can never succeed. The devoted husband reminds his angelic guide that there are no rules. "It's not about understanding; it's about not giving up!" he shouts. "I'm her soulmate, I can find her."

I was amazed to see that the movie's background scene nearly perfectly matched the above image I took in Sedona, where I had so many past reflections of my own departed husband. The only thing missing were the animated flashes of lightening!

Wikipedia defines a soulmate as, " a person with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality, and/or compatibility. A related concept is that of the twin flame or twin soul which is thought to be the ultimate soulmate, the one and only other half of one's soul, for which all souls are driven to find and join."

A twin flame or twin soul has been defined as finding your true selfhood, without the body or ego personality.

It seems to me that a soulmate can be different things to different people, always bringing you back to discovering your God origins or spiritual oneness. A soulmate can be anything-- a lover, mother, sister, friend, pet or even a talent like painting--that accompanies you on this journey of finding your real selfhood. It would seem that we have to lose this mortal sense of self to rediscover our twin flame...which we in fact, have never really lost, as it's always been right there within us...in our ever creative self-awareness, our eternal oneness with all Being.

So while we have company along the way, sometimes we do not. But we are never really alone, as our twin flame is always there burning brightly for us to find our way home.

"I'm her soulmate, I can find her."
-- from the movie, What Dreams May Come

Creativity Is a Celebration of Life

2011-01-29T17:41:00.004-06:00

Color Me Grand © 2010 S'zanne Reynolds, digital image

I'm working on a small pastel study from the above photo. With a name like Color Me Grand, I'll have to develop it into a huge painting!

"Creativity is a celebration of one's grandeur; one's sense of making anything possible. Creativity is a celebration of life– my celebration of life. It is a bold statement: I am here! I love life! I love me! I can be anything! I can do anything!" ~Joseph Zinker, therapist, painter, sculptor, poet

If your creativity is a celebration of your life and yourself, then you can't very well afford to think small about yourself or not like your work! Our creativity is a celebration and expression of the one Life divine. What's not to love!?

So what are you going to celebrate this weekend?

Love What You Are Painting

2011-01-27T23:04:00.008-06:00

Variation No. 1 © 2010 by S'zanne Reynolds
10x10" pastel

Ring 'Round the Rosy © 2010 by S'zanne Reynolds
12x12" pastel

Two of my pastels, Variation No. 1 and Ring 'Round the Rosy, have been accepted into the Austin Pastel Society's Annual Juried Member Exhibition. Juror, Liz Haywood-Sullivan, PSA.

Showing March 7- April 30, 2011
Reception and Awards Ceremony: Sunday, March 27 from 3 - 5:00 p.m.
At the Corridor of Art - 700 Lavaca, Austin, TX 78701

Give your love to whatever you are doing, and your own special art will come to life. ~ Ralph Marston

To see the rest of Ralph's article on "Your Inner Artist' click here to visit Greatday.com.

On Becoming Yourself

2011-01-25T20:51:00.029-06:00

Becoming Natasha © 2010 by S'zanne Reynolds
18.5 x 26.5" pastel

My painting, Becoming Natasha was juried into the "For the Love of Art" exhibit by Dr. Christopher Adejumo.

Opening Night is February 12, from 6-9 p.m. at Austin Art Space.
(7739 Northcross Dr., Austin 78757)

This pastel is part of the "All Kinds of Lovely" series of portraits I started last summer. Becoming Natasha is such a fitting title for this young lady as she is both becoming in beauty and becoming in spirit as she discovers herself, her talents and her way in the world. Natasha reminds me that we are all still young at heart, always in search of being fully expressed.

Sweet 'n Sour, © 2004 by my former self
19x13.5" pastel

Above is one of my early pastels, Sweet 'n Sour, which was accepted into one AVAA's annual shows. I don't recall if he was the juror or just visiting the show, but Dr. Adejumo offered his compliments on the quick, deliberate, unlabored effect of my strokes that were essentially left alone once applied. His encouragement left quite an impression on me, so much so, that I have tried to create that fresh, directly applied look in most of my paintings. I think I succeeded in Becoming Natasha, which is perhaps why he juried it into this current show!

About the Juror: Dr. Adejumo received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts (Graphic Design) from the University of Benin, Nigeria in 1983. He studied at the University of Massachusetts, in Dartmouth, where he received an MFA degree in Visual Designs (Printmaking) in 1993. In 1997, he received a PhD in Art Education from Ohio State University. His art has been shown in solo exhibitions in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

He has received numerous research and academic excellence awards including GTECH 1992 (Dartmouth, Massachusetts) award for academic excellence; and the University of Benin 1983 "Student of the Year" award for academic excellence. His articles have been published in newspapers and visual arts and research journals. He has been the program director for the AVAA Sponsored Project The Greater Tomorrow Youth Art Program for 12 years. The program provides free art workshops taught by Dr. Adejumo to at risk kids in Austin.

Vision and Action

2011-01-24T21:18:00.008-06:00

Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.
~Joel A. Barker

Setting intentions, and following up, has been a challenge for me in the daily grind. Sometimes a visit to the studio consists of looking through books, taking notes or sketching...and only dreaming about the next painting. Other times, with the best of intentions, I roll up my sleeves and furiously clean and rearrange my workspace....and time passes.

But, then there are the days when I grasp my vision firmly amidst the mess and chaos, and the paint simply flows through the ends of my fingertips. To me, it seems to take a little dreaming, a bit of vision...and a whole lot more painting action to find the artist within --or change the world!

Back to the Easel: No Fainting Please

2011-01-23T21:35:00.012-06:00

Getting a bit messy...another layer is added after many delays. There's still much more to do.

So, you're finally getting back to work on that oil painting, only to discover that it has already dried. If you paint on it now, the new paint will eventually just pop off in time. Wondering what to do?

Elizabeth Tolley has the answer...along with many other fine painting tips in her book, Oil Painter's Solution Book: Landscapes--Over 100 answers to your oil painting questions.

Ms. Tolley says, "If you are going to work on a painting after the first application of paint has dried, re-wet the painting with the medium you have been using so the subsequent layer will adhere." (Wish I'd known that a few years back...!)

She continues, "If you have been using a three-part medium of turpentine, damar varnish and linseed oil, use a retouch varnish with damar varnish in it. However, if you are using an alkyd, you need to use alkyd and OMS. I use a thin mixture of 1 part alkyd to 1 part OMS."

Beware of the damar varnish or retouching damar varnish...it's fumes are toxic enough to cause fainting, and probably death to small animals/birds, or even you. You'll have to leave it outside to dry...and I don't mean in the garage attached to the house! The fumes will still leak inside and leave you with a headache. I also noticed that the stuff ate through gloves to the skin. For these reasons, I prefer Gamblin's Galkyd as both a varnish and quick dry medium, used with his OMS (odorless mineral spirits).

I prefer to keep breathing while I paint, don't you?

Cezanne Says: Paint

2011-01-19T23:36:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday, Paul Cezanne!

The French post-Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne was born 172 years ago today, Jan. 19, 1839. He died Oct. 22, 1906 at the age of 67. Considered the father of modern art, he lead the way from Impressionism into Cubism, influencing the course of such great masters as Matisse and Picasso.

Cezanne is also part of the inspiration behind my namesake, S'zanne. Of course, here in Texas no one pronounces my name with a French accent!

Enjoy some favorite sayings attributed to the great master...Cezanne says:

Don't be an art critic. Paint. There lies salvation.

Genius is the ability to renew one's emotions in daily experience.

Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one's sensations.

A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.

A puny body weakens the soul.

Art is a harmony parallel with nature.

A thousand painters ought to be killed yearly.
Say what you like: I'm every inch a painter.

I am more a friend of art than a producer of painting.

I could paint for a hundred years, a thousand years without stopping and I would still feel as though I knew nothing.

I have nothing to hide in art. The initial force alone can bring anyone to the end he must attain.

I have sworn to die painting.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not really possible to help others.

Is art really the priesthood that demands the pure in heart who belong to it wholly?

It's so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas.

Keep good company - that is, go to the Louvre.

The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself.

The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution.

The painter must enclose himself within his work; he must respond not with words, but with paintings.

The truth is in nature, and I shall prove it.

We live in a rainbow of chaos.

With an apple I will astonish Paris.

When I judge art, I take my painting and put it next to a God made object like a tree or flower. If it clashes, it is not art.

You say a new era in art is preparing; you sensed it coming; continue your studies without weakening. God will do the rest.

Making Magic

2011-01-18T00:45:00.005-06:00

"Your life should be beautiful. We are born to experience the beauty of creating our magnificent lives. Yet, we lose ourselves in the little things of every single day and before we notice, we worry, we fear things and we get frustrated, even depressed. It happens because we took our eyes off the purpose of our lives. Concentrate on your goals, always carry love in your heart, and have lots of FUN on the way. This is how you make magic."

--Amanda Devine of amandadevineblog.com

What magic are you making today...?

Individualism and Rose Colored Glasses

2011-01-17T00:30:00.004-06:00

Ring 'Round the Rosy, 12x12" pastel

Sometimes you just have to put the rose colored glasses on to see life differently...otherwise you just keep going round and round the same old scenes without noticing the beauty right in front of you!

"Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known." --Oscar Wilde

A friend asked when referencing this quotation:
"...true? or intense individual connection to Spirit?" I ask, is there a difference?! I think it's just a mode of seeing....

Creativity is basic to all human beings...not as a divinely bestowed gift to a select few, but individually expressed, as uniquely as we all are different, throughout us all. Some are creative in the studio, others on Wall Street and others in the kitchen. Wherever you express yourself, it is uniquely your view of the divine Spirit or the Universe as you see it and are connected to it.

The Consistent Vision

2011-01-09T13:14:00.011-06:00

"Successful businesses operate from a consistent vision, anchored in a business plan, executed by a well-led team operating from a rational, not emotional point of view.

Many entrepreneurs start businesses from passion, which functions very well as a starting point. The trick is to maintain the passion but operate your business from a sound base of logic.

Your business is a mere hobby unless you establish and follow a business model that (eventually) turns a profit. This may sound hard, but it’s really not, especially when this is the foundation from the very beginning.

When you solve problems from a logical point of view, not an emotional one, you make choices that serve the business and not your ego. Keep asking yourself if feelings are getting in the way. If they are, reestablish your determination to operate from logic.

New habits are created over time. Give yourself a break and focus on applying more and more logic to every aspect of your business. As this becomes your norm, business becomes easier."

Good advice from Ladies Who Launch. I like to ponder the ways in which to apply this "consistent vision" to my art business...with something that looks like intention fueled by passion, followed by unstoppable creativity, that hits the easel with with regularity and persistence....and eventually translates into a painted canvas.

Reflections of the Past

2011-01-05T17:27:00.020-06:00

Self Reflection, digital image

It's that time of year. Everyone gets a little edgy about what they've accomplished in life, and naturally reflects on their past and where they are going. But I'm really tired of well meaning inferences to how our past makes us who we are today. I mean, if our past was bumpy and challenging, does this make us broken?

Only the good in our past stays with us and makes us who we are...it's not what terrible things that have happened to us that shape us...it's how we rise like a Phoenix out of the ashes and are reborn of Spirit that makes us who we are and have always been. Maybe past reflection gives us a better view into who we really have been all along.

General thought today maintains that the future is created by the past, and that, like human machines, we repeat our past in our tendencies. It is further held that if we would be free of our past, we must have breakthroughs in consciousness, or we cannot do anything new.

I want to challenge this mode of thinking.

The past is actually defined by the present and by the future...and not the other way around.

"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." --George Orwell

Progress: the edge of not working

2011-01-02T22:58:00.010-06:00

Ocean Progression day 2

What would it be like if you lived each day, each breath, as a work of art in progress? Imagine that you are a Masterpiece unfolding, every second of every day, a work of art taking form with every breath. -Thomas Crum

If you ruled out partial successes, there would be no progress at all. -Robert Brault

Every painting and even every thought is a necessary step to lead to the next painting. -Alice Dustin

The progress of an artist is a continual self-sacrifice, a continual extinction of personality. -T.S. Eliot

Your painting is the marking of your progression into nature, a sensation of something you see way beyond the two pretty colors over there. Don't stop to paint the material, but push on to give the spirit. -Robert Henri

Learning something new means you have to abandon, for a little while at least, the familiar and comforting. I happen to like this feeling. I remind myself that tomorrow, I will be someone who didn't exist yesterday. -Nick Stone

A painting works only on the edge of not working. Then what is ungraspable comes near. -Kazuaki Tanahashi

Register for January Pastel Workshops

2011-01-02T19:38:00.008-06:00

Manic Mondays Pastel Workshop
$165 for four classes, or $45 individually

Mondays, January 10, 17, 24, 31
12:30-3:30 p.m.
@ Hobby Lobby on 183/Lamar
8000 Research Blvd Austin, TX 78758

In my pastel workshops, students will strengthen drawing and painting skills while discovering and/or fine-tuning their own painting style. I'll work with you one-on-one to facilitate establishing individual daily painting practices or rituals, to increase productivity and instill more confidence and freedom. All levels welcome. REGISTER BELOW:

Striving vs. Contentment

2011-01-02T01:04:00.005-06:00

Underpainting progression...about 1 hour

It's early Sunday morning and I've been working with Galkyd as a varnish on this underpainting of ocean waves lapping the beach. It should be mostly dry by Sunday afternoon, and ready for another layer of paint. I've applied warm complimentary colors for this layer. The next layer will introduce cool blues and greens and more local colors.

"I feel again the hunger to let go of my striving and find the ability to become content and still, intentionally 'superfluous', as writer Helen M. Luke puts it...But how in the world do I reconcile it with my fierce need to write, the deep clamor to bring forth a new creative flowering in myself? It almost bereaves me to think of unrealized potentials dying inside, the small miscarriages of self. I want to be a novelist." ~Sue Monk Kidd

The writer, Sue Monk Kidd, reminds us here of the age old creative conflict. I prefer the idea that we will find our ability when we let go of our striving and become content and still. This doesn't mean, of course, that we don't strive for better ability and further expressions of our creativity. But when we make our striving our focus all the time, I've found that we just don't paint, or create, or get anything done on any subject because we build so much anxiety around self-expression that we are blocked.

I'm intrigued by Kidd's sad picture of "small miscarriages of self". Perhaps this occurs most when we just don't strive at all...due to fear, or limited time, or self-doubt. To avoid this picture we step up to the easel and command ourselves to move a brush across a canvas until our creative self is finally engaged in giving birth to a multitude of expressions.

I suppose we must have both the striving, the anxiety of moving towards an unfamiliar creative edge, and the contentment with where we are painting today...in order to move towards our paintings of tomorrow.

Best not to think too much about it...and just paint...I'm striving for high painting mileage this year. And, I imagine, there will be much contentment in that!

Just Start!

2011-01-01T16:11:00.007-06:00

So it's a new year and a clean slate...what will you paint on the canvas of life this year?

OK...no time for perfect starts...there's a million different approaches I could take! I just have to do this! Here goes the first underpainting on this 15x30" linen canvas.

I've already started a smaller version and I'm just jumping into the large scale final size. I may go back and work out problems on the smaller one at the same time, but for now, I just need to start and finish this overly procrastinated project!

Savoring the smell of the oils, the sound of my brush scraping over the linen....I drink in the moment paint meets the soul. Ahhh. I wonder why it always takes me so long to get to the easel each time I paint. Hmm. My mind wanders in and out to Nora Jones, as my waves start to crash on the beach and I recall lost loves and tender moments along the shores of life.

It just doesn't get any better than this!

Focus on Your Dream

2010-12-31T16:45:00.005-06:00

Snow Dreams, 12x12 pastel

“My father encouraged me to focus on my dream instead of the obstacles to achieving it.”

So often we focus on obstacles and lose site of our true mission and why we started something. We get caught up in the hardships of success and the more masculine business aspects; writing a business plan, strategic long-term planning, securing finances, etc. We see obstacles instead of solutions because in the moment our imaginations are not expansive enough and won’t allow us to go beyond a certain way of thinking.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep your eyes on the dream. The dream is where you started and fulfillment on it is where you’ll end up. Everything in between remains to be seen and obstacles along the way are just that—obstacles, not hindrances to dream achievement.

--from Ladies Who Launch at ladieswholaunch.com

Sandzen: Ecstasy of Color

2010-12-31T15:41:00.003-06:00

Sandzen: Ecstasy of Color : Colorado Public Television, KBDI 12 in Denver, Colorado

January 2
Denver 7 p.m./Austin 8 p.m.
KBDI 12

You can watch this on line. Click on the link above. Tune in at 8pm January 2nd. Sure looks like an artist to know about!

Reality Check

2010-12-30T11:49:00.009-06:00

Looking Out from the Rabbit Hole

This time of year we all tend to get a bit introspective. We examine our achievements and judge whether or not we are reaching our goals, becoming successful or in need of an over-hall, at the gym, in our relationships, at work or on the mountain top. I found this article on choosing priorities a helpful reminder...and a good reality check into my own!

"Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let him make the most of the present." --Mary Baker Eddy

"Choose Your Priorities" by Ralph Marston

Your priorities are not determined by what you say they are. Your most genuine priorities are expressed by what you actually do with your life and your time.

Look around you, and you'll see very clearly what your priorities have been up to this point. Those priorities have brought you to where you are right now.

If something is truly a priority for you, you absolutely are able to find a way to reach it. If it's not a priority, it's probably not going to happen for you.

You can set your priorities and you can change them at any time to be whatever you choose. But merely wishing for something does not make it a priority.

The priorities that are really priorities are the ones that dictate where you focus your awareness. The priorities that truly matter are the ones in which you invest your interest, your attention and, most importantly, your action.

You can follow whatever priorities you choose, and in every moment you are constantly choosing. Remember, as you go through each day, to choose those priorities that will bring the special joy and fulfillment that is yours to live.

Copyright ©2008 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All rights reserved for greatday.com