tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81655384817521079972024-02-07T10:54:35.710-08:00Diane LeonardAmerican Impressionist ArtistDiane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-13868833742685399392019-05-14T08:38:00.000-07:002019-05-14T08:38:16.247-07:00Used To BeDoris Day passed away yesterday, at the age of 96. Her life was a long one and a great one and, of course, everyone knows of the sweet Doris Day and her many movies that made us smile. <br />
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In honor of Doris, I decided to watch one of her old movies. Life was so much simpler then, and people found joy in the little things. Of course, there are songs in her movies -- she had the voice of an angel, and always, there is a happy ending. <br />
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I remember the days when everyone knew their neighbors and helping each other was a way of life. Yes, those days when Doris Day sang to bring sunshine into our hearts.<br />
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Art has a way of bringing joy and songs in our hearts. Each painting has it's own song to sing! I look back at some of my own paintings that were created many years ago, and I still smile. And, yes, I remember when the mothers and children would pose for me on the beach. We just let the children play and have a good time. And, in my gardens at my home in Phoenix, the children were always mesmerized by the beauty of the colors.<br />
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Art has been, and always will be a part of our lives. It is so important that we spend time enjoying the art in the galleries, museums, and in the homes of friends! Art speaks of our world from long ago and what is relevant today! Enjoy the colors and beauty of art -- it is everywhere.<br />
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Being an artist is challenging and exciting! We paint to bring joy and happiness to the world. Support the arts in any way that you can!<br />
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Art lasts forever! And so does the memories of Doris Day!<br />
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"Love" 7 x 5 Oil on Board</div>
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This is a little study that I did from my garden in Phoenix. My little hammock was a great place to sit and hold her precious baby. And the light was mesmerizing!<br />
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<br />Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-86789601081962855712019-05-03T08:48:00.002-07:002019-05-03T08:48:18.723-07:00FlexibilityBeing flexible can be found in so many areas of our lives. <br />
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Yoga is truly the best way to have our bodies become flexible and healthy. The practice of yoga gives our bodies the strength and stamina to be flexible, and it feels so good. I love stretching and the child's pose is one of my favorite poses to do on my carpet in front of my easel when I take a break.<br />
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Being flexible with family and friends when situations arise that need a "little bending" is truly a way of honoring one another. It's the give and take that we do to keep our relationships happy and thriving that is crucial to a peaceful life. We each have our own way of doing things, and that's the beauty of life -- we are different and yet, the same. We all just want to be loved.<br />
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In art, the flexibility to let the painting paint itself. When you start to create a new canvas, you have an idea of what you are going to do. When you step back, and take some time to sit and look at your work that the painting simply happens. Then you can see what needs to be done to finish your creation.<br />
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As I am finishing a painting, I put all of the photos aside, and I simply let God and my paint brushes finish it for me. That is where the magic begins.<br />
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I did this little study many years ago and the light from the window that catches her dress is what inspired me. Let's face it, ballet dancers are among the most flexible people in the world. I love watching them dance, stretch, workout and the simple task of tying their shoes, entices me to paint.<br />
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"The Dancer study)" 5 x 7 Oil on Board</div>
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<br />Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-51871246678777668412019-05-01T10:13:00.003-07:002019-05-01T10:13:43.784-07:00A Telephone CallSometimes, a simple phone call can bring you so much joy, and love and comfort. We are all so busy these days, and texting seems to be the "new phone call". And, yet, when you simply take a few minutes and call a friend or family member, it can be just what that person needs.<br />
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This morning I received a phone call from my friend in Phoenix, and we chatted for over a half hour and it was so inspirational, moving and mostly, exactly what I needed to start my day. I haven't been to Phoenix in a few years, and my heart and some of my belongings are still there. I was reminded how much I love the desert and the people there.<br />
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Time passes by so quickly, and our lives take us all over the world. The special moments that we share together are the ones that make our hearts smile.<br />
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Thank you, Viktoria, for calling me and for our great and inspirational talk today.<br />
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Here's a painting that I did of Viktoria and her daughter Fifi many years ago in my garden in Phoenix. The tender times we spent together while I watched her children grow up are always in my heart.<br />
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It is one of my favorite paintings.<br />
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Take a few minutes today and give someone a call -- Your heart will truly smile.<br />
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"Love Stories" 20 x 20 Oil on Linen</div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-9874960464683577082019-04-29T20:24:00.000-07:002019-04-30T13:05:06.932-07:00Thank YouTwo words that are the most powerful words in the Universe -- THANK YOU!<br />
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It's the little things in life that bring us the greatest joy. Common courtesies that we extend to one another can bring happiness to someone's day. And you never know what's going on in someone else's life. When we smile and say a simple hello to a stranger as we pass them by, we are spreading joy in the world. It feels good to hold the door open for the person behind you, and letting a car go in front of you in traffic is a simple gesture that truly makes me smile. When I see someone who has served our country, I thank them for their service. The people who help make our world safer truly deserve our gratitude.<br />
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There are so many avenues for gratitude and thanks in our world, and when we use them, we spread the feelings of joy and love in our world. <br />
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Our world can certainly use more LOVE.<br />
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One of the simplest things that I do for the people who deliver our mail is to leave a special treat in the mailbox for them, which can be a candy bar, an apple, a healthy snack, and a bottle of water. It's my way of saying thank you to them for bringing me my mail to me through all kinds of weather. And, there's lot of rain here in New England.<br />
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The simple gesture of a "thank you" brings a smile to my heart.<br />
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Feeding seagulls on the beach is fun, and these amazing birds are always hungry! Here in Marshfield during the winter, they hang out at the supermarket parking lot searching for food, and I find a way to give them something -- they do love Cheez-Its.<br />
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Thank you for reading my blog and being a part of my world.<br />
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"A Walk with The Seagulls" 30 x 30 Oil on Linen<br />
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<br />Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-61985480850366784322017-04-26T07:00:00.000-07:002018-05-17T11:31:20.122-07:00A Thin ThreadSometimes it's just a thread that holds all things together -- a thin, tiny line that connects us to each other and holds all things right.<br />
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That tiny thread is what has kept my art together through the past few years. Finding my soul in my painting, once again, has brought me the peace I have been seeking.<br />
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There is a maturity in my new art that I needed to find. It has been a challenging experience, and I can now happily say -- I am back! I have no idea where I have been, and yet, here I am, painting anew.<br />
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And, with that, I can happily say, I am blogging, once again. <br />
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Here is a new painting that I did after a very special photo shoot in Crystal River, Florida. These two sisters had never posed before, and I found them to be so sweet and charming. They loved looking for the sea treasures among the rocks. The sun sets on the West Coast of Florida, and I love the color and the light!<br />
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Thank you for joining me on this new adventure!<br />
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"Tide Pools" 20 x 20, Oil on Linen</div>
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at the TH Brennen Fine Art Gallery</div>
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Scottsdale, Arizona</div>
<a href="http://dianeleonard.com/">dianeleonard.com</a>Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-56839261535517164852015-09-13T21:27:00.000-07:002015-09-13T21:29:51.112-07:00By The SeaOne of my life's greatest pleasures is to create paintings that bring "joy" to the people who see my work. My painting, "By The Sea" was purchased by a collector from California. Here is what she wrote after she received her painting:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">"</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Your painting BY THE SEA has arrived from the Wright Gallery. It is impossible to describe how absolutely beautiful it is. It was gorgeous on the internet but it is stunning seeing it right in front of me!!!!!!!!!!! You are incredibly talented., your play of light and the emotions showed are just incredible. I am so very happy I purchased it. The girl’s expression is so very pensive and the light on the parasol and her hair is so delicate. I could go on and on . She is together with a few other paintings I love but she is the “BELLE OF THE BALL”, the ocean is so vibrant yet the figure is so gentle and delicate, just love it. Keep up the great works and you are making so many people happy just admiring them and how lucky if one can own one. Thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I so enjoy my walks on the beach at sunset especially and think if ever I am deprived of them I will have your painting to remind me of natures beauty for you have captured it so well."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Her email truly touched my heart and made me smile. This is the reason that I paint! And, this is what painting is all about!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1XdVOJsmUmEhZ7bqt9Idu2RSBmnzoO_L2KWc5ftJHuk9pX-3A22UxiOy03mfIRQ44zCCJVwdrdzHura5lf82BhNfmQY597_YsR15acdbsWsHa0Zvj5tEam_MVBzjsPAzojb07Td3pQ4/s1600/By+The+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1XdVOJsmUmEhZ7bqt9Idu2RSBmnzoO_L2KWc5ftJHuk9pX-3A22UxiOy03mfIRQ44zCCJVwdrdzHura5lf82BhNfmQY597_YsR15acdbsWsHa0Zvj5tEam_MVBzjsPAzojb07Td3pQ4/s320/By+The+Sea.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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"By The Sea"</div>
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24 x 20, Oil on Linen</div>
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<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/diane-leonard.html">You can purchase giclees, prints and notecards here:</a></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-69434455921739676302013-07-02T12:46:00.000-07:002013-07-02T12:49:55.909-07:00Summer LoveHere is a little painting that I donated to be part of the Silent Auction for NVNA and Hospice, here in Norwell, Mass.<br />
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The 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will Benefit NVNA and Hospice. The event will be held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA. Following the Golf Tournament, there will be a dinner with Live and Silent Auction.<br />
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To order tickets or for more information, please contact Linda Brown at 781-610-1463 or email her at<br />
<a href="mailto:LBrown@nvna.org">LBrown@nvna.org</a>!<br />
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Thank you for taking a peek!<br />
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Smiles,<br />
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Diane<br />
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"Summer Love"</div>
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7 x 5 Oil on Ampersand Board</div>
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<a href="mailto:Diane@DianeLeonard.com">Diane@DianeLeonard.com</a></div>
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And see more incredible impressionist paintings at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/impressionist/all%22%20style=%22font:%2010pt%20arial;%20text-decoration:%20underline;%22%3Eimpressionist%20paintings%3C/a%3E"></a><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/impressionist/all" style="font: 10pt arial; text-decoration: underline;">impressionist paintings</a></div>
Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-6151570952350544712013-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-14T07:00:57.325-07:00Marketing<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Marketing you work can be fun and enticing to get people to notice you. There are so many avenues via the internet, and I must say, some of them work. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I recently submitted two of my favorite paintings to a cover competition for Art & Beyond, a magazine that is published monthly via the internet. And although, my two paintings, which have been shown all over the world and have received prizes did not win the cover, they did give me a full page in this month’s magazine.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>If you have a moment, please check it out. My work is on Page 23, and I must say they did a great job with the color and the presentation.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>You never know what will happen when you try something new. And, getting noticed and appreciated for your artwork -- well, as we all know, it feels great!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Please let me know what you think.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/art_beyond/docs/art_beyond_may_june_2013?mode=window">http://issuu.com/art_beyond/docs/art_beyond_may_june_2013?mode=window</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Thank you,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Diane</span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-63652342208024644122013-04-30T07:28:00.000-07:002013-04-30T07:28:34.234-07:00Painting With Love<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>“When you are in awe of someone else's greatness, you are really seeing your own greatness.” Debbie Ford</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The greatest gifts that we have are the ones that we give from our heart and soul. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I painted this special painting as a surprise present for a woman’s special birthday. Her husband loves and cherishes her so very much and wanted to give her a present filled with love. I was delighted to be in the surprise and changed the Golden Retriever to a Golden Doodle -- which up until this time, I did not even know these dogs existed. Now it seems that I see them everywhere!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>He was so excited that he decided to give her the gift when he received the painting, instead of at her party which would be two days later. She came home to a beautiful painting hanging in her dining room and I immediately received a phone call telling me of their delight! And, she saw herself and her dog in the painting, and that was my intention while doing this painting.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And to me, that is what painting is all about -- bringing joy and love to the people who collect my art!</i></span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-77965197900066450632013-04-22T07:01:00.000-07:002013-04-22T07:02:21.166-07:00Innocence<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The innocence of childhood and kittens brings me so much Joy! Our world could use more Joy every day!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I remember this day very well -- we borrowed the kittens and little Fifi told me that she didn't want to hold them -- and guess what -- she couldn't let them go!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Watch a child play .... they are in the moment .... without a care in the world .... a place where we all should be. In the moment, experiencing Joy!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>What a concept ... try it today and let me know how you are doing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Smile!</i></span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-38948019509639961722013-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-12T06:00:34.102-07:00Simplicity<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I was reminded yesterday of a beautiful little painting that I did several years ago. The simplicity of the painting and the flow of the strokes showed the joy that I put into the painting.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I sat at my computer and enjoyed my own painting -- once again! As I looked at it I wondered how I ever painted such a little beauty so simply and yet filled with so much emotion and power. My first thought was WOW! How did I do that? Why don’t I paint like that every day?????</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Then I thought of how many times I have struggled with my work -- agonizing over my strokes -- re-working it, adding doubt and truly not enjoying the process. And, so, there it was -- a simple beauty staring at me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And there it is -- it’s simple --just paint from your heart, knowing that the love and joy of God is in every stroke!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Have fun painting today and every day, and please let me know how you are doing.</i></span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-27171993035560888252013-04-11T09:40:00.000-07:002013-04-11T09:40:34.772-07:00A Walk In The Woods<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Now that Spring has sprung!! It’s time to take a walk in the woods. It will nourish your soul and revive you for the creativity that is coming your way.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>My sister and I took a walk in the woods on Sunday -- it is a preserve that leads into the North River here in Marshfield. It was a joyful and peaceful walk and I was smiling as we walked in nature. It has been a very long time since I had an opportunity to walk with my sister, and our conversations were “all over the place”. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>When we got to the river, we sat and enjoyed yet another view of God’s beauty.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I sometimes forget to get out of the studio and out of my own way and just “BE” in nature with God.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>How special that is! </i></span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-47517966501649680922013-04-05T05:56:00.000-07:002013-04-05T05:57:16.830-07:00A Great Read<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>What an awesome reminder<br /> </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Of why we are here.</i></span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The Cab Ride</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
<br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I arrived at the address and honked the horn. <br />
After waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I could hear something being dragged across the floor..<br />
<br />
After a long pause, the door opened.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>A small woman in her 90's stood before me..</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it,</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Like somebody out of a 1940's movie.<br />
<br />
By her side was a small nylon suitcase.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>All the furniture was covered with sheets.<br />
<br />
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.<br />
<br />
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.<br />
<br />
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb..<br />
<br />
She kept thanking me for my kindness.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'It's nothing', I told her..</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.<br />
<br />
'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked,</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'Could you drive through downtown?'<br />
<br />
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..<br />
<br />
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'I'm in no hurry.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I'm on my way to a hospice'.<br />
<br />
I looked in the rear-view mirror.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Her eyes were glistening.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'The doctor says I don't have very long.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.<br />
<br />
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.<br />
<br />
For the next two hours, we drove through the city.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.<br />
<br />
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived<br />
When they were newlyweds.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once<br />
Been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.<br />
<br />
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing..<br />
<br />
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>'I'm tired. Let's go now'.<br />
<br />
We drove in silence to the address she had given me.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It was a low building, like a small convalescent home,<br />
With a driveway that passed under a portico.<br />
<br />
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up..</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. <br />
They must have been expecting her.<br />
<br />
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.<br />
<br />
'How much do I owe you?' <br />
She asked, reaching into her purse.<br />
<br />
'Nothing,' I said<br />
<br />
'You have to make a living,' she answered.<br />
<br />
'There are other passengers,' I responded.<br />
<br />
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>She held onto me tightly.<br />
<br />
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.<br />
'Thank you.'<br />
<br />
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.<br />
<br />
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I drove aimlessly lost in thought.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Or one who was impatient to end his shift?<br />
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Then driven away?<br />
<br />
On a quick review,</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.<br />
<br />
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.<br />
<br />
But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully<br />
Wrapped in what others may consider a small one.<br />
<br />
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY<br />
WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID </i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>~BUT~</i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> <br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER </i></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><br />
</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.<br />
<br />
You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>But, you might help make the world a little kinder <br />
and more compassionate by sending it on and <br />
reminding us that often it is the random acts of <br />
kindness that most benefit all of us.<br />
<br />
Thank you, my friend...</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #400000; font-family: 'Hoefler Text'; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Wishing you Joy every day!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23dZoDQsThyphenhyphencwmN-xsS_yJ586E_xcUIk1BG7-aUV2MD6cy5I-cyWLDp8WGm2uHCkJW8zmQstN6WBxlKjWC4r8aEvRtUJ3ocAxkzIEBWwSvK2iUGeLQmdD03k8WJtocDg4XCsjD4ImZZM/s1600/Joy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23dZoDQsThyphenhyphencwmN-xsS_yJ586E_xcUIk1BG7-aUV2MD6cy5I-cyWLDp8WGm2uHCkJW8zmQstN6WBxlKjWC4r8aEvRtUJ3ocAxkzIEBWwSvK2iUGeLQmdD03k8WJtocDg4XCsjD4ImZZM/s320/Joy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Joy"</div>
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30 x 30, Oil on Canvas</div>
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<a href="mailto:Diane@DianeLeonard.com">Diane@DianeLeonard.com</a></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-40676483814975576482013-04-03T05:47:00.000-07:002013-04-03T11:06:39.185-07:00Making My Heart Smile<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>One of the greatest compliments to an artist is the purchase of their work. I just finished a beautiful painting for a woman in Oklahoma. And to my greatest delight, here is what she emailed me upon receiving it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Your painting of Magical Splendor arrived and I am in awe! It's absolutely beautiful. I just stand back and admire it. Thank you so much for taking the time to paint Magical Splendor for me. No words could better describe what your painting means to me. What a blessing you are to others through your art!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I hope some day we have the opportunity to meet. I am sure I will be asking you to do another painting for me in the future. God's blessings to you!!!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With sincere gratitude,"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">DC</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Oklahoma</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>This truly made my heart smile!</i></span></div>
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<i>"Magical Splendor"</i></div>
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<i>8 x 10, Oil on Board</i></div>
<br />Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-9235819461842506432013-04-01T07:18:00.000-07:002013-04-01T07:18:23.350-07:00Easter Fun<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The joys of childhood can be fun to recreate at any time, and especially on Easter. We had a great time doing an Easter egg hunt in our yard. It was a beautiful day and I had to convince a room full of adults to wear an Easter Bonnet and join us in the hunt! Our bonnets were all of my vintage prairie hats and other hats that were hanging around the house. (Photo below!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>We laughed and laughed at the silliness of it all -- and guess what -- everyone had fun! Going around the yard looking for plastic eggs that I had everywhere was silly, and as I watched everyone feeling that child within themselves, I smiled and smiled. Yes, the child in us still lives there just waiting to come out and play.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And it is that child within us that creates from our souls. Yes, having FUN is the way to live life -- why not? God wants us to be happy, to create, to have fun and feel the love that we share. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Easter is that special time to eat Peeps, chocolate and celebrate the newness or life. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I wish us all days filled with laughter and candy and love. Have fun creating from your inner child today.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And, please let me know how you are doing.And I imagine a world where we are all equal in everything we do! </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Let me know how you are doing!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl81kwFC7pwb9DlWnxfib-HFAACl_UGwIGol_c9o7C7mRxWw3ooywhoajaN2OBKSNnpdNmlRn2NvOsHzBmeiSXWmojo8rMNHqsu_wmc5N9eOPXsHOOOAxCKJZJn9tYwOommRQ2rIHDpYQ/s1600/Easter+Egg+Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl81kwFC7pwb9DlWnxfib-HFAACl_UGwIGol_c9o7C7mRxWw3ooywhoajaN2OBKSNnpdNmlRn2NvOsHzBmeiSXWmojo8rMNHqsu_wmc5N9eOPXsHOOOAxCKJZJn9tYwOommRQ2rIHDpYQ/s320/Easter+Egg+Hunt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Easter Egg Hunters</div>
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<a href="mailto:Diane@DianeLeonard.com">Diane@DianeLeonard.com</a></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-60762280977857929432013-03-28T05:58:00.003-07:002013-03-28T06:00:14.361-07:00Equality for Everyone<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> Can you imagine a world where everyone, everywhere is equal -- No judgements, No prejudice, No Laws keeping anyone from being who they truly are?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Let’s imagine that world, and create it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Years ago, Russian artists had to hide their “real” art under their beds and in closets to protect these precious paintings because they were not “allowed” to paint anything but religious paintings!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The Impressionists broke out of the “mold” of puritan art and even through all of the criticism and doubt, they opened the the door to paint outside and to paint what they saw, not what they were told to do. They made History by following their hearts.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Today, paint from your heart and take a chance -- no limits -- just be “YOU”!!!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And I imagine a world where we are all equal in everything we do! </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Let me know how you are doing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And I wish us all PEACE!</i></span></div>
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"Peace"</div>
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36 x 23 Oil on Ampersand Board</div>
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<a href="mailto:Diane@DianeLeonard.com">Diane@DianeLeonard.com</a></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-16452296736893821082013-03-20T06:50:00.000-07:002013-03-20T06:54:02.490-07:00Stretching Ourselves<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i> After my total hip replacement last February, I literally had to start over with little baby moves and stretches to let my muscles and ligaments start working again. It was a long and slow process as I began to learn to walk again with my new hip. Almost like teaching a baby to walk! With help from a physical therapist, a nurse, and my sister, I began the process of healing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>A year later, I am fine, and yet I am still doing small movements to stretch those muscles that had atrophied. Now that I am back at the gym, I can feel my strength returning.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And yesterday, as we were snowed in, my sister was showing me some intense yin yoga stretches that you hold for two minutes. As you hold a pose, you can feel the “Ahhh” as your muscles begin to stretch. While I was holding a long and great pose, I thought of how I have to keep stretching myself as an artist to keep myself loose and to keep growing. Sometimes, it is a painful process to grow and stretch yourself, and as you do, you can feel that “Ahhh” as you learn new methods and figure out how to get that paint on the canvas the way you want!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And, sometimes, beginning again, is a good thing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Here is a quote from Ray Chambers, a philanthropist who is creating programs to make our world a better place.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>“Live in the moment</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It's better to be loving than to be right</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Be a spectator to your own thoughts, especially when you become emotional</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Be grateful for at least one thing every day</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Help others every chance you get.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And let me know how you are doing!</i></span></div>
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"Bliss" 7 x 5 </div>
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Oil on Ampersand Board</div>
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Diane@DianeLeonard.com</div>
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<br />Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-42337146273040126732013-03-19T08:11:00.004-07:002013-03-19T17:15:34.203-07:00Finding Love<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>How often do we self-sabotage ourselves, pick on ourselves or find fault where there is none? Our negative self-talk follows us around and around and around and it takes away from our true selves -- Pure Love!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I found myself walking out of Stop & Shop the other day, doing just that -- first, I lamented to myself that: I was alone, then I found issues with my neck, then something else, and when I got to the fact that I even have “brown spots” (what am I a dog?), I literally burst out laughing and laughed all the way to the car! It was a revelation of how often I “pick on” myself instead of saying loving and nurturing words.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>An excerpt from the book “A Return To Love” by Marianne Williamson that was also used in the speech by Nelson Mandela quotes: </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“</i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>Actually, who are you not to be?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>You are a child of God.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>other people won’t feel insecure around you.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>people permission to do the same.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”</i></b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Well, why not Me? We can choose every day -- be happy or be sad -- it’s a choice! Let’s face it -- happy is certainly a lot more FUN!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>So, let’s correlate that to our art or whatever creative endeavors we aspire to do -- look for the good -- look for what you love (I am talking to myself here) and there it will be -- right in front of you -- start with that and the joy will also be there.I live for the day when I only say nice things to myself !</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I say a truthful compliment to one stranger every day, and the smiles that I receive bring so much joy to me. Try it -- there is always something special about everyone. And in Art, there is always a compliment to be had!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It’s easy to find Joy and Love in everything you do -- choose it! </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And let me know how you are doing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Here is one of my paintings that I painted in pure Joy!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTiPEdTQRZXhD0S82EZkrtZdpM0AGsCkvGCtbvb_g55Sdm6RjE5-Zy9VhBPTYBBnuzvlHCQIlHUHqJ-57hx7ayLkUGBWhlvSO-SW3Xr97usiHcLH4aRiy_2f3OgHN5Z_M_VmmG4Vguec/s1600/at_the_lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTiPEdTQRZXhD0S82EZkrtZdpM0AGsCkvGCtbvb_g55Sdm6RjE5-Zy9VhBPTYBBnuzvlHCQIlHUHqJ-57hx7ayLkUGBWhlvSO-SW3Xr97usiHcLH4aRiy_2f3OgHN5Z_M_VmmG4Vguec/s320/at_the_lake.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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"At The Lake", 12 x 9, Oil on Ampersand Board</div>
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Diane@DianeLeonard.com</div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-79240073557816548562013-03-15T08:49:00.000-07:002013-03-15T14:28:08.771-07:00Elvis<br />
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Did you know that there is a satellite radio station named Elvis -- that just plays songs by Elvis? Isn’t that amazing!!! Elvis touched so many people during his life, and he is still touching our hearts with his music. And long after his death, he is still revered and remembered in our world. I love listening to his sweet voice and his songs of love.</i><br />
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<i>He is the most impersonated person on this planet -- there are even contests about him. And, you can get married by Elvis in Las Vegas!</i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Here’s a question -- do you want to be famous now or when you are gone? </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Some of our greatest artists did not become famous until after they left this earth! Legacies of the life of Vincent have touched our lives and we see the “genius” in his work. Other artists who struggled with poverty are still alive in this world as we discovered their creative genius after their passing. Amedeo Modigiliani -- watch the movie with Andy Garcia -- was so poor and his paintings now grace the walls of so many museums. Paul Cezanne opened the doors for artists such as Picasso and so many others by stretching himself in his art. He was laughed at for his paintings, and yet when we see them now, we see the beauty in nature that he saw and then painted.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>We all have genius inside ourselves -- each in our own way -- today I celebrate the creative genius in all of us!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span style="color: red;">Paint from your Heart! </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>All of the self-help books say the same thing -- love what you do and you will be rich! Isn’t it better to be happy now!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Okay, here it is -- I want to give my art to the world so that when I am gone, I have spread joy and happiness through my art. So many of my collectors write to me and tell me that I have brought them joy -- that truly makes me feel so wonderful.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Here’s to feeling wonderful and blessed today and every day. And I am changing my name to Elvis!!!!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Please let me know how you are doing! </i></span></div>
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This is a little painting that I did several years ago, entitled, "Loving thoughts" !</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorF72z35ASvaU2Wd6hQQZRs4q-bK5zk27emhg2LZ569b0xc4gK3_LAsSD7yxz7PiBjVrTUMwAjAlZSn5jJr6yA5WAELug2AHPjxC7Zj-yjAf3zA_oWJbsZtgeXslv_tvNn3VfhZ_2m48/s1600/loving_thoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorF72z35ASvaU2Wd6hQQZRs4q-bK5zk27emhg2LZ569b0xc4gK3_LAsSD7yxz7PiBjVrTUMwAjAlZSn5jJr6yA5WAELug2AHPjxC7Zj-yjAf3zA_oWJbsZtgeXslv_tvNn3VfhZ_2m48/s320/loving_thoughts.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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"Loving Thoughts" 12 x 12 Oil on Canvas</div>
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Diane@DianeLeonard.com</div>
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You can see my work in giclees and prints and cards at: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/diane-leonard.html</div>
Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-55646248025498344182013-03-11T07:32:00.000-07:002013-03-11T08:25:07.605-07:00Defending Your Art<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I found myself defending my art last week. I have been working on two paintings for a long time now, and after wipe outs, sanding them down, wiping out again, sanding them down again -- whew and then starting over and over again -- thinking -- I got it NOW! I can do this -- I can paint these with ease! NOT!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>These are commissioned paintings and I want them Right! I want my collectors to love them -- but do I love them?</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>My sister and her husband keep asking me when they are going to be done. They have given me deadlines -- and of course, that doesn’t work either. Then they asked what is the matter -- and I found myself giving reasons why they are not done.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And so it is -- they are not done because I have too much pressure on me to paint to please someone else, and not myself. And, consequently, I wasn’t feeling confident and I wasn’t having FUN!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>There is no time in Art -- creating is a passionate pursuit and the joy of a painting comes from painting from your heart!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>A dancer practices a new dance until they FEEL the movements -- a singer sings a new song until they FEEL the music and even a golfer must be “In the Moment” to truly play the game.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And so with Art -- you have to be in the painting and feeling it -- not thinking about each stroke! Then you will please yourself.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Paint from your Heart!</i></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I think I will try a new Brush today and see what happens!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ef4iY_zw2FwwNGhYlLpyTy6E4g3rqTOlPfflYZa7EUFwnW0b6APRFs27-5qPoccCalhYQMlN6s_UXGPEYGcCX6-vUvGnegmH6YCWqjRg4e5VOYv-6JQTi2FvmjrQ6SNEOXJwJ5wyMa0/s1600/little-sunflowers-diane-leonard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ef4iY_zw2FwwNGhYlLpyTy6E4g3rqTOlPfflYZa7EUFwnW0b6APRFs27-5qPoccCalhYQMlN6s_UXGPEYGcCX6-vUvGnegmH6YCWqjRg4e5VOYv-6JQTi2FvmjrQ6SNEOXJwJ5wyMa0/s1600/little-sunflowers-diane-leonard.jpg" /></a></div>
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"Little Sunflowers"</div>
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12 x 9 Oil on Board</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>This little painting just happened -- and I love it!</i></span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-60540810582175961142013-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:002013-02-20T08:52:50.840-08:00Making Your Dreams Come True<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Debbie Ford -- Allow Your Dreams To Come True</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Debbie Ford, a brilliant and loving author, speaker, coach, radio personality, gave so much to our world. As her sister, Arielle Ford wrote:</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Debbie innovated groundbreaking work around the human shadow and grew into her role as a teacher, sharing her insightful shadow work through her many books, lectures, workshops, coaching programs, TV and radio shows, and even a movie -- helping hundreds of thousands around the world transform their pain into "their best life." Debbie helped so many people go beyond their limited perspective of themselves and reconnect to the love, joy, and peace of their true selves”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>We are all our own teachers as well learning from one another -- we are here to share our gifts in whatever direction they take us. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Our world will miss this incredible woman, and her work certainly made a difference in my life and her wisdom will live on and on!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Thank you, Debbie Ford, for your life here on earth. </i></span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Here's to the "Joy" that Debbie Ford brought to our world!</i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Let’s all allow our dreams to come true -- today and everyday. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LKyrghRutyQdQJQPn0MtpnhMxlxvRYh5VEhImzXGOGNaAERrjo6XfYrqSnQ_YO4XFW6DO9BS9vVwusM7ykkMMRAtP3Ia2P_vgu2oFBIjxWqK55vcru6ox0wUoVPbRHSIH1gxz7BEReQ/s1600/Joy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LKyrghRutyQdQJQPn0MtpnhMxlxvRYh5VEhImzXGOGNaAERrjo6XfYrqSnQ_YO4XFW6DO9BS9vVwusM7ykkMMRAtP3Ia2P_vgu2oFBIjxWqK55vcru6ox0wUoVPbRHSIH1gxz7BEReQ/s320/Joy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Joy" 30 x 30 Oil on Canvas</div>
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http://dianeleonard.com</div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-89956201339266609022013-02-13T09:09:00.000-08:002013-02-13T09:09:56.602-08:00Painting in New England<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7rD-zjgEz6-r22ahnfnBKqw2gyipZblKpHD6VD12aI9jv6Fb8m3srpZcAgg6h80lhGh0w0zIdAE5HpM2m4S0-RCYrGUcisFQhNFwxT-K4uf_20fYUAg-aXvkSf-vevahmqrHrnH-a68/s1600/Kelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7rD-zjgEz6-r22ahnfnBKqw2gyipZblKpHD6VD12aI9jv6Fb8m3srpZcAgg6h80lhGh0w0zIdAE5HpM2m4S0-RCYrGUcisFQhNFwxT-K4uf_20fYUAg-aXvkSf-vevahmqrHrnH-a68/s320/Kelly.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It’s always a great idea to look at paintings that you have done in the past and rediscover their beauty! It’s a celebration of you as an artist!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Looking at paintings with a new eye gives you a new opportunity to see how you painted and look at your own techniques -- it is a lesson in itself. And, as always, look at your art and all art with loving eyes -- it will make you smile!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Make this day the Best Day of Your Life!</i></span></div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-7868606490277941122013-02-12T09:16:00.001-08:002013-02-12T09:16:19.813-08:00A Lollapalooza Weekend<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The Blizzard of 2013</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>This storm was the first major storm for me since I was in New England in 1978! And although this storm was a little scary for me, we were blessed! While most of Marshfield and Situate were without power, we had the needed essentials -- power, heat, great food, and a fireplace to make it a true “snowed-in” experience.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The wind was blowing so hard and the snow was blowing sideways, and yet as I looked out the window, I only saw white magic! The next day was truly a photographer’s dream, with the blue sky and the white, untouched snow. I was in heaven, and I smiled as I walked for hours, taking pictures, and feeling that I was home -- again.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Here are a few of the many photos that I took on Saturday -- the day after the storm.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am finding my way back to ME. And I am thrilled to be back to blogging!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Make this day the Best Day of Your Life!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqUjtyBPOp4GOOTDUdI9L45ENmC1TgaGwE2k6O26gkgLO2oDMekfXD7V2zrKpXEL_3gPkkTxmyNHUjWZyEoBvphPyjmNyBsZ6FzARAqVeAPgiUTp79h-Er1dDt7VN-c1eAk_3qbFX5CA/s1600/me+waving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqUjtyBPOp4GOOTDUdI9L45ENmC1TgaGwE2k6O26gkgLO2oDMekfXD7V2zrKpXEL_3gPkkTxmyNHUjWZyEoBvphPyjmNyBsZ6FzARAqVeAPgiUTp79h-Er1dDt7VN-c1eAk_3qbFX5CA/s320/me+waving.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDGzV3LLz5FBSOHB3GVsBOzBxCOZGrYfoJx2MsI47dP1lQutYf1txrLtjDPBxyhoFSpxxZKn6i1M4dEkbN0_4bIi3uQgldZbRZRhqEtaWlCjBraZlI3nelDisAHo2wQMODi28Vnfcr4A/s1600/barn+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDGzV3LLz5FBSOHB3GVsBOzBxCOZGrYfoJx2MsI47dP1lQutYf1txrLtjDPBxyhoFSpxxZKn6i1M4dEkbN0_4bIi3uQgldZbRZRhqEtaWlCjBraZlI3nelDisAHo2wQMODi28Vnfcr4A/s320/barn+in+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a painting!!!!</div>
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Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-4828632712034278332012-11-16T12:21:00.003-08:002012-11-16T12:21:53.876-08:00Blame it on the paint fumes!!!!<br />
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It has been over a year since I have blogged -- I have spent the last year recreating myself and my art! They do go hand in hand. It has been a long climb out of the Grand Canyon and I am reclaiming myself!<br />
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So many of my canvases have been wiped out, several times each, thrown on the floor, thrown into the garage -- stabbed to death -- and all the time it was the brushes????<br />
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I decided to start over with all new series and I have been experimenting with low level light and late afternoon light. The challenge is to make the lanterns glow on the canvas!<br />
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Here is my first painting in the new series -- it is presently in a show at the Wee Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona.<br />
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I will be back -- my voice is back -- my art is here and so am I.<br />
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Just blame it on the paint fumes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RqLEFjJYc-fWGueDXQ2gXZfb8CLJ9MO-Qh7wsOThe_ySKRkAExJ29GVtxCERLwPx-v7f7sVdoxyBYa6zgUsvllJZ4IwFZ_FVTG4Z4R1AJvTSQPseJyLCzVqAu9bxV8BqbvuhsK12QSQ/s1600/magic_time3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RqLEFjJYc-fWGueDXQ2gXZfb8CLJ9MO-Qh7wsOThe_ySKRkAExJ29GVtxCERLwPx-v7f7sVdoxyBYa6zgUsvllJZ4IwFZ_FVTG4Z4R1AJvTSQPseJyLCzVqAu9bxV8BqbvuhsK12QSQ/s320/magic_time3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Wishing you smiles and joy every day.<br />
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<a href="http://dianeleonard.com/">DianeLeonard.com</a>Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165538481752107997.post-44788566501743924362011-10-17T12:16:00.000-07:002011-10-17T12:21:21.539-07:00Your Creative Genius<div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>The world will miss the creative genius of Steve Jobs -- he certainly showed us his genius and our world became a better place -- everyone has been touched in some way by the products that he invented! And, he will be remembered -- forever!</i></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>We all have a creative genius inside us. When we listen to our Higher Self and create from our own super powers -- who knows what greatness we will create. </i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>As Raymond Aaron states is his book, “Double Your Income Doing What You Love”, we all have a SuperStar inside us -- it is up to us to go and find it!” And then go out in the world and share it. You can actually download his book for free right on the internet -- it is a great book!</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Our time here on this planet seems to just fly by -- so today is a great day, to sit and meditate and think about your own Creative Genius and have fun showing it to our world.</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Make this day the Best Day of Your Life!</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_3aW4lsMMuEd31j51nu3bDWeYCCW17XgJqz2OCoKOmzPCH8PTrdBLUsBzD-S1za-BuOUL8L2ewvIH9JiN7zGOb3g7oRq3tH77sMItZmTrxUEpCVkIs6lNNXzLPvQ5xD_8G56BPvjV_I/s1600/Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_3aW4lsMMuEd31j51nu3bDWeYCCW17XgJqz2OCoKOmzPCH8PTrdBLUsBzD-S1za-BuOUL8L2ewvIH9JiN7zGOb3g7oRq3tH77sMItZmTrxUEpCVkIs6lNNXzLPvQ5xD_8G56BPvjV_I/s320/Garden.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"The Garden"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">16 x 12 Oil on Board</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Donation to Gabriel's Angels</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pets Helping Kids</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://DianeLeonard.com/">DianeLeonard.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:Diane@DianeLeonard.com">Diane@DianeLeonard.com</a></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Hoefler Text'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div>Diane Leonard Contemporary Impressionisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10564306881825809693noreply@blogger.com4