By The Sea

One 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:

"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!

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."

 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!

"By The Sea"

24 x 20, Oil on Linen

You can purchase giclees, prints and notecards here:

Summer Love

Here is a little painting that I donated to be part of the Silent Auction for NVNA and Hospice, here in Norwell, Mass.

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.

To order tickets or for more information, please contact Linda Brown at 781-610-1463  or email her at
LBrown@nvna.org!

Thank you for taking a peek!

Smiles,

Diane

"Summer Love"

7 x 5 Oil on Ampersand Board

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

And see more incredible impressionist paintings at impressionist paintings

Marketing

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 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.

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.

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!

Please let me know what you think.

http://issuu.com/art_beyond/docs/art_beyond_may_june_2013?mode=window

Thank you,

Diane

dianeleonard.com

Painting With Love

“When you are in awe of someone else's greatness, you are really seeing your own greatness.”  Debbie Ford

The greatest gifts that we have are the ones that we give from our heart and soul.  

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!

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.

And to me, that is what painting is all about -- bringing joy and love to the people who collect my art!

"A Summer Walk" 24 x 24

Oil on Parisian Linen

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Innocence

The innocence of childhood and kittens brings me so much Joy!  Our world could use more Joy every day!

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!

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!

What a concept ... try it today and let me know how you are doing!

Smile!

"Two Little Kittens"

12 x 12 Oil on Canvas

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

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Simplicity

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 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?????

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.

And there it is -- it’s simple --just paint from your heart, knowing that the love and joy of God is in every stroke!

Have fun painting today and every day, and please let me know how you are doing.

"Secrets"

12 x 9

Oil on Board

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

A Walk In The Woods

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.

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”.  

When we got to the river, we sat and enjoyed yet another view of God’s beauty.

I sometimes forget to get out of the studio and out of my own way and just “BE” in nature with God.

How special that is!  

Nature At Its Best

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

A Great Read

  

What an awesome reminder
Of why we are here.

The Cab Ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn.
After waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.
'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.
I could hear something being dragged across the floor..

After a long pause, the door opened.
A small woman in her 90's stood before me..
She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it,
Like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase.
The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.
All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters.
In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said.
I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb..

She kept thanking me for my kindness.
'It's nothing', I told her..
'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.
When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked,
'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.
'I'm in no hurry.
I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror.
Her eyes were glistening.
'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..
'The doctor says I don't have very long.
'I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
When they were newlyweds.
She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once
Been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner
And would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing..

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
'I'm tired. Let's go now'.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.
It was a low building, like a small convalescent home,
With a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up..
They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.
The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?'
She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.
She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.
Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.
I drove aimlessly lost in thought.
For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.
What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,
Or one who was impatient to end his shift?
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,
Then driven away?

On a quick review,
I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully
Wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY
WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID
~BUT~
THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people.

But, you might help make the world a little kinder
and more compassionate by sending it on and
reminding us that often it is the random acts of
kindness that most benefit all of us.

Thank you, my friend...

Wishing you Joy every day!

"Joy"

30 x 30, Oil on Canvas

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Making My Heart Smile

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.

“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!

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!!!

With sincere gratitude,"

DC

Oklahoma

This truly made my heart smile!

"Magical Splendor"

8 x 10, Oil on Board

Easter Fun

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!)

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.

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.  

Easter is that special time to eat Peeps, chocolate and celebrate the newness or life. 

I wish us all days filled with laughter and candy and love.  Have fun creating from your inner child today.

And, please let me know how you are doing.And I imagine a world where we are all equal in everything we do! 

Let me know how you are doing!

The Easter Egg Hunters

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Equality for Everyone

 Can you imagine a world where everyone, everywhere is equal -- No judgements, No prejudice, No Laws keeping anyone from being who they truly are?

Let’s imagine that world, and create it.

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!

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.

Today, paint from your heart and take a chance -- no limits -- just be “YOU”!!!!

And I imagine a world where we are all equal in everything we do! 

Let me know how you are doing!

And I wish us all PEACE!

"Peace"

36 x 23 Oil on Ampersand Board

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Stretching Ourselves

 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.

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.

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!

And, sometimes, beginning again, is a good thing!

Here is a quote from Ray Chambers, a philanthropist who is creating programs to make our world a better place.

“Live in the moment

It's better to be loving than to be right

Be a spectator to your own thoughts, especially when you become emotional

Be grateful for at least one thing every day

Help others every chance you get.”

And let me know how you are doing!

"Bliss" 7 x 5 

Oil on Ampersand Board

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

                                                             

Finding Love

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 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.

An excerpt from the book “A Return To Love” by Marianne Williamson that was also used in the speech by Nelson Mandela quotes:  

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that

other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone!

And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other 

people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”    

       

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!

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 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!

It’s easy to find Joy and Love in everything you do -- choose it!  

And let me know how you are doing!

Here is one of my paintings that I painted in pure Joy!

"At The Lake", 12 x 9, Oil on Ampersand Board

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

                                                                       

Elvis

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.

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!

Here’s a question -- do you want to be famous now or when you are gone?  

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.

We all have genius inside ourselves -- each in our own way -- today I celebrate the creative genius in all of us!

Paint from your Heart!  

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!

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.

Here’s to feeling wonderful and blessed today and every day.  And I am changing my name to Elvis!!!!!

Please let me know how you are doing!  

This is a little painting that I did several years ago, entitled, "Loving thoughts" !

                                                "Loving Thoughts"  12 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

You can see my work in giclees and prints and cards at:  http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/diane-leonard.html

Your Creative Genius

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!

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.  

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!

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.

Make this day the Best Day of Your Life!

"The Garden"

16 x 12 Oil on Board

Donation to Gabriel's Angels

Pets Helping Kids

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Fall Cleaning

Fall Cleaning!

It is Friday and my lesson to myself is to be organized.  Yes, organized -- well, sort of organized.  It is time to clean out my studio, and even more importantly, my paints and old brushes that I have been hanging on to.

I throw away more paint than most people use -- I have a large glass palette and I like to use a lot of different colors -- and, I usually add a new color just for the fun of it.

When I am painting, I don’t like to take time out to put more paint on the palette, so when I run out of a color, I tend to throw the tubes (without the caps on) on top of my palette - I am in a hurry and I am painting -- I certainly don’t have time to stop and put the cap on the paint and put it back into the drawer -- so I throw them on the corner of my palette.  And when the pile gets too high, I throw them in boxes.  When I am creating, I can't stop and organize!!!  I am in the moment and want to stay there!!!

If you do not have a tube wringer -- run out and get one -- get the metal ones as they will last forever.  This saves you a lot of money on paints.  And when they get down to the very bottom of the tube, I cut the bottom off and squeeze the daylights out of the rest of the tube!  This is similar to what Wayne Dyer does to his family’s toothpaste -- he talks about squeezing out every last drop!

And, thus, there are lots of remnants of paint tubes that have been sitting around in my studio, which when I clean my palette, I throw in  boxes!  These are great paints, some are very expensive, and some are not.  Needless to say, I am not throwing them out!   Sooooo -- I have decided that I have to use up all of these paints before I purchase any more colors -- except for the cadmium yellows and reds!

Now, just in case you don’t think that I am organized -- well, in some ways I am.  I keep my paints stored in bins and marked with colors.  I usually buy my paints in bulk; however, this past year, I have only been buying them a few tubes at a time at the local art store, Arizona Art.

And, although these drawers, which are directly under my palette, presently look messy -- they are actually color-catagorized -- and I will be cleaning them up too!  Yikes -- looks like there is some major cleaning happening here!

This is indeed a challenge for me -- an economical challenge -- and a painter’s challenge.  You can email me your ideas -- mine is to pull several tubes out of the boxes each day and put them on my palette and use them -- I have already started and have found some colors that are magnificent to use and mix with my other colors.  

Let’s see how this translates into my paintings -- I am sure that this challenge will be fun and with the money that I save not buying more paints, well, I guess a good bottle of wine will do!

The challenge is on!

Next week, I am going to clean my garage!

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Happy Birthday to Me

It’s My  Birthday!

I am celebrating my Birthday today!  I am celebrating my life as an artist and celebrating  all of the beautiful art in our world.  Art that has brought so much joy to millions!  Without art, our world would be Bare and Boring!

Take some time out for You today -- and smile.  Did you know that a smile to a stranger can light up their day?  

Here’s to art and artists all over the world.  Here’s to celebrating our lives every day and bring Joy to millions.  

And, thank you, for joining my Blog.

Diane

"My Dad"

10 x 8, Oil on Board

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Friday's Lesson

Getting Started

Let’s start with something simple -- Hopefully by next week I will have someone help me put a small painting video on this blog!

The challenge for most artists these past years is keeping our creative souls alive and functioning.  Again, painting and drawing for the joy of art!   Vincent Van Gogh is my true hero here, as he painted every day -- just to paint.  He drew, he painted, he wrote letters -- he let every part of his creative soul stay alive -- even though he had only sold one painting in his entire life.  And, as we know, his brother, Theo, was an art broker!!!!

It has taken me a long time to find my “soul” again and to rediscover the “joy” in my art -- it’s been a long road, and here I am.  Every day is a new day - a day to live as you would like -- so, why not be happy and have fun -- you deserve it.


Hey it took me over ten days to finally unpack my suitcase that I had placed in the kitchen on the floor.  My cat, Ollie, thought it was his new bed -- and was a little surprised to find it gone -- he did give me a "look".  Nonetheless, it is time to get some great paintings going and I am ready -- are you?

I had to go back to the basics, to rediscover my own art!  It is a great journey and it haas made my art stronger and better.  

I have been offered a One-Woman Show in Shibuya, Japan in September 2012.  And I have been asked to be in two prestigious galleries -- more on that later.  I have turned down a few very large commissions so that I can paint for me, and I am excited to see where that will take me.

Come join me on this journey and paint with me.

Take three colors in paints -- black and white and a neutral grey -- Gamblin produces a torrit grey every year with his left over residues and has a competition.  It is a great way to work on your values and composition -- it builds a great foundation for your painting -- in fact, Vermeer and other master artists used to block in their paintings with just the greys and then add the color later.  

Put on a timer and paint for thirty minutes and see what happens -- you will know the strength of your painting by your values!  

I will post mine in the next few days.  Here is one that I painted with the torrit grey and the gallery loved it!  It also sold quickly.  

Remember the six values of light -- Direct Light, Halftone, Highlight, Shadow, Cast Shadow and Reflected Light.

"Resting"

10 x 8, Oil on Board

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Finding Your Own Art

We are all “Info” Junkies -- we love to learn -- learning is what keeps us motivated and using that information is what makes us grow.

The “McDonald” mind set is evident throughout our world -- we want it NOW!  We are all seeking the “short cut” !

In art, and in everything, there are no “short cuts” to greatness.  What makes anyone great is practice, studying and believing in yourself.  A ballet dancer starts at a very early age to learn the ballet positions, a golfer - how to hold the club, a singer learns how to read music, and an artist -- well, there is a lot to learn, starting with basics such as colors of paints, brushes, what to paint on, composition -- the list goes on.

It has taken me a very long time to get here -- and yet, today, I feel as if I am just getting started -- again.  I have a very unique and beautiful collection of books that I have learned so much from reading about the artists that came before us.  You should see how many incredible books I have.   The ones that did not have the internet to exchange ideas or look up subject matter, or copy someone else’s works.  The artists that did not have cameras to take all of the amazing photos that we can now do with digital cameras (love them).  

These artists broke through their own fears and found their way to paint.  Yes, they learned from a master teacher and one another, and yet each one found their own art in their souls.

And each one of these artists can teach us something -- Modigliani, Renoir, Monet, Sargent (everyone knows his work), Cassatt, and of course, Vincent -- read about their lives and their struggles to find their own art and their style -- and, here we are now recognizing their “genius” in their art -- and guess what -- we recognize their “style” because that is what made them famous!

I encourage you to find your own style -- yes, learn from one another, take workshops, and then find your own “Authentic Art”!

I can feel my art growing in the direction that I love.

"My Brother's Boat"

12 x 12, Oil on Canvas

DianeLeonard.com

Diane@DianeLeonard.com