A Special Message

As Americans we know the value of giving.  We support one another and we are always helping other countries -- I am so proud to be an American.

Recently I created Limited Edition Note Cards to help our soldiers returning home.  After the disaster in Japan, and my personal relationship with my Japanese collectors, I knew that I wanted to help -- even in my own small way.  The note cards are my way of contributing to the people of Japan in the best way that I know how.  We are all affected by the losses that they are experiencing.

Art has always been a part of our world  -- Art heals!  

The Japanese people love children and flowers and that is why I chose this painting, "The Little Flower Girl".  They taught me why I paint -- "to bring joy and happiness to this world with my art" -- what a special gift to receive while I was in Nagano -- it has stayed with me throughout the years!

Our world is changing and in this fast paced world, perhaps it is time to bring back the personal touches that we all crave.  Long before phones and computers, emails and texting,  hand-written cards were our way of communicating our thoughts and wishes.   A personal note to someone with a message of love and gratitude can bring so much joy!  Remember how you smiled the last time you received a card in the mail?  they make great gifts and are suitable for framing!

And for a limited time, I am giving away three free notecards with the purchase of two sets.  They also make great Easter Cards.  Send a little joy, and help raise money for the people of Japan. 

This is a very special way to contribute.  

   

I am deeply grateful to all of you for being a part of my life.

Diane Leonard

Here is the link to this unique offer:http://dianeleonard.com/content.asp?page_id=16

The Christmas Spirit

Nine Days to go!  Are you in the Christmas spirit yet?  Since this is the season of “Love”, give a smile to all the people you see when you are out shopping.  And when you see those incredible people standing there ringing that “Bell” for the Salvation Army -- please reach deep inside your pockets and find something to give -- it truly helps.

And, you can make simple gifts to give your loved ones and friends, like the hand-painted apron above,  or offer services, like running errands, a foot rub, find something in your closet to re-gift -- we all have gifts to give, and it is not how big the gift is, it is the feeling of love that we share that is the true gift.

Find the child within you that felt “glee” at Christmas -- and give the gift of a Smile!

Painting Red

Painting “Monday Afternoon”

The color “Red” is such a fun color to see and paint!  I love it!  I think that is why Santa Claus wears “Red”!!!  It is the color of love and a color that makes you feel warm and happy.

Late afternoon is my favorite time of day and relaxing on my lawn in the warm yellow light brings out the beautiful reds!  This is my newest painting in my series, “The Red Dress Series” entitled, “Monday Afternoon”.  

Painting Winner

Congratulations to the winner of the painting, Robert Collins!  He has won the painting, “Magical Moments”, 7 x 5, Oil on Board, that I donated to raise money for Amelia’s House in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

I want to thank everyone who contributed to Amelia’s House!  You have helped to give the residents there  a very merry and happy Christmas.

Here is a note from Sr. Susan Dale:

“I am writing this through tears of joy.   I have received checks totaling over $1,200.00.   I don't know how to thank you.   It is due to you and all my other classmates  and the other contributors that these 3 kids and their mothers will have a Christmas like they have never had before. ACHS class of '67 rocks!!!!!!   May God bless you a hundred fold for your kindness and generosity.”

I think she says it all -- thank you so very much.  I am thrilled!

Impressionist Painting Demonstration

Diane Leonard is world renowned  for her use of color and light.  In her demonstration she will focus on how to paint using impressionistic techniques with translucent colors  -- you will learn the secrets that make your colors vibrant!

She will also share  her  unique and  breakthrough painting techniques that make her works sought after and highly  collectible.  The demonstration will be on Saturday, December 12 from Noon till 2:00 p.m. at Arizona Art Supply located at 4025 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona -- for more information 602-264-9514 or email Diane at Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Diane will show you how to take your palette of colors to a new dimension.  She will share the secrets of mixing colors that help capture light!  You will learn to use brushes in a new ways!

She has been an instructor at the Scottsdale Artists School for  many years and has written blogs about painting techniques.  Diane is presently working on a video for painting with color that will be available soon.

This Demonstration is filled with lots of new techniques and ideas for creating impressionistic paintings and is loads of fun!  You will leave the Demonstration with a new found passion to paint and new techniques to take your painting to a new level!  And you will rediscover the joy of painting!

A Painting for Thanksgiving

This is the season of giving --- it’s Thanksgiving.

I have the privilege of knowing Sr. Susan Dale, who is the Resident Director of Amelia House located Clarion County (in one of the poorest counties in Pennsylvania). Susan was a former classmate of mine and I am in awe of her dedication to helping the lives of others.

We are aware of the larger charities --it’s the smaller ones that truly need our help -- in fact, they rely on it.

Amelia House, sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, provides hope, support and long-term hospitality to women and children who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence. Amelia House provides services to approximately 20 women and 18 children on an annual basis, and residents can stay for a year or more, if needed. The House addresses the problems and needs of women and children whose lives are threatened by domestic violence and homelessness.

As my way of saying thank you to anyone who donates money to Amelia House, I am give a painting away for free.

This Holiday season help out Sr. Susan and her residents by donating $25.00 or more to Amelia House which is a tax deductible charity. Then simply email me with the word “Thanksgiving” in the subject matter -- If you want to have multiple opportunities to receive the painting, you are welcome to make contributions of a multiple of $25 (five entries for every $100) and just let me know. Thank you so very much for your generosity. On December 10, I will choose a name and someone will own the painting - easy -- simple -- a wonderful way to help others!

Excerpt from Sister Susan Dale -- “The women and children receive the gifts of freedom, renewed self-esteem and physical and emotional healing. Seeing them ‘come alive’ is truly a gift and a blessing for me and makes me believe in the purpose and necessity of Amelia House even more.”

The best part is that you are helping the sisters make the lives of women and children in need a lot happier and brighter for this Holiday Season. They don’t have much, they don’t ask for much -- just a place to feel safe and receive some help. Anything you can give is a huge blessing!

In order to keep the anonymity and privacy of Amelia House, please make the check out to Amelia House and send it to:

Sister Sue Dale, CDP

c/o SAFE

P.O. Box 108

Clarion, PA 16214

Thank you so much! Have the most wonderful Thanksgiving -- I am so grateful to all of the people who have touched my life in so many wonderful ways.

Diane Leonard

Diane@DianeLeonard.com

Painter doing Sketches

Sketching ideas in a drawing notebook as they come to you is a great way to enhance your creativity. Sometimes I use markers or crayons to put color in the drawing and then write the concept that I am looking for. This is how I start the process to create a new series of paintings or just one painting.

I carry a notebook with me at all times so that when the inspiration hits (and one never knows when this will happen), I have the idea on paper -- then I find the model to create it, take photos and then paint either from life (my preference) or from the photos.

Sketching from memory is a great way to get your drawing skills working and it is fun!

This sketch started an entire series of “The Red Dress” paintings!

As a Painter, I am always striving to learn and try new techniques.