Melissa Harris - Creating Magic on Canvas

Dolphins and Mermaids

2011-08-23T13:04:00.000-04:00

Well, it's getting to be the end of Mermaid season for this one here. We've had a cool, rainy summer and I'm wondering even if today my lake will be too cool to swim in. Gonna give it a go anyhow. So in honor of these blissful summer swims I present you my Count Your Blessings Pendant. Any of my images are available in pendants and earrings in case you didn't know.

Here is a link to them on my website. http://melissaharris.com/creatrix/jewelry.shtml
and here is a link to my Economy line of jewelry. http://melissaharris.com/creatrix/jewelry-economy.shtml

Enjoy. Melissa

Getting into color

2011-08-22T17:14:00.000-04:00

Every so often I get stuck on a particular color that I like to use over and over in my paintings. This couple of weeks it's been a color called Fanchon Red by Williamsburg paints which is the cadillac of oil paint companies. Their tubes are really heavy because they use so much pigment as opposed to fillers which make the colors that much more vibrant. I used this color mixed with Prussian Blue in the post below. It's funny because I've had it lying around for some years and haven't used it. Now, my next project will be to see if I can keep my brushes and paint tubes from getting full of paint. I guess it's a habit like anything else. I just have to wipe them off..... HHHmmmnnnnnn discipline......
Till then, Melissa

End of Day Image Blast

2011-08-12T08:30:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I will be standing around the studio and flash on an idea that I just have to paint now. That happened yesterday just as I was cleaning up and preparing to leave the studio. My eye landed on a small canvas ( I had painted over a painting ) and all of a sudden I saw how a photo I had taken would work so well on that background and actually saw in my mind's eye how the painting would lay out.

Lately I am doing small studies and then making them into larger canvases, something I never would have had the patience to do in earlier days.

This painting carries the mood of the series I have been working on only with different subject matter.

Doodling

2011-08-02T11:25:00.005-04:00

I like to paint wherever I am and whatever I am doing if possible. Some folks call this doodling - you know, when you scribble while you are on the phone, etc. I take my paints wherever I go and even will paint on the beach while everyone else is busy doing the usual beach things. Long ago I thought there was nothing to paint there but nowadays I'll just paint whoever happens to be around and it's a great exercise at quickly noting where the light falls and anatomy etc.

Some people prefer knitting :-)

here are some beach doodles

soon I'll have to do some lake doodles but normally I just jump in, swim and back to the studio

I LOVE SUMMER

New series Old series

2011-07-28T12:40:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted here but that doesn't mean I haven't been painting like a fool or like a fool that loves to paint. I'm working on 2 different series at a time which is not always the case. Normally I work on more than one painting at a time but now more than one series. I usually need to be in the mood to work on a series in order to capture that energy but sometimes I can roam in and out.

And sometimes I return to series that I began many years ago and add to it. Here is a study I just did for a larger painting that is part of my Intimacy series. What do you think?

on the weekend

2010-06-23T09:07:00.002-04:00

I love painting atHarkness state park in CT on the weekends. This particular garden which I always call "my sacred garden" is my fav. I learned last weekend that the woman who lived there and created it did so in honor of the sacred feminine and wanted to honor all the stages of a woman's life. There is a special section that glows irredescent in the full moon. No wonder I've always felt so special there.

Liking it

2010-06-06T15:04:00.003-04:00

I recently finished this painting kinda by default. A wonderful woman came to my studio for a Spirit Essence Portrait and saw it on my easel. I t wasn't officially finished but she wanted to purchase it just as it was. I scurried to have it professionally photographed and then put a few coats of spray varnish on it for protection. I really love this piece and perhaps she saved me from overworking it by buying it right then!

Gearing up for Workshop

2010-06-05T14:32:00.002-04:00

I've been having fun the last couple of days dreaming up what we will be doing at the next "Painting Outside the Lines" workshop I am teaching here at my studio July 10 weekend. I love teaching and really get into the creative as well as psychic process that goes along with creating each weekend. I like to taylor make them so that they function at the highest capacity for stretching in a comfortable manner for each individual. The top photo is my wonderful studio and the bottom is a photo from the last weekend we had here. This time it may be too hot for a fire circle - We'll see. Meanwhile, I'm off for a swim now. Happy Weekend.

Tar Baby

2010-05-19T12:03:00.004-04:00

That phrase came to mind last night. I have been in the midst of some difficult decisions that I just can't seem to get clarity on at this time. Know what I mean? I was thinking that if I had time I'd paint it out. Right now I'd like to be in one of my own art-making workshops because I'd love to work this out in paint. For now, this image probably best illustrates my state of mind, pondering, so many doors, windows, choices. Thank the Goddess that there are choices.

Till then, Melisssa

Totem Animals

2010-03-25T18:23:00.003-04:00

Nice to have help in spirit. We all have animal spirit helpers and they change from time to time depending on our needs. I often see them when I do reading for folks.

I started this particular watercolor quite a long time ago and recently felt the call to go back and finish it. I like the way it turned out.

Dead is a Long Time

2010-03-15T10:39:00.002-04:00

It has been a little over a month since my friend Kathy Blaine died. I miss her. It's not that we spent all that much time but we shared deeply and our time together always involved lots of laughs. She died a painful death (cancer). Her friends and brother really rallied to make her last days on earth as pleasant as possible under such conditions and her attitude was amazing. She accepted death in a way that astounded those of us around her. She was someone that didn't need much at all in the material world. In fact her last few years she traveled with one suitcase and a dog. That's it. She moved frequently and wanted to keep things to a minimum. Once she mentioned that she only had 3 pair of underwear (hence the need to do laundry frequently) so I offered her some of mine. She refused them, wanting to keep her possessions as I said to a minimum.

In any case, I wanted to share a bit this morning before I begin work a couple of paintings that I did while I was visiting with Kathy in 2007 in Hawaii. Her brother lives there and we had a great week together. I was in visual heaven. Be at peace Kathy. I miss you.

At the River

2010-03-08T20:57:00.002-05:00

I just returned from one of my treasured spots in this country which is High Springs Florida.
This cute little town is "old Florida" at it's best. It's teeny and mellow and it was the last stop on my recent 3 week trip to Florida where I was hard at work doing my Spirit Essence Portraits. There is a river shanty that I am lucky enough to stay at that is right in front of this scene that I have both photographed (from last year) and painted (this year). For whatever reason I just love sitting here in this place. The wildlife is incredible. Both this year and last year I saw an eagle as well as the egrets, turtles, owls, etc. I miss it already but I don't think I could take Florida on a year round basis.

It's All Red

2010-01-22T09:15:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile but I've been bizzy...... Here is a painting I did quickly (my fav way) of a friend, Samantha Stephenson who is part of the Gypsy Nomads. Google them, they are a great band, and as their name implies they travel all over so you may be able to catch them live. I like the freshness here, the looseness, my favorite way to paint. I think it carries the energy of the music nicely.

Day 4

2010-01-05T14:53:00.002-05:00

In order to get through a rough spot on a painting, a place where I don't know quite where to dive in, or a place where I have difficulty finding a satisfying visual solution I will either go to another painting that is already started OR I will begin a new one. This is a relatively new piece that I began when I had a problme with another one. I am traveling back and forth between the 2 canvases now and feeling pretty good about where they both are.

This is such a new concept for me because in much of my painting life I only worked on a piece for one day and didn't allow myself to go back.

There's something to be said for both processes.

Co-Creation - I love it !!

2009-12-04T11:33:00.002-05:00

I really love to collaborate on projects and this book was no exception. It features articles by amazing and diverse healers in combination with my artwork. I love the way it came out. It's featured on my website at www.melissaharris.com and you can order it there as well.

It's a dog's World

2009-11-16T19:47:00.002-05:00

Hi All. Coming down off of this year's open studio. Thought I'd post a pic I love from that weekend. This is Mattie, my significant other's little Maltese. She was resting in front of this painting and it looks like she is a part of it, don't you think?

The painting is quite old, an image of a friend's bedroom. I was doing a series of bedrooms which this was a part of. Almost sold it a few times and I wonder who it will end up with???

2009-10-27T08:47:00.001-04:00

Looking at this painting now, I can hardly imagine it was not that long ago. I did this one hot June day at Harkness State park in Niantic, CT where I did a whole series this summer. Since this shot I have touched it up a bit adding some more highlights, etc. Settling into fall now and doing some major surgery on the last oil series I posted. Will show you soon.

Is it Really Fall?

2009-10-06T08:22:00.001-04:00

"Wind in the Willows"

I can't believe how much has transpired in my life since I did this watercolor around this time last year. This past weekend I was driving around up in the mountains with sweetie and rode past this spot. It seems like lifetimes ago. When I did this watercolor I remember sitting on the hard ground in the mists (it was sorta rainy) and feeling a bit melancholy. (Well, how could ya not?). I felt good about the piece and came home and tweaked it a wee bit in the details. Not my best piece but I like it in some respects.

Live Mermaid Model!

2009-07-30T14:42:00.002-04:00

Here I am back again after a long hiatus. I've been away a lot, some for work and some for pleasure. On my pleasure trips I have been hanging out at a beautiful estate in CT called Harkness State Park that is on the ocean. One day while I was there sitting on the beach a woman walked by with her young child and sat on a large rock. She looked just like a mermaid and I wished I had my camera. My boyfriend said "Just go up and ask her how long she'll be there" and maybe you can run back to the car and get your paints. Fortunately I always keep my paints in the car. So I did just that and she agreed to be still for a bit. I didn't capture her boy but I did a decent job of capturing her in a very short time. Very exciting!

A Change in Course

2009-06-25T16:23:00.002-04:00

That's the title of this painting. I may have written about it before here but that theme is very much on my mind as I sit here in my Denver hotel room. I am here for the International New Age Trade show that I have a booth in each year for my Creatrix product line. I have been here at this show for the past 10 -11 years or so and I am reflecting upon how my life has shifted so much in these past many years. Now, after a split with my life partner of many years, I enter the show with from a different perspective.

It's all good, just very different.

The woman in the painting here had also been through a big shift when I did the painting so I am dedicating this post to us and to any of you out there who have had to flow with the river, or the tides with all the changes we experience in our rich and beautiful lives.

Namaste, Melissa

Good News!

2009-06-06T15:01:00.002-04:00

I'm writing to you from the Outer Banks. I'm here on a work trip with a few days of pleasure thro able wn in. At the moment I am teaching a painting workshop here in my family's house and it is such a pleasure and privledge to be with these women. I have not gotten to know any local women who live in this area full time so this is a treat to gain insight into how folks live here. The group of women is happily painting away and I thought that I would take time to catch up a wee bit on my blog.

I am happy to share some good news! The divination deck I created and published last year has been selected as a finalist in the Coalliting of Visionary Retailers Awards to be held at the New Age Trade Show in Denver end of June. Keep your fingers crossed and if you haven't seen it yet you can check it out on my website.

Enjoy the warmth, Melissa

Acfoss the Lake

2009-05-16T14:44:00.002-04:00

I just took this painting (called Across the Lake) over to a nearby town (Millbrook) to hang in a faculty show (for Barrett Art Center) at the Merritt Bookstore. I am part of their summer faculty and we are having a group show called Barrett at Merritt. I will be teaching a watercolor workshop as well as some classes in gouache. Looking forward to it. I have not taught "traditional " art classes in awhile. The classes I normally teach have a spiritual twist to them and involve mostly working out of one's head in other words from one's imagination. This will be a refreshing change. I did the above watercolor at Minnewaska, an area near here where I go to swim and I can't wait till it's warm enough to jump into the waters.

I've enjoyed being home for a few days. Last week I was in Andover MA at a wonderful store called Circles of Wisdom where I was doing my Spirit Essence Portraits. Lovely time. Lovely people. Off to do a bit of work.

Till then, Melissa

Forget Me Not

2009-05-07T15:42:00.002-04:00

I have not had time to paint. That's all there is to it. And not too much to say. I got sick while last out on the road and actually had to cancel one store visit which I felt really bad about. I stayed over anyway so as not to drive the 5 hours back from Balto whilefeeling like crap.

The good news is that I came home to the familiar gorgeous forget me not event that happens in my side yard evey year. I just love it. I can see a bit of the bleeding heart plant and a couple stray daffodils here and there to add a bit of pink and yellow.

I've been laying as low as I can with work to do here because I head out tomorrow once again to parts near Boston and I want to be at the top of health. Off now, on that note to take a small walk and enjoy the spring air.

Happy Trails..... Melissa

Violet Vinegar

2009-04-28T17:42:00.005-04:00

I wish I had something more grandiose to share but the past few days have found me beginning the day by wandering through my yard happily gathering violets to make my favorite vinegar, violet vinegar. I particularly enjoy their delicate beauty and could have stared all morning at the yellow bowl on white table filled with them. They are sweet and make a nice addition to any meal. To make the vinegar (which is also sweet and carries the medicinal properties of violets) fill any size jar with violets, a delightful chore. Fill to the top with apple cider vinegar. Cap and let sit for 6 weeks. Strain and enjoy!

Other than that I have been busy working away and coming and going. Thursday will find me on the road to Baltimore and Alexandria.

And right now will find me going out to the garden to put in some veggie starts and a couple of packages of veggie seeds such as peas and I forgot what else.

Talk soon, Melissa

More re-entry

2009-04-21T09:04:00.003-04:00

Yeah, more re-enty. That's the way it goes for the next few months. Just returning from a nice visit to MA and RI where I did Spirit Essence Portraits for the last few days ending with a day at the Love, Light and Laughter conference in Warwick RI. It was wonderful being there because I have a mini community with women in places I return to and get to see familiar faces that I have enjoyed intense connection with. Because the portraits are always intense connection. The image above is a portrait of a woman that had taken a painting workshop with me and had shared at that time about her life and the changes that had taken place since she declared to the world that she is indeed an artist. It's more abstract than most of them in honor of her own abstract work. It also contains personal symbolism which I will not share here.

A few of the portraits this time where women returning a year or so later for another one to see how their changes would be reflected in a second portrait. I love returns too for that reason. I don't remember the first portrait but if they describe it I can often bring the image to mind.

I enjoyed a few good conversations that I could dig into and as you know I collect stories and date to include in my card decks and future books. I like observing how we are going through changes collectively and I hear so much of that lately.

One thing I really enjoy about the state of MA is that there are many small businesses still in existence. I hope they are doing well. I try and frequent non-chain privately owned businesses as much as possible. And people are trying so hard to go the extra mile in service these days. There is a small cafe downstairs from one of my locations where the owner is there probaably 12 hours a day and working so hard to provide great service and food and is always ready with a kind word and wondering how you enjoyed your meal. She is so proud of her New England clam chowder (she won an award for it once) so I made sure to order some to see her look of pride. I was happy to see she was still in business. Here in my area it seems folks are going out of business right and left.

Enough of that. Off to catch up on work, yoga class and lunch with a friend.

till later, m

Environments

2009-04-01T08:29:00.002-04:00

I was thinking yesterday as I was booking my hotel for upcoming trip how my environments are important to me. The above photo is the living room of an adorable, mystical cottage called the Dragon Wing cottage that I was fortunate to stay in while in Tallahassee awhile back. This cottage had an amazing swamp behind it with spanish moss and old old trees rising out of the water and a beautiful statue of Diana, the huntress in front of the house. Each room was carefully decorated with elaborate altars for various purposes. I loved the spiral that was applied somehow so carefully and it is the first thing one sees as one enters. The owner uses the cottage for classes and ritual and the vibe was great.

Sometimes I stay with people and that is always interesting too. I meet so many great ones who are always very hospitable.

On the opposite polarity I decided to priceline a 4 star hotel for next trip since I will be there for a good many nights. I wanted to nest in and be comfy. And hooray - got the price I wanted!

Still high from been inspired by hearing David Whyte read his poems in DC. Listening as I drive around to a CD I bought. I love how he extracts so much from the natural world around him.

Later, M

The Spaces in Between

2009-03-23T09:13:00.003-04:00

Just a brief check in here which seems to the be the character of this blog. It was a fun trip down to Croton on Hudson. I enjoyed the sanctuary (Opal Moon) and as always the people. The drive down tho not far was incredibly beautiful, especially going over the Hudson River at Bear Mountain and driving around the mountain itself. I often use these drives to catch up on phone calls ( I have a headset) that I don't have time to do when home.

I am home for just 2 days before taking off to do a vending spot at the Psychology Networker Symposium in DC. Looking forward to meeting a childhood friend there and catching up.

That all being said I feel like the woman in the image above. There is so much involved with each trip, packing and unpacking and what I take for any given trip varies tremendously. And there are the commitments here as well, orders to pack, bios to get to folks, images sized and on and on. Today I would like to add in a trip to the gym but not sure if there is time.

I have been awarded an artist residency in France but the notice comes late and I have made commitments that I don't think I can get out of. I hate turning this down. Well, decisions to be made and boxes to pack.

Later, Melissa

Friends, Friends, more friends

2009-03-18T09:44:00.002-04:00

The image above is one of my greeting cards and what I feel like doing today. But alas I have much to do before I am on the road again.....Sop I will be packing up for a visit to Opal Moon in Croton NY to do Spirit Portraits and then a psychology symposium in Wash DC. A lot of packing..

Yesterday a friend I know from 20 some years ago surfaced. she was bringing her son to visit a nearby college and it was so much fun to see them and meet him. We went to a local Japanese rest. after she showed him my studio. She always did like Japanese. Earlier that day I took some photos for a friend for professional use. I am not by any means a pro with a camera or photoshop but I do have a good eye.

so off to to begin the day. Hope yours is sunny and bright.

Melissa

Alone with One's Thouoghts

2009-03-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

I was perusing images to see what I would like to write and about and feature tonite and I came upon this painting I did a couple of years ago in the Midst of winter. I often crave the color yellow in winter I think because of all the gray skies here in the northeast. The painting is from a series of photos I took of a woman that is an incredible artist. Her name is Karin Houben and I still have not figured out how to insert a hyperlink to a website so you can google her. She makes wonderful beaded jewelry and many butterflies for those butterfly lovers out there.

In any case I am back at home for a few days and alone with thoughts of my own. Much going on and much to think about. And all that inner time will soon be at a premium because spring is springing and there will be the garden to plant. On top of all the travel. So I am enjoying the alone time as well as time with local friends. It has been a full weekend with dinners out, some salsa dancing and a test swim today to see if the chlorine will break my skin out again. I am really missing my swimming.

So a quick quick in to you till then.... Melissa

You Can't Hit a Moving Target.....

2009-03-05T09:47:00.003-05:00

I don't know why that phrase keeps coming to mind except that that is how I feel. I am loving being here in Florida but I haven't had a moment to sit still or relax or write this blog. The photos here are from central and north central Florida. The little shanty is where I normally stay when I am in High Springs but for reasons too long to mention here I am staying in the "tree house" which is equally as cool but for different reasons. Just beyond the little shanty only about 10 feet away is the Ichatucknee River in all it's splendor complete with herons, cranes, ibis, turtles sunning themselves in multitudes on rocks. One of my most favorite places on earth and the location where I did the painting "Dreams Come True". I have so far been in 4 different locations doing Spirit Portraits and meeting incredible women in each place. so far no men have come for a portrait on this trip.

I am having to be extremely flexible on this trip because I have a lot of gear and need to uproot so frequently. and plans change...

There are many amazing healers in Orlando of all places I have come to find out. The woman that hosted me there is an osteopath and a real magician in her doctoring. if you live near there visit Dr. Laura Rampil if you are in need of a treatment.

Speaking of that I need to keep moving. I pulled or tore something when I was doing some weight lifting with no instruction and I am going to a biofeedback session this morning here in Palm Gardens Fl.

I will post more later. Lots of new photos to upload and share.

Till then..... Melissa

Spinning Forward

2009-02-20T18:51:00.002-05:00

It's really been a hectic time. But all good. I came across this image today as I was working through some images and really like it. It was someone's Spirit Essence Portrait that I did last season in Maine but I didn't note the person's name. I do so many of these so it becomes a blur unless there is something particularly memorable.

In any case it illustrates the way I feel today, moving forward and excited about projects I am working on. Sure I have the same worries and issues as the rest of us here in the good old USA but am fortunate to have some of the good stuff too.

I'm looking forward to going to Florida next week and once again leaving this climate behind.
Would love it if the snow were gone by the time I get back but that is not likely.

Have a great weekend, Melissa

Memories of Mexico versus Reality

2009-02-19T09:11:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been a few days here. The reality of my life between trips when I am in the season of traveling for the Spirit Portraits is intense. I work so hard when I am here. And on the road as well, but there at least are the "empty" spaces of the travel time and in some cases some empty days, but I always fill them with work, either projects or remote portraits or readings that I have brought along.

The top image is my friends Win and Elizabeth that I visited there and whom I miss. They are so great to spend time with. We laughed about how at times we would all be sitting around our laptops in the living room in our different "stations" and sometimes too lazy to get so so we would email each other something. Such is the life of our times. The photo was taken in one of Win's fav restaurants that serves these incredible shrimp tacos for a dollar. Yum, just thinking about them.

The bottom one is a watercolor I did near there in Tulum Mexico- but a long time ago in 1997. It's such a beautiful area and the location of this landscape is near the ancient ruiins in Tulum.

I have spent the last 2 days sizing images for use on_________ ( a surprise to comes that I will share later since the contract is not signed yet!). Today I am sizing images for use on some new product items (chimes and bookmarks and jewelry) that a new vendor is creating and they are gorgeous.

Till then- I have to get to work. Melissa

Final Day in Paradaise

2009-02-14T09:09:00.004-05:00

Greetings. This is my last day in Paradaise. i just can't believe it. I don't want to leave. It's so gorgeous here in every way. I started the day with a visit to the spa that is RIGHT NEXT DOOR! and had a workout. the spa is built like an ancient Mayan ruin and there is no one in there. Forgive me if I already wrote about this but it really feels decadent. and the facility is large and beautiful with fountains of running water everywhere and containers of ice water with lime for your convenience. There is a steam room, a sauna, the latest workout equipment, day beds, and all amidst gorgeous tile work. I was able to go as a guest all week! I'll try and remember to take a photo of the building.

Yesterday I did something that I am a specialist in which is wandering around foreign countries alone and getting lost. Eventually I found my way but it was annoying with an aching foot to lose ground and time. When I get home I will have to spend time and money back in physical therapy to deal with the blessed foot.

I went to the beach (a given) then wandered around the shopping area. Fortunately I didn't find much that I HAD TO HAVE. I like collecting gifts and saving them for occasions if I see something that is just right for a friend.

I took a taxi back to find that my pals had returned from their overnight and we enjoyed another night of talking and laughing and visiting friends of theirs in this condo area for margaritas. I didn't know there is a whole subculture of Norweigan jokes that folks make who live in Minnesota. Funny.

I said I was going to do readings yesterday morning and didn't so now I AM. The pic today is the painting I did of my friends here Win and Elizabeth.

Adios for now. Melissa

Papayas and mangos and plaintains OH MY !

2009-02-13T08:44:00.002-05:00

Here I am at my friends home in Playa del Carmen. This is their patio and there is a pool right behind. I am in bliss. It's hard not to feel a wee bit guilty. Every moment of this short vaca has been a complete pleasure. I love these two new friends. I don't know how to do a hyper-link but Elizabeth's website is www.sealedwithlove.com and she is a sweetie as is her husband Win who is a life coach at Omega, a major center for growth and study near me in the Hudson Valley.

They went away overnight to a beautiful hotel on the beach to celebrate his 65th birthday. Before they left yesterday I did a portrait of them as a gift. I don't have a photo available yet but I will post it soon. I hope they have a great getaway. We have shared some good laughs together. I didn't really know either of them before I came but both of us (Elizabeth and I) being psychics "knew" that it would be fine. and it has been more than fine.

The beach is a mile or two away and it is so beautiful. The water is that aqua-blue and just the right temperature. The only problem is that my foot problem (plantar faschitis) has returned because I have been walking on cobblestone constantly with shoes other than my Merrils. Must I resign myself to life in ugly shoes? I guess so. So my left foot is bothering me awful today and I will have to take a taxi to the beach for I WILL NOT MISS A BEACH DAY in the short time that I am here. I did get a few odd looks as I wandered around in my bathing suit on the beach yesterday with my winter Merrils that I had worn on the plane. Oh well...

I have a couple of psychic readings to do now before I get going.

Till then, Melissa

Close to Mexico

2009-02-10T21:34:00.003-05:00

this is as close as I can get to giving you a photo from where I am today. I am in Mexico visiting a friend which is such an amazing gift. It was a last minute decision and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to warm up and relax. I've been working very very hard at home. I had hoped to finish a large painting I was working on and took a photo to post but forgot to bring my cable ONCE AGAIN so I will show you some photos when I return.

I am listening to my friends tell me about how a retired army brigadeer general here earlier in the week along with 2 others. There is a lot of drug activity here lately. Trouble all over the world......

anyhow this is a painting I did in Hawaii a couple of years ago. Which is of course, not close to mexico......

I have my paints with me but haven't done anything yet except eat fruit and hang out. We went to the beach today which was so beautiful. I will most likely do a few Spirit Portraits while I am here.

In any case,I'm tired but wanted to check in.

Aloha, Adios, Auvoir.......M

Even Tho it's Sunny.....

2009-02-04T12:58:00.002-05:00

It's still COLD. I realized one night recently when I was going from the studio into the house that I wasn't holding my breath, that I was actually breathing. When it's cold like it has been I tend not to breathe which is not a good thing!

I'd like at some point to do a batch of snow paintings. I started one last March but didn't finish it so I'll need to get to that soon while I have the actual stuff around me. This painting is one I did in Olivebridge about 14 years ago. It was how I was feeling. I'm glad the tortured artist is an identity I have left behind.

Later, Melissa

Award winning Day

2009-02-02T18:57:00.002-05:00

Wow. I got an award from someone today for my blog. It was from Kathleen Coy - who I would put a link to but I can't figure it out. You can find her on the "followers" of my blog. I love her images of animals.

So, in getting this award I am supposed to list seven things that I love and then pass the award on. These are not in order of importance.

1. I love life - and all it holds.
2. I love travel. And I am not really all that picky about where I go though I much prefer going out of the country and the more exotic the better
3. I love painting
4. I love food. I love eating it, cooking it and growing it.
5. I love the smells of nature.
6. I love to swim, anywhere but I have really grown to love lake swimming.
7. I love so many people in my life.

I could go on and on.......

Until tomorrow, Melissa

What a great day...

2009-01-30T22:43:00.003-05:00

Even though I am stuck inside a lot these days due to weather like my two pals in the painting here, it was by and large a great day. I had to go to the chiropractor because I screwed up my elbow at the gym. I guess it was good I went according to her so that I can accelerate the healing. it was also good because it is near my favorite chocolate place......

I painted this afternoon then had a group of women friends over because one of the women in my women's group had something she wanted us to chant to and I wanted to dance. We joined together in my large studio and did both. Great fun. An old friend surprised me by letting me know that she is in town for a couple of months so she came and then we went out to dinner afterwards. Sitting at the Little Bear Cafe by the stream and watching the snow fall was beautiful.

Until later, Melissa

The Making of a painting

2009-01-28T17:58:00.002-05:00

I decided to put this photo up as a representation of what I would have preferred doing today instead of the mundane work that I DID do to scan slides in preparation for learning power point and taking my slide show on the road in that format as opposed to dragging an old fashioned slide projector and slides.

This image is about 5 or so years old. My friend Rhianna, owner of the Dreaming Goddess store in Poughkeepsie NY is the model. I am up on the table doing the painting so that I can get the perspective that I like.

And yes, that's a nice bottle of red wine there in the foreground........

I love red wine in the winter but hardly drink at all. It would however be lovely to have a glass now and take the evening off, but that is not going to happen. I am leaving soon for a couple of trips so I need to stay on top of things.

Hope you are not sliding around on the ice like we are here.....

Later, Melissa

Community

2009-01-27T13:50:00.002-05:00

This is a painting that is part of my CREATRIX line of products. It is titled "A Call to Gather". I chose this image because I have been touched by the way that I see folks coming together in these challenging times. I have observed it "from afar" and in the past couple of weeks have been experiencing it personally in my own life.

Growing up my family seemed to always be on the outside. The way they saw it, folks in their community didn't accept them because they were not born and raised there, which is common in small towns and especially I think in souther small towns. They didn't socialize much and part of that was because my mom was very introverted. In early years I did see her sometimes join in with community undertakings but she became increasingly depressed and withdrawn. I could go deeper here but for the sake of some of my family member's privacy I'll leave it at that.

Perhaps because of that and due to the fact that I am mostly a hermit I have not been that involved with community either unless you look at my involvement with the New Age Community which is indeed great, but it is a large community. I have moved so much in my life that community has changed frequently and lately I travel so much that it is difficult to keep up with local happenings.

All that being said, I do love community for as much as I can be involved. And I so appreciate all of you that make up mine.

In community, Melissa

After the Funeral

2009-01-23T22:37:00.002-05:00

Today I returned home from my aunt's funeral in New Jersey. I was close to her, pretty close I guess. She was my father's sister and there is all sorts of dysfunction in the family to say the least. But I loved her, and she loved me unconditionally. I can't say that she had a happy life. She was generous and a woman of simple needs. Renee I will miss you and I so appreciated having you in my life.

I represented the matriarchy of the family today wearing my deceased mother's winter coat and a ring that my aunt gave me last time I saw her.

I stayed with my brother last night in New Jersey so that I would be on time to the funeral and with no stress. It was a short service out in the cold winter day. After a meal at a local diner I drove back home the 2 hours north.

As it happens every time as soon as I see the mountains I begin to let down and feel myself open. I am always a little on edge driving in cities and particularly today after having dealt with family issues. Memories rose up in my mind, some pleasant, some not. I live in a beautiful part of the country and I appreciate it all the more when I visit city areas or really most areas. What I fell in love with initially the first time I came to Woodstock back in the 70's was the charm of the town. I don't live in Woodstock, but the entire area is well planned to maintain the integrity of the surrounding natural landscape. I feel an intensity about where I live and there is a feeling of the wild there that I miss when I am in more "civilized" urban environments. I any case I was blasting a CD a friend made me of 80's music as I drove into the mountains and finally let go into "the zone". I felt the familiar temperature drop as I headed north and it was OK this time.

The images I chose tonite represent the contemplative state I was in. The painting is one I did in about 1991 and the photo is on the way out to Cedar Key in Florida where my friend took me to visit a couple of years ago. My next trip is to Florida and I am looking forward to it.

Here's to living a full life.

Melissa

A New Beginning

2009-01-21T15:07:00.002-05:00

It truly is the dawn of a new day. So very exciting....... A new president, new dreams, hopes, beginnings. The doorway image is called "Going Deeper" in honor of my own personal journey as well as that for our country. Let's do it.

the top photo is a "funny" from a recent photo shoot, There are more lines on my face than there really are due to all the pancake make-up the stylist put on me. but it's fun nonetheless.

There isn't Enough Time

2009-01-18T18:12:00.002-05:00

You know that one, don't you? This is how I have felt lately. It's a Spirit Essence Portrait that I did for someone awhile back but I can so totally relate. In case you don't know what there are - it's where I do a psychic reading for someone and while they are sitting there I do a nararative watercolor containing the elements of what I saw when I was tuning in. A grand time is had by all. I select appropriate music for the session which becomes part of the experience. I am lately in themidst of setting up my travel schedule for spring whereby I show up at select new Age stores, centers, spas, yoga centers etc to do these.

It was a nice weekend tho really. saw a friend for dinner and a movie and a yummy glass of cabernet which is always so nice on these frigid nights. If you don't live in this kind of climate I can't describe how it is to go out on a below 0 night - run into wherever you may be going - peel all the layers off, put them back on, blah blah.. But the payoff is the beauty of the snow on the trees, the mountains in the distance, and the quiet of it all.

It seems in January many people decide to pass on. I went to a funeral today and heard of about 4 other people dying this week. I know a local florist who says that in January more people die than any other month. He knows because of the flower sales.

So, knowing that, let's celebrate life while we can.

In celebration, melissa

The thermometer says "0"

2009-01-15T18:50:00.002-05:00

AT the time of this post the thermometer says " ) ". Normally I have been lucky enough to be outo f town during the worst of the cold snaps. Not this time.

The top photo is the view out of my father's window. It's the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA. I just visited him there. Such a strange view to have out one's window. He enjoys it at his age.

The bottom photo is the new series I have been working on. The one on the far right is the latest one and not quite finished. I have enjoyed working on these. Not sure if I will continue on this theme yet or not. We shall see. I am not able to get into the studio again before the weekend at the soonest. Everything takes so much time. Now I need to sign off to prepare flyers for one of the stores on my Florida visit.

Maybe I will see you there?

Till then, Melissa

Re-entry

2009-01-14T20:29:00.003-05:00

Re-entry is always painful. Today I was working hard, but had a rough time focusing. I put some time in on the 4th of a series of large oil paintings that I am temporairily calling the "contemplative series". All figures in landscape in contemplative poses. Which has n othing to do with the images I posted here. The top one is a watercolor I did toward the very end of fall that I like and the bottom one is , well, I know you are tired of these beach shots but I liked the light that day. And with the temperature at about 10 degrees here now I am really wishing I was back there.

I have to go and clean my brushes from the oil paint. If I do it before I am ready the leave the fumes bother me and I can't open the windows now to ventilate. After I wash them I put them outside because of the smell, but they still smell up the studio from washing them in the sink.

The trials and tribulations of a painter. No wonder I got heavy metals poisoning some years ago.

Auvoir, Melissa

getting used to grey

2009-01-13T21:10:00.002-05:00

Here I am back in the northlands. The above are a couple of pics from my retreat time. There are many more I will share later. In any case, I knew I was "home" when I pulled in at a gas station and saw the sign above. So often when you go into a gas station down south they will have ham biscuits and /or fried chicken or BBQ. It just made me smile.

The sunset photo is cliche I know, but I thought I'd throw it in. I miss it already. It was hard flying into Newark today and landing in the grey and white. Grey of the natural landscape this time of year and white of the "you know what". Ah well, at least I got out for a week. Now back to stoking the new wood stove (new investment this year) and hustling as quickly as possible between my house and my office/studio. It's hard to make myself work after dinner this time of year after I am all nice and warm and then have to freeze my buns off going outside again.

Soon I will be putting more art up here. Like tomorrow. But now I am wallowing min my memories.

Back to the house to do an ionic footbath.

Till then, Melissa

Moon Madness

2009-01-10T18:34:00.002-05:00

Another strange beach day. I was hopeless today in that it was warm and sunny and gorgeous here. I kept speaking to folks at home telling me about the ice and snow and my conclusion was that I need to make hay while the sun shines. or at least be out in the sun shine :-).

I didn't sleep well during the night -wild dreams- and woke up early. I remembered my idea of the previous morning where I thought it would be wonderful to watch the sun rise. In my half awake state (exagerated from the valerian I had taken) I stumbled into some clothes and rushed down to the beach while it was still dark. I watched the sun rise to my great satisfaction. I brought my binoculars in case of dolphins/whales which insured of course that I saw none. But it was sheer bliss anyhow. I decided to check and see out of curiosity if the local coffee house (which is in an old adorable house and also is a bookstore) was open at the un-goddessly hour of 7:20 AM. It was! As I do every now and then I tried drinking a cup of half decaf and half coffee, but discovered (as I do each time) that I can't do it. It just makes me too shaky.

Fast forward to the end of the day. Not much happened in between other than doing one psychic reading and hanging out on the bay looking at the water all afternoon. No kidding. I was glued. It was such a beautiful day - all day long. And remember I live in the tundra. Anyhow, I went down to the beach again for sunset and to check and see if the fisherman was there. He was not. I am now wondering if he was a "visitor" from Spirit. In any case I was walking on the beach as it got dark and a man ran up to me and said "Excuse me - was that the moon before?" I didn't know if I heard him right. So I said "WHAT ?" And he said - was that the moon, that big round shape - and then it went behind the clouds..." I said "Yes , that was indeed the moon." It was a huge full moon as many of you realize so I don't know why I became the authority on the moon. As soon as I answered "Yes" he ran quickly back off the beach. So very Strange.

So happy full moon to you all.

The moon goddess

Religion on the Beach

2009-01-09T09:34:00.003-05:00

Day 2 1/2 here on retreat. I'm so frustrated that I cannot put up images for these days. anyhow, the purpose of this retreat is to get work done because there are no distractions like at home BUT this turns out not to be the case. I am continually seduced by the ocean. I went down yesterday TWICE. This must stop. I don't want it to rain, but if it did at least I could keep still here to work. I did get 2 Spirit Portraits done yesterday (congrats Shirley and Emily) in between the walks. It's just that for me it's so interesting and exciting to be able to experience how the light changes during the year and how it looks over the water, etc etc. This place is mostly a summer tourist destination and is really empty now. I think I saw a total of 5 people on the beach yesterday and I was surprised to see them.

One of them, a woman walked up to me and said "Honey, do you know where we are?" I didn't know at first if maybe she had dementia (as she was somewhat older) or really what she meant. Then she asked about the town line and I understood. We ended up speaking for about 20 minutes. In that time she taught me about some shells (the names of them and the history which was fascinating). Every other sentence she said "Bless your heart" which really is not all that strange as one moves down south. But in her case I knew it was something more. Later she shared how she believes in God because as our conversation progressed she let me know a stressful situation that she was involved in and how she had faith that she would be taken care of. I shared in the same way (about my own problem area). I became teary eyed and she gave me a hug. As we parted she turned to me and said "I love you" and I found myself returning the declaration.

Later that afternoon I rewarded myself for a good segment of work by returning to the beach with my binoculars. In the morning I had seen a pod of dolphins and my above friend said that the whales breach here in January and Feb and to be on the looklout for the spouts and sprays. There was only one man on the beach all huddled up in clothing and sitting on his bucket as he fished. It was almost sunset, my fav time to go there because of the light. I passed by him and then on my return stopped to say something. He had his can of beer and I wondered if he really wanted to be left alone to his privacy but I asked what he was catching this time of year and we had a nice conversation. He pointed out a nearby seagull, just about 10 -15 feet away and told me that for several months the same gull came very day and stood by him, shooing away the other gulls. He said that even when he left town for a week, 10 days, the gull would be there waiting when he returned. Really cool. He told me some about his life (too time consuming for here) and let me know that he found the Lord in 2002.

I thought it so strange yesterday that:

1. I never normally talk to anyone on the beach
2. Both people I spoke with had found the Lord

So I am just beginning my day here and need to get started work. More tomorrow......

Till then

2009-01-07T20:09:00.002-05:00

Hello all. I was all excited about the image I was planning to use tonite but I am on retreat and forgot to bring the cable for my digital camera so anything I post this week will have no image. So sorry about that. I am on the Outer Banks in North Carolina and at the moment we are having heavy winds. It's kinda creepy. I love the wind but here it can get really intense. It's supposed to go up to 60 mph and there are warnings out. I just poked around for flashlights and fortunately I found a couple that still have a bit of juice in the batteries.

I came here to do work on my next deck, to hopefully finish it up but now that I am here I am having trouble settling in. This occasionally happens. I am at an old family house of ours and there are many deep memories and feelings here for me. It was the last place I really spent time with my mother before she passed away so it holds something special but also some melancholy. I visited with my aging father on the way here and that in itself brings up a lot. I'm hoping to be able to really sink in and get a good bit of work done tomorrow. I also will be doing a couple of remote Spirit essence portraits that have been waiting around for me to get time to do them. Gosh the wind is loud. I just went and found a screen door that was not locked that was flapping around and making me jump. OOhhh and I just felt the house shake (it's on stilts). Hmmnnnn. I'll be glad when it's tomorrow. I think I am going to sing off now and try and cozy up in bed and sleep before I can get any more jumpy.

Until tomorrow, M

Wishin and Hopin

2009-01-03T22:00:00.002-05:00

I'm wishin' and hopin" for Spring. The above are photos of my yard at 2 different times of the year. I much prefer the beautiful field of blue forget me nots to the oh so white blanket of you know what.

It's almost time for me to leave for a few days retreat down south. I am looking forward to being in warmer temperatures even if they are not THAT much warmer. It's been a nice few days with some more dancing to that same blues band. The child prodigy continues to amaze me. (The one who plays 5 instruments at 13). I'm still working hard but have taken the last couple of evenings off and tonite met my friend Mary and we had a bite to eat then saw "Milk". A great film. Normally I work into the nights but I guess the holiday mood has continued. So just a few lines since it is so late . See you tomorrow......

Melissa

Dancing in the New Year

2009-01-01T09:06:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year Friends! Most people I guess are going to take some down time today, but not this one. My bookeeper is coming in a few minutes to work for awhile and then I have made plans to go to a friend's house so she can show me how to use my new purple i-pod. I know, I know, I'm a little slow on the uptake with the gadgets, but better late than never... It will be so nice not to have to haul my cd cases around with me but now I have to figure out how to bring speakers if I need them for the spirit portrait sessions, workshops ans such. I'm sure it's not a big deal but as it is I have my art supplies, camera and other accutrements that go with the territory of working and traveling.

Last night I went to a local spot that had a great blues band (forgot their name already) and danced myself into a frenzy. Normally I just hole up with a movie or a dinner with friends, but this year decided to take up a friend's offer to go dancing. It was the righ choice for sure. I danced so hard that I created a shoulder spasm and had to come home and ice it. (The perks of getting old). It was SO WORTH IT.

I also usually paint in the New Year but I really need to get this technology tended to. BUT the new painting is calling me too. We will see, maybe I will postpone technology.

One of the images I have posted today is the citrine crystal I have been working with. It's a powerful stone, second chakra stone and I did a nice ceremony yesterday with it to release what I want from 08 and to invoke the new for 09. Good medicine.

The other image is called "Dance Your Dreams" from my Women and Dreams Series. So- Let's all do for 09. Let's dance our dreams. Are you with me?

Till then, Happy New Year, Melissa

Epiphany in Yoga

2008-12-29T20:33:00.002-05:00

I love how these things just happen. I was in yoga class today at the gym. Normally one would not think that a yoga class at a gym would be any good but since I am a member I decided to try it out. I've studied yoga with some great and well known teachers so it takes a good one to keep me content. And oddly enough the young woman teaching on Monday mornings is quite good.

In yoga one is supposed to stay present in each moment which is a great practice unto itself. My mind is extremely active and I have a difficult time doing that in any circumstance. Lately I have a lot on my mind. The same subject kept buzzing before me and in the middle of a difficult pose I had an epiphany whereby someone from my distant past came up in relation to a current issue and helped clarify something for me. I know that we store things in our physical bodies and I guess this was a good example of how we can use yoga or other modalities to work through issues. Hooray!

Later this after noon I was driving to an appointment and enjoyed the drive out 28A, through the winding country roads full of woods, the late afternoon winter pink light filtering through the trees. True, there is a lot one can worry about these days, but it's great when I can just relax and enjoy the beauty surrounding us here in the Hudson Valley.

Nitey Nite

Sea Legs

2008-12-28T15:10:00.003-05:00

Well, what a day. This is officially my first blog posting, how very exciting! So I am still getting my sea legs. I have discovered lately how much I enjoy writing. I will be adding posts at least a few times a week if not daily.

Today's image is that of my studio as it usually looks in the winter (note the snow outside the window). I love to hole up in the studio during the winter days and get lost in a creative whirl. By the end of a day in there it usually looks like a cyclone struck. I think I have artist's ADD or maybe just plain ADD. I strut from one canvas to another or from canvas to collage, etc, depending on what I am involved in. It has taken me all day just to get this up and running - so just a quick post for now to introduce you to my world.

See you tomorrow, Melissa