"Zion's Walls" oil on linen, 12x16

Today, during Yoga class my gorgeous instructor MJ said something resonated with me deeply.
She said " Transformation of the body, spirit and talent happens on the edge. Only if you push yourself our of comfort zone you can reach the level of changes  you desire . Don't be afraid to fail, even if you felt on your butt, just get yourself  up, do it again  and push  little stronger . It's also applies to art  and painting. If you just will paint familiar "territories" you will never grow . Make a small resolution for the next week - to go and try to paint, draw something completely out of habit. Go for a figure drawing,  plein air painting, or just paint with a extremely limited palette . Do something different! Find your edge!
So here is another painting from the series "Suitcase of pastorales" called "Zion's Walls"

I painted it on my latest workshop with the zero help from the instructor , so it will be painting @ 2 from the workshop  

Some of my latest paintings in Russian Cultural Center in Seattle

If you are in Seattle , you have a chance to see interesting show of 3 artists in Russian Cultural Center i. I also have a small display of my latest paintings. Please visit us at 704 19th Avenue East  Seattle, WA 98112. The gallery will be open for 2 weeks . Hours of operation is from 2-6 on week days, and 11-6 on weekends

"RIVER SONG" 9x12 oil on linen

Of, course - there is always a reason for any bad or good outcomes of events. I know exactly what the reason was for taking a pretty poorly structured workshop I attended  last week. Some, even the most genius, artists are just not cut for teaching. And this was the case, I don't want to mention any names though.
But the great reason for all the troubles was meeting new wonderful artists, seeing old, good friends, painting together and sharing so many exciting tips and info. Here is one of the 6 new paintings.
                         

                                            I called it "River's Song". You can buy it here

http://frankanddunya.com/products/rivers-song/

"Morning Stroll" from the series "Suitcase of Pastorales"

Taking off to Whidbey Island for the workshop with Kathryn Stats. Much anticipated and well deserved brake  from teaching, organizing, communicating, connecting, dancing and stressing.
Here is the fresh from the easel little piece called "Morning Stroll - Coupeville  WA"

It's for sale! Price is $200.00

"A Big Brother" oil on canvas board, 14x18

Another Gorgeous morning on the beautiful PCF Northwest - it's been officially 44 days without the rain, in the notoriously rainy Seattle, and I've been productive like no tomorrow :-) I have 3 shows lined up , and want to create totally new collection ( in fact 3 )
I just want to share the thoughts on being fiercely creative versus fiercely blocked. The blocks on the way to our creativity are nothing but fears! Fears of rejections , fears of failure , fears of unknown.
We are holding on to what we know and comfortable with, but in order to find a real happiness, real love, real passion ( and the creativity is all of the above ) we need to let go...It's not easy..it's scary ..it's unknown territory. But trust me ...The unknown is the biggest gift of all! So give it  to yourself!
 GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT OF UNKNOWN!
That's where is the pick of creativity  lies .
You can read more on the removing creative blocks in the fantastic book, which helped me, my friends and thousands of artists " The Artist Way" by Julia Cameron .

In a meanwhile, here is my new painting form the series " Fair Sees and Following Winds" called "A Big Brother" , the size is 14x18, oil on canvas board . And it's for sale - 550$, and free shipping!

"Teanaway Valley" oil on linen, 8x10

First I wanted to share some important information on toxic mediums . I just learned the liquin is  highly toxic and you can't  use it for a long period of time , specially if your ventilation is not too good, as in my case . There are great non toxic replacement for almost all oil mediums, brush cleaners and so on.
One of the wonderful, non toxic  alternatives for liquin or other mediums is M' Graham walnut alkyd medium. Also for cleaning the brush as you paint , please buy SoySolv ( Daniel Smith has on sale) and the the deep cleaning use BrushFlush (Amazon.com)
Finally, here is my latest little painting , a demo for my "Atmospheric Perspective" class .
It't called "Teanaway Valley". It's been "Daily Paintworks" FaceBook pic of the day- a second this month - Woo Hoo !!!

It's for sale on FrankandDunya.com

"Light Breeze" SOLD

From Mari-Lyn Harris: 

Are you a Reporter or a Poet? And... why do you need to know? The simple definition is: A reporter states the facts A poet shares her feelings ABOUT the facts And - most important - the "why" of why you need to know the difference, and why you need to know what you "are" most of the time is because:_____________fill the blank  So while you thinking about this very important questions:-) take a look at my new painting.  I'm starting formatting my painting by the themes. One of 'em I called  ”Fair seas and following winds” So here is painting from this series "Light Breeze" , oil on linen, 8x 10  SOLD ! Thank you Matt:-) It's for sale here :  http://frankanddunya.com/products/light-breeze-from-the-series-fair-seas-and-following-winds/