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Starting the day in Manitou Springs ~ the incline is not for the faint of heart!
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...escape to the mountains
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There is something magical about living in mountain country, learning new things each day about higher elevations. Weather patterns are more dramatic, rainbows are double, and it feels as if I can touch the bottom of the clouds, if I just stand on my tiptoes. Afternoon storms bring lightning and thunder, and their power shakes the foundation of the house. In the distance, clouds swirl around Pike's Peak like shrouds.
Light is different here, and breathing, strangely enough, is easier. There is less oxygen, but there is also less humidity, pollution, and haze. Each morning, I am constantly amazed that everyone is not outside, like me, wide-eyed and buoyed by perfect blue skies and mountains with gorgeous mood swings always on the
horizon.
Each morning the hubby and I take a 3-mile hike, and, in quiet moments, I worry about my friends, my family, and my students. How are you coping? Have you found small comforts in the routines of your life, in your pets, in your neighbors? Spending more time painting is a bonus. Life may not be the same, but the art you create will always be here, and the act of creating for most of us is a lifeline and a raison d'etre, if we reach for it.
A beautiful diversion is in order, so I'm taking you with me on a walk through the gardens and inclines of Colorado Springs. We may not be able to hike these trails together, but I'm taking you with me in spirit!
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Scroll down for a mountain hike!
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Lemons and Peonies, 20X20, oil, a Joyful Brush Lesson
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Monthly classes are blooming
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Are ready for a beautiful painting adventure but want to stay home and stay safe on a budget? Joyful Brush is celebrating its fourth year and is home away from home to hundreds of artists from around the world. A monthly online class and a
respite for the creative soul,Joyful is affordable, inspirational, and a great place to reawaken your love of color.
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There are dozens of new lessons blooming and weekly live events in your Joyful Facebook groups. If you're looking for an uplifting, encouraging and positive group of artists to thrive and grow with creatively, there is an easel reserved with your name on it in Joyful Brush! Cultivate your creativity brilliantly all year long, through every season of your art journey, from the comfort of your home studio.
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Heart's Wish Mums, 20X20, oil, a Joyful Brush lesson
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Garden of the Gods at dawn.
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The promise of afternoon storms in the mountains.
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The bumblebees were up early for breakfast!
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The afternoon storms are coming.
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Mountains and desert share the same color palette.
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Milkweed ~ a favorite for the Monarch butterflies!
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These colors begging to be painted!
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It was cold enough for two jackets in July!
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Connor joined us for a trek, no mask required for canines!
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The aspens were competing for my attention.
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Knobs and faces, so amazing!
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Carlos forgot his jacket, but we had these wooly blankets!
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Seven falls at the Broadmore, a quick stop on the way home.
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Take Flight White Peonies, 16X16, oil
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The studio model takes a bow!
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A Joyful Brush painting, Star Park Cottage, 16X16, oil
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Peonies touring the Tulip Gardens of Paris!
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"I have been following my bliss with Nancy and the flower family for four years now. Nancy, you are an awesome teacher and an inspiring person, so much that I feel I know you personally. You and Carlos have done a great job of offering professional videos that allow your personal style of teaching to shine."
~ Leigh Howard |
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"I highly recommend taking all of Nancy Medina's online courses. She is a wonderful teacher and artist. She holds nothing back and the videos are shot high quality. She has lots of extras where you can ask questions and the paintings are full of colour and beauty. The screen shows the setup and Nancy's painting. Her palette is on one screen,
which is very helpful. A perfect companion to assist you in finding your own style. I've taken other online courses and these are the most professionally shot and organized."
~ Elizabeth Mitchell |
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"I first saw Nancy's paintings on Pinterest and immediately fell in love with them. That's when my search for this phenomenal artist began! I am in most of her online classes and love them all."
~ Cousin Val B'dreaux |
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"Well, I want to recommend Nancy's workshops to my friends, but I am afraid I will have to warn them it may change their lives! Going to France and watching Nancy paint was one of the best experiences of my life. The conversations I had with everyone prompted me to do some serious soul searching. While we were at the Abbey, I got a text asking
me if I would be interested in a job. It would be working for a small county and would be a salary cut. Normally, I would have said no, but I realized on this trip that I wanted to paint more and my present job was too emotionally draining. So I accepted the job and this morning I felt energized enough to paint before work. You have really changed my life for the better!"
~ Cindy Zuniga ~ France 2019 Alumni |
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"In August, I was thrilled to take a painting class from Nancy Medina. It was wonderful watching the master paint and being able to ask questions. If you get the opportunity to enroll in a class, jump on it!"
~ Dian Renfro |
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"It was pure pleasure spending the last few days painting with you in Flower Mound Studio. Such a welcoming home with amazing Southern hospitality. I felt energized and yet reflective and calm at the same time. You have revived my passion and curiosity for my own journey. Thank you for encouraging all of us to feel special and worthy. I enjoyed
every single minute of getting to know you and the other girls. I will likely be a repeat offender - LOL!"
~ Wendy Angel, Canada |
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"I appreciate all the work you put into your paintings and classes. This is very much needed for all of us who need to work from home and yet be a part of an energetic group of artists! Your paintings are awesome and I can feel the joy you offer. I'm so glad I decided to paint with you."
~ Penny Fox |
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"Every single lesson of The Joyful Brush presents a masterpiece! I am always so impatent to get my new monthly classes."
~ Christiane Kingsley |
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"I can't tell you how much I've learned from our workshop in Flower Mound Studio. Nancy is so giving with her gift. And Carlos gets the best husband award. Having a blast with this group of people and pugs!"
~ Diana McClarnon |
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"I attended Nancy's workshop for the last three days. Nancy always exceeds my expectations. I absolutely love every minute of her two-hour demos. She doesn't sent you off to your easel to face a blank canvas alone.
She's right there for support and a step by step process. If you haven't stepped out of your comfort zone to take Nancy's workshop, you have no idea what you are missing. Start your journey either in person or online. You won't regret it!"
~ Deb Stone
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A precious moment with my honey in Paris!
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Here's my message for you:
Living, painting, & moving
toward your joy!
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Seven years ago, I quit my corporate job as the director of a national magazine to become a full time artist and art teacher. One morning I had an epiphany: Life is too short not to follow your bliss. I never dreamed that painting would someday allow me to travel around the world.
In the past year, I've worked with Disney and painted on national TV! Every day I wake up and my heart surges with happiness. Yes I am an artist. Yes, this is what I do for a living. Yes, I am a lucky girl. Thank you to each of you who have walked with me on this path. Whatever your tomorrow brings, may it be filled with color! |
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Nancy Medina Art LLC, 2910 N Powers Blvd, #168, Colorado Springs, CO 80922, United States
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