|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water lilies by Monet at the Musee de l'Orangerie, Paris |
|
|
|
|
|
One of the questions I get asked most often from my students is how to get out of a painting slump and rediscover joy in the studio. Almost every daily painter I know goes through a time when we hit a ceiling of creativity. There are also times when we freeze, and fear and self-doubt seem insurmountable barriers to taking another step forward. The important thing to keep in mind, is, you are not alone in this. Every creative goes through these periods, famous artists, not so famous artists, I'm convinced it's simply part of being an artist! Toward the end of Monet's life, he experienced times of depression and self-doubt. Family losses and physical challenges began to affect his self-confidence. But he never stopped seeking the light, and he never stopped painting. Monet was convinced that no one would accept or understand his newest creations - water lily paintings with no horizons, an upside down world where water and sky merged. Some of his paintings he destroyed, some he burned, and some he put his foot through. Here he was all over again, breaking the rules. He knew he was about to face the wrath of the Parisian art critics, who once described his work as no better than wallpaper. It took a close friend to convince Monet to go forward with the exposition that first unveiled this amazing new collection. It also took avid American collectors to keep his self confidence strong. How fortunate we are, that someone was there when Monet needed most to hear encouraging words. Imagine if every artist who tried something new was lauded, rather than criticized. And imagine a world filled with creative people. I suspect it would look quite different from the world we're seeing around us today.
How do you get through those rough patches, and times when you're afraid to keep moving forward in your art journey? I would love to hear from you, you intrepid soul, you! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A new online class begins |
|
|
|
|
Earlybird registration opens September 24 for my first oil painting online class in over a year ~ Return to Monet's Garden. Your destination for garden landscapes and breathtaking florals is here ~ a journey filled with painting lessons that have never before been shared, and all new content designed to delight and inspire. You deserve a gorgeous getaway! Check out all the details and get a sneak peek at what you'll be creating from the safety of your home studio. I'm so excited to share all my favorite moments with you in the gardens Monet loved best.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lemons and Peonies, 20X20, oil, a Joyful Brush Lesson, information |
|
|
|
Monthly classes are blooming |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I wanted to say a giant thank you to our teacher, Nancy Medina! These online classes were just wonderful. I'm so happy that I signed up. Each lesson was jammed with great instruction and each project was just beautiful. You have given us so many tools to take on our adventures with painting. I needed a little "renewal" to jump start my spirit. These were exactly what I needed, particularly during this "pandemic time". So very grateful for all you have done for many of us. Thanks a million!" ~ Carole Aubrey
|
|
|
|
"What can I say! Thank you, thank you - the best experience. You are the perfect artist and teacher. So generous to share your artistic know-how. Easy to follow, and I learned many things. A great Big Bold thanks!" ~ Lia
|
|
|
|
"Please don't hesitate to join The Joyful Brush! Nancy is a wonderful teacher and you will learn so much." ~ Nancy Bodkin
|
|
|
|
"Nancy is the best! She IS joyful in her approach, too. I look forward to taking another series of lessons from her!" ~ Mimi Maki
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
"Every single lesson of The Joyful Brush presents a masterpiece! I am always so impatent to get my new monthly classes." ~ Christiane Kingsley
|
|
|
|
"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 |
|
|
|
"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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A precious moment with my honey in Paris!
|
|
|
Here's my message for you: Living, painting, & moving toward your joy! |
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|