January "Just Imagine" Class

 

I know some of you are still thinking about it-wondering if now is the time. Let me encourage you to try it. Don't let fear, apprehension, or the past stand in the way. Give yourself permission to explore something new. A new year is among us. It's time to look forward-to imagine what could be. For more information about the January/February class, look HERE. I have just a couple spots left for the Thursday night class. Contact me (melynda@melyndavanzee.com) by today (Dec. 28) or tomorrow (Dec. 29) if you want a spot.

Christmas Prep and Reflection

 

The tree is up. It is joining me in the studio this year and loaded with ornaments from the past- Christmas ornaments I made as a child, ornaments I received during my classroom teaching years, "Your first home", "Baby's 1st Christmas" and our snow baby section. My son and I had had a walk down memory lane while decorating it together-a chance to stop and reflect and remember.

 

 The Christmas exchange cookies have been baked.

And wrapped.

 

And delivered to friends.

(Many of the cookies we received have already disappeared.)

 

 I wrapped some handmade gifts in brown paper packages this morning and made a grocery list.

The holidays are here and I'm soaking it in. Remembering the past, looking forward to the future and committed to taking my time this year to treasure the gifts that are here-so many treasures to be unwrapped that have nothing to do with rushing to the store, but everything to do with those I love. 

Peace and joy to you as you celebrate and remember this holiday season.

I will Create from my Heart

"I Will Create From My Heart" Just Imagine class

We have just completed the first "Just Imagine" class group here in the studio. Our last class was Tuesday night where we talked about authenticity in our work and painted an "I will Create from my Heart" canvas.

We had such an amazing time together painting, discussing and learning about our creative journey. I'm so going to miss having these creative and imaginative and deep women in my studio each week.  I can't wait to see what the next steps in their creative journey will be like-there is so much more ahead!

Registration Will Begin Thursday, December 15

for January/February 2012 Sessions of Just Imagine 

I would love to have you join us here in the studio for "Just Imagine", a six week day or evening course, where you will make art as a pathway for your own creative transformation and personal growth. I only take 4 students per class so I recommend you sign up soon to guarantee you don't miss out. Register for "Just Imagine" by calling the studio at 641-628-9497 or email at melynda@melyndavanzee.com. Registration begins Thursday, December 15, 2011. Registration is on a "first come, first serve basis" and will close on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Payment due Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. Minimum class size must be met for classes to held.

"I was looking for help in getting over a "rut" I've been in. Melynda has helped me tap into helpful exercises to overcome my creative block. The class is in depth and open, all at the same time. I highly recommend this class! Fun, too!" Lisa Davis-Kovarik 

"Definitely take this! It makes you think about a lot of different areas and have those 'Oh! I get it!' moments! This is an awesome class. I suggest it to every artsy person!!!! even if you're not, you will love it!!" Jill Edwards 

"Just Imagine" Class Times 

Day Class
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Awareness
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Identity
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Process
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Imagination
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Resistance & Attacks
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Authenticity

Evening Class 
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Awareness
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Identity
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Process
Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Imagination
Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Resistance & Attacks
Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 7:00 pm-8:30 pm Authenticity

Just Imagine Class

Art is a way of knowing about our journey.

In “Just Imagine” class we are painting our journey-

using color, line, shape to give presence to the paths that we have walked.

We are experimenting with new tools and playing with paint.

We are acknowledging that creative renewal doesn’t happen in a linear way...

it circles around, meanders in and out and ebbs and flows as our life unfolds.

We are taking the time for a good, hard look at what is really affecting our creative path.

We are doing the deep work to prepare us to walk into whatever the future holds.  

We are adding sparkle.

We are painting bigger than we dreamed possible.

We are creating art journal pages that chronicle our creative path.

We are facing what is and looking forward to what is to come.

We are sparking our imagination and doing it all in full color!

Living with your Art

I’ve noticed a change.  

I’ve noticed a change in how I learn from my paintings. 

I’ve noticed a change in how my house feels. 

I’ve noticed a change in how it feels for me to live in my home with my own art and the art of others on my walls.

There is something about living with my own art. 

Something that makes it resonate deeper. 

Something that makes me take a second look

-when the light hits it differently

-when my heart looks at it from a different place months (or years) after I created the painting. 

There is something about having art speaking to me through all the dailyness of my life- dishes, laundry, supper preparations. 

"There is a River"  Melynda Van Zee © 2011

There is something about walking in the front door and seeing art above the coat hooks and hanging in the entryway.

"Open Wide" Melynda Van Zee © 2011

It was a good thing to host a Studio Tour here at the beginning of the month. 

It was a breath of fresh air to open my studio and home to curious and creative art friends.  

"Healing Waters" Melynda Van Zee © 2011

Some of my favorite times of the studio tour happen when I get a chance to have conversations about the art.  

"From Above the Wind and Waves" Melynda Van Zee © 2010

I learn so much from watching others interact with the pieces.  

I’ve learned to deeply listen to the responses because they teach me.  

"Released" Melynda Van Zee @ 2009

But, one unexpected blessing of doing a tour is that it gives me a deadline. 

"Observing the Recovery" Melynda Van Zee © 2010

It gives me a deadline to actually hang up my work, instead of stacking it or hiding it.

"From the Center" Melynda Van Zee @ 2011

It gives me a deadline to display it in my own environment.  

"Separated From the Stars" Melynda Van Zee © 2009

There is something that makes me “own it” in that step.  

"O Sacred Head Now Wounded" Melynda Van Zee © 2010

Living with it, looking at it, having surround my consciousness, having it be an intricate part of my environment that is shaping me. 

In the studio with "You Know My Way" and "Long-Awaited Bride"

Living with my art a lesson that is nurturing my artist heart.

All photos were taken by my youngest who has been bitten by the photo bug, but my motto is “start ‘em young” (just hoping they don’t break the camera!)

New Class- "Just Imagine"

I'm so excited to announce a new class that I've been planning for and dreaming about for a long time.  Registration begins NOW for "Just Imagine".
 

Just Imagine-Starting Nov. 1

Just Imagine Using The Arts As A Pathway 

To Discover More About You & The One Who Created You

You know the techniques.
You have the supplies.
You love to consume the product of other people’s creativity.
You know how crucial creativity is going to be to survival in our rapidly changing, global environment.

And, yet, you are still not working on your projects.
Still not creating what is in your heart.
Still answering to someone else’s call rather than your own.
Still not leading the life you imagine.
Still not following the unique call on your life.

What is standing in the way?

Why is it so hard?

Let me walk you through a process of creating real change. Let’s uncover the path to a vibrant, passionate and creative life that can be yours.

Let’s take a look deep inside to see what is blocking you from creating the compelling and stimulating work of your dreams.

Together we will explore the building blocks necessary to a healthy creative lifestyle.

We will take some time to look inward to help unleash your passion that is simmering right below the surface.

Start connecting the dots of your emotional, spiritual and creative needs to help you take the next steps in your journey.

And, the best thing…we will use art as the pathway for this discovery process.

Yes-we get to make stuff…
•stuff that might be a bit messy and intuitive and truth telling
•stuff that might help us find our way
•stuff that gets us out of “thinking about it” mode and into “doing and creating” mode

This is going to be a “process”, a journey. This process is designed for anyone at any skill level. You don’t need an extensive background in art. You don’t need to be a fine artist to join in the fun. If you do have experience in the arts, this course can serve as a guide to spur you to be able to take the next steps you’ve been dreaming of. No matter where you are on your creative journey, our goal is that you will have the confidence to create the work you need to bring into the world.

There is so much that is possible if we can just clear the clutter away, if we can get to the core. Come take the journey with me. I can’t wait to see how far you will go!

To Register for "Just Imagine", please visit Classes on my website for all additional information.  Classes will be held in my studio in Pella, IA. You can reserve your spot by emailing me at melynda@iowatelecom.net.

Studio Sneak Peeks...

Detail of "From the Center" 40" x 30" Melynda Van Zee © 2011

Things are getting underway for the Autumn Studio Tour happening this weekend right here in the studio.  Not only will you be able to see "the real thing" instead of just "sneak peaks", but you can also visit the studios of several other area artists.  For more information on the tour, check out the Red Rock Arts Alliance. 

Detail from "You Know My Way" 48" x 36" Melynda Van Zee © 2011

Please feel free to come and visit me in the studio during the hours of 10 am- 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 9 and 12 pm - 5 pm on Sunday, Oct. 10.  I'd love to have you stop by and share with you the new pieces I've been working on this fall.

Detail from "The Waters" 48" x 36" Melynda Van Zee © 2011

You will also have the opportunity to sign up for a Door Prize.  I'll be giving away this small original T.U.L.I.P. piece titled "Amazing Grace".

"Amazing Grace" 6" x 8" Melynda Van Zee © 2011