I WAS SO VERY TOUCHED AND GRATIFIED...

Friday, February 13, 2009

I WAS SO VERY TOUCHED AND GRATIFIED...

to receive the following e-mail from Tony Oliver, my wonderful student and friend of whom I couldn't be more proud.

"Here are pictures of a third grade class here in Bakersfield that I did a volunteer art lesson with. They loved it. Thank you so much for encouraging me to go to the schools ..."

And now, from the classroom teacher to Tony.....

"Thank you again so much for coming to share your talent with my class. They really enjoyed it. I was impressed by the quality of the art my students were able to produce. I have attached some pictures of you working with students. Let me know which day next week will work for you to teach another class."

Now how about that! Isn't it just the most delightful thing you've ever seen? The children are so precious and seeing how beautifully Tony works with them...well, I can hardly stand it!

Tony is also receiving great responses in selling his Brush paintings so I hope you're all encouraged by seeing this to get out there, like Tony, and share your wonderful gift.

To contact Tony:

tonyo1012_688@hotmail.com

3 comments:

Marian Fortunati said...: Hi Nan!!
How fun to actually meet you last night.
You're so right about the power of the internet. Last night showed what a very very very small world we live in ... in so many ways. Hope you had a great time at the party last night too. Wasn't Jeff a hoot?? ;o>

I'm looking forward to your demo with our SFV Art Club in March!!; February 15, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; November 20, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; January 3, 2010 at 12:06 AM

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.