Wild weekend, powerful pARTy coming up, and loads of gratitude for you!

 
 

“Art is the glue that holds civilization together"
–Dr. Shaun Duke

The weekend was fun AF!

 

The Warren Court Art Walk was freaking awesome! We had stunning weather, albeit with some wind on Sunday; still, the weekend was a smashing success. Loads of visitors attended and left with beautiful new art treasures. They enjoyed delicious tacos from Jus' Tacos and Inner City Cafe, as well as music by the Peter Scott Trio on Saturday and The Besides on Sunday. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined the fun! Below see some of the fabulous artists. Click here to see all of the participating artists.

Up on my front porch, the pARTy was rocking. I served up my usual margaritas and presented a litany of new cherry paintings. So many friends, old and new, turned up to celebrate the creative community in our two towns, South Orange and Maplewood. The staggering amount of art on display was received with excitement and appreciation as visitor after visitor left with a meaningful piece of eye candy. Click here to see how the Warren Court Art Walk began.

As you can see from all my happy customers above, I was busy packing up paintings of cherries, cocktails, oysters, and lots of prints to make their way safely to their new homes. It's heartwarming and thrilling for me to know that my work is now lining the walls of so many of the wonderful people I had the pleasure of connecting with over the weekend. I can see the joy spreading with each piece of art as I create a connected web of visual delight, inspiring these lovely souls to embrace their beautiful lives, pits, and all.  

Here is the next event I’d love to share with you:

Saturday, August 9, 7:30pm South Orange, NJ

JILLISH FAIR—LOVING JILL SOBULE
An evening inspired and devoted to the late-great singer songwriter, Jill Sobule. Space is limited. To attend RSVP here and you will receive the location and more details.
Join me with special musical guests for a magical evening celebrating and honoring my friend Jill Sobule's life and legacy. Jill was best known for her 1995 hit, "I Kissed a Girl," and her song "Supermodel." She was a brilliant and prolific songwriter, a guitar shredder, a masterful performer, and the most joyful, funny, and delightful person you could ever meet. There has been an outpouring of love for Jill Sobule since her untimely death on May 1st. If you didn't know her, start learning about her with us on August 9th. The evening will benefit Jill’s charity, “It Was A Good Life Foundation,” which will distribute all donations to charitable causes that Jill deeply cared and sang about.

 
Leslie Goldman and Jill Sobule

Me with Jill Sobule during the first concert she performed at my house on July 23, 2011.

 
 

Have you been with me since the beginning of this wild adventure?.

 

I realized last week that I have been publishing a blog twice a month for four years. I learned that you should start before you’re ready, practice makes better, and I don’t need any freaking AI! I’m republishing the entire first blog because it was pretty good right out of the gate. I still use the practice I explain below, and miracles happen when I’m consistent with it. I greatly appreciate you for reading, and I hope you will continue to follow me here because social media sucks. META, which is Facebook, has disabled my account by limiting my ability to post, comment, follow, share, create events, or accept new friends. Email me if you want to know what’s up, and please share my blog with your friends and family. I’m super excited for my residency in France next month and I don’t want you to miss a thing!

 

“People who have the capacity to lean fully into joy have one variable in common: They practice gratitude.”
–Brené Brown, Ph.D.

 
I’m not saying that you need to drink to feel gratitude! I am grateful that this commission has led to a whole series of paintings, lots of positive responses, several more sales and now prints!

I’m not saying that you need to drink to feel gratitude! I am grateful that this commission has led to a whole series of paintings, lots of positive responses, several more sales and now prints!

 

If you want to feel more joy in your daily life practicing gratitude can get you there. It is one of the most powerful practices I use to keep me feeling positive and happy. Even in the midst of tremendous challenges, gratitude can help you see the light. I started by keeping a small notebook by the side of my bed and writing about three things that went well that day. Even on a day that I didn’t feel very accomplished, I could find three things that went well. Like getting out of bed or having a conversation with a friend or washing the dishes. If you are new to practicing gratitude this is a great place to start.

 
I'm grateful for this commission from my beloved collector, Rosa Pellicer. She's a beautiful soul and I feel a deep connection to her. I'm happy to create artwork that inspires her and others to live with joy and wonder.r.

I'm grateful for this commission from my beloved collector, Rosa Pellicer. She's a beautiful soul and I feel a deep connection to her. I'm happy to create artwork that inspires her and others to live with joy and wonder.r.

 

My practice has changed over time. Now I use May MacCarthy’s Gratitude formula. It has taken my practice to the next level. It helps me move through places when I feel stuck and it helps with manifesting things in my life that I desire. 

All you need is a dedicated notebook, something to write with, and your imagination. This is how you do it:

  • Listen to or read something uplifting for 10 minutes

  • Write a letter to whatever your higher power is for things in your life that you want to improve or manifest

  • Hit all the major areas; relationships, finances, fun, health, connection to your higher power, and anything else you are looking to improve.

  • Write about each one as if it is just the way you want it to be and you are grateful. Example: Dear Universe, I am so grateful that my relationships with my children are harmonious and joyful. We respect and support each other without judgment. We enjoy spending time together and have wonderful open conversations. I feel so much love for them and from them.

  • When you are finished writing, read it out loud with a lot of emotion.

  • Then spend 10 minutes meditating or imaging how wonderful it feels now that it is all as you want it to be

  • During the day, look for guidance or follow your intuition when things pop up that will help you fulfill your desires.

  • At the end of the day notice all the things that occurred to get you closer to your desired goals, feel gratitude for them, and thank your higher power for guiding you.

  • Repeat daily.

 
I am grateful to Theresa Pettersen-Chu for purchasing this painting when I shifted from a graphic design business to fine art. She believed in me and started the ball rolling on my thriving new business.

I am grateful to Theresa Pettersen-Chu for purchasing this painting when I shifted from a graphic design business to fine art. She believed in me and started the ball rolling on my thriving new business.

 

If you are on the fence about this, I challenge you to try this method and just see what happens. You never know, you might just manifest the life of your dreams. If you give it a try, please let me know how it goes.

With love and gratitude,
Leslie





 

Trapped to Triumph. How to get there with art and hope.

 

“If you build it, he will come.”
—Ray Liotta in Field of Dreams

 
 

The Story of The Warren Court Art Walk

Three artists, a pandemic, and hope!

Four years ago, Sybil Archibald, Wendy Bellermann, and I found ourselves trapped at home, missing the vibrant energy of our art community. We decided to take matters into our own hands, and the Warren Court Art Walk was born! With the generous support of our neighbors, we transformed their lawns into art galleries, inviting 18 exceptional artists to showcase their work on one beautiful block.

The morning of the art walk dawned a clear and beautiful day, but we had no idea what to expect. Would anyone come? Would artists sell their work? Well the answer was yes and YES! The community came out in droves, armed with masks. People reconnected with their neighbors and friends. The art was captivating. It was a magical resounding success! 

Now in it's 4th year, boasting 25 artists, food, and music, the Warren Court Art Walk has become a beloved community event! You must come celebrate with us! There'll be deomnstrations, raffles, margaritas, and I will be performing a short set of original music Saturday afternoon. Its gonna be a pARTy! 

May 11th and 12th from 11am-5pm, Warren Court, South Orange, NJ. In the heart of the beautiful Montrose Park Historic District.

See you soon! Love,
Leslie
xo

 

Come party with me!

 

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
—Mae West

 

During the opening show at the Pierro Gallery I stood next to my portrait of Carol Lane, “Behind The Lens.” Carol was a wonderful photographer and terrific person I met through Studio Montclair.

 

Saturday night, we blew the roof off the brand-new Baird Center during the grand reopening of the Pierro Gallery of South Orange, New Jersey. The place was packed to the gunwales! I'm honored and humbled that my painting hangs with the work of other incredibly talented artists in the show. 

Our mayor, Sheena Cullum, was there along with Judy Wukitsch, who co-founded the gallery in 2001 with her late husband, Lennie Pierro. Pierro was a fine artist and longtime South Orange resident. He sought to create a cooperative effort between fine artists and the town. The celebration continued upstairs to the cafe, where a jazz band entertained as folks enjoyed a fantastic spread of food and drink. The entire building has been reimagined and updated beautifully. The evening was a wonderful and vibrant celebration of South Orange, our community, and our artists. The gallery is state-of-the-art, and it's spectacular. The show is running through June 12th, go see it!

I have so many wonderful events coming up. Come party with me at all of them. And reach out here to meet me at any of the galleries and I’ll show you around. Life is short, lets have fun!

  • THIS WEEKEND!!!
    THE ART OF COMMUNITY #1
    Sunday, April, 28th, 3pm – 6pm
    488 Summit AvenueSouth Orange, NJ, 07079

  • THE WARREN COURT ART WALK
    Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th 11:00am – 5:00pm.
    36 Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079

  • THE CHATHAM LIBRARY SOMA STUDIO TOUR ARTISTS SHOW
    Opening reception, June 9th 2:15 – 4pm.
    214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928

  • PAINTERS IN THE PARK
    Saturday, May 18th, 10am – 3pm
    Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ, 07040

  • THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER
    Opening reception, September 19th 7pm – 9pm.
     Gallery Roshana, 120 rue de la Boétie 75008

  • WILD CHERRY ART PARTY
    Saturday, Oct 26, 2024, get on the A-list for the information

Stay tuned, more to come! Make sure you’re on the Wild Cherry Art mailing list so you don’t miss a beat!

 

Own a spectacular work of original art and see your investment skyrocket

 

"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."
— Stella Adler

 

Above is a small sampling of Wild Cherry Art pieces that live in permanent homes across the globe and will increase in value!

 

Do you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art? I am thrilled to tell you its value will increase this Fall! So far, I'm participating in nine shows this year. I'm creating so much new work that I can feel myself growing! I'm grateful that my collector list is rapidly expanding. After I attend the residency in France this September, followed by a show in Paris, the prices of Wild Cherry Art will go up.

Why now? Demand has increased, and the cost of everything has nearly tripled. The silver lining is that this is excellent news if you own a piece of Wild Cherry Art. If you've been thinking about purchasing a painting, now would be a great time to buy. You'll own a spectacular new work of art, and your investment will grow automatically in October 2024. Make an appointment to meet me in my studio by clicking the button below.

I'll honor my current commission fees, but they will increase after October as well, so if budget is on your mind, make the appointment for a discovery call right now to discuss your dream project!

See you soon,
Leslie
xo

Check out all of my upcoming events! Meet me at the Openings:

🍒 PIERRO GALLERY Spring ‘24 EXHIBITION

OPENING RECEPTION

Wednesday, April 17th, 6:30-8:30pm
5 Mead Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Wednesday, April 17, through Wednesday, June 12, 2024,


🍒 THE ART OF COMMUNITY

ARTIST SALON SERIES #1

Sunday, April 28, 3:00pm — 6:00pm
488 Summit Avenue, Maplewood, 07040


🍒 WARREN COURT ART WALK

Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th, 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Warren Court, South Orange, NJ, 07079


🍒 CHATHAM LIBRARY SHOW

OPENING RECEPTION

June 9th 2:15—4pm.
The Chatham Library, 214 Main Street, Chatham Township, NJ, 07928
Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, 10:00 AM—5:00 PM


🍒 THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

OPENING RECEPTION

Thursday, September 19th 6pm—9pm
Galerie Roshana, 120 Rue de la Boétie, 75008 Paris
Thursday, September 19, through Sunday, September 22, 2024


🍒 WILD CHERRY ART PARTY

Saturday, October 26th—RSVP for details


🍒 STUDIO TOUR SOMA

Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, 11 AM—5:00 PM
Wild Cherry Art (map) and throughout South Orange and Maplewood, NJ



 

What color's all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul?

 

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
—Wassily Kandinsky

 

In the ‘80s I wore lots of dayglow and bright colors. Even thought I’m wearing a baby pink leather jacket, I was bold color forward!

 

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is the color for 2024. Pantone's website says Peach Fuzz "captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety, gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul." This sounds great. I love to nurture, and I love the idea of enriching my mind, body, and soul, but this color feels to me like a boring '80s flashback. I have noticed that many brands are embracing colors with an '80s vibe, so this is happening, like it or not. Will we all be feathering our hair and wearing leg warmers? Time will tell.

As for my artwork, peach doesn't speak to me. I love bold, bright, saturated colors. I also know contrast provides interest, and peach doesn't add contrast. It tends to soften things. Should I explore my softer creative side? What do you think? Unless I get an overwhelming response from the Universe, I'll stick with my bold colors. And if I have to go back to the '80s, I'm going in fluorescent!

 
 

Here are a few examples of my acrylic paintings; as you can see, they are vibrant with bold colors and lots of contrast. See them in person. Click the button to set up a studio visit. I'd love to show you how vibrant they are in real life. I'd also love to have a chat and catch up.

Stay warm and wonderful.

Love,
Leslie