Find out about two great opportunities to get out and party with me.

“One love, one heart . . . Let’s get together and feel all right”
—Bob Marley

The creation of Golden Cherries. Come see it, in person at the show before it’s gone. Maybe you’ll be the one to take it home with you.

After all this time working in my studio, I'm feeling at the top of my game. I've been creating the most exciting artwork I've ever made. So come see it and me in person. I'll be waiting for you at these two events. It's an excellent opportunity to come out, have some fun and take home a piece of happiness of your own.

 A Return To Art 

This weekend, the Montgomery Arts Council is sharing art created by 28 local and regional NJ artists during the pandemic over the past two years.

Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday 24th, 
10:00am to 4:00pm
1060 State Road /Route 206
Princeton, NJ 08540

Opening Reception
Sneak peek with live music, wine, and hors-d'oeuvres
Friday, October 22nd, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$25.00 for one / $40.00 for two

The SOMA Artists Studio Tour

In two weeks, I'll be celebrating outside of my own studio with artwork that will light your fire! See it in person, find your favorite, and start your collection. Join me for a sip of a quarantini during the 18th year of this annual favorite event. Artists will set up on porches, yards, and studios of the historic homes. It's a celebration of community, creating camaraderie among the artists, homeowners, local businesses and customers. It's a big party, you don't want to miss it! 

Saturday & Sunday
November 6th & 7th
11 am — 5 pm
36 Warren Court
South Orange, NJ 07079

If you can’t make it to either event, make an appointment for a personal studio tour. I’d love to show you around. It’s a good time to get your holiday shopping started. See you soon.

Love,
Leslie

Do you enjoy doing it once in a while or consistently?

“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.”
– Anthony Robbins

Orange Cherry Pop I’ve been painting cherries for a while. I’ve also started being much more expressive with the drips and splatters. I used to paint this way consistently back in my art school days. Now drips and splatters are the new black!

When you do something consistently over time, you learn things. I've published this blog bi-monthly for just over a year. So my blog and newsletter have become another practice of self-awareness. I'm humbled to share my journey with you—a creative one of resilience and commitment to living a life filled with joy and appreciation.

You, here; reading along fills me with gratitude. It's been quite a year. I've experienced lots of growth with my work, had loads of fun with my friends and family, and suffered loss along with other challenges. In reviewing the year's worth of blog posts, I've learned that life shows up in all the ways it can; good, bad, and ugly. We don't need to be reminded of our pain but encouraged to connect to our joy.

I've shared a lot of my artwork with you. In this post, I'm sharing an original song I wrote last year. It reminds me that all the challenges are temporary, like the weather. We choose how we react to every situation and the approach we want to cultivate. The song gets rocking by the end. Click the image twice to get it started. I hope you enjoy it.

Be The Still Water
music and lyrics by Leslie Goldman

Be the still water in the glass
Don’t get agitated
When life knocks you on your ass
And you didn’t anticipate it.
Let the crap all fall to the bottom
Don’t let it be a problem
When life knocks you on your ass
Let it pass

Be the crisp clear blue of the sky
No matter the weather
Let the clouds float on by
You’ll feel a whole lot better
When the storms come blowing in
Don’t let ‘em under your skin
If thunder makes you want to cry
Let it roll on by

Approach every situation
with a positive vibration
The truth is you get to choose
Look out for inspiration
Mix in a little imagination
And honestly, you can’t lose

Be the change you want to see in the world
When things start getting hazy
You don’t have to find the cure
Don’t let it make you crazy
When the world starts going to shite
You gotta be the light
When things are going down the drain sing this refrain

Approach every situation
with a positive vibration
The truth is you get to choose
Look out for inspiration
Mix in a little appreciation
And honestly, you can’t lose

Be the still water in the glass
Don’t get agitated
When life knocks you on your ass
And you didn’t anticipate it.
Let the crap all fall to the bottom
Don’t let it be a problem
When life knocks you on your ass
Let it pass
Let it pass
Yeah, let it pass

Enjoy all your days as best you can. Your life is what you make it. Make it great!

Lotsa love,
Leslie

When the water rises either get in a boat or start swimming!

Water is the driving force of all nature.
–Leonardo Da Vinci

This is only a small portion of the destruction in my home from Hurricane Ida.

My basement filled up with a foot of water during hurricane Ida. I lost all my vinyl and thousands of CDs and boxed sets. A lovely leather sleeper sofa, one vintage guitar, so many clothes, my father's tools, and many pairs of Peter Fox shoes found their way to a dumpster.

It's all just stuff. No one was hurt and, we never lost power. But it was utterly overwhelming, and I am still cleaning up the mess. My dear friends, John and John, came to my rescue and invited me to join them on a trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts. It was exactly what I needed.

I love oysters. I’ve been taking pictures of them for years. I am going to start working on “The World is Your Oyster” Series for Spring of 2022. It’s going to be juicy!

The weather was glorious the entire time. We went out on a large boat that took us out of the harbor and into the ocean, and we saw seven very active whales and two schools of giant sunfish. The water was beautiful and calm as a lake. One day we went to a vineyard, and another day we went to the beach. Wellfleet oysters were local, so I made sure to eat at least a dozen a day. We strolled through town and visited many of the fine art galleries. I enjoyed good food, good friends, and tons of fun.

This commission is in progress. I’m so grateful for my wonderful collectors and the opportunity to cultivate joy with them and for them.

After almost a week in Glocca Morra, I returned to Tobacco Road. Surprisingly no one cleaned up the mess while I was away. So now I'm back to mucking out the basement. I'm also meditating, painting, playing my guitar, going for long walks, and practicing gratitude. Work is exciting and busy with commissions and planning the SOMA Studio Tour on November 6th and 7th. Life is always going to be throwing us curve balls. We can let them sink us or learn to navigate the storms. It’s much more fun when we learn how to ride the waves. The sun always finds its way back to us if we are looking for it. I'm wearing my sunglasses in anticipation.

Happy Autumn.
Love,
Leslie

Do you want to be the hero of this year's SOMA Studio Tour?

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
– Helen Keller

This was one of my tables during the 2020 SOMA Studio Tour outside set up last year.

The eighteenth annual SOMA Studio Tour planning is underway. It’s an eagerly anticipated event that provides a vibrant and exciting view into the artists' atelier. With any luck, it'll take place as planned, on the first weekend in November with nearly 75 other artists in South Orange and Maplewood. In 2020 the Tour was outside on front lawns, driveways, and sidewalks. And then, the election results came out, and people were so happy they were dancing in the streets.

Here is a view of the cork wall inside my studio. You can see my trusty cuckoo clock on the right. It helps to keep me focused!

This year I hope to be participating from inside my studio and sharing where the actual magic happens. When you walk through the door, the party starts. Right away, you can tell the Wild Cherry Art studio is a happy place. It's bright, colorful, and fun. The vibe is always high, the artwork is eye-popping, and I'm a hoot! I love gabbing with collectors old and new and sharing a personal connection.

I look forward to welcoming you into my creative sanctuary!

The South Orange Director of Cultural Affairs managed and executed most of the studio tour tasks. Surprisingly, two years ago, the town eliminated this position and, with it, all support for the Studio Tour. As a result, the 2020 tour was accomplished by 100% volunteers and one leadership role. This year, unfortunately, we have no leader and no support. We are a small handful of artists, and we need your help with: 

• planning and organizing

• publicizing

• graphic design

• fundraising

• artist relations

• town relations

• website maintenance and troubleshooting;

• and a few other items.

If you or anyone you know can help, please contact me. You’ll be a hero!

This was the set up, inside, two years ago during the Studio Tour. You can see where the drums were set up for the band’s performance.

In connection with the Tour, I'll be hosting a private party for my collectors the week before. Because you're on the Wild Cherry Art A-List, you can make an appointment to see the studio and put dibs on any piece of artwork before the tour dates by setting up an appointment.

Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend. Have lotsa fun!

Love,
Leslie

Want to learn why fighting leads to conflict and fun leads to success?

“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”
– Dale Carnegie

A beautiful day to paint a lovely path in New York City’s Central Park. This was a super fun day.

Which route are you choosing for your life and ambitions? I used to select the uphill path. I felt that I had to fight for what I believed in. Fighting made life feel hard and led to more conflict. It seemed like I could never do enough. This thinking created tons of stress. It just made things crappy.

Let's choose the path of least resistance. Take the road that looks fun, beautiful, or exciting. With my work, I select the approach that's the most enjoyable and meaningful for my collectors. I love sharing the process. It feels like a gift to both of us. Every time one of my collectors looks at their piece, they recall the exciting process they experienced while it was being created. I help them connect to feelings of joy. As a result, their artwork becomes a connection to their happiness.

Bow Bridge in May was painted Plein Aire, outside, on a beautiful Spring day. It was a great way for me to connect with the ever present beauty of nature. I hope you feel the freedom and vibrant energy coming through.

Why struggle? Both the hard way and the fun way can lead to the same destination. Why invite the stress and angst? Why walk in anger or fear? Working harder doesn't get you there faster. It's just harder! Why not look for a path of ease and joy? Now I focus on what I want to accomplish, not the bumps in the road. The fantastic thing is we have this choice.

Alliums by the Fountain was painted Plein Aire in my garden. Every path in my garden leads to wonder.

I know life isn't always wine and roses. But, I urge you to feel all the feelings. Don't stuff em down because they will only rise up to bite you in the ass. So work it out. Sit with the unpleasant feelings and let 'em flow. It's the only way to let 'em go, then you can get back to accentuating the positive!

Why not try cultivating what Mary Morrissey, author of "Building Your Field of Dreams," calls an E.L.F. Life — Easy Lucrative and Fun. I’m all for it! You can keep fighting the uphill battle or ride the rollercoaster of life, holding on tight and enjoying every minute of the wild ride. We are all on life's rollercoaster. Will you ride kicking and screaming or laughing and loving it?

Buckle up and have lotsa fun!
Love,
Leslie

How to manifest success by counting your blessings not your failures

“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”
― Oprah Winfrey

My cousin Tracey and I at her daughter, Kathryn’s, college graduation party. We rejoiced with lots of family and friends. It was a beautiful night and wonderful to be celebrating together.

I'm so happy I've taken time this summer to reconnect in person with lots of friends and family 'cause it looks like we might be in for another solitary winter. If you have a similar concern, I'm sharing how I accomplished so many things this year to inspire you. You have the choice to embrace every day as an opportunity and create habits to ensure your success. Make sure you have fun along the way too!

Because I have ADD, the first couple of months in lockdown, I was completely swamped accomplishing nothing. I knew if I didn't start figuring things out, it was gonna get ugly! So early on, I decided to come out of this period better than when I went in. I am learning how to support myself in the best way possible with the help of my friend and ADHD coach, Diane Thomson. To create success, I set up some healthy routines, goals, and means of being accountable. 

Above is a glimpse of a few of the pieces that have found new homes during this past year.

With overwhelming support from my collectors and my artist mastermind group, Wild Cherry Art had the best year yet! The mastermind group has been meeting via Zoom, from all parts of the globe, for almost three years. We hold each other accountable with strategies and ideas. I also have a few great nearby artist friends with whom I've successfully collaborated locally. Doing things together makes things easier and so much more fun! Check out what my friends have helped me do since February 2020:

• 60+ new pieces of artwork

• 4 new series

• 10 commissioned pieces

• A new logo

• New business cards and greeting cards

• An outdoor studio tour event

• An outdoor art walk

• Proceeds donated to the NAACP, WConnection, Sierra Club, and the Rent Party Pantry

• Twice monthly blog and newsletter

• Monthly critique group via zoom

Above are a handful of the commissions delivered this past year.

I've kept my music and songwriting alive and going strong. Lucky for me, my friend and voice coach, Tim Welch, pivoted to Zoom quickly. My weekly lessons continued, and I signed up for songwriting classes. I also took a couple of songwriting workshops with my friend, Jill Sobule. As a result I:

• Wrote a dozen new songs

• Hosted a holiday pARTy via Zoom, where I performed the new material

• Participated in online and outdoor TWVS singing parties

• Started recording and learning how to produce

Along with donating a portion of my art sales to organizations that make the world better and kinder, I wanted to do more hands-on volunteering for WConnection, a nonprofit for widows. It was unbearable for me when I lost my husband. I couldn't imagine how widows dealt with the tremendous loss of a spouse during the lockdown. The monthly in-person meeting that I co-hosted went virtual. I also jumped in to host a monthly chat group and a monthly trial meeting for this incredible national organization. I'm grateful I've made some lifelong friendships and supported so many women in their time of need. It feels good to do good.

I took the opportunity, in lockdown, to make my health a priority. I cooked healthy foods, walked several miles weekly, and joined a nutrition program called Wildfit with a friend. As a result, I've lost 21 pounds, lowered my cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels. I've got more to go, but I'm confident with support and perseverance, I'll get there!

Here I was at the Spring, outdoor, Tim Welch Vocal Studio singing party.

The common thread in all of these things is support and connection. I wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much without several great groups of people who helped me achieve my goals. I didn't purge any closets or organize my pantry, and my garden needs weeding something awful, but nobody's perfect! Writing all of my successes in this blog post helped me see how much I actually accomplished this year, and I feel pretty great about it. I encourage you to write down all your accomplishments from the past year too. You'll probably be surprised to see how much you achieved.

Thank you for reading and following my journey here and on social media. I sincerely value your time and our connection. If you're interested in any of the resources I mentioned, email me, and I'll happily share them with you. I want to support you in achieving your goals. I'm still holding out hope that we'll all be able to move forward with more in-person festivities, but I know, no matter what comes our way, we can accomplish anything together.

Be well and have fun!
Love,
Leslie

Happiness is figuring out how to create tears of joy, then sharing it!

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
—Mahatma Gandhi

Anniversary Rickenbacker was created in service to my collectors’ love of music and love of each other.

For many years I was an art director and graphic designer. I worked for a few sexy design studios and some very prestigious publishing houses. I enjoyed what I did and was always grateful to go to work. But it lacked the emotional connection I craved.

The above are a handful of book covers I designed for Farrar Straus & Giroux, Little Brown & Company, and Scribner.

Fast forward to today. I work for myself as a fine artist. I work creating art to fill my collectors and myself with delight. I also do commissions for individuals, and I focus on creating a piece filled with meaning for them. So when one of my collectors is moved to tears of joy upon seeing their newly created painting, my heart soars.

I was thrilled to experience this outpouring of emotion with my most recent commission. A friend came to me and wanted to surprise her husband with a special anniversary present. He saw the sketches for my Quarantune series and commented that the Rickenbacker Bass was his very first guitar. She wanted to commission the painting for him and was excited to hear about my ideas to customize it.

The note to her husband was so special and personal I asked her to come and sign it herself before I panted over it.

She wrote a special note to him that I painted into the body of the guitar. I took a picture of it so he could see it because, ultimately, I painted over it. It is a personal and private message between them. Surrounding the guitar, for all to see, are the names of all the bands he has been in. So as not to overwhelm the guitar, I painted the type in a subtle iridescent orange that looks like an ashen gray until the light shines on it in just the right way. Then it lights up beautifully for all to see.

You can see here, in the bottom right corner, how the iridescent painted lettering glows in the light.

I used my years of graphic design skills to create a type solution for the band names inspired by Pentagram's Public Theater posters. In the end I was so pleased with the outcome that I plan on incorporating type into my next Quarantune as well. Perhaps it will be a song title recorded with the instrument or names of artists who famously play the instrument. I love how the creative process grows and evolves. It's always exciting and new. Mostly I love moving people to overwhelming emotions of joy. When I see those tears, I know I have done my job.

I hope you’re experiencing overwhelming emotions of joy. If you would like me to help you with a meaningful piece of art, email me here and we’ll start the process.

Thanks for reading.
Rock on,
Leslie
xo

Are you bringing love or fear to the world?

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
— Nelson Mandela

Colorful Coneflowers is a monotype that was inspired by my garden. Nature provides so much beauty, joy, and inspiration. This image was used on a series of greeting cards for the WConnection

In my last article, I mentioned that I don't process pain through my artwork. People often ask me if I used my art to process my husband's death. I didn't. I didn't paint or write new songs for several years. It never felt right for me to go down that road. I knew every time I looked at that piece of art, I would be reconnected to the pain. Instead, I chose to process my grief through counseling sessions, journaling, meditating, hiking in nature, and talking with friends. I wasn't able to find a support group for several years.

Finally, my therapist found the WConnection–a national nonprofit organization of widows helping widows rebuild their lives. This organization changed everything for me. It was remarkably healing to be in a room with other widows who knew precisely what I was struggling with. I didn't want to wallow in grief. After three years, I needed to find a way to move forward. The WConnection is not a bereavement group; it's a group that focuses on growth and rebuilding lives. It was perfect for me.

This drawing is available for purchase. With every purchase of artwork devoted to the figure, I make a donation to WConnection. I also do quite a bit of volunteering for this wonderful organization.

With my art, I choose to focus on joy and building a life of my choosing. I always meditate and ask the universe for guidance before I create. I also ask the universe to direct me to create a piece that someone needs to see to find joy and inspiration in their lives.

I started by meditating with Citrine gemstones and a sound bath. After smudging the canvas with Palo Santos to clear the energy I performed Reiki on the canvas. Then I put on my “Happy” playlist and began painting the Quarantinies.

I smudge the canvas. I do a little Reiki and spray some Find Your Flojo Elixir on the canvas and into the water. I incorporate positive words in the underpainting. I always listen to uplifting music when I paint. Crystals, sound baths, EFT, and other practices come into play. I get my energy and vibration up so high it's exhilarating to create.

This is the label of the elixir that Theresa Pettersen-Chu and I created for our Find Your Flojo Woman’s Retreat. I spray it on the canvas and in the water I paint with.

This kind of art and energy is what I want to bring to the world. Art can be remarkably transformative. It can be heartbreaking or heart-opening. It makes me feel better to focus on heart-opening. My goal is to help you feel better too. I believe we don't need to be reminded of our pain but encouraged to reconnect to our joy. My collectors will tell you that Wild Cherry Art has brought them immense delight and happiness. This is why I do what I do. I create in service to your joy.

Here is a gift to you for reading, my “Happy” playlist on Spotify:

I hope you enjoy it.
Love,
Leslie

How to use Abracadabra to create your dream life like magic

“Words have a magical power. They can either bring the greatest happiness or the deepest despair.”
—Sigmund Freud

“Memorial Park in May” was created recently in Memorial Park in Maolewood, New Jersey. Painting Plein Air, (outside) is a wonderful way to tap into the uplifting and beautiful energies in nature. It’s easy to be positive on a beautiful day in my lovely town.

Abracadabra is from the Aramaic phrase avra kehdabra, meaning “I will create as I speak.” Our words are very powerful, and our thoughts are incredibly mighty. We create our world with both. It’s important to observe our thoughts and to be impeccable with our words. If our inner voice is encouraging and loving, we can create a life that we love. 

When I began a consistent meditation practice, I was able to witness the thoughts in my head. They weren’t very kind or supportive. I realized that the voice in my head was against me. And it was my voice. Once I became aware of this, I was horrified and also determined to change. It took some time, but now the voice in my head is my biggest cheerleader! I am so careful about the words I say out loud or to myself. No self-deprecating, no humor at my expense, nothing but positive words come through. Why would I choose to be any other way?

When I write song lyrics, I choose words that are uplifting and positive. When I learn a tune written by another artist, I always select happy numbers. When learning a song, I have to practice it hundreds of times. So it becomes a mantra of sorts. I make sure that I am supporting my highest ideals, not cutting myself down.

“Memorial Park Perfection” I enjoyed it so much I painted the same view again on a larger panel. I loved chatting with passersby. Many wonderful connections and creations were made thanks to Lara Tomlin and the Maplewood Memorial Park Conservancy who organized the event.

I choose not to process my pain when I create art. I like to encourage my happiness to come forward. That’s what I want to share with the world, my light and my joy. When we put things in our field of vision, they contribute to our belief system. You get to choose the items in your home. Do you want to support a happy, joyful life? Have you chosen objects and artwork that inspire and delight you? 

The following quote is from one of my favorite books. This book helped me to evaluate my inner and outer language. I highly recommend it.

“Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”
― Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements 

Here I am in my bathroom, first thing in the morning. I take Louise Hay’s guidance everyday and look into the mirror and say loudly with emotion, “Life Loves You! The Universe supports all of your dreams! You got this girl, you’re amazing!”

I urge you to speak to yourself as you would to someone you love dearly. Encourage yourself, motivate yourself, and uplift yourself with your thoughts and your words. Fill your mind, your home, and your world with things that support the life you desire, and abracadabra, magic happens.

Thank you for taking your precious time to read my musings. Life loves you and so do I.
Leslie
xo

Do you want to know how to successfully pull off a big event?

“If you build it they will come.”
–Field of Dreams

Setting up on day one was exciting. Seeing all the hard work come together up and down the block was exhilarating!

Have you ever worked steadily towards a goal, and then it comes to fruition, and it's incredible? That's what happened last weekend at the Warren Court Art Walk. Sybil Archibald, Wendy Bellermman, and I built a field of dreams on my street. There were artist's booths lined up and down my entire block with a steady and comfortable crowd of happy, delighted, and engaged attendees. The artists had a fantastic time. The weather was beautiful, and the feeling of excitement was palpable. I am fully vaccinated and enjoyed some delicious hugs after a long time of no hugs. 

I met many friendly new people, saw my social media peeps old and new, reconnected with many I hadn't seen in over a year and some I hadn't seen in many years. I'm grateful my dear friend, Glenn Healy, who I met back in art school, came to help me for the weekend. He has also been my drummer for years. If you've been to one of my shows, you've probably seen him behind the kit. My cousin, Geoff Kraus, was visiting from Seattle and generously played live music on Sunday. I feel overwhelming appreciation that my friends and family are so supportive. I was grateful to share my work and connect with so many people. I know those that took a piece of my work home with them will continue to feel the joy and connectedness of that day every time they look at their artwork. 

Several new Wild Cherry Art pieces were created for the Art Walk.

A woman who subscribes to my newsletter told me how much she enjoys reading my blog. She said it came one dreary day and lifted her spirits so much she wanted to bring me flowers to thank me. This warmed my heart and made all the work I put into my blog posts worthwhile. I appreciate you taking the time to read, and I hope you're enjoying it too.

I do like to share tidbits of wisdom with you that I've gained along my journey. Here is how to pull off an art show on your block:

• Start before you're ready

• Assemble a great team

• Check with the town regarding permits and regulations

• Create a task list and assign the tasks

• Select the date

• Kindly ask your neighbors to donate their front lawns

• Curate the artists

• Create some snazzy graphics

• Set up an FAQ and some forms for the artists

• Write a press release and distribute it to news outlets

• Promote on social media and mailing lists

• Create and prepare next-level artwork and booth

• Set up, have a great event, offer work to excited customers

• Deliver paintings to new collectors

• Deliver gifts to neighbors who provided their front yards

• Have fun doing every bit of it and own it when it's a success!

• Practice gratitude for yourself, your community and for fellow artists.

If you missed the Art Walk, please book a studio visit. I’d love to connect with you and share.

Thank you very much for coming to those who attended the Art Walk and made it so awesome. If you didn't make it, schedule a studio visit. I'd love to see you and show you what you missed and if you'd like I'll give you a big hug.

Have a fantastic couple of weeks!
Love,
Leslie

Do you need some help finding motivation this month?

“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”
– Lao Tzu

“Orange You Loving These Cherries” The original sold just in time for me to have prints made for the art walk. Make sure to sign up for the raffle to win a copy of this print!

Motivation is different for everyone. As an artist and entrepreneur, it's essential to continue to create. I can't wait for inspiration to strike; I have to make it. It has been a little challenging this year because I haven't had the opportunity to show my art in person or host an event for my fans and collectors. I get so much more work done when I have a deadline. So in January, I reached out to my friend and artist, Sybil Archibald, and told her I wanted to do an event with her. And that became the motive for my new body of work. I also have accountability partners, and recently I used a service called Focusmate for additional accountability. I scheduled an appointment for 8 am Saturday, and a nice man from South Africa showed up for a 50-minute session. He worked on a complicated email while I worked on a painting. I have been finding new and innovative ways to motivate myself. I'm eager to share my art and music to delight and inspire you–to help you experience a better quality of life. When someone feels tremendously moved by a piece of my work, it is a gift for both of us. It’s very motivating.

Quarantinis and Quarantunes —available in 18 x 24 or 24 x 36 inches. I show them above in colored mattes but you can frame them however you like

During a very unusual year, I've managed to do a lot of good work. I am so excited to see you in person and share with you this coming weekend at the Warren Court Art Walk. It’s going to feel so good to be together! I'll be offering a limited edition Giclee print run of my concept drawings of Quarantinis and Quarantunes. They look amazing. I'm taking orders now. Get yours while they last. I've also got a bowlful of new wild cherry paintings to show you. If you can't make the Art Walk, schedule a private studio tour. If you're fully vaccinated, like me, I'd love to give you a big hug!

Seeing Double Wild Cherries. Acrylic on 30 x 30 Gallery Wrapped Canvas.

If you missed the information about the Art Walk, click the link. See you Saturday.

Have a delightful and inspired week.
Love,
Leslie

Don't miss the first in person, live event of the year!

“The old saying is that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I say forget that. When life gives you lemons, make margaritas.”
– Kristin Neff

Lemonade Parade Acrylic and Mica on 10 x 10 x 2.5 inches on gallery wrapped archival canvas. Remind yourself to always make lemonade when life gives you lemons. Original painting as well as prints will be available during the Warren Court Art Walk.

Once again, it’s time to make lemonade out of lemons. People still aren’t going to galleries, so it’s time to bring Art to the people. My first two events of the year are this month and I’m so excited to see you in real life! Come and we’ll catch up. Tell all your friends. It’s going to be amazing!

I’ve teamed up with my friends and local artists, Sybil Archibald and Wendy Bellermman. Together we’ve curated a one-block art walk with 18 prominent local artists. It’ll be a fantastic weekend of Art, fun, and community connection. I’m super excited we created this opportunity to see you in person. I’ll have lots of new paintings and Giclee prints. Pick one up for yourself, for your client, or for a special person. Because we’re all wearing masks, be sure to introduce yourself to me. Sign up for the raffle to win a free Wild Cherry Art Print. I’ll be serving some Covid safe snacks and Margaritas! I have a fantastic musician, Geoff Kraus, coming in from Seattle to entertain us on Sunday. Stroll down Warren Court, a lovely block in the Montrose Park Historic District, and experience vibrant creativity from our local artists.

The Warren Court Art Walk

Saturday, May 22nd, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, May 23rd, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Warren Court between South Orange Avenue & University Place, South Orange, NJ

One block, 18 exceptional artists! Join me for a beautiful Spring weekend of Art, fun, inspiration and community connection.

PAINTING • JADE CARVING • CERAMICS • SCULPTURE • JEWELRY • TEXTILES • PHOTOGRAPHY • PRINTMAKING • BOOK ARTS • COLLAGE • LIVE MUSIC • LIVE DEMOS • FREE RAFFLES • & MORE

All outdoor family-friendly event. Wear your mask and enjoy!

Featured Wild Cherry Art:

Warren Court Art Walk Participating Artists: 

Leslie Goldman wildcherryart.com
Sybil Archibald sybilarchibaldart.com
Wendy Bellermman bellermannarts.com
Amelia Panico ameliapanico.com
Carol Black blacklemonart.com
Annie McGinnis-Issa AnnieIssaCeramics.com
Aaron Lifschultz designsbyaron.com
Cat Delett delett.com
Fred Courts studiotoursoma.com
Jay Pingree sixfootsixstudio.com
Jeremy Moss mosspix.com
Joan Diamond joandiamond.art
Josephine Dakers-Brathwaite josiescolourfuljourney.com
Katharine Houston-Voss khoustonvoss.com
Lisa Lackey lisalackeyartist.com
April Merl aprilmerl.net/
Josh Stout
Cynthia Vaughn

For more information, please visit https://www.tinyurl.com/2vatpr95

The weekend before the Art Walk I’ll be participating the Plein Air event, Painters In the Park. I’ll be joined by 18 other artists for a day of creating art in the park! We will be painting in beautiful Maplewood Memorial Park. Come by and see me in action. Make sure to say hi!

Painters In the Park

Saturday, May 15, 2021
10:00 AM 2:00 PM
Maplewood Memorial Park 
for more information click here.

We have made it through the long winter. It’s time to get outside and get back together. I’m so excited I can hardly wait. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on all the fun. See you soon. Yippee!

Sending you lots and lotsa love,
Leslie

How do you create a great logo that gives insight to your brand?

“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.”
—Georgia O’Keeffe

This is a speed art video of me painting the wild cherry for my new logo. Click the arrow in the middle of the video to watch me paint!

For years I have been searching for the perfect logo design. As a painter, illustrator, and graphic designer, I had high expectations for my logo. It would be a visual representation of me, and as a visual artist, I felt it had to be exceptional. I wanted it to be fun, bright and beautiful.

When I had cherry red hair my friend, Zeet Peabody, gave me the nickname Cherry-o.

To begin with, let me tell you about the name Wild Cherry Art. One of my first words was cherry. When I was born, my parents lived in Cherry Hill, NJ. I've always loved cherries. My first car was cherry red. My hair was bright red for a time in the late 80s when I earned the nickname "Cherry-o" from my friend Zeet. I've been "Wild Cherry" for such a long time. It made sense for me to incorporate it into the name of my business. 

For the visuals, I tried: 

• "Wild" type,

• Abstract cherries

• Graphic cherries

• Distressed type

• Distressed cherries

• "Wild" colors

• Nature-inspired type

I explored all of the above and more, but none of these approaches rung any of my bells. I went with one of my cherry paintings paired with simple, tasteful type. Years later, I recently realized that my Quarantini technique would make a great "Wild Cherry" and Voila! I created my new logo! Here were the finalists:

What I've learned from this process:

• Never give up

• Start before you're ready

• It doesn't have to be perfect.

• You can iterate along the way.

• Remain open to new directions

• If you keep searching, you'll eventually find something that feels right...for now!

I am a classic girl with strong values. I am a little edgy and always looking for fun. I’m definitely an out of the box kind of person and artist. I bring all this to my business and want my logo to reflect that. Below you can see the two winners of my logo challenge. I will use it as long as I feel like it works for me.

This is the winner for a vertical orientation. It’s a classic type treatment with a bold edgy image. Very on brand for me. Also it will make a fantastic business card–solid red on the back with only wildcherryart.

This is the horizontal winner. I like the same classic type here as in the vertical version. In this version the bold edgy art is bursting out of the box. This concept is also very on brand for me.

You know my cherry philosophy, right? Cherries have stems, leaves and are filled with pits. They also yield sweet, juicy, delicious fruit. In life, as with cherries, I encourage you to eat the wild ones, enjoy the fruit and spit out the pits!

Have a cherry day.
Love,
Leslie

Living your dreams can be as easy as listening to your heart

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
–Oprah Winfrey

This is a still life I did in high school. I became very accomplished while other kids where out having fun. To me making art and making music was more fun than any party.

As a fine artist and owner of Wild Cherry Art, I’m on a mission to cultivate joy through art, music, and by living in the spirit of appreciation.

I started creating art when I was a very young child. At 7 years, I was painting in oils and playing the piano. I was only interested in things I felt passionate about. While other kids were partying in high school, I was home painting, drawing, and playing the piano. I also went to the Fastlane in Asbury Park on Friday nights to see live bands. I wanted to be a painter and a rockstar when I grew up.

This is a life size, chalk pastel, self portrait I did for my application to Parson’s School of Design.

Graduating with a BFA from Parsons School of Design set me on an exciting course. I painted dozens of murals for Betsey Johnson, worked for several prestigious design firms, and held art director positions at major publishing houses. I’ve won several awards for excellence in graphic design and illustration, working for top shelf clientele. Below is a gallery of a few samples of book jackets I’ve designed over the years.

With my husband’s sudden and untimely death, I abruptly became a single parent of two young children. I began to re-evaluate my purpose and embarked on a journey of healing. My commitment to following my dreams became even more strengthened. I had seen how fleeting life can be firsthand. It was time to get back to painting and fulfill that dream. It's never too late. The time is now! I realized that I had been given a gift that I must share. I want to help you to live a more connected better quality of life with my work. Now I use decades of painting, drawing, graphic design, and spiritual practices to inform my artistic process to delight and inspire you with exciting, vibrant works of art. My goal is to elevate the world’s vibration through a joyful, divinely inspired visual journey, one painting at a time.

"Orange You Loving These Cherries?" 30 x 30 Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. A recent cherry painting. I’ve always got a cherry painting or two in the studio. Life is like a bowl of ‘em!

Following my dreams has allowed me to maintain a sense of playful revelry in my approach to life. I continue to make music and I don’t have to sneak into clubs anymore. I love to garden, look forward to traveling again and live each day to the fullest. When you’re following your heart, your life is filled with meaning. I hope my story and artwork inspire you to freely express your creative nature, your inner radiance, and explore your dreams and desires. It’s never too late to start. Life is a bowl of cherries, enjoy all the good parts and spit out the rest!

Love you lots,
Leslie
xo

Follow your heart when it's time to start again, and keep going.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato

These are the new thumbnail sketches for my Quarantune Series. Rickenbacker bass, Telecaster, Stratacaster, Les Paul, Songwriter, SG, Saxophone, Trumpet and Fiddle. More detailed sketches next and then onto the canvas.

With the recent loss of my father, it feels like a time of new beginnings for me. When something ends it leaves space for something else. I am choosing to embrace it with an exciting creative project. I've been itching to begin a new body of artwork, and low and behold, I was inspired to create a series of instrument paintings. This seems like a natural undertaking for me, so much so, I am surprised I hadn't thought of it before. I've started by collecting reference images of my favorite guitars, horns, and various percussive and string instruments. The next step is sketching them out, first as thumbnails, then more detailed sketches, and finally, I will move to the canvas. I am going to do them similarly to my Quaranitinis. Since we are still living in Covid times, they will be called Quarantunes.

Music has been a part of my life since I was a little girl, just like art. I started playing the piano when I was 7 years old. When I was studying, at Parson's School of Design, I was the lead vocalist in a band. We could never keep a bass player, so my great friend and drummer, Glenn Healy, bought me a bass for my birthday, and Voila, I became a singer and a bass player. Years later, when I left New York City to move to a nearby suburb, I missed playing music. I was not enjoying playing bass without a band, so I started learning how to play guitar. I also started studying voice at Tim Welch Vocal Studio. If you ever wanted to learn how to sing, Tim is your man! I continue to write and perform any chance I get. Music is in my soul.

John Coltrane’s music inspired this Saxophone sketch.

This project will be a combination of my two greatest loves, next to family and friends. Whenever something comes from a place of love, it is sure to be magical. I am excited to listen to Les Paul while I am panting the Les Paul, Chet Baker, my father's favorite, while I am painting the Trumpet and, of course, John Coltrane while I am painting the Saxophone. If you did not already know, my son is named Coltrane.

You will get the first look and have first dibs at purchasing any of the new works because you are on my A-list. The A is for AWESOME! You might want to mention that to any music fans if you think they will be interested. I look forward to sharing my progress with you.

Whenever you are feeling lost or unsure of your path, I encourage you to lean into what you love and I believe the inspiration will find its way to your heart.

Lots and lots of love to you always.
Rock on!

Leslie

Stop looking for happiness in a prescription bottle. Know where to look.

"By the practice of meditation, you will find that you are carrying within your heart a portable paradise."
—Paramahansa Yogananda

I Am Safe and Grounded. 24 x 36 Inches Acrylic and Carnelian Gem Stones on 2.5 inch deep Gallery Wrapped Canvas This paintiing is part of a collection I did on each of the Chakras. This one is based on the Root Chakra. I meditated on balancing and opening each Chakra before I began painting. There is a base layer underneath with all the words that came to me during my meditation.

Meditation saved my life. After my husband died in 2012, I spent three years cycling through every antidepressant available. I kept asking my doctor what was the expectation when someone's husband drops dead in front of one's children? They insisted I should be doing better than I was. At the three-year mark, I had been hospitalized once for three weeks due to an adverse reaction to Zoloft and Wellbutrin, and I had several overnight emergency room visits for negative reactions to other medications. A psychiatrist deemed me unresponsive to drugs and recommended ECT–Electro Convulsive Therapy, commonly known as shock treatment. There was no way I was going to have ECT. I was the sole caregiver for my two young children, I couldn't be in the hospital for two months, and I didn't have anyone to drive me three times a week for two months as an out-patient. I was at a loss. I felt more depressed and powerless, and the doctors made me feel like I would live in this state forever if I didn't undertake ECT. I started praying to God for help.

And then a series of miracles happened. My therapist said, "I think it's time for you to get in touch with your spirituality." I responded with, "what's that going to do for me?" I didn't even think about her comment until later that day when my best friend, Leah, said, "I think we need to go to Kripalu so you can get in touch with your spirituality." I responded with, "huh, that s what my therapist said." The next day another friend called me and said she was starting a spiritual book group and wanted me to be a part of it. She thought it could really help my healing journey. Well, I believe that three is the magic number, so at that point, I called Leah and said, "Let's book Kripalu." So off we went to Kripalu, and I began my meditation practice. I also I began exploring my spirituality with my therapist, and I joined the book group,

This is the front lawn of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health looking out over the Stockbridge Bowl Lake. in Massachusetts. For five decades Kripalu has been a leader in yoga- and mindfulness-based education.

I had always dabbled in meditation, but I would tell people I sucked at it. I was never able to quiet my mind. Finally, I realized that that is why meditation is so important. The thoughts never stop. If we don't learn not to listen to every thought, the mind controls us. Our brain is constantly looking to solve problems. It's a survival instinct. So even when there are no problems, the mind looks for problems to fix. Now I realize that meditation is not about quieting the mind; it's about not following the thoughts. There will always be more thoughts!

After a long weekend at Kripalu and then a week more of meditation at home, I had an epiphany. I didn't need drugs to feel better. But I did need help—I struggled with clutter, bookkeeping, motivation, self-care, and socialization. I decided to spend the money I had been spending on doctors and medications and instead hire an organizer, a bookkeeper, and a private trainer. I also got a part-time job working for Whole Foods as a sign maker. I started observing the thoughts that weren't helping me and listening to my inner guidance. It has been a game-changer!

Cherry sign I painted while working at Whole Foods.

My meditation practice has helped me to respond thoughtfully rather than be reactive to triggers. It has helped me to gain clarity on my purpose. It has helped me to reconnect to a life of meaning and opened the path to joy again. It helps me to focus on what I can do and what I want to create. I know it helps a slew of medical conditions, you can google it! I meditate daily and always before I start painting. Meditation helps me to tap into that place of joy and intuitive guidance while I am working.

Here are some meditation apps and podcasts that helped me to get started:

• Meditation Oasis podcast
• Headspace App
• Insight Timer App
• Abraham Hicks VortexAttraction App
• Chopra Meditation & Well-being App

Flowing With Love 9 x 12 Inches Acrylic on Cotton Canvas. I was meditating on opening to love for a recent commission. During the process of painting this one I was really in the flow of love.

Now I realize that our mind is like the clear blue sky. It is always present. Sometimes we experience small wispy clouds or big white fluffy ones, and sometimes there are great big dark storm clouds with lightning and roaring thunder. Behind all those clouds, the blue sky is always there. Meditation helps me to stay connected to that still place of being the blue sky and observing all the weather patterns rolling by.

I hope you'll take even 5 minutes a day for a week and give meditation a try. It has 100% changed my life for the better, and I would love to share this powerful practice with you. If you want more tips or guidance, please reach out. I'm happy to help.

Wishing you peace of mind,
Leslie

How I dealt with my latest challenge could help you too.

“The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths it has its pearls too” –Vincent van Gogh

Cosmic Tide Acrylic on 12 x 12 inch Archival cotton canvas. We are all in the cosmic flow. Don’t fight it. Ride the wave with openness and joy.

You probably enjoy reading my blog because often you find it uplifting or inspiring. I like to focus on what we can do and I encourage you to connect to your joy. However, we all go through periods in life that are very challenging. The path is curved and the altitude changes often. Sometimes the terrain causes us to work harder and navigate large obstacles. 

I’ve had some very large obstacles like the loss of my husband, Chris Nadler, in 2012. I had never dealt with a challenge of this magnitude and it knocked me down for a long time. Currently, I’m navigating the steep decline of my father's health. It's causing a lot of pain to ripple through my family. It's interesting that now I see my husband's tragic sudden death as a gift. He was out hiking with our beautiful children, then 10 and 12, on a spectacular day. He was in the prime of his life. He died of a massive heart attack instantly. No pain, no suffering, he just left. The children and I experienced tremendous suffering. We were in shock. It felt like we were on a boat in the arctic that capsized in the icy water and we were drowning in fear and freezing with uncertainty. 

My father's path has been different. He has led a rich and full life. However, he has been suffering for years and now it has reached an unbearable peak. It is hard to witness someone suffer. It is hard to witness my mother suffer in the process. My brother has been their rock. He lives close to them and has been very helpful. He visits them both very often and does whatever he can. Being farther away, I visit less often but have long conversations with my father on the phone and speak to my mother several times a day. I try to support them emotionally and by helping with tasks and phone calls to doctors and caregivers. 

I have gained some wisdom to share with you. I have been on a Spiritual Journey for over 9 years. I believe that life is eternal. This body is born and it dies but our souls don't perish. At the core of all these experiences, we can find peace. The suffering we feel or witness can open our hearts and challenge our thinking. We may emerge better, kinder, more compassionate people. We are best served by being very kind to ourselves and practicing self-care, for ourselves and for those we are supporting.

The following is a list of practices that have helped me get through the tough times and I encourage you to keep it handy if you ever find yourself navigating rough waters:

• Get proper rest

• Eat nutritious foods

• Meditate

• Practice gratitude

• Exercise

• Feel the feelings

• Stay in the present moment

• Breathe and/or breathwork practice

• Get support from professionals, peer support and/or clergy

• Write in a journal

• Walk in nature

• Be of service to others

• Read uplifting books or articles

• Receive or give hugs

• Do small projects to change your focus and feel accomplished

• Express your feelings through an art project

• Listen to uplifting music

• Use an aromatherapy diffuser

• Do some EFT tapping

• Watch a feel-good movie

• Use humor to lighten the mood (my dad’s favorite)

• Connect with friends and loved ones

• Never give up on your dreams

The happiest I had ever seen my dad was on my wedding day. He was beaming with pride. When he became a grandfather his happiness leveled up beyond what I could have imagined.

It's not the wins that make us successful in life, it's how we deal with the challenges. It's easy to feel great when the weather is sunny but sailing through the storms and making it back to shore are the real tests of character. I like using ocean metaphors here because my father was a fisherman. It has been his lifelong passion only surpassed by the love of his grandchildren. In the end, it's our relationships that provide the most fulfillment. I encourage you to live boldly, love fiercely, and follow your dreams as my dad did.

Thank you for reading.
I love you,

Leslie

P.S. At the time of this posting my father has found peace. His memory will forever be a blessing. Click the first button to read about his life. Click the second button to see him in action and be sure to watch till the end.

How to let the good times roll this year

"Take your burdens to the Mardi Gras, Let the music wash your soul
You can mingle in the street, You can jingle to the beat, of Jelly Roll"     
–Paul Simon

Mardi Gras Crawfish on Gold 30 x 30 inch Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Cotton Canvas. Spicy, hot boiled crawfish on a garlicky, spicy, purple potato. When you figure all the love that went into creating them, their time growing, catching them, cooking them, and me joyously eating them and painting them, that’s a whole lotta love! .

New Orleans is filled with so much fun, so much flavor, so much music, so much life! The first time I ever ate a crawfish was on my first trip to NOLA. I was 19 years old and I absolutely fell in love with the amazing city. I’ve shared my love by taking many friends and family members on trips to the Cresent City. I took my daughter to Jazzfest, in New Orleans, when she was four. I bought us each a big plate of boiled crawfish. She refused to try them. I sat her at a picnic table where I could keep an eye on her while I waited in line to get her sushi. When I returned with her sushi, the folks at the table had taught her how to eat the crawfish and she loved them! She had already eaten her entire plateful and had started working on mine! That’s my experience with crawfish—bringing families together one plateful at a time. Crawfish feel like love to me.

Mardi Gras Crawfish on Green 30 x 30 inch Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Cotton Canvas. Crawfish offer the full physical experience. They speak to all of our human senses. They have a miraculous visual, an intoxicating flavor, a mouth watering aroma, an exciting snap sound when you twist off the tail, promising the sweet spicy meat and juicy head!

Right now it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It’s an entire season, not just a day. It starts on January 6th, the twelfth night of Christmas, and continues till Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, the Christian fasting season. Mardi Gras is the celebration of Carnival. A time of revelry that includes: parades, parties, music, and gastronomic indulgence all culminating on Fat Tuesday.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to Rome, Venice, and the French House of Bourbonsin in the 17th and 18th centuries. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville came ashore 60 miles south of New Orleans. When his men realized it was the day before Fat Tuesday they named the land "Pointe du Mardi Gras". Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. In 1718 Bienville established New Orleans. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated with fancy society balls. In 1875, Louisana Governor, Henry Warmoth, signed the "Mardi Gras Act," making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana.

Mardi Gras Crawfish on Purple 30 x 30 inch Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Cotton Canvas. Crawfish—bringing families together one plateful at a time. Crawfish feel like love to me. The more we connect to good times and high vibes, the better our lives feel. I created this crawfish painting to cultivate joy and feed your soul.

In modern times Mardi Gras is filled with non-stop excitement. It's one giant holiday in New Orleans! Revelers wear costumes, masks, and bead necklaces caught from previous years’ floats. They dress in purple green and gold—purple for "justice," green for "faith" and gold for "power. Decorated in these colors, delicious King cakes are traditionally eaten on Mardi Gras. According to Christianity, Jesus first showed himself to the three wise men, the kings, on January 6th and that's why we eat king cakes and that’s when the entire season begins. A small plastic baby is hidden inside each King cake. If you get the baby you host the party the following year.

Les Bon Temps Rouler #1 Crawfishfest 16 X 20 Acrylic on 2.5 inch deep gallery wrapped canvas.Celebrate every day like it’s Fat Tuesday. Let the good times roll!

Crawfish at the Fest 8 x 8

Crawfish Margarita 8 x 8

Every year I host a Mardi Gras pARTy. I serve crawfish pie, jambalaya, king cake, hurricanes, pralines and I put a band together so we can all shake our moneymakers to some live music! I decorate with feathers, beads, and sequined table cloths, all purple, green, and gold. This year we can’t get together but we can still celebrate with good food, great music, and some fine cocktails. If you’re in a warm region get outside and celebrate safely with friends and family. You can order some excellent NOLA classic foods online from the Louisiana Crawfish Company. They even have beads. If you’re in a cold region grab your cocktail and meet on zoom. Grab your beads and shake your moneymaker! Let me know if you need any more resources for anything New Orleans. I got you, Boo.

Above I am performing with the band and to the left are the party favors from my 2019 Mardi Gras Party.

What brings you joy? What makes your heart sing? If you answered a good old crawfish boil under the magnolia tree by a pool near the fairgrounds, we are kindred spirits! But whatever it is, cultivate the moments that bring you joy and feed your soul. That’s when you come alive. That’s what you are here to do. I am eternally grateful for the joy and wonder New Orleans has brought me and I’m thrilled to share it with you. New Orleans touches my soul so I paint images that connect me to that gorgeous and magical city. These paintings are for sale if you would like one for your home. If NOLA isn’t your bag, I’d be thrilled to create something special for you that connects you to something you love. Art is a powerful conduit to connect you to your joy. Contact me and we can get the party started.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler—Let the Good Times Roll!
Lotsa love,
Leslie

How to stay focused on your goals with art

“A fine work of art . . . has the power to silence the chatter in the mind and lift us to another place.”
― Robert McKee

This is the most recent commission I've completed. I worked with my client to create these three magnificent pieces. It was a wonderful process that transformed quite a bit as the journey unfolded.

Commissions are an amazing opportunity for me to create a custom work of art designed to connect you to a moment, a place, a person, a thing, or an emotion that delights and inspires you. It can help you stay focused on what you want to manifest in your life. I experience this process as a gift for both of us.

The process begins with a conversation in person or on zoom. We’ll discuss what sparked your interest in my work, what resonates with you, and what your ideas are. Look at my website and Instagram feed to see the variety of styles and subjects I've created thus far. I'm confident that I can bring anything to life for you. With my extensive training, I can produce any style of work you desire. Give me a challenge, and I'll exceed your expectations. I love teasing out your ideas and bringing them to life on canvas. Often people come to me with a specific concept, and after our conversation, they are filled with greater clarity and sometimes a new direction. I'll ask you a host of questions to uncover your true desires, including but not limited to the following:

• What makes you happiest
• Your most joyful moments
• Your biggest challenges
• Colors that you love and colors you resist
• What you want to manifest in your life
• Your favorite uplifting music
• What, if anything, resonates with you
spiritually
• Your preferred size and proportions
• Your budget

If you are unclear about your choice of subject matter I'll walk you through an additional process to help us reveal the perfect image for your painting

I make magic with my work. A blank canvas holds the promise of inspiration, intuitive guidance, and pure possibility. I'm one with the Universe, creating with love. How freakin' cool is that?!

These are three of the sketches I created for the above project. I worked with my client to uncover her favorite colors and textures. I learned about her happiest moments and biggest challenges. I listened to her favorite music while I created her commission. I focused on what she wants to manifest in her life. Together we created a piece of art that connects her to her soul. It’s magnificent work and I am abundantly grateful.

To begin the process I meditate on your desires. Your playlist is cued up to help me embody your spirit while I create your piece. You'll see a round of color sketches to make sure I'm in sync with your vision. Next, I'll prep your canvas by clearing the energy with Paolo Santos and Reiki. I stir love into each color as I mix the paint. My focus stays on your desires. Confident that our initial work, together, will guide me to create the perfect piece of art to lift your spirit and fill you with delight. I eagerly proceed to see what it will become. With no judgment, I just let it flow. It is essential to me that you are thrilled with the finished piece. When I see those tears of joy I know I've done my job well.

To discuss your commissioned piece, contact me here. I’d love to make some magic with you.

Have a beautiful couple weeks.

Love,
Leslie

The Money is Coming. How Will You Spend it?

Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow.
—Dolly Levi, “Hello Dolly”

In The Vortex. Acrylic on 12 x 12 Cotton Canvas, $650. This vibrant colored painting will lift your spirits and mesmerize you with swirling golden motion.

It's confirmed! We are going to be receiving another stimulus check. The odds are it's not going to change your life. It's not meant to pay your mortgage or your student loan. It's meant to stimulate the economy. Since this new year has not brought more ease, how about spending it on making yourself feel better? My advice, as always, is to cultivate joy. You probably can't take a bucket list trip or go out to a special restaurant, and who needs fancy new clothes to sit at home? Your options are limited right now. Here are some ideas of how to spend that check that can help you to cultivate joy:

My studio is always filled with fresh flowers and vibrant artwork. All of which help me to cultivate joy. Left, DaVinci’s Dahlia Pink #3 30 x 30 inches $1975. Right , DaVinci’s Dahlia With Ant #1 30 x 30 inches $1975.

• Spruce up your home. A beautiful piece of art infused with positive, loving energy can shift your state of being to wonder and joy. What you see in your field of vision will affect your mood and your mindset. Clean up any clutter and replace it with a few choice pieces. Get some fresh flowers or an indoor plant. If you fill your home with things that are uplifting and make you feel happy and hopeful your quality of life will improve.

• Learn something new. Learning a language or taking an online cooking class can boost your confidence, give you some new skills to connect better now, and set you up to entertain or travel better in the future. Learning anything helps to boost confidence so maybe try something new. If you are interested in learning how to paint, I’ll be offering classes outside, in my backyard, this Spring!

• Give back. Supporting your local food bank or homeless shelter will boost your oxytocin levels and provide much-needed assistance for those in need. I have four charities that I support and writing those checks or sending those payments fills me with delight and gratitude. It makes my work and the money I earn feel meaningful and more valuable.

• Pamper yourself. Get yourself some cozy slippers, a luxurious robe, an aromatherapy candle, and some lavender bath salts. Fill the tub, light the candle, put on some Enya or something similar and soak till you your muscles melt and your worries evaporate. Invest in some gooey creams and scrubs and exfoliate your cares away. Then moisturize from head to toe till you feel like a newborn baby.

Celebrate the good times with a Quarantinii! Left: Rosé Colored Glasses, Center: Lemonade Parade, Right: Margarita Musings, $650. each, 10 x 10 inches on 2.5 inches deep gallery wrapped canvas. With every Quarantini painting sold I make a $100. donation to the Rent Party Pantry. A 501(c)(3) organization that helps fight hunger in my community.

Get out there, spread that money around, and make yourself feel better for a moment. Those moments tend to lead to other moments, and before you know it, you'll have cultivated some joy. That will lead to more. We all need more joy right now. Practicing gratitude for that joy will lead to more too!

With love and appreciation,
Leslie