Art of the Age Newsletter

     This space will become my newsletter space in the near future. So, to all those who have signed up for my newsletter, please follow this blog for updates on new artwork and other things.
     Surprises abound, I am working on going in a new direction and experimenting with where I want to go with my art. It has been a challenging year. I am recovered now from work related injuries, for the most part, and have begun getting into the studio again. It's been awhile.

Love and Light, Ellen

Love is the answer

         I don't know if anyone will read this, but I just thought I would write something. I haven't for a long time. So, my chosen topic is: Love is the answer to all things. I have been told this many times but what does that mean, really? Here are some of my thoughts on the subject. Love has many ways of expressing itself, if we allow ourselves to let it do so. Love is often the motivating factor for making positive change in one's life. In fact it is the motivating factor. It is the reason people strive for making this world a better place.

         Love begins with self. It comes from within and we express ourselves with love or without love depending upon any given circumstance. Many people are feeling stretched to the limit; these are stressful times. People do not always react in a loving fashion to their circumstances or others around them. They forget their true origins and their connection with their own divine nature. In this world it is easy to forget but now we are awakening to ourselves and our divinity. And still it is difficult to rise above it all and remain our loving selves. We remind ourselves everyday that love will find a way, even when we are not feeling very loving toward ourselves or our fellow human beings. We forgive ourselves and hopefully laugh at our own shortcomings and slowly pull ourselves up out of the quagmire of the world around us. Seeking the safe haven of our own heart and soul and the desires of our soul's expression. I say this to all those who seek the answers elsewhere. The answers are always within you, no exceptions. You can ask any number of people what you should do, but only you can really answer your life's questions. What makes a difference in your decision is what you base that decision upon. Sometimes playing it safe isn't the safest or wisest thing to do. Love will take you places unimagined if you will only let it. Remember, you have wings. Jumping off the cliff might be the right way to go. Sometimes it is the only way. Even as I write this, I feel a little smile come across my face because I know I must choose something extraordinary to do with my life because that is what is within me to do. I have been teetering on the edge with indecision for too long and must choose carefully to make a successful leap into the happier life I seek. I must.

         We let our circumstances dictate to us instead of allowing our own inner truth to guide us on the path to a better way of living. Some are finding things easier and smoother than others. Those that are experiencing difficulty and are aware of their own foibles will wrestle every side of the argument to the ground before doing exactly what was in their heart to do, no matter how crazy it may seem, because it is the right thing to do. Now, there is a lot of love needed in this world. Being more loving to ourselves extends outward. There are so many people in severe circumstances in this world. Humanity is challenged as never before to end war, famine and greed and find solutions to our planet's distress. This world is sitting on a precipice and we must all band together to renew and protect this precious ecosphere.

         Love must find a way. It is time to remove the rose-tinted glasses and see what is happening and how we must change to enable a sustainable world. It is happening in so many ways but there are still so many destructive forces rampaging the planet that must be counteracted in order for us to survive. I hope that humanity rises above the chaos of it's own folly and opens once more to what it could be. We must continue to turn the tide toward renewal.

What's happened

So much has occurred this past year. My mother passed away in October and I moved my life to be near my Dad. The interesting thing is that it has opened me up to new artistic expression. I have become associated with a Plein Air art group that does outdoor painting in natural areas and street locations. It is helping me to stretch my artistic muscles in ways that I hadn't thought of before. Most importantly, it got me painting again and motivated to do more. I have completed three landscape and one abstract painting in the past four months. I have two more started. This is truly an amazing thing. 

This painting is called 'Before the Rain'. I did actually get rained on a bit while I was painting it. For a better view please visit my website http://artoftheage.com .

Bee deaths in Florida

The title seems to indicate that the bee deaths are a mystery but if you read the article it also mentions the spraying of pesticides just prior to the bees dying. They are doing tests to determine the cause but it seems pretty obvious. This is a devastating event for the bees, the beekeepers and farmers. We need to be better stewards of this planet.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2044764/The-mysterious-honeybee-apocalypse-Up-12-million-bees-dead-dying-Florida-knows-why.html

Soul Portraits

Life is a spiritual experience. A Soul Portrait is a unique rendering of your soul's essence.
For more information please visit my website http://artoftheage.com

New painting 'Unfolding'

The is painting is called 'Unfolding'. It is meant to capture the concept of a life progressing, opening up to the light of who they are. To view more of my artwork, please visit my website http://artoftheage.com

Walk the path by St.Germain

From St. Germain:

You know the pathway, it resides in your heart. Know that it is and that everything is provided for. Let no fear encumber you as you pursue the goals of the path that leads to freedom, self-assurance and wisdom. Rise on golden wings upon the currents of fulfillment and rejoin with your soul's purpose once again. It is the time of renewal for all those who have been waiting on the sidelines these past few years. Heed the calling and remember who you are and your purpose in being here on the planet at this time. Many of you have encountered great obstacles and are now overcoming all stumbling blocks that may have been in your way. The road is clear, you may walk forward with the assurance that all is well with you. Trust yourselves to know the Way. Remember that the divine works through you all and that your divine radiance is needed now more than ever to shine forth as beacons of Light to all the people.

Stand tall and walk forard upon the pathway. Ride the currents of the divine wave that are carrying you Home. Know that you are in every way safe and secure in your journey upon the earth. Be all that you are and do not let others deter you from your rightfull path. Continue to rise above the chaos of the world around you, continue sending your light out into it, continue to show the way for others to follow. Continue, in all the sense of the word, to do what is right for you, surmount the odds and overcome all of the life issues before you. You will shine even more brightly than you did before. There is nothing in your pathway that you cannot deal with, nothing at all. Seek within and you will know the way to accomplishment of all your heart's desires. Keep taking the steps toward fulfillment and you will see the transformation of your life unfold with the speed of light.

Now is the time

For too long I have held back on doing the things that are good for me, trusting to my own instincts. I allowed the opinions of others to override my own voice, but now I am breaking with the past and the rut. I am recentering myself in the present. I have found that there are so many out there that have felt the same way. Frustrated for so long, it is time to redefine my path in life and chart the course that I want to take. I am doing it from an inner sense of knowing, using my intuitive connectivity with the universe to create joy and happiness in my life. Some call it the path of the heart, which seems an apt description. It was a rough year last year for me and for many others. My sister's passing was a bombshell in the middle of my life and caused me more upset than I could have possibly imagined. I am doing better with that now. This year has been different. The energies are more supportive of positive change and the way is clear to do the things that have been on the drawing board for so long. The messages from the spiritual side of life have been supportive of renewal. There is a certain diligence and focus required to achieve the path, but the path is there again, where I had felt it had disappeared completely. I am not alone in these feelings; I know so many other Lightworkers who have felt the same and they are also rededicating themselves to their higher purpose in this world. The calling of our hearts cannot be ignored anymore. We need to work together to make this a better world. There still so much work to be done. The planet still needs us to be who we are. The way is clear for us to walk forward and make a difference in this world.

Back to basics

After a lot of soul searching, I am returning to the things that bring meaning and joy to my life. There are so many things that I want to do with my art that I have, as yet, not done due to external events and circumstances in my life. My sister's passing in May was one of them and I am just starting to regain my equilibrium. I am returning to my pursuits of happiness and a more prosperous lifestyle.

I am doing a lot of exploring and will be posting the results shortly.

Gratitude and Faith

Lately, it seems that I have encountered so many people with so many stories of what they have been through in their life. Most of it having to do with health issues and dealing with close family member deaths or severe illnesses. Many have been shocking and tragic stories, others have been filled with hope and a deepened appreciation for life. No one knows how much time they have in this world. It puts things in perspective. It tests your sense of what is real and valuable in life. It makes you get off your ass and do something about the circumstances in your life because, after all, they are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. Just go forward, one step at a time. Have some faith and don't look back. Past is past and, oh yeah, easier said than done. Do it anyway, eventually the world will catch on, just see it through. Carpe diem. You get the picture. Okay, enough with the cliches.

And so a message from St. Germain: On the subject of Faith
This will be a brief discourse, although the subject bears much longer consideration. We would say to those that live within the world during these extraordinary times, that faith is often necessary to accomplish one's goals and feed one's dreams until they blossom into fruition. Faith carries hope, and without hope there can be no new endeavors, dreams or desires fulfilled. Otherwise, why bother pursuing a goal, if only to be constantly dashed upon the rocks of disappointment. Faith, a true belief in one's self and the Creation to respond favorably to that belief, is evidenced in the action of pursuit of one's desire until it comes to fruition. There is always hope, my friends, and dreams left unsatisfied tend to, if they are a matter of our Heart's desire, linger in our psyche until we do something about them. And so we percieve things as we wish the to be, as we hope them to be and act in faith that we will, in fact, accomplish them.

Some dreams require a more diligent pursuit, but if given proper attention and the right circumstances, the dream becomes a reality. That reality is created by the person with the conviction, strength of mind and sometimes, sheer will determination, to see it through. Others fail, often just before bringing something to light, because they lack one of the aforementioned qualities. These qualities are in fact aspects of faith. Some will find this hard to understand. Action alone does not accomplish the goals of the Heart. It takes a manifold coordination of subtle energies to achieve said desire. The world is a complex weaving of energies and within the Grand Tapestry your will spins its web, intertwining itself with other aspects of the web of life, each one striving for new inroads to accomplish what it will. There are always responses coming to you from the Creation. If you pay attention to them you will find a smoother pathway to bring about your dreams, but you must pay attention. Not all things are created with difficulty but those things that are, are often the stuff that makes life worthwhile. They are often the things that are closest to ones Heart. So, walk forward with Faith into the unknown territory and remain open to receive the blessings that life has to offer you. You will find yourself fulfilled beyond measure if you have the courage to walk the path and see it through.
I Am St. Germain

Message from the Masters

Greetings, we are here to extend the Light of inspiration to all those who are in need of some upliftment. The planetary processes are proceeding at a quickened pace. It is difficult for many of the aware to retain their balance in the flux of shifting energies that is occurring around them. To this we would say that the best way to maintain one's self under the current conditions is to continually work at anchoring Light in and around you. It is through meditation and energy work that one will find salvation from the storm that is brewing around them. Some days will be better than others, as you are all working hard at clearing the codes of the old age and activating the codes for the new age. You all carry a piece of the puzzle. We would remind you that you are all volunteers for this assignment and no one said it would be easy. Nor did we know how the changes would affect you all directly, as individuals.

You are all working diligently to clear the codes of the old age and establish the codes of the new age. This work is of great importance, and while it is often difficult and challenging, you must all know how valuable your service is to the planetary consciousness as a whole. It is time for the people to return to the knowledge of the Oneness of nature and the consciousness that is inherent in all Life surrounding. Nature is to be restored to a pristine state and the consciousness of the planet along with it. The renewal of her form is reliant upon the change that can be affected in the awareness of the people of the planet. Ways and means are to be produced, based on ancient techniques and knowledge is to be disseminated for use by the masses. The distribution of knowledge through the enlightenment proceedings will trigger greater response ad infinitum until all upon the planet are raised up and join in the singing of the One Song.

We are entering a time of peace and prosperity. The world will no longer be held by the dark regimes that have held sway for so long. The Light shall prevail, my friends, the Light shall prevail. Do not be discouraged by the events on the surface. The circumstances within which you reside will shift and change according to your ability to stand firm in the Light of who you are. The struggles are ending; this is a time of rejoicing. You all have a choice and we urge you to continue to choose the best that you are. Rise above and you will See clearly, without obstruction, what is truly possible. New work will be handed to you. Flow with the changes, you will create as you wish and in the end you will marvel at the beauty of Life surrounding. Remember from whence you came and why you chose this mission. Peace be with you.

New Year

     It's a new year and I am really getting focussed on what I want and going for it. I am really working on web presence and networking now. I am working on several ideas for art which should be appearing here shortly, and on my website. I know it is cliche, but life really is too short to waste any more time on things that don't make me happy.

     On other fronts, my cat Uly is doing much better, hairballs are no laughing matter. It took a couple of weeks to get him back to normal. I am still keeping an eye on him, but I know the new food will help all of my cats do better. For those not in the know, I have 4 cats. They are Uly, Cassie, Thor and Athena. I was doing my classics degree when I named them.

Endurance

18 x 24 Acrylic painting



     The last two paintings I painted were the result of a grand adventure I had while working in archaeology. I was doing some fieldwork in northeastern Utah some years ago and I had the notion to paint some of the photos that I took along the way. 'Endurance' was painted from a photo I took on the McConkie ranch where I was graphing petroglyphs. I was intrigued by the way the tree was perched on the rocks out of which it was growing. 'Canyons' is from a photo I took near Flaming Gorge. The ridges and the rocks were interesting to me. I love nature and it was interesting to experience the different landscapes that I encountered on my cross country trip. I wish I had taken more pictures.

This painting is available on my website http://artoftheage.com

Website progress and jewelry sale.

I've been very busy working on my new website http://artoftheage.com . It's been a lot of work, and I know it will evolve as I start to do some of the things that I have been putting off for the last few years. All in all, a good week and the site, I think, looks really nice. You'll have to check it out for yourself. Jewelry is on sale - 20 % off - and free shipping in the continental US.
In addition to contemporary art in acrylics and pastels, I also do Pet Portraits and Soul Portraits. Gift certificates are available.

Prints and other things on my Deviant Art webpage

I now have some prints, greeting cards, mouse pads and magnets of my art and photos available on my Deviant Art website. http://artoftheage.deviantart.com 

New Painting

'Canyons' is an original acrylic painting 24" x 20" and is available at http://artoftheage.com

Western Black Rhino

It is very sad to hear that despite conservation efforts, people are still taking unnecessary advantage of other species and driving them to the brink of extinction. Apparently, the Western Black Rhino has been wiped out by poachers. Efforts are being made to save the Northern White Rhino.  According to one of the articles there are only 8 left in existence and a breeding program is underway to save this animal.

Articles on the Western Black Rhino:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45236688/ns/world_news-world_environment/  http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/subspecies-of-western-black-rhino-now-extinct-20111111-1na28.html   
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/10/world/africa/rhino-extinct-species-report/

The Northern White Rhino conservancy:
http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/about/news/northern-white-rhinos-adapting-life-wild
If you are able and so inclined, there is a donation link on their site.

Getting organized

I am testing the new interface to see if this posts correctly.

Ok, it is apparently working just fine. I was having trouble posting for a long time.  So now I can start again.

October, for me, was a time of renewal.  I started painting again. 

Looking up

Yesterday I was offered the job and I took it. I am putting in my notice today. It's a beginning, I still have a lot of work to do to get my life in order, but at least I am on my way. The change will do me good. I am starting to feel better about myself, although I am having to work very hard at everything to maintain a positive stance. Getting off working nights was my main motivation for the determined search, and well, sometimes you just take what's available until other things take flight.

I started meditating and conversing with my guides and the masters again and did a little channeled writing. I never really stopped talking with them, but I used to write a lot more. It helped get me through the week of waiting for the phone call and I was able to focus on issues in the world consciousness once more. So I am working hard at being me again. It never used to be work, life flowed better a few years ago. There are a lot of people I know that are going through the same thing; getting fed up with the status quo is very motivating. It is time for some major improvement.

Progress

The frustration mounted to an unenduring pitch this past week. The lack of sleep became chronic. I was almost in tears. So, last Friday I pulled myself together and pushed myself to go out and apply to some places in person, not just online. I have never had trouble finding jobs in the past and have been really perplexed that I have not found another job despite the effort of the last couple of years. I have an interview on Thursday. I aim to get the job, and then keep looking for something that is more fulfilling. Right now I am simply motivated to get myself off the night thing. I realize that I may have to work 2 jobs, but I am sure that I will work something out.

I am still trying to figure out what to do with my degree. This is the biggest frustration for me. I didn't go through all of that schooling to still be working in low paying jobs. But with budget cuts and lack of contracts, the industry has bee hurting, hardly any field work. So, what am I to do? I know a PhD that has been having trouble finding work. So I am trying to think of more creative solutions to my dilemma.

Those creative solutions primarily revolve around my artwork. I need to start inputting some time and energy into the more meaningful aspects of my life. I know that once I do enough of it that my life will open up and things will flow better. Focus has been a big problem for me the last couple of years, despite all of my training to the contrary. Heck, I used to teach that in my meditation classes. No job is worth what I feel I am putting myself through just to make some money. There are plenty of other fish in the sea and I will find what I need for survival until I generate the things that will allow me to thrive more than ever. Right now getting off the night job is my main motivation. I have an interview on Thursday, pray for me.

I feel like I am putting myself back together again. I started sketching out some ideas for a painting the other day. I haven't done that for awhile. I want to take my artwork to new levels, new places, but I got stalled out in early 2010 just after doing the seagull pastel and starting a painting from a picture that I took in Utah. I simply need to do more.