The Artist Journal Archives

Welcome to my Artist Journal Archives. Periodically I clean up the journal and move older entries to this page.

Sunrise at the Green House ©2008 Mark Easton

Jan 31, 2009, It's the weekend...

It's the weekend for those keeping score at home. For a lot of people it's a big deal with the Super Bowl this Sunday. Several of my friends will be pumped up and glued to their TV's, not me. I am not a big fan of watching sports on tv, not really a big fan of TV. Most of my childhood was spent without one which I honestly can thank my Dad for. Sometimes, though it is good just to veg out. Perhaps vegetables are more dynamic than we give them credit for.

Worked on my big painting yesterday. The closer I get to finishing it, the further away I get from being done. It's been a really hard painting for me to bring together. I think a lot of that has to do with working on it for so long. It's been about 5 months since I started it. One reason is it is simply a big painting that just takes time, the other reason is I have had many interruptions. So I have started it many times over, finding my place, finding the center. Picking up where I left off. Parts of it I really like, over all I really like it. Today I will look at it in fresh light literally by taking it outside to view. I am choosing whether or not to have stars in it. Choosing a few and where or a lot or none at all.

I have tweaked a few pages on the site, added a new image of a painting to my home page. I call it, "The Starman Sleeps". I have posted a few photos of new paintings in my 'scrapbook' (there is a link right above, look for the highlighted word 'scrapbook' and click on it). Placed a funny, and very short, video on the 'Humor Me' page. I shot this video in response to my sister Robin's video "Things To Do, Snow Rolling" which is on her website: www.nakedineden.com. I moved the slide show video on to the 'New Art' page and I added some guest comments the other day to the 'Guest Book'. I love adding your comments to that page, all you have to do is fill out the form and send it.

We fired up the kiln yesterday after a morning of glazing. Will know how those pieces turned out this morning. I invite you to read yesterday's post if you haven't already. I talk more about the journey of painting, finding my way across the canvas.

It is still dark out. I love writing during the still of the night from a quiet place. I put another log on the fire, poured a glass of cool water (there is a miracle for you, water) and now I think I will paint a bit.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jan 31, 2009, Mark Easton Art, Acrylic Paintings,

Mark Easton's bold, intuitive Acrylic Paintings are unique. His paintings tell a deep story of the art of being human. Using bold colors his paintings impact the viewer deeply.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Jan 30, 2009, A little bit of light

The days are getting just a bit longer, starting earlier, lasting longer into evening. The other evening the moon was shining brightly with a planet nearby hanging low in the sky. We have had so many overcast days and nights for so long I am startled when I step outside at night and can see stars or the moon. This winter we've had here in Spokane makes Maine seem like the sunshine state.

I have been busy painting, still working on my new big painting. I paint for awhile on it gently coaxing the image out of the air that I breathe. It is like being an explorer in new land, finding a path through the underbrush, up the mountain. I push ahead thinking I have found a clear direction only to come to a dead end, then I back track and start over in a new direction. And I sit down a lot in the process, catch my breath, look at the landscape trying to see the way to go. Lots of times when I take these breaks I bring out a small canvas and paint on that using the colors already on my palette. It tends to free me up because it's just a little canvas so I don't 'try' as much or at all. Which invites me back to center and amazing little stories appear on these wee canvases. New techniques, new ideas spill onto the canvas and those inform new works. And I can then see the landscape of the big painting I am looking at with fresh eyes, pick up a brush and start again.

This particular painting has taken a long time to find it's way, to find that place of perfect balance in that moment. To realize that is it, that my ability, my skill, my passion, my idea, my soul, that my human and being have met the best they can in the painting. So then I am done. Some paintings are not finished but I have to stop painting on them. Months, years later I go back to them and finish them. Finish means to me the bringing all together in that moment, if it feels right to me then the painting should breathe and continue to tell a story every time you look at it forever. Inviting you deeper and deeper. Seeing, feeling new things, dropping into the expansiveness or simply saying, "I like that, don't know why... I simply like it".

This painting has given me a ride for over 5 months, I hope to have it ready to hang for our upcoming show next Friday. There will be a musician, refreshments and art. We hang the show Wednesday, setting up the small pieces the day of the reception. I really enjoy seeing my paintings in a new setting it breaks that extension of self and invites other people’s experience. It becomes an invitation for everyone.

The sky is lightening up a bit, the day has begun.

jOy!Permalink -- click for full blog post

Jan 24, 2009, It's a "NO FOG" day...

Something new we're trying, a day without fog. Alas, it is also another day without sunshine. This Spokane winter has basically been one long gray from November to today. Now sometimes it will be foggy here but out in 'The Valley' the sun is shining. Makes me pine for those Colorado sunny days.

LOWER PRICES

The big news is I have lowered my prices across the board by a huge margin. This is not a sale, these are my new prices.

And as always I am open to offers including barter. Some of the older paintings in 'Gallery Two' have been drastically reduced. I want to continue as an artist and realize the importance of having art that inspires the core of our souls during this time. My needs are simple and few, so if I can continue to sell paintings I can continue to paint. I don't need much. And I realize that times are tough or uncertain for many. That our values have and continue to shift, for which I am very grateful. What we choose to bring into our lives is coming from a place of greater depth and light. People tell me about the vastness, depth, soul, expansiveness of my paintings. That they speak to truths and are an invitation that is deep with in us or should I say has been but now is more and more surfacing in our daily lives.

I am deeply grateful to paint, to tell a story that speaks to us or is simply just lovely and interesting to look at.

I am touched deeply by those of you who have bought my art, it means so much to me. I also read with joy when some one sends me an email telling me what my work means to them.

Ultimately I simply love to paint. To ask questions, to tell a story.

Or, as I told a writer friend, I paint because I can't spell.

jOy!

Jan 24, 2009, Albuquerque Sketches

Two canvas panel sketches painted in Albuquerque by artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Jan 24, 2009, More paintings from Mark Easton

More paintings by artist Mark Easton showing his vibrant alive style using acrylicsPermalink -- click for full blog post

Jan 22, 2009, Owl speaks continued

I have placed my latest video on my home page for your viewing pleasure. It's about 4 minutes long and might give you a deeper sense of my process. I will leave it on the page for a while before moving it to some corner of the site.

It continues to be cold and foggy here, we had some sun appropriately enough on last Sunday. But for the most part since last Thanksgiving it's been a cloudy day. A huge change for me from Colorado.The birds are loving our feeder, I want to get out the bird book because there are several that I do not know. I added another length of stove pipe to the house chimney, it did not draw because it was below the ridge line. This morning I will shovel out ashes from both stoves. All the trees are coated with crystal fog. Cat's off to catch some sun this weekend while celebrating her oldest son's birthday.

I may go on a mini gallery tour this weekend or head over to Couer d'Alene to the Spirit Gallery, one of the best in the area, for a visit.

It's a little after 5 AM here and it's still dark out. I am going to go crawl back in bed for a bit before lighting a fire in the studio. And while I sleep on the east coast President Obama is working away on his second day. And you are doing, being what you are. It is the journey of now.

Life is good.

May our hearts be open.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Jan 22, 2009, Owl speaks...

Owls are hooting this early morning, I awoke to a chorus real close by. Going to the door I quietly opened it to listen.

Two owls are talking nearby, one is in the pines just behind the garden near the studio. The other is up the fence line on the south side of the field. There is a third across the field up the hill near the old rail road bed or maybe it is the echo. Ahh, what a sound, it just touches something deep within me. I am so glad they are here. The other night I awoke to coyotes just howling up a storm that finally got all the neighborhood dogs barking. Calling them back, deep into woods... 'Come with me', break loose your chains, let go your leash.

Yesterday I had a nice talk with a friend who lives far away while I was out in the studio. As I was talking I was working on my latest painting. I just looked and looked at the painting. The conversation freed up a part of my brain that was able to 'do' the painting, figure out the places that didn't work or needed work. To paint it in my head. It is fascinating to me how an image in my head finally ends up on the canvas. This particular painting is one that I "saw" in an abstract painting I sat across from for a week while I attending a retreat in Canada. My friend Elaine Krueger painted it, she is a fabulous Canadian artist. Each year she paints and then hangs her work on the walls of main hall where we meet. Her work inspired this painting. I have had the image in my head ever since August. As I paint it slowly becomes a new painting on it's own journey away from the image in my head that I saw looking at Elaine's work. Because it is a journey and that is something I have to (and do easily) surrender to, the journey. Letting go of the out come and just letting the moment unfold on the canvas. I love painting. My friend on the phone and I were talking about my paintings being stories which is true. My friend is a writer and I told them, "I paint because I can't spell".

I am limited to 500 words per entry and this morning I went over by 150, so I have continue my entry below.Jan 16, 2009, Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth died in his sleep early this morning, he was 91.

I grew up with Andrew Wyeth. My mother loved his work and there were several prints of his paintings around the house. Growing up in Maine I guess there was a sense that the Wyeths' were ours. I don't know much about the man or even his family (they were just there in the background of my childhood in Maine), but Andrew Wyeth definitely captured a mood, a mood of Maine that I knew and so identified with.

Later in life I saw an exhibit of N.C. Wyeth's work at the Portland Museum of Art, many which were the originals of all his magazine and book illustrations.

Coming out west I was pleased to see N.C. Wyeth's clouds and mountains. The same ones I had seen in the museum so long ago back in Portland.

And I also went to an exhibit of Jamie Wyeth's work at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. A rare opportunity to see his work up close in an intimate setting.

Many of Jamie's paintings I had seen in books and magazines. To see them in real life was amazing in so many ways. When I see a image of a painting, whether in a magazine or on the web, several things are happening. First is the color duplication, second is the size and third is the 'aliveness' to name just a few. It was so fascinating to see his work. The paintings were so different in real life, the intensity that came from them, the colors and the size. This painting was bigger than I imagined, this one smaller. To see the brush strokes and in some cases the bugs and debris in the ones that were painted outside. I remember one painting of a ram on a island off the coast of Maine, the brush strokes going around, outlining the ram's head. I was not use to such raw power.

Photos tend to smooth out a painting. Most people who see my paintings for the first time speak of the intensity of the colors, the bold colors. Exclaim what a difference the painting is from the one they saw on the web... in a good way.

The link at the bottom of this entry will take you to The Brandywine Museum's website which is the Wyeth website.

I have to go put some wood on the fire in the studio. Yesterday I started back on my big painting and plan to continue on this foggy, icy day.

jOy!Click for more info

Jan 15, 2009, Ice Fog

Now that it has stopped snowing the weather has gone back to fog and mist. This morning it is an ice fog making everything slick. We had 78" of snow in three weeks, Spokane regularly has a snowfall of only 50" for the entire winter. Now more than half that snow has melted, I am seeing bare ground under several trees.

I started a fire in the studio this morning and am waiting for it to warm up. There is a real dampness to everything including the firewood. I am wanting to work on three big paintings. One is my current painting that I have been working over the past several months. I have been filming most of that work and hope to have a video or several videos showing my process. The other two are older paintings that were 'finished' but for me weren't quite what I wanted. And since they are still with me I plan to work on them some more.

My painting "Pennesseewassee" has been sold and shipped, arriving at it's new home next week. I am learning really good things about packing and shipping a painting. The nice thing about a lot of my paintings is the small size makes that a whole lot easier. I have found a packing shipping company here in Spokane that does a knock up job and am very happy with that. Also, I have a local UPS store that does a great job also. Most paintings I can pack myself, put some because of there size or where they are headed it makes more sense to have it professionally packed.

If you click on the link at the bottom of this entry it will take you to my 'scrap book' page where I posted the other day a photo of some of my wee paintings along with some of my sculptures, which happen to be 'wee' size also.

And a few entries down on this page you will see my slide show video of several pieces of my work including paintings, photos. You'll find some paintings that have never been posted on this website along with several photos. It's all set to music so it's quite painless and it just might give you a deeper sense of me as an artist.

Getting ready for the Spokane Visual Arts Tour this February 6th, 6-9 PM, if you know anyone in the area who would like to attend our show at Gina's Design Corner please let them know or send me their address so I can send them a mailer. There will be refreshments, Cat and I will be there. We will both have several new pieces. It a great venue to showcase our art and it's an easy location to get to with plenty of parking.

Just a few more days to OBAMA, I am so happy about that.

jOy!Permalink -- click for full blog post

Jan 3, 2009, Slide show... maybe

Here's a short slide show I put together of some of my work including paintings and some photos. It lost a bit of it's focus going from my computer to YouTube, not really sure why. Anybody know? I have a Mac OS X 10.2.8.

It is real cold here, just below Zero. It was 30 degrees 14 hours ago. We finally were able to get a snowblower, our neighbors had been plowing us out with their tractor which we are so grateful for. We are not that far from the road but up a hill so our driveway has a switch back which makes it quite long. I have been spending a lot of time shoveling off our various roofs, I just did the woodshed. I will probably go back up on the studio and shovel some more off that. The local Wal-mart had a sign in their window saying they were closed indefinitely while they removed the snow off their roof, though no one was actually on the roof removing snow. This is a brand new (2 years old) building. And though several roofs have collapsed in the area I thought it a bit unusual that they would close, maybe it's their way of doing a temporary layoff in slow times.

If you have a shovel and a strong back you can make $20 per hour shoveling roofs, up from $12 a hour just a week ago.

OK, here's the video.

Click for more info

Jan 2, 2009, Stumble Upon a Video

Welcome to all of you who 'Stumble Upon' my site. Thanks for stopping by, while you're here please check out my Galleries using the navigation bars to the left. Click on one of the Galleries to see my paintings, click on a painting to go to its very own page. That's where you will see an enlarged image of the painting; you will also find my thoughts on that painting, detail images and lots more. I tuck poetry, prose, photos, links and other tidbits all through my website, mostly you will find it on the individual painting pages. So please poke around, explore the nooks and crannies.

I am in the process of uploading a slide show set to music of random paintings and photos. Not sure where I will tuck that away on the site. Please check back.

I have been working on some small clay figures, a little rabbit and a bear. Both are quite small, they are sitting behind me slowly drying.

I am also continuing my work on several small paintings. Boy I love color. Sometimes I just look at the background coat of color I have put on a canvas and that is good enough for me. It is visually nourishing, I love color.

But before I do anything I will have to head outside and shovel snow.

But you can take a stroll through the site, check out all the painting pages. Please 'Stumble' them and this site. Thanks!Click for more info

Jan 1, 2009, HAPPY NEW YEAR

Amazingly enough it is snowing, hard to believe that it is a New Year and a new snow. Giving us here in Spokane, WA a nice clean, fresh, new slate. It's over 32 degrees outside, but it is snowing. It has basically been snowing here since before Christmas.

I have uploaded my second Hugh Maine album "Welcome to Patten, Last Gas Before Ashland" through www.coretune.com . It should start showing up on Amazon in a week or so and then itunes, napster etc soon after. The first album "Moose Ranger Tells All" is available for download on Amazon and it just showed up on itunes the other day. Check it out.

I performed as "Hugh Maine" for about 6 years mostly at corporate dinners, but also fairs and festivals. My favorite shows were the annual benefits I did for the Patten and Sherman libraries. The biggest audience I performed in front of was over 2000 people. I stopped performing when my life changed so drastically with my divorce and moving to southern Maine and eventually out West. I took a class in stand up from Tim Ferrell at the Comedy Connection in Portland, Maine. It was great therapy for my divorce... and a lot cheaper.

I have been working on several little paintings here in the house. This morning I went out and started a fire in the studio, hope to work on some of the big ones. Cat and I went yesterday to look at the space for the upcoming Spokane February Visual Arts Tour. It's a nice long, high brick wall with excellent lighting. Great space, great people at Gina' Design Corner here in Spokane. Click on the link at the bottom of this entry to check them out.

Okay, it's time for some breakfast and getting to painting.

Happy New YearClick for more info

Dec 29, 2008, New Years Thaw...

The temperature shot up to almost 40 degrees and it rained. What a difference a day makes. I spent yesterday morning shoveling off part of the studio roof, it has less pitch than the house so wasn't as exciting.

With this warm weather I can move back out to the studio and work on my large painting. Which I want to have done for the show in February. I like having the space to move around that I get in the studio when I am working on a large painting. At the same time I am working on several small paintings and playing with clay. I have a horse sculpture that reminds me some what of my painting "Bruised Fruit". I am hesitant at this point with it because I am not comfortable with glazing yet. What color, what technique. So I will sit with it for awhile.

The snow has shrunk from over 3 feet of fluff to just over a foot in places. Nothing like high temps and rain. Yesterday was also sunny for bits, first sun we have seen in a long time.

I built a birdhouse for Cat, it is sized for chickadees or wrens. I plan to build and put up many, many more. Friends gave us a bird feeder for Christmas which I hung outside the window. There are few birds around since we hadn't been feeding them. But now we are committed with this feeder. I saw a small hawk the other day when I was out for a walk, also a flicker poking around the bark of a pine tree. I didn't know that they spent the winter. Perhaps if they had known it was going to snow this much they wouldn't.

The roads are ice now, all slick and crunchy. The holiday madness is over. This is a time of year for me to visit with friends, enjoy stews, cups of tea, take tromps up the road or in the woods. To slow down and go inward and to shovel, shovel, shovel.

I have set up a Face Book and a My Space account, check me out. I am in the Spokane, WA network for facebook or search 'Mark Easton'. I am setting up a greater web presence to help bring visitors to my site. Please invite your friends and family to visit this site. And take a moment to post a comment or send me an email. I will put it on the Guest Book page. I always respond to emails. It means a lot to me that you take time to visit my site.

It is slowly lightening up outside, enjoy your day.

peace

Dec 27, 2008, The light at the end of the tunnel

That sentence, or variations of that, happens to be the number one combination of words that brings people to my site.

What are we looking for? The light at the end of tunnel for me is finally shoveling out from under all this snow. It's much easier to just snowshoe on top of it!

It is very quiet here this morning. The furnace kept coming on through the night, too many times. It woke me up. The fire had burned out in the stove, so I have started a new fire. Took the opportunity to shovel out some ashes. We have had a continuous fire for about a month, just throw on another log.

Cat and I are getting ready for an upcoming show, The Spokane February Visual Arts Tour. We have lined up a venue in town. I will have more on that later. If you know of anyone in the Spokane/Seattle/CDA and surrounding area who would like to view my art in person please let them know or better yet send me their postal address and I will put them on my mailing list. I am building up my local invitation list, it is pretty skimpy since I am new to the area. I am very protective of mailing lists, don't like getting unwanted junk. The most anyone would get from me is a pretty postcard every once and awhile.

If you haven't already check out my photos from this recent (Never ending, it's still snowing. We are up over three feet) snowstorm. Go to www.mark-easton-art.com/photos-sketches-stuff.html

Went for a walk yesterday evening, it was so quiet. Through the trees covered with snow we could see the warm glow of a light from some one's house tucked into the trees. The deer are pretty active despite the deep snow or maybe because of it. There are tracks around the trees in our yard and up and down our driveway.

The fire has taken, all is quiet. Go back to sleep, dream deep joyous dreams.Dec 25, 2008, Two Ravens and Snow

A quiet, quiet Christmas morning. It snowed about 10 inches through the night, all is quiet this morning. As I sat here looking out the window at snow covered landscape and low cloud cover two ravens came winging through. Life is grace, what a beautiful sight.

Peace to you today.Dec 22, 2008, A shovel by any other name

As I look out the window I can see pink, it's the glow from the city lights reflecting off the cloud cover onto the snow. Over the last three days we got two and a half feet of snow. Two feet fell in a 24 hour period. It was cold already but then it got colder with the temps at about 3 below. Today it is a bit warmer, around 14 degrees. A 17 degree difference is a big difference. If you click on the link at the bottom of this entry it will take you to some photos I took during the storm.

I have been working with some clay, sculpting. Something new I am trying. Cat works with clay, she makes some beautiful pieces. She gave me a glob of clay and said see what you can do. If they don't explode in the kiln I will post some photos. That is what the new page (the link is at the end of this entry) is for, a place where I can post recent photos, sketches, whatever in a timely fashion. You may want to bookmark it because it will not be listed as a navigation bar.

We have officially set up a studio in the house, with this cold it just takes too much to heat the studio. I will coordinate my work on large canvases with the firing of the kiln.

I have been spending a lot of time shoveling. Our friend Mike came up yesterday with his tractor to plow us out. Cat and I had shoveled paths to the studio, the woodshed. We shoveled out the cars and the lower driveway. After this storm you can't find a snowblower or a shovel in Spokane. I thought I had moved to the land of six inch snowstorms. And perhaps I have because the weather service was calling for 7 inches of snow. So now I know that is code for two feet.

Enjoy the photos, enjoy your day.

Joyous Winter Solstice. Today daylight is just a wee bit longer than yesterday.Click for more info

Dec 17, 2008, Still

It’s still cold here in Spokane with temps around 10 degrees during the day and down to Zero at night. Friends and family back East are without power during this cold spell, my brother has been through big ice storms before and fortunately they have a wood stove. We've got our wood stove going (it's our main source of heat) which is at one end of the house and works great with heating the whole house, with this cold though the furnace kicks in every so often. We are staying warm, I walk around the house wearing my wool hat. It seems if I can keep my feet and head warm I am good.

For the time being I have abandon the studio with the temps so cold. Yesterday I set up on the kitchen table and painted the day away. Lots of wee little paintings, amazing paintings come out of painting so small. It is nice to be excited about painting, to have part of my mind ‘working’ all the time with passion on a painting. Probably 90% of the painting is worked without a brush touching canvas. I will bring in the big painting I am working on to finish, probably set up in another room so I don’t have to take everything down. Right now Cat’s got clay projects in vary stages of completion on one side of the kitchen table and I got little paintings on the other.

It is so bright outside at night with the snow on the ground. There are only a couple of inches but what a difference that makes in how bright it is at night. The roads are terrible, pure ice once you get off the main roads. We live on a descending blind curve which makes for some interesting times as there is a gravel pit just down the road from us and dump trucks with trailers come barreling down the hill past our place. You just hope not while your pulling out of the driveway onto the icy road.

A reminder that I have a big sale going on through December 31, 2008 with 30 - 40% off all original paintings. That means you can get one of my paintings for as little as $14 plus shipping and handling, So if you live in the US or even Canada you can mostly likely get a painting shipped to you for $20! It’s a great deal. Also, check out all the products in my store, posters, prints, cards, mugs, t-shirts! For those of you in the Northwest I am working on lining up shows for 2009, starting with Spokane's Visual Arts Tour February 2nd, check back on the Show page first of next year.

Stay warm, stay close to loved ones, family and friends. Breathe, relax... we got each other. Life is way better than my mind could ever conceive. Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings... Joy through the World.

Peace.Dec 15, 2008, Baby it's cold outside

I got up Saturday morning to a light snow that got heavy as I made my way into Spokane at 5:30 in the morning to work as an extra in a film being shot here. And then it got nasty, the winds blew, the temperature dropped and every road, sidewalk turned to ice. I spent my morning in a “Sports Bar” and my afternoon deep in the background of a “Gay Bar”. After almost 13 hours we were done and I slid across the parking lot and headed home. The roads went from slick ice to packed snow ice and so many people drove like the road was clear and dry!

Sunday it got even colder, and the temperature this morning is around 8 degrees, the fire is going and the furnace is kicking on... baby it’s cold outside. It’s always the “first” that gets me when seasons change. The first cold, snowy, hot, rainy, humid, whatever day of a season change. Well, this is the first cold spell. Everything froze out in the studio. I will be moving my easel into the house if it stays this cold for long, it takes too much energy to heat when it is this cold. The kiln is set up now, I am sure when that is fired it will help heat the place. But, until then I am staying warm. I am in the middle of a big painting that the idea has been in my head since August.

Take a look to the left and you will see at the bottom of my navigation bars a new one that says, “Humor Me”. Click on it and learn about one of my past life's. Back in the 90’s after moving to northern Maine deep into Moose country I created a character called “Hugh Maine, Moose Ranger” and started performing “Maine Humor” all over the place. I also recorded two albums featuring live performances of my original stories. Humor, storytelling and performing have been big parts of my life. Before I came out to Colorado I lived near Portland, ME and started doing ‘regular’ stand up working with Tim Ferrell out of the Comedy Connection.

Now through Amazon (and soon itunes, napster and rhapsody) you can download my first Hugh Maine album of Maine Humor, “Hugh Maine, Moose Ranger Tells All”. It was recorded in Bethel, Maine. Soon my second album will be available. It feels good to have this available in an easy to access format, you can download the whole album or single tracks. Please check it out.

This is how I make my living right now, by selling what I create. My goal is to make it affordable for you and me. Affordable for you to buy and affordable for me to live. I invite you to check out my store, my humor, my paintings. Let me know what you think, I love hearing from you. Buy art!Dec 12, 2008, New paintings

A couple of new paintings are up and I have rearranged some of the main pages. Check out "New Paintings" to see my latest large work, "Egg Drop Soup". I have included a photo progression of the making of that painting. You can find the link on EDS's page.

Also, new painting on my 'Wee Paintings' page. These paintings are a great deal at only $20 and now through December 31, get 30% OFF. A steal at $14, plus shipping and handling. Which for most anywhere in the USA would be less than $5! What a deal.

Lots of stuff in my Zazzle 'Store', just go to that page and click on anything to be taken to the store. I just ordered several note cards and I really like them, they are of excellent quality.

You may notice a new 'button' on this page and my home page, "Stumble It". That is from www.stumbleupon.com, a great tool. Through them you set up your interest and then literally stumble upon websites, it's a blast. I have already come across several sites that have been fascinating and way beyond anything I could imagine. It's a great way to explore the web.

It is suppose to snow today, this afternoon. Maybe that will bring to an end this long, long period of foggy, overcast days we've been having. All this fog and we are not even on the coast.

Tomorrow I work as an extra on a film being shot here in Spokane. This city seems to have a thriving little film industry going on. I think it's because Spokane could be an 'anywhere' place. The film I am an extra on is suppose to take place in New York City... so there you go.

In the middle of a big painting right now and at a sticky place, we'll see.

Hope all is well with you.

Peace.Click for more info

Dec 10, 2008, Mark Easton's Store

Buy reproductions of Mark's work as prints, posters, note cards, mugs and more.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Dec 8, 2008, Stuff and more stuff

It's been pretty much overcast for the last two weeks. Something I had forgotten since leaving the east coast so many years ago and living in Colorado. Most mornings/days there is a cold fog and it freezes on everything. I went for a walk the other morning and the road was black ice. Right now I am not sure how I feel about this weather, and since this is my first season in the east Northwest I am not sure if this is typical. I am surprised it is not greener or lusher here with all this moisture, but it is a semi-arid place. By that I mean if you don't irrigate, it don't grow.

Yesterday I spent 10 hours being an extra in a movie being shot in Spokane. That was a new experience for me, quite fascinating and fun. I also see why movies cost so much, it was kind of like an elegant ballet of moving molasses up hill. We are such a bunch of storytellers, like this reality isn't enough. For me it is simply fun and interesting way to make a little money, to experience something new and to supplement my art income.

You have probably noticed the 'blog catalog' tag at the top of this page. If you want to travel the world through many, many different perspectives, hear so many different stories click on the tag. It's is amazing, one could spend all their time reading this personal and not so personal stories. It's a big, big world.

Coming soon I will be making available through various mp3 sites two albums I did of Maine Humor/Storytelling back in the day. Also working on uploading more video including one of the painting I am working on now.

Off to build a fire in the studio and work on my new painting. Have a day.

jOy!

Nov 29, 2008, The snow fell gently yesterday

There about an inch of snow on the ground and a crystal fog in the air. It is like we are on the coast this winter fog. In celebration of the first snow of the season I have posted a little video I shot a few years ago.

When I lived in Estes Park I would walk a lot through the town. I loved walking a night through the quiet of the town. One winter morning I came across a red fox sitting under some trees by the post off. It sat and watched me as I walked by. Another spring morning I got charged my a Doe Elk who had just had her newborn baby tucked up next to a store. And one snowy morning around 3 am I woke up to a light snow storm and grabbed my camera, a friend had said how pretty the Holiday lights looked and how nice it would be to see them during a snow fall.Well that's what I did. I made a little film of the walk set to music. I had to change the original music because it was copyrighted but found an appropriate piece for it when uploading it on YouTube. Enjoy. Just click on the 'STORE' navigation button to left, it's the bottom one and that will take you to the video.

Happy Holidays, enjoy the season.

Nov 28, 2008, ZAZZLE SALE!! ZAZZLE SALE!!

Big sale at Zazzle today! 15% OFF and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $45. I also got 50% off on my note cards by using promo code: zazzlecard50

Don't know if that is still valid, but worth a try. They also have quantity discounts everyday.

I just placed an order for some of my note cards, including several new ones that have just gone up on the site in the last day.

Zazzle is continually having sales, it is worth it to sign up for their email notices. They had a wicked Black Friday sale... which I slept through and forgot to tell you about.

I am also having a sale on my original paintings. Here it is:

My...

WICKED BIG - I AM STILL ALIVE - GALLERY SALE!!

Now through December 31, 2008 I am offering 40% OFF all original paintings priced over $100 and 30% off all original paintings priced under $100, plus shipping and handling. The following paintings are excluded from this sale: "Call It", "Untitled Horse" and "Penneseewassee". These three paintings are entered in a show next year so are on hold until I find out if they got in.

Any questions just send me an email.

It is snowing here in Spokane, already there is a light dusting on the ground. I installed a new ceiling fan in the living room yesterday it makes a huge difference in the wood stove warmth circulating through out the house. A nice, warm, cozy day by the fire.

jOy!Click for more info

Nov 28, 2008, Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon

Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon. New acrylic painting of Magpies in winter by Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Nov 28, 2008, Small Paintings By Mark Easton

View the smaller works of acrylic paintings, new and works in progress by Artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Nov 27, 2008, Thanksgiving Day in the USA

Wasn't sleeping so got up and headed out to the studio to start a fire. The stars are brilliant in the clear sky. There is a heavy frost on everything, it's about 35* F out. Coyotes are yipping way off in the distance.

This afternoon we head down the street to neighbors to have Thanksgiving dinner. Cat is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, secret family recipes.

What am I thankful for? A lot. I am real thankful for Barack Obama being the president elect, for my family and friends, for my health, for the beauty of walking across the yard under such brilliant stars on a cold, cold morning.

Enjoy your day wherever you are, whatever you are doing. Now I will go check the fires under a starry, starry early morning.

Nov 24, 2008, Cold nights, cool days

I woke up around 4 am to the furnace running which meant it had gotten below 65 degrees in the house, which meant it had to be pretty cold outside, which meant the fire in the stove needed tending, which meant getting up. Which I did. Life is pretty simple, filled with the ordinary which is grace.

The weather has shifted to cold, yesterday it never got warm enough even with the sun shining for the ground frost to melt in all places in the yard, tonight was the same. It feels good to lug wood in from the shed and pile it in the wood box, it feels good to make a cup of tea early in the morning while the stars are still out and the coyotes are still yipping.

After a rough couple of months I have started painting again, I think that part of me that paints had found a quiet corner in myself to wait and didn’t really believe the coast was clear. So the first painting was a slog and instead of ‘trying’ to do anything I just simply flung paint and I am liking what is coming out onto the canvas. It doesn’t really look like anything I have painted recently, although it does have bits and pieces of past paintings. But it was a good way to get going again and break down my inner structures of what and how I think I should be painting.

I took photos at the different stages of this paintings evolution from blank canvas to now which I will post when it is complete. That way you will be able to see a glimpse of my process, how my paintings evolve.

Saturday Cat and I went to Coeur d’ Alene to check out a couple of galleries and then on to Sandpoint for more of the same. In Coeur d’ Alene we stopped at one of the best galleries I have ever been in, ‘The Art Spirit Gallery of Fine Art’ and that it was. Our cup runneth over, what a joy. If you are ever in Idaho go to this gallery, it is an amazing art space. For me it is great to know that level of art and dedication to art is available in this area. The quality of art and the quality of the gallery, the whole experience reminded me of the better galleries I have visited in Santa Fe, the he Manitou Gallery for one comes to mind.

Now that the fire is going well, I have had a cup of tea under a sky full of stars I will finish up with a few things. I am in the process of revamping my Zazzle store, please check it out and let me know what you think. In keeping with the times I am feeling a big sale coming for my original art. I have started researching and entering shows, I will keep you posted.

j0y!Click for more info

Nov 11, 2008, The Moon is 96% Full

Yesterday the clouds blew away and it was clear and cold last night. This early dawn as the sky lightens I can see the clouds are back. It hasn't started raining yet, hopefully I can patch the roof on the studio around the stove pipe to stop the leaking. That is always more fun when it isn't raining. Of course the roof don't leak when it don't rain.

When I was a small child, pre-school, my mom would gather me up and sit us down at piano to play and sing. And I got to choose any song I wanted for us to do. We had this big old hard cover book of music (which I still have) with lots of songs and each song had a picture. I would always turn to one song over and over, it was "Arkansas Traveler". My mom would play it bright and lively and we would sing.

That song has pretty much been the basis of my life. As I got older and left the present moment more and more I became more like the man on the horse than the fiddler. At some point years ago I invited the fiddler back and that has been my journey. In these times that can scare the shit out of parts of me that song becomes a good reminder to be in this moment, to be. Such a balance of discernment.

Anyways, I highly recommend that song, I love it. It is my soul. I send love to my mother and to all of you and for a moment, this moment fall into to that moment of sitting at the old piano in joy!

Play again.

click on the link to hear the song and read the words.Click for more info

Nov 8, 2008, Stuff!

It is raining here this early, early morning. It has been raining now for three days, after a hot dry summer and a dry fall this is different. Reminds me of autumn in Maine. The kind of rain that knocks all the leaves out of the trees leaving everything bare and gray for winter.

The studio is insulated! Yippie!! Now I can go out early in the morning and start a fire and then start painting. It is nice to have that done, to be able to fling paint again.

On the 20th we'll be going to an 'ArtLuck' a local artists get together to eat some food, socialize and view a slide show of everyones work. Sounds like a really good time, it is done twice a year. A great way to meet artists in the area.

If you even half listen to the news, read a paper or whatever you have heard these are tough times. Well I don't think that should keep us from enjoying art, in fact I think art that speaks to you is essential in times like these. I remain open to that always. With that in mind I want you to know that I am always open to offers, payment plans and barter. It isn't all about cash with me, I do have to make a living (a very modest one to enjoy life) but it can come in other forms like BARTER! Click on the 'more info' link at the end of this entry for more info.

Also check out my 'Art at Home' page for a photo and words from my dear friend Carlos.

I am revamping my Zazzle site with all it's posters, cards and stuff. I hope to have that up and running this week.

I love the idea of a fire going in the studio stove, listening to some music or silence and opening up to a blank canvas. Beginning the journey.

I create.

peaceClick for more info

Nov 7, 2008, Alternate Payment Methods or as I like to call it - Barter

Alternate Payment Methods or as I like to call it - Barter. Check out ways to put my art on your walls!!Permalink -- click for full blog post

Nov 6, 2008, PRESS!

Recent press on artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Nov 6, 2008, More "Art At Home"

Continuing Gallery of "Art At Home", owners of Mark's art speak of what his art means to them in their own words...Permalink -- click for full blog post

Nov 6, 2008, Waiting to vote...

no more.

Last winter I started the painting 'Waiting to Vote' while the primaries were in full swing. Holding my breath as I watched Obama. Yesterday I exhaled... sort of.

For me I am still waiting to vote for myself. It's been a real rough summer with the move to Spokane and some intense family issues. And now gently coinciding with the election so has my life shifted, but true to the reflection it seems there is much work, so much work. That only requires showing up, and yet that at times seems overwhelming. I'd rather read a good book.

The invitation for me is simply to be more deliberative and less knee jerk reaction to life. To invite more awareness, more whole self to my choices , to my presence. It ain't easy giving up old patterns of being sometimes.

In some ways I feel as bankrupt as the country, dug down in this huge hole. I am not sure if that is just the collective or myself or both.

The ceiling in the studio is almost fully insulated. I am grateful that the rest of the building was already insulated and sheetrocked. I will be making the door a bit more weather proof.

What I am trying to say is I am waking up after a long journey and accessing where I am, what needs to be done first.What I choose to do first.

The neighbors dog is barking, traffic is picking up on the road as folks head for work. I got up to restart the fire and warm up the house. Sitting on the couch I watched the flames and brought my awareness to my breath. To slow down enough, to let go enough to be present enough. To be present.

Slow, slow is fast.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Nov 4, 2008, Last night I talked with my brother...

Last night I talked with my brother Will on the phone, we went outside and both located the North Star. He was in Maine and I am in Washington thousands of miles apart. There was something wondrous, grounding and incredibly beautiful about that. Something so "high" in the sky that we could both see even though we were so far apart from each other. I love looking at the stars, it grounds me in wonder, it grounds me in simple trust. With all that is happening in the outer world it is so important to me to find truth, to find God in the simple, most wonderful moments of this natural world.

This especially helps as I (along with so many others) am asked to be present and authentic not only in the 'places' that are comfortable and enjoyable for me, but the places where I am not. To simply breathe, to slow down, to let go. And in that open up to the possibility that is completely beyond anything I could possibly imagine... grace.

Today is a big day in the USA, it is election day. It is almost 3 am as I am writing this, I woke up and didn't seem to want to fall back to sleep. The election has been going for over two years, about as long as my recent journey through self since leaving my job at the YMCA in Estes Park, CO and taking up painting full time.

It is fascinating how we are all interconnected, reflections of the collective and vise versus.

Vote.

Oct 22, 2008, Everything in Halves

I have insulated half of the studio ceiling, have a new wood stove half installed, have half of my computer/office moved into the house, have half a painting. And we're half way through fall.

We have had some very pleasant days, cool to cold nights. Ice on the bird baths which still get heavy traffic, so I take water out in every morning. It seems to me that water attracts more birds then any kind of feed. We would not be without water. Tilled the garden this weekend and planted it to winter rye. I am not use to 'dry land' gardening yet, but I will get there.

All our visitors leave this week, it's been a full house. It will be nice to ease back into painting again... once I finish with the stove and insulation!

I have some changes planned for this website I hope to implement soon. Also, I will be opening up my 'store' through Zazzle for the holidays.

These are crazy times and it is easy to get swept up in them. Painting helps me still that and see the bigger picture. That connection to self is so important.

peace

Oct 13, 2008, Visitors Guest Book, leave your thoughts behind...

Visitors to Mark Easton Art can post their comments here.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Oct 13, 2008, Bird drop soup...

I spent the morning the other day cleaning out bird houses. There were 10 bird house right in our back yard and they were stuffed up to their rafters with nesting material. Pine needles, leaves, feathers, string, twigs and poop. I don’t think they had ever been cleaned out. Returning birds will be in for a shock next year. I found a dead little nuthatch in one, it foot was caught in some string. That was sad.

The nuthatches continue to come to the bird baths along with the chickadees, flickers and woodpeckers. The birdbaths have been freezing over night so I take water out each morning as the birds jibber jabber nearby waiting.

I have seen small flocks of geese winging it overhead in the evenings. I love their honking against the fall evening sky.

Around here we have been getting ready for winter. All our wood is under cover, now we are putting plastic ‘window kits’ on the window and new weather stripping around the doors. Today we started insulating the studio ceiling, got about 1/4 done. That is itchy work. My sister Em is here visiting, she has been helping out plasticizing windows and collecting pine cones. I use the pine cones to help start fires, they are not as pitchy as the white pine cones I grew up with back in Maine but they burn.

As soon as the studio is winterized I will be able to start a fire in the morning first thing so we can go to work. I bought a large tool box to put my acrylic paints and varnish in to carry into the house at night so they don’t freeze. Maybe when all our company leaves I will paint on the kitchen table on cold days, especially my wee little paintings.

We went apple picking sunday up in Green Bluffs, it was bumper to bumper traffic but we found a sweet little orchard called “Sundown Brown’s Place”. Paula Nelson, who owns the orchard with her husband Bill, greeted us and sent us out into the orchards looking for McCouns an apple I remembered from my picking days back in Maine. Having recently purchased the orchard the Nelsons are in the process of restoring it and doing a great job. It felt so good to be outside picking apples on such a beautiful fall afternoon.

There is something grounding about ‘putting by’ for winter. To see all the firewood nicely stacked, to pick apples, clean out bird houses or getting itchy from insulation is not a bad thing. Being here in this world.

peace

Almost a full moon tonight. Howl!

Oct 5, 2008, Who can sleep?

Not I. So I walked across the yard glancing up at the stars so, so bright in the night sky. Even without a moon it was bright out.

Fall is truly here, we have three maples in the yard that are almost completely yellow and dropping their leaves onto the ground.

Our art show went well with people stopping by all evening. This is the first time Cat has shown her art in over 20 years, she was a bit nervous! Her art was very well received. I felt our art showed well together, that we have different styles that are asking the same questions, having the same discussion.

It was a joy to talk with the folks who did stop by including fellow artists out enjoying the opportunity to see so much art in one night. Amazingly enough the city newspaper used one of Cat's images to promote this event. And my 'untitled dragonflies' image was used in 'The Inlander'. I am real happy with that, out of over 40 artist and over 100 images to choose from they chose ours.

I painted several 'Wee little' paintings for the show. I will be posting some of them next week. Our art will be staying up at Studio Cascade for a while yet. It is a beautiful space for art with great lighting.

It always feels right to hang my art, to get it out in the world. When I can hang my paintings like that I can see a flow to them, recurring themes. Like lots of blue, bold colors and motion leading off the canvas. And also a deep stillness and expansiveness.

The big painting I am working on sits behind me, waiting. I am ‘sitting with’ as I find this can’t be rushed. I truly do the majority of my painting inside me before I lay a brush to canvas. Finding the heart, finding the heart.

So I sit here in the middle of the night in the cold of my studio huddled up to a heater writing you. I have a couple ideas I want to write about but right now I think it is time to crawl back in bed and dream the night away.

Take care of yourself in these most interesting times full of possibility and grace.

Oct 1, 2008, And the world spins gently through space

I love seeing the Big Dipper in the evening sky and see how it has 'moved' through the night when I look at it in the morning sky. The world spins gently.

The coyotes were howling up the early night, it sounded like they were right in our field, while an owl hooted deep undertones from a pine at the edge of the wood. I just love this earth, the movements of it, my bodies deep connection to it. It is such a lovers story my body and this earth.

Yesterday I officially became a resident of the state of Washington. Imaginary boundaries, little pieces of paper. I also registered to vote at the same time. This is such an interesting time for us in the US and in the world. All the shadows coming home to roost.

I ride my bike most mornings, yesterday was just exquisite a perfect fall morning. There is something about the pedaling motion that is a meditation for me. Everything is a meditation now, where is my breath.I raced a train to the trestle the other day and waved at the engineer, I wave to the man who tends his trees and flowers by his house while his yorkies yip and they wave back. It is the movement of my body that helps shift the energy, answers to questions I had rise gently into my awareness. And so I spin gently through my inner space and space (for me they are one and the same) all in the moment.

Just a couple more days until the show. There is a certain openness and invitation to it, who will attend? Who new shall I meet? Who right now is turning their head, their eyes up to the stars in wonder and joy...

Sep 29, 2008, Stars

All I need to know I learn as I walk across the yard on my way to the studio gazing up at the stars. They are so bright, so clear even as the eastern sky lightens with dawn. It is cool here in the studio this morning around 50 degrees, I have a little heater at my feet. The stillness of the morning, the solitude sweetly settles through me. Everything I need to know, everything I do know is in this moment. Knowledge, knowing comes from the inner. The outer chatter becomes wisps in the wind, fading away.

I picked the rest of the plums yesterday afternoon. When we arrived here back in August all the trees were turning yellow, the plum tree ended up loosing more than half it’s fruit. This area had one of the harshest summers on record with temperatures over 100 degrees. So we water fruit trees and now this fall are eating sweet plums.

Saturday I went to a local Art Trade show, wasn’t very big. I was hoping to get some deals, perhaps find a good easel at a great price. I did in a way. What I ended up buying were a whole slew of ‘mini’ canvases along with mini easels like the ones on my website under ‘Wee Paintings’. I love those little guys. The vendor had all this great sizes including these tiny little oblong ‘landscape’ canvases. I can just feel the joy bubbling through these canvases.

I am working on a large painting, have done two under paintings or under coats on it. Still seeing yellow. Yellow seems to be a theme lately has we are painting rooms in the house and have chosen yellow for the living/dinning area. It will keep us warm this winter like living in a field of sunflowers.

Our show is this friday in downtown Spokane. We are part of the annual “Spokane Arts Visual Arts Tour” and have teamed up with “Studio Cascade” a local urban design/planning company. They have a great space that is dedicated to hanging art AND the folks are great. Rick and Sandy and everyone else there are so great and so helpful. I really look forward to this friday evening, it’s going to be fun. There are over 30 venues for this artist tour. Another great feature of this event is music, there will be musicians located through out the city playing. I am excited to get to know folks in Spokane and what a great way to meet them and introduce them to my art.

The stars are fading, the sky is getting brighter, a new day is dawning. Know your peace. Be.

Sep 26, 2008, Waning Cresent...

The sun has set here, the sky to the west is a purplish bruise near the horizon. I am listening to music and waiting for paint to dry. It's a bit cool in the studio which slows the paint drying. We still have to insulate the ceiling and hook up the stove. We are waiting for 2 more cords of wood. Some of the birds have left, don't see bluebirds around anymore. Traffic to the bird bath has slowed down. Lots of chickadees and nuthatches.

I spent most of two hours cleaning the furnace, replacing the filters. Things I use to get paid to do in one of my past lives. So now we are ready to go.

I am going for bike rides most mornings which really clears me and moves energy around.

Today I worked on a big painting that has me seeing yellow. That was the color that first came to me, yellow. I put on one undercoat, now a second and that is the one I am waiting to dry.

Designed some postcards and posters for next weekends Spokane Arts Visual Art Tour 2008. Nice location, nice lighting, nice space, nice folks who invited us to hang our art there.

Last weekend I crewed for a hot air balloon flight over Spokane. May do that again this weekend weather providing. It's fun getting them up in the air then chasing them, then packing them up. I really love watching them floating above. There is a certain amount of peace and romance to it.

This is what I am doing right now in this moment, then, this is what I am doing right now in this moment. That is where my awareness is shifting to, the moment. Perhaps it comes about from my life that has been a little weird lately which has brought me truly into this moment.

Breathe.

Sep 19, 2008, Mark Easton Art, Acrylic Paintings,

Mark Easton's bold, intuitive Acrylic Paintings are unique. His paintings tell a deep story of the art of being human. Using bold colors his paintings impact the viewer deeply.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Sep 17, 2008, New Paintings From Mark Easton Art

View the new paintings of Mark Easton, also works in progressPermalink -- click for full blog post

Sep 16, 2008, Shows

Upcoming, present and past shows of the work of Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Sep 16, 2008, Phases of the Moon...

I have added the Moon to this page!

While visiting my sister Robin Easton's site "Naked in Eden" (the title comes from her upcoming book about her experiences in the Australian rain forest) I saw this neat little tag titled "Current Moon". I like it so much I have added it to this page.

The moon plays a big part in my paintings, full moons, quarter moons, wanning moons, howling moons. As you can see above the moon is wanning out of full. It has been amazing to watch it these past few evenings. Last night it came up big and yellow through the pines. There is mystery in the air as the moon comes up, real earth mystery.

Going to hang some art for the upcoming Spokane Arts Visual Arts Tour. I will be hanging art at Studio Cascade on Pacific Street here in Spokane. It's a real nice spot and Rick Hastings and Sandy of Studio Cascade have been real nice. They have a space dedicated for art with great lighting. I will be hanging some new pieces along with 'Call It' among others. This takes place Friday, Oct. 3 from 5-9 pm. I am looking forward to a great event and meeting new folk.

Bought a new canvas yesterday 24"x48", that is an interesting size full of possibilities. Also picked up some brushes, paint and some sponges. I am looking forward to using the sponges for interesting effects like I use paper towel.

I will be posting my latest painting soon. It has a lot of blue and purple in it that in the photos I have taken so far tends to get lost and washed out. But you will get the idea or feel of the painting. Then all you have to do is times that by three to get the richness of color that is in my paintings.

Fall is here, most of the wood is in. We are still waiting for one more cord for the house and two for the studio. Looking at the best possible way to insulate the ceiling. Then let fall come and winter too!

Enjoy your day.

Sep 10, 2008, Albert Einstein...

Albert Einstein once said, "A human being is a part of the whole called the ‘universe’, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of....consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in all its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security."

It is very quiet here, very much fall. All the perennials we planted have 'taken'. And have brought the deer in. We have created a vacuum of sorts by watering our garden, our fruit trees an oasis has emerged in these drylands of Washington. Just as the birds flock to our two bird baths, so do the deer flock to the green... and nibble, stripping leaves from trees, topping off the green plants, delicately nipping off the new buds of the Mums.

So I paint. I paint the world I see which is deep within me, the space between the breaths where universe is.

It is cold out here in the studio, we still have some work to do to get it ready for winter. The ceiling needs to be insulated, the windows and doors need to be sealed up, cracks chaulked. And wood stacked. There is an old barrel stove in the corner that we may trade out for something more efficient.

I love quiet, I love the quiet moments of the day. Waking with out leaving the stillness of being. Opening up to the possibility of the moment. Coming from a non-egoic place is a lot calming and doesn't lead to a 'me' and 'them' which is so exhausting... but very seductive.

Planes are roaring overhead taking off and landing at the nearby airport. The plums are turning 'plummer'. Perhaps they will ripen before the first frost. The bluebirds are gathering up, I have seen groups of 30 or more along the fields.

Early I tidied up my studio, maybe I have one more painting in me before the show. I have gessoed several canvases including two big ones. One is 4 feet by 5 feet. I see fishes darting, diving through stars and dark, deep space. The energy of the universe swirling, coming together in motion and stillness...

Enjoy your day.

Sep 4, 2008, Pygmy Nuthatches smiling at me...

I was bent over under the maple tree hooking up a hose and saw a little pygmy nuthatch on the bird bath two feet from my face. It didn't seem concerned and just looked at me for a moment then delicately hopped into the maple tree.

It is moments like that, between breaths where the space is, where the "IS" is.

Cat and I spent yesterday afternoon and this morning transplanting about 50 perennials, we bought them off a very nice lady named Sharon in Deerpark. She was moving and selling off her perennials straight from her flower bed. It will be nice to have flowers here, like the many, many types of birds that live here. So many colors, so many voices. I have watched the few flowering plants we have right now, mint, mums and a couple I don't know, become covered with all kinds of nectar seeking insects. Moths, butterflies, honey bees, wasps to name a few. I think it is exquisite to have all these beings in my world.

A deer nipped off the buds of the mums the other night so we put a fence around it. Hopefully all these perennials are too sour for the deers taste. The plums are turning purple, the fair starts tomorrow... fall in Spokane.

I have my first show coming up Oct 3rd and 4th. It is part of Spokanes annual Open Studio/Gallery tour. I will be sharing (for the first time) wall space with Cat's art. We will be at Studio Cascade in downtown Spokane. The folks there have been real nice, I look forward to this introduction to the Spokane art scene.

With all that is going on with moving in, dealing with family issues it has been hard for me to find the 'space' to paint. I believe I will have to go back to my schedule possibly starting early in the morning. I really love the direction that my painting headed, my last painting "Untitled" dragonflies really gives a sense of free movement that I really like.

Tomorrow I plan to come out and paint early in the morning... and take care of business. Yes, there is always that, the practical aspects of being an artist.

Thanks to all who visit the site. This how I make my living and I love hearing from you as I sit here looking out my studio window as the sun begins to set lighting up the plum tree.

jOy!

Aug 31, 2008, Turkeys, Quail, Coyotes and friendly dogs...

Cat and I just signed up for Spokane's Open Studio and Gallery Tour which takes place Oct 3 and 4. We may end up placing a few paintings in a business in town since most of the action takes place in the city. We are on the outskirts and few people venture out here. For us the point is to introduce people in the area to our studio and our art. This is a great way to do that. There will be a guide published with our studio listed which lots of folks will see.

I have started riding my bike again, did this one loop of just over 6 miles up dirt roads with lots of loose gravel. Did another loop of about 9 miles, half on pavement, half on dirt. As I am writing this out in the studio coyotes have been howling and owls hooting. On my rides I saw a flock of wild turkeys, a covey of chukar quail and a couple of deer. And no dogs, I could hear them barking behind the yard fences. Seems everyone fences their yards... thank God!

Yesterday I was about a mile from home when I spotted a young golden retriever on the side of the road joyously anticipating my arrival. I thought at first he was going to chase me, but he just wanted to tag along. He wouldn't go home, he wouldn't stay, he didn't care if he was a 'bad dog'. He followed me home and hung around the yard not to inclined to head back to wherever he lived. Then he decided to check out the neighbors three sheep. That's when Cat loaded him into the truck and went in search of his home. She found it, the dog's is back with it's owner. This golden had a docked tail, turns out a badger had bitten it. Obviously this dog is an adventurer, exploring the boundaries of its world.

It's a little cool in the studio, fall is here. We have ordered two cord of wood for the studio, it has a big old barrel stove in the corner. The walls are insulated, all we have to do is insulate the ceiling and we are set to paint.

I am excited about the open studio, we will be sending out invitations to folks we know in the area and those we have met since moving here. I love introducing people to my work, a never ending exploration. Paint on.

jOy!

Aug 29, 2008, Small Paintings By Mark Easton

View the smaller works of acrylic paintings, new and works in progress by Artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Aug 28, 2008, Summer is over

Just like that the hot weather is gone and cool days and cold night are here. I am sure indian summer is on it's way here in the northwest. The high drylands of Washington state.

The big plum tree that was having a near death experience when we got here has recovered and is presenting us with a couple dozen plums. The sheep has been banished back to its yard, with rains the grass has a green tinge to it. The crickets are chirping all day and night. I saw a small hawk swoop into the yard, investigating a nest in the blue spruce that the sparrows were protecting. Not finding anything it hung out in a pine for a bit before heading on.

Just after we bought tubes to float the river it got cold, the day we went to a friends camp on a lake for an overnighter, it rained. Fall is here.

Our first cord of wood is split and in the wood shed. Need to get new fire brick and gaskets for the wood stoves. New pipe for the one in the studio.

And I finished the first painting in months, I will post it later... if I get some good photos of it.

And I wonder, I feel the earth moving in me. Sometimes there is great grief in me, sadness to my bones. And then I realize for me it is always there, alongside love. Maybe grief is holding love in the past, instead of the present.

Soon I will bite into a juicy plum, letting the juices dribble down my chin and hand. Cat is out looking for huckleberries with Dylan, maybe we will have huckleberry pancakes this evening while Obama gives his speech accepting the Democratic nomination for president. Both will be a first for me.

With the cool weather and rain the birds no longer flock to the bird bath. Time to start thinking about feeders. Installing new windows in the house, stacking fire wood, putting away for winter. Putting away.

blessings to you.

Aug 27, 2008, The Art At Home Gallery

View photos of Mark's paintings from buyers. I invite the folks to send in a photo of their painting in it's new home. I also welcome any comments they would like to say about the art.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Aug 23, 2008, Rain and cool weather

Rain and cool weather, a break in one Spokane's longest hot, dry spells on record. Autum is coming.

I have figured out the drip line irrigation systems and now we are able to water everything in a very conscious water awareness way.

We planted some 'Mums' a couple of days ago to add some color to our yard. In this type of climate, which I liken to "Albuquerque with grass" (at least the last couple of months), I feel a shade zone gardening is the way to go. I noticed how areas that had shade also had green, with out watering. It is the way of building a natural oasis in a dryland climate.

Things have finally settled down from the move and other stuff to allow me to get back to painting. To ease into my studio, to feel the space and create.

Several ideas are floating around in my head, in my heart. So I will start in that direction and see where it leads me. Colors of my soul.

As I ease into my studio and painting I also am easing into Spokane's and Washington state's art scene. There seems to be an active artist community here, state level down.

My computer is an intregal part of my art business. I haven't hooked it up to the internet yet. It's not capable of "WI-FI", so I may just end up running a cable out to the studio. Unless I can figure out how to install an airport card.

It's a beautiful cool day here with a slight breeze. We spent the last two days at a friends camp on a lake where it was cold and rainy pretty much the whole time. So we built a fire and cozied up. It was nice to have a break, to be near water. To hear the sound of the waves lapping the shore. To see the lake shrouded in mist early in the morning as a mallard and her brood swam by.

Life simply is.

Aug 19, 2008, Earth, Wind and Fire...

The wind shifted, the leaves turned over and the storm came... rain at last. And I slept right through it.

This morning it looks like it will rain again. Yesterday evening we could smell smoke in the air but have heard nothing of fires. The forecast was violent thunder storms, hail and rain.

It feels so nice to have the rain, to have the moisture, I can feel the grounds relief.

No sheep for almost 48 hours which is so good. He had stripped the young orchard of most of their new leaves.

This morning I take my car to the shop, computer problems. Yesterday we went swimming in the river at a spot where the current was strong enough that you could swim in place like one gaint 'lap' pool.

I am getting responses to my craigslist post on the Art scene in Spokane which I am very happy about. Just got to work it, find out who's out there.

Alright I am off to the see the mechanic. Vrooom, Vroooom.Aug 18, 2008, The Sheep Daze of Summer

Back in Spokane and it is hot here, very, very hot.

Spent a week in Orangeville, Ontario and it rained pretty much every day, all day. It's been a long time since I have been around rainy, cool days. It was a treat, but I have come to like the arid west.

Here in Spokane we are in the middle of a hot, dry summer with temps getting over 100 degrees. We have several fruit trees and a couple of other types of trees that we water every day. There is an extensive drip line irrigation system here that I have started sorting out and getting unclogged. It hasn't been used for awhile.

The little fruit trees had started reviving, sending out new leaves and looking quite healthy... until the neighbors pet sheep decided to eat them. So Cat had a talk with the neighbor, we will see. The properties out here are all fenced, so with a little bit of effort they could keep their sheep home. We put wire fencing around the trees to help protect them. I get a little touchy about fences and neighbors having had horses for twenty years I know first hand the importance of good fences. This neighbor said that he let his sheep roam because he couldn't afford to feed it (he has three), but his daughters loved them so he couldn't 'kill it' (his words). Well, just fix the fence. Sometimes 'Good fences DO make good neighbors'. For me if you can't afford to feed a pet you shouldn't have the pet. How do we live together?

Good news! Several paintings have sold in the last few days. Thanks to all the folks who have purchased art things are starting to happen here at Mark Easton Art! Paintings like "Raven Speaks", "Untitled Zoom", "You are what You eat" to name a few are going home.

I am beginning to check out the art scene here in the Northwest as I settle in to our new home. Thanks to Cat there is now room to move in the house as 'things' slowly find a home.

This morning I will head out to the studio to look at a painting I have started and see what arises.

I need to get some more wee canvases as I have run out and I am drawn to paint that size. It is a nice balance for me between huge canvases and tiny canvases.

Went into the river yesterday. It is so hot that right beside the river is no cooler than not, only by getting in the water is there a difference. The ground just bakes all day long. The birds have found our two bird bathes. I have seen up to six birds in them at one time, and they were different kinds. Lets all go to the pool! Also, the bees and wasps come to the water. An oasis in a sun burnt land.

Art is everywhere.

jOy!

Aug 7, 2008, And a deer walks by...

It is hot here, real hot. The fruit trees are doing well now with regular watering.

Yesterday morning I looked out the window and saw a spike horn buck walking through the yard. He went past our little round table and chairs, sniffed the sprinkler and then headed down over the hill and across the road.

Two deer usually come out in to the field every evening to eat the low green growth that is shaded by the tall grasses. We also have seen them in the morning, perhaps the graze all night. But yesterday was the first time I had seen one that close to the house, he was very timid. He was also quite small. I believe he was a Whitetail deer, but I am not sure what kind of deer is native to this area.

There are lots of bird house on the property. Bluebirds are using one, I believe they are working on their second batch of young this year. Differnt kinds of sparrows are using the others. We have a group of pines near the house that seem to be the local bird hang out. As many different kinds of birds use these trees... at the same time. I saw a couple of nuthatches the other day. The one thing that really attracts them is our bird bath under a maple tree. Water, just give me water.

I am off to Canada for a week and am taking some small canvases and my paints with me. A week of deep awareness and attention. On a pratical level a nice break from all the moving.

Take care of yourself, breathe and be compassion. This are interesting times.

Peace

Aug 3, 2008, Flinging paint... in Spokane

Well, I am back at it. This morning I reverently opened up and unpacked my paint kit. And I started the background on a new painting. Which I am calling my "KUK"" painting. After not painting for over two months due to things happening in my personal life, big things, it is with a knowing that perhaps this first painting is going to be rough on me.

I have been reading Eckhart Tolle's new book "A New Earth". A fascinating, easily accessible book on be a human being. My only goal in life ever since I can recall has to become fully human being, whatever that entails. I also find that books come my way when they are meant to be read, when it is appropriate. Just like everything else. Another book that deals with the same subject from a different perspective voice is Richard Moss' "The Mandala of Being".

I realized that before I stopped painting for the last two months I was beginning to accept the role of 'painter'. I have never been anything, in fact my life has been a life of letting go of anything that defines me. A blind man's way of seeing himself to consciousness.

Next week I head to Canada for a 8 day retreat which I have been attending on and off with the same group of people for almost twenty years. We call it simply "The Gathering", as in a gathering of folk. We simply show up, pay attention, speak our truths and don't attach to the outcome. It is beautiful to watch the week unfold. The person who started this you won't find a website for or a book or a series of seminars. They are simply a very ordinary person who lives a very ordinary life, there is no structure, no procedure. They is just simply human beings showing up. But, I would say that what Eckhart Tolle and Richard Moss speak to and what others are speaking around the world, we in our very ordinary group are speaking to.

It is hot and dry here, but there is a breeze that plays with the grass and the trees. There are so many birds here, in the evening Cat and I sit outside near the garden spot and watch the different birds. Some I recognize from their eastern cousins, some I have never seen. They all come to our bird bath under the maple tree. The fruit trees have recovered fully now from watering. I am not sure if you could live here without irrigation. I am interested in learning about plants, ground covers, shrubs, berries and trees that do well here. That have extensive root systems to protect them from the drought. Maple trees seem to do well here. They were the only trees not drought stricken when we arrived.

Eckhart Tolle's website click on "Click for more info" right below at end of this entry.Click for more info

Aug 3, 2008, Flinging paint... in Spokane CONTINUED

We are slowly unpacking, moving furniture into place. Trying to claim one room at a time from box chaos. I unwrapped the painting we bought at the Vail Farmers/Artist market just before leaving and have placed in a prominent place... it brings a smile to my face.

My paintings are beginning to move out into the world, I have sold several over the last couple of months. Thank you very much to the folks who have bought paintings. They all have gone to the right homes!

It seems "make me an offer" works best for everyone including me. It makes the whole process comfortable and affordable for both of us. The last painting I just sold we came up with a payment plan that works, there are so many ways to purchase my art.

These are collectively intense times, remember to breathe and be compassionate with yourself and others.

Richard Moss' click on "Click for more info" link at the end of this entry right belowClick for more info

Aug 3, 2008, Links

Assorted links for art resources and links to sites run by friends of Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Aug 1, 2008, And the wind blows...

And the wind blows ever so gently through the grass and trees this morning. The sun comes up early here with no mountains in its way. Sometimes there is a sheep outside our window chomping on the greens in the driveway, sometimes there are deer out back in the field who raise their heads to look as we wake.

It is very dry here and all the grass is brown. There are several fruit trees, ornamental bushes and a garden all outfitted with drip lines. Everything was crying for water when we got here. Though some of them are deep rooted and can weather not being watered, most are not. So far everything has bounced back with watering.

I set my easel up the other day out in the studio. The studio has new painted floors and is light and airy, and has a good feel to it. It has been a long time since I have painted, I am both hesitant and a bit scared. I will just sit with that and sit and sit and sit... however long it is and see what arises.

Without internet, TV I haven't been following the news. Instead I have been getting all the news I need from the morning, from the wind, from the sheep and the deer. Feeling into the day, feeling into the world.

We live literally 15 minutes outside the city, it is a rather weird experience for me. Country - City - Country - City.We have to drive everywhere, there is no bus service out here and no little corner store/little community to walk to. For the last 5 years or so I have lived in small communities where I could walk to everything, it's a big change.

Though I haven't gotten a chance to enjoy them yet there are lots of lakes in the area. I look forward to being near water soon, hearing the waves lap the shore.

We still have lots of boxes to unpack as we slowly settle in to our new home.

Paint, paint, paint.

Breathe.

Jul 28, 2008, A toothbrush

A toothbrush, that's all I need... okay, maybe some floss too. Because floss is important. But, I am beginning to feel the less is more.

Do less so you can be more.

We got in yesterday evening with the second and final load from Colorado. Yippee!!!

Slept like the dead, thank god I have no problem falling asleep. I was wobbly by the time we drove up the driveway.

Stayed a very creepy Super 8 but before we got there we enjoyed the most spectacular sunset and thunderstorm driving up Wyoming or was that Montana... I forget, Wyoming I think

It was take your breath away amazing. The next morning I saw two Angus bulls fighting on the wide plains. And a group of prong horn antelope looking down into a gully... going to fast to see what was there. And then Cranes on a river.

It is good to be home, done with the moving. Now we can settle in, slow down, paint a bit.

Still have a truck to unload but we will do it at our pace, which right now is very, very slow!

This thursday I will have internet access from home so will (hopefully) be talking some more.

Lots of folks visiting the site and looking at a lot of paintings. Thanks.

Sold one painting already on the "make me an offer I am moving in" SALE.

Okay, my time is running out here at the Spokane Library.

Be.

Cool.

Jul 25, 2008, Kinkos!

Typing fast and without correction because this is costing me 30 cents a minute! yippee!

Unpacking still going on, slowly setting up studio after painting the floor AND cleaning up the dog poop the last renters left behind.

Still have to go back to Colorado for one morel load. Stuff, stuff, stuff.

It is nice to actually step out in the morning to bird song. Last night I woke up around 4 and in amongst the neighbor hood dogs barking I heard two owls hooting and a couple of coyotes yipping.

Everything is so dry here. The garden and fruit trees are on a drip line system which no one used so everything was going, going gone. I think we got to them just in time. The big plum is after days of watering perking up a bit. You can tell easily which ones are deep rooted. Anyways, there is lots of potential.

We are minutes, literally 15 from the city but you wouldn't know it.

Interesting place for me to be, got to have a chance to feel into it.

By next thursday I will have internet access from home, so until then be sweet, enjoy the day and breathe. At least that is what I am telling myself in this very hectic time in my life!

If you have read this far your reward is another make me an offer "moving in" Sale just for you starting right now.

Compassion.

Jul 16, 2008, Mover And A Shaker!!!

Things are packing up here, boxes all over the place... WHAT A MESS!

Paintings are packed and wrapped and ready to go. Paint kit is all set along with blank canvases. So I am set when we land in Spokane.

A garden space, fruit trees and lakes nearby. Oh boy, oh boy.

So I will be packing up my computer after I post this and will be back online next week... maybe sooner.

Breathe, love, open to yourself and the world.

peace be you.

Jul 12, 2008, The Well of Grief...

The Well of Grief...

I am listening to a beautiful poem by David Whyte called “The Well of Grief” off his “Close to Home” CD. It is a little before 4 am as I sit here with the stars shining above me outside my window in the mountains.

I a woke a bit ago, lying in bed, to the rush and roar of the brook outside, the brook that runs down from the mountain and tumbles into Gore creek across the road and to grief.

If my grief comes from ego, then it becomes distraction from being, distraction from this moment, from being here, from being... if I let it. But to sit with it long enough to truly know it, to breathe with out judgment then it becomes the invitation to be.

I lay there thinking of grief, grief the sweet, sweet invitation to be. To simply be.Grief seems to be an integral part of my experience now, perhaps it is my age. I will turn 49 this fall or perhaps it is simply the welling up of the collective grief. But it is there like a sweet, compassionate invitation to be with what is.

If I have walked with closed eyes, closed soul. If I have walked with out full choice, full awareness then grief has to come calling, has to come calling. Offering the sweetness of what is. All the missed moments, all the unconscious choices... all the stumbling through. Throw in the collective grief, the worshiping of the unnecessary.

As we wake up from a long drunk, a long unconsciousness I think grief is the place we pass through. Where we catch our breath, where we begin to say, “I can be with, I can be with, I can be with”. I accept my invitation of being not on “my” terms, but simply as is.

To be alive, to be engaged, to go (fiercely if necessary) where angels fear to tread. To bring my soul fully here, to be present fully in my being. To not hang on, to cling, to hold out, to horde for ‘self’. To find that I have nothing, that these are not the steps of the wise but the stumbling of a fool. That the ‘world’ is chaos, birth and death. That grief just is, a component of my wholeness. A sweet invitation to breathe, to be.Click for more info

Jul 12, 2008, The Well of Grief... continued

Grief strips me bare, gently and sometimes in great torrents washes awayall that I hold on to so I am bare. This is me, this is life. “I” am nothing. Then I am, then I have a chance to breathe to know God which is you, which is me, simply being.

As I invite myself to be more fully, to be with the wholeness of self, Our Self. Then I find Grief, the well of grief. Something that right now in my life has to be honored, has to be sat with without consuming me, to simply just be with. For now it is simply a part of waking self, of stepping into the fullness of being. Grief is the sweet invitation of compassion, empathy, of being self, of being.

As the horizon begins to lighten, the birds begin to sing a new day. I thank you for being, I thank you, you are in my heart.

Community is our only currency.

I know nothing.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Jul 8, 2008, Rainy mountain day

Yesterday we woke up to rain and mist on the mountain tops. It rained off and on through out the day, it was nice. The rivers are still running high but clear. This valley is still green with cool nights and hot days.

Have started packing in earnest, which means it looks like a small disaster area here. It feels good to finally start the motion to Spokane.

Yesterday was the final day of my "Make Me An Offer" Moving Sale. Now I will pack up my paintings for the move. I have lots of blank canvases waiting for me when we arrive in Spokane, that is a nice feeling. Canvases that range from 3"x 4" to ones that are 10 times that and everything in between.

A warm thanks to the folks who bought a painting during the sale and are now enjoying that painting. Thanks!

My paint kit is all packed up waiting to move. Next I will take apart my easels and get them ready to go. Along with everything else.

Okay, time to start my day.

Enjoy.

Jun 28, 2008, Hiccups!

I have heard of swallowing a teaspoon of sugar, holding your breath, sipping water. Yesterday I heard a new one and it worked immediately. Plug your ears with your thumbs and pinch/plug your nose with your forefingers, then while doing that swallow ten times. I never got past swallowing four times, but it worked! I love learning new things.

I have extended my Moving Sale to July 7, the Penske Truck has been reserved for the 14th! Yes! Cat and I are some excited to be moving. I have started packing and asking the question, "Do we need to take this?" Less is truly becoming more, how do I spend me? The only currency that matters.

Saw a great painting at the Vail Market last Sunday, think we will buy it (if it is still there this Sunday) to hang in our bathroom. It is whimsical and both of us immediately liked it.

Today I will be cleaning out closets and cupboards, packing quilts and coats.

Last year I went back to Maine and had a yard sale selling off so much of my stuff. I still have some things left in my brothers barn that I plan to get... despite the high price of gas. My sister Robs gave me a great idea for moving my canoe and kayak. I am so happy that I am going to be around water again, to go kayaking. I have an Old Town Loon that I bought several years ago directly from the factory in Old Town. It was a factory 2nd, it has a few blemishes on it. I love that boat, use to poke around Sawtelle Deadwater in Northern Maine a lot.

I want to put up bird houses, bat houses and next year set up a couple of bee hives. I kept bees for years back in Maine. And plant flowers, trees, a garden... just plant, plant, plant!

The nice thing about Spokane is that it is perfectly suited for solar power. One of the first things we plan to do is put up solar panels. I would definitely barter Art for solar panels!

Slow, slow is fast. Community is the best currency.

Make me an offer and I will see you in Spokane soon.

jOy!Jun 24, 2008, New Paintings From Mark Easton Art

View the new paintings of Mark Easton, also works in progressPermalink -- click for full blog post

Jun 24, 2008, Winding Vail Down...

Catching up on emails this morning as things wind down here in Vail. Only a couple of weeks left before Cat and I load up the uhaul and head for Spokane. To garden again!! That is a happy thought. To get up in the morning and go outside and feel into the day, listen to the world. That for me is the best way to start my day.

This also means you all have a couple more weeks to take advantage of my "Make Me An Offer" Moving Sale. I have gotten several emails asking what do I mean by an offer, how much would I be willing to take. Well... make me an offer! That's a great place to start. For me it depends on so many things what I am comfortable accepting as an offer, a lot of that has to do with the particular painting. I am open to a better deal for you on some of my older works or big ones that require more lugging power to get them to Spokane. So... I suggest if there is a painting you would love to have now is the time to make me an offer.

I hope today to get my new painting "waiting to vote" posted on the site. I spent a part of yesterday in Beaver Creek (I have been Cat's driver ever since she was in a car wreck a couple of weeks ago and is healing)touring the Art Galleries there. I came across a oil painter I really like, Cheri Christensen. Her website says her work is "Oil paintings in the Russian Impressionism Tradition". All I know is she does amazing things with light. The photos on the website do not come close to the originals. And she does know farm animals and takes them to the level of truly 'fine art'. Vail International Gallery carries several Russian Artist and I can see the similarities in Cheri's work and theirs. I also highly recommend visiting Vail International Gallery, those guys are enthusiastic about art and the artists they represent.

Cat and I spent Sunday morning walking through the Vail Farmer's Market and came across several artists that we liked. We both picked our favorites of each artist and lo and behold they were the same paintings. Perhaps next Sunday we will pick up a couple of those paintings...even though I am trying to cut down on stuff for our move.

Oh, well art is art and never a bad buy.

Enjoy your day!

MarkJun 18, 2008, The Universe has me on a "need to know" basis... continued

I went for a walk yesterday and was taking in the this beautiful mountain valley called Vail... even with the traffic roaring by. Spokane is so much different than here; in the last 6 years I have grown accustom to the Grande Vista, whether it is the mountains of Colorado or the giant open spaces of Wyoming or New Mexico. I am not sure I can live without the 'big view'. But, lately I have come into my body more, integrated the expansive with the grounded, the soul with the body. I asked simply one morning as I woke, "I just what to be comfortable, at ease in my own skin. It seems to have happened.Life for me has been a continuous expansion of awareness, to fully be whatever it means to be fully human being. I like the spin of the earth, I like being here in this world, I like my body and I like the people that I share the moments of the day with... I love it all.

This past few weeks have been very intense with immense crisis in my life and big changes. One of these alone would have been enough for anyone, but all three together. And yet I and my loved ones have just shown up. There is very little drama in my life, someone mentioned that there was now a lot of drama going on in my life. I would disagree. One can have crisis without drama, there will always be crisis or events in the world it is how one meets it that is the difference. Show up, pay attention, speaks one truth and don't attach to the outcome. We do the best we can in any given moment. To let go of attachment, to not speculate, to simply be then the universe is there. For me there is no 'good', there is no 'bad' there just is. The place of the whole while being here in this world with what is. Choice. Love. Compassion. Empathy. Grief. Sorrow. Grace. Humbleness.

And then I find myself taking in the high peaks around me, the different and subtle shades of green, the waterfalls, the roaring traffic, the quivering green of new aspen leaves, golfers, kayakers, magpies and crows. I take it in, can not get enough of this sweet, sweet life, of this world, of humanity. I could burst with it. Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, whatever is happening around me, crisis or not, drudgery or joy. To be here, in this world, is pure grace, amazing grace. It humbles me with it's very beingness. And veil of separation falls softly without a sound.

jOyJun 18, 2008, The Universe has me on a "need to know" basis

So I don't have to figure it out.

Well, a couple of paintings have gone home so far from my "Make Me An Offer" Moving Sale. "Night Dogs" and "Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon". And everyone is happy. I am happy to see the paintings go, it feels right and I have less to pack. The buyers are happy to have paintings they love at a price they are pleased with (and so am I). It works out great for both of us!

I am truly open to offers, don't be shy. I really don't want to lug these paintings to Spokane, especially some of the older ones. Check out "More Paintings"... good deals for you just waiting to happen.Jun 17, 2008, “Make Me An Offer” Moving Sale!

“Make Me An Offer” Moving Sale!

I am moving to Spokane this July and would like to take as little as possible... less is more!

With that in mind I am having a “MOVING SALE”. It is real simple, make me an offer on any of my paintings and if it works for both of us you got yourself a painting. It’s a good deal for both of us! Make Me An Offer so I have less to pack.

This “Make Me An Offer Moving Sale” is good through July 1, 2008 on all my paintings on my site www.markeastonart.com

I am open to payments, barter... whatever... make me an offer.

Fine print: All sales final. 30 day guarantee not included in this offer. Sales tax where applicable.Jun 15, 2008, MAKE ME AN OFFER MOVING SALE

“Make Me An Offer” Moving Sale!

I am moving to Spokane this July and would like to take as little as possible... less is more!

With that in mind I am having a “MOVING SALE”. It is real simple, make me an offer on any of my paintings and if it works for both of us you got yourself a painting. It’s a good deal for both of us! Make Me An Offer so I have less to pack.

This “Make Me An Offer Moving Sale” is good through July 1, 2008 on all my paintings on my site www.markeastonart.com

I am open to payments, barter... whatever... make me an offer.

Fine print: All sales final. 30 day guarantee not included in this offer.Jun 14, 2008, Everyone...

Everyone is still asleep in the house on this Saturday morning, the roar of traffic comes to me from I-70 as I sit here. I have been checking the site, see who's been visiting, what you are looking at. "When Thunder Dreams", "Nite Chases Day" are favorites this month.

Things are winding up to winding down here in Vail as Cat and I put in motion our move to Spokane. We will be living on a few acres outside the city, it has a little fenced in garden which is very sweet. There is also a garage that we will make our studio, room to paint. To not have to worry about getting paint on things will be a joy. Also to explore other media is a thought of pure joy.

I have a roll of canvas that is 6' x 12' that I just want to tack up on the wall and see what comes. I got this idea of imagining it was my cave wall, what would I paint.

Today we head for Estes Park to pick up the few things I have left over there. Very important things like my tool boxes and DeWalt cordless tools! Having worked maintenance for five years before painting full time and having lived off the grid on a large organic homestead/farm for 20 years I really, really appreciate tools. Tools that fit the job, tools that are well crafted and have generations of refinement built in to them. Which is this amazing simplicity and grace. Less is more.

I have finished two paintings which I will post this coming week. And the theme 'less is more' definitely describes the process of one of the paintings. The invitation of the painting is to slow down, to meditate, to breathe deeply.

Do less, be more.

jOy!Jun 13, 2008, Paintings Gallery 1

Gallery #1, continuing Mark Easton's main Gallery of large acrylic paintingsPermalink -- click for full blog post

Jun 4, 2008, Snow?!?

It in the forecast, snow that is. Although the aspen are leafing out and the valley is turning green, the rivers are high... it still might snow today.

I heard a chainsaw across the road and it immediately made me think of fall in Maine. Getting in my winters supply of wood, of wood smoke, of the garden winding down. Covering the tomatoes at night for fear of a killing frost. We use to can over 2000 jars of produce from our garden. We did have electricity so everything was canned or dried or stored under the bed for consumption later. Opening a jar of tomatoes in the middle of winter was like opening a jar of summer.

I look forward to having a garden again, fruit and berries too. To sing with the earth again.

All that from hearing a chainsaw across the road on an overcast day.

I have added some more comments from my Solo show onto the Guest book page. I am grateful for the joy and wonder so many people got out of my paintings.

I am also doing some house cleaning and moving some of the older entries from this page into the archives. I try to keep the pages clean to help make for a better visit for you. It tends to speed up the download. I am not a computer whiz and hope in the future to hire some help to re-vamp this website to make it even more accessible and enjoyable for both of us.

jOy!May 31, 2008, It is a beautiful day here in Colorado

High up in the mountains of Colorado the beauty is stunning. This morning I took down my solo show at the Estes Park Library. I want to thank all the staff there for their gracious help and their enthusiasim for my art. A special thanks to Susan for inviting me and making my experience there a great one.

Lots of comments left in my guest book at the library which I will post on the site over the next few days. Thanks to the folks who took time to visit the show and who took a moment to write down their thoughts, much appreciated.

Sometimes I go for days without picking up a brush. It is like I need space to gather the next painting in me. To let my 'well' refill with a new idea which I don't know what it is until I sit down with an blank canvas.

These seems a great time of transition of 'forgiving', of truly letting go. Of healing, of true healing self and whole. Of being here. And that is what I paint, what is moving in me. It comes out as fish, bears, birds, coyotes, bright and bold colors. But it is the story of me. And sometimes it is just a 'pretty picture'. Does it matter?

Enjoy your day.May 30, 2008, The river runs high

The river is running high from snow melt, it is the highest I have seen it this spring. I just got back from a walk along the river. It is so loud it almost, but not quite drowns out I-70.

The light is beautiful, that spring light on new green. So soft, mother earth. A crow came and landed in a pine tree beside the trail and cawed at me. Perhaps he was the one who comes to our deck every day and eats the old bread we leave on the railing. Maybe he/she was just thanking me or telling me to hurry home and put out more bread.

I framed a lot of my paintings for my Solo show in Estes Park and have started putting up photos of them on their pages. Lots of paintings now come framed and that is included in the price. I found a real nice black metal floater frame that works real well on so many of my paintings. Others have wood or wood composite frames, check out "Gold" or "Night Chases Day" for a look at those types of frames.

I have shut down my Zazzle site and will over time remove the "This painting is available as a poster" from the pages. Just know that none of the paintings are available as posters or as cards anymore. It detracts from my painting, as you know I am my own webmaster/designer and I was doing the Zazzle too. It felt like it was drawing from my painting. At this point I am just not interested in reproduction whether it is poster or fine prints or giclee. Rather I want to paint and offer original paintings for sale. I personally don't buy reproductions and instead purchase originals. So maybe I can't afford a big painting of an artist I like, instead I buy a small one. My only guide is if it speaks to me, if I like it.

This Saturday morning I will be taking down the show at the Estes Park Library. And all is quiet as far as show go for a bit. This late summer and fall I plan to pick it up again. Right now I am going to concentrate on getting into a gallery.

Spring is in the air with all sorts of birds returning to the Vail valley.

May the world be right with you.

jOy!May 23, 2008, It is snowing...

as the night comes gently to the valley. Today three thunder storms rolled through this valley. A tornado went through north east Colorado this afternoon leaving much destruction and one death.

It seems sometimes we are shocked, caught off guard by nature. Perhaps it is because we are so far removed from it that we forget we are in this world. We have managed to come a long ways from the first fire in a cave. I think along the way we lost our way. Some of us are inviting ourselves back in to the world, to be with what is. To find a slower pace inside that reflects outside.

I am looking at a wonderful view across the valley at the mountains. The west for me has been one long awe inspiring view. So different from the rich, wet, dark green of Maine. The oldness, the deep quiet of the deep Maine woods. To drift upon a lake or stream in a canoe in the quiet of lushness. That is completely different from this valley, this valley of brown and sparse green. Of harsh mountains that are so rich in their stillness. When the summer thunder heads roll in in the afternoon, huge clouds that billow up and up to the heavens. That takes my breath away. I love this world. As I walk back to it, like a slow dance I find the rhythm of both of us, human and earth, moon and ocean, stars and spirit. Finding the beat, the true sense of self of human being. Of being here in the world.

The wind is blowing slightly, the light is leaving the mountains. Night is coming quietly into the valley. The world just is, I just am. That is not a bad place to start to create.

Sleep in peace tonight.May 22, 2008, The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Those words or variations of them have been the most popular key words driving traffic to my site, which for many is the light at the end of the tunnel. :-)

(And that shall be the first and last smiley face I use here.)

In honor of that I have made a greeting card showing the light at the end of the tunnel which is now available, check out my Zazzle stuff. It is the photo from my "Why Acrylics" page.

It is always fascinating to me to look at the statistics for my site. The number one painting with the most visits this month is Death Comes. Most visitors are going to my Guest Book and Press. All I know is I am glad you visited.

Tomorrow I will be stopping by the Estes Park Library to take photos of the exhibit. I will also be taking individual photos of all the framed works and post them. Many of my paintings are now available framed, as we say in Maine, "They look some sharp".

The clouds are hanging low today covering the mountains and resting gentley in the trees. Makes me feel like I am on the coast and the fog is in.

Breathe today, in and out. Be present. Be here. Be. May today be a wonderful, drama free day. That is my prayer.May 20, 2008, It's a good day...

My friend Mark Kruger is back after a bit of a rough spot with some of the most insightful writing of our times. I followed Mark’s writing when he did his astrological take on the times, now Mark is simply writing what is moving through him and it’s good. It’s good and fascinating and heartfelt, and it is written in Mark’s unique style that I love so much. You can check Mark’s writing out at www.in2light.com

I just finished up a small painting of a fish, fish seem to be swimming through my head and heart right now. Perhaps it is the motion, the swirling of energy as I come down for a landing in the world. That is what it is all about for me right now, coming in to the world, being in the world. Fully. My painting now reflects that, there is an integration between expansiveness and groundedness. As I lean more and more to motion and color and less form the paintings are actually coming from a more grounded, integrated place of me.

I am off to Estes Park for a few days where I will be cat sitting. I will be taking along my paint kit as I have several small canvases that I can work on. I also will be taking along my big canvas to see if that is ready to be worked on and maybe finished. I have a medium size blank canvas that I will be taking along also.

Next week is the last week of my Solo Show at the Estes Park Library. I plan to stop by and visit that as well as taking photos of the show. I will hopefully get in when the library is closed to the public so I can take my time without disturbing the library visitors. That show has been a wonder for me. To see so many of my paintings in one place shows their continuity, an overall theme even though they are of so many different subjects. I like the flow, I like the colors and I like them being out in the world where folks can see them .

Life is good.May 14, 2008, Press! Press! Press!

My first newspaper interview came out last week in the Estes Park Trail Gazette about my May Solo Show at the Estes Park Library. Juley Harvey of the EP Trail Gazette met me at the library for the interview that lasted over an hour. She asked great questions! I am pleased with how she 'translated' my voice, my words to her audience. I feel it is a great interview. You can read it by clicking on the link at the end of this entry.

In an earlier edition of the EP Trail Gazette Librarian Sybil Barnes in the Library's weekly column wrote about the "Art Upstairs" space and had these words to say about my upcoming show:

"Watch for a vibrant new exhibit by artist Mark Easton debuting in the next few days. Mark paints captivating scenes of nature and imagination using acrylics on gessoed canvas. Mark speaks words no doubt shared by many artists: 'Life is a harmonious awareness of all that I am, we are. My painting is like life, a continuous process of growth and learning.' ”

The other paper the Estes Park News ran an announcement in the back section of the paper also. Both of these articles really jumped up the interest in my show increasing viewer traffic immensely which I am very grateful for. I also have been getting more visits to this site with more viewing of individual paintings this month.

The Estes Park Public Library show runs through the end of May, if you get a chance I invite you to check it out. Please take a moment to sign my Guest Book located at the Librarians desk on the second floor.

I am working on two paintings, 'Waiting To Vote' is taking a lot longer to finish than I expected. Somewhat like the Democratic Primaries. I also ran into difficulties with another painting with the varnish, so am working on that too. I hope to get back the motion that I lost.

It is still snowing here in Colorado, despite the snow I have been doing some biking. I love being active and biking is one of the activities that I enjoy. I have a mountain bike that I bought used from the local bike store. It had been the previous years rental. I use it a lot like a car with packs on the back for groceries, library books... whatever. The other day I rode into Vail, about an eight mile round trip. Following the bike path in the pedaling through the lower village and back up the Frontage road. Road bikers were passing me by like I was standing still.

This weekend I head to Santa Fe to attend my nephew's (aka 'Crazy Desert Man') graduation. I might be able to get in a little bit of gallery visiting too.

I think it is time for another bike ride.

Please take a moment to check out all my 'stuff' on the Zazzle page. Thanks for stopping by.

Enjoy!Permalink -- click for full blog post

May 14, 2008, PRESS!

Recent press on artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

May 7, 2008, I sometimes wonder...

The clouds hang low on the mountains. I expect to see a dragon fly by or at the very least a Knight to come riding through the woods. I spent the morning helping my friend Jack with work around the house then I started painting on “Waiting to Vote”. But now it is too dark with the cloud cover, there is no good light.

Before the fading light I hit panic mode with the painting, there were areas of it that I wanted to change. Both darken and highlight, but it just wasn’t working. And then of course it begins to look completely different then when I started. I mean I was just trying to add to the good bits and enhance the overall theme. Sometimes it just doesn’t work and I watch as I start to loose the whole concept of the painting. So I just hang in there and eventually I come out at a place with the painting. It’s okay right now, I will sit with it for a while as the sky darkens. Slow, slow is fast.

Another painting I was varnishing... there’s the first roll of thunder! I love thunder storms, as a kid we would sit on the camp porch and watch the storms come up the lake. A sheet of rain speeding up the lake! BOOM, BOOM! CRACK!

Anyways when I was varnishing this painting the first time the brush left bold streaks and it dried with these ridges which, for me, totally ....

Now it’s haling! About the size of marbles!

Too make a long story short before I loose the power. I repainted and revarnished. The second time the painting was like a dust magnet. As it was drying I was picking off ‘dust’ with a dry paint brush. Makes me appreciate nose hairs considering what is in the air, we are what we breathe.

The hale is slowing down, it cover the ground. I took some photos but they didn’t look that good. Maybe I can ‘work’ them a bit with my mac.

The view up here is stunning and I can see for miles. Down in the Valley it looks clear. Weather has a strong way of bringing me back in to the world, to presence.

Another crack of thunder...

“I sometimes wonder,

who makes the sound of thunder

That rolls through the hills,

empty spaces it fills

And I sometimes wonder if,

this is all a myth,

in my mind

Filling empty spaces,

in an empty time...”

©m.easton

And now it has stopped and the sun is attempting to come through as the Valley gets lost to the clouds.

Breathe in your day.

jOy!Permalink -- click for full blog post

May 5, 2008, Very clear, very quiet

It is astoundingly quiet here this morning, no wind, not a sound... not even the refrigerator is running, just a clock ticking some where in the house.

The sun is making up it's mind to rise up over Twin Sisters and being very slow about it.

Today I will paint, perhaps working on the big painting that I have been calling "Waiting to Vote". I really like this little painting I finished the other day with minnows darting across the bottom corner.

All in this incredible quiet perched high up on a mountainside, I can touch the tops of trees from the deck. Like the sun is doing now to the trees on Twin Sisters.

I am not waking up very fast this morning. Between high elevation and dryness it takes awhile. Usually I go for a walk early in the morning, but sometimes I just don't want to because it is either UP or DOWN here. No strolling sideways, so instead I sit and watch the sun come up and write you.

I was just thinking that a tall glass of lemonade would be good, I will settle for a cold glass of water and a couple of vitamin C. I bought a watermelon the other day, I love watermelon, and it is a good one. Because it is so dry up here my body loves it.

But it gets me thinking of where did they come from, how much does it 'cost' to get it here? Most of my life I have had a garden, it is only in the last five years since my divorce that I haven't. But I am ready for one now, local, local, local. So local it comes right from your yard. I grew lots of different kinds of melons racing against a short growing season in northern Maine. One year there were 'volunteers' in the compost pile and 6 of those huge, long watermelons (like the ones in the store) grew, they were so good. I usually grew the small sugar babies, something with the shortest growing season. All summer long we watched those melons grow on the compost with wonder. Would they make it before a frost or at least before the days got too cool? They did, it was also the only summer the compost pile didn't get turned.

These are the stories I bring to my paintings along with the new. Even though the sun has risen over Twin Sister forever (well, almost)the question is what will it bring? What will this day bring as I reach out and rise to greet the day?

So I will gently make breakfast, clean up the kitchen, do some laundry, split some firewood for the house and like the sun ease into my day.

Slow, slow is fast.May 3, 2008, Morning has broken...

The light of day is slowly seeping over the Twin Sisters, it gets light so early now.All is quiet, the wind has died down and I believe it is going to be a glorious Colorado day.

I had my first interview as a painter yesterday, the Trail Gazette’s Juley Harvey and I got together at the Library to talk about my paintings. It was a great interview, she asked lots of good questions. The article comes out next Wednesday. I should be able to link to it or post it here on the website. And the Trail Gazette took photos that should be in color in the paper. The other paper was kind enough to print an announcement along with photos of two paintings in B&W, which unfortunately looses a lot of their impact when you don’t see the color. That won’t stop folks with colorful imaginations from coming in to view the paintings!

The Estes Park show has been a real good success with people viewing the art even before these articles, hopefully these two newspaper will entice more people to stop by the library and view my art. I can’t get over how great the Library staff are, they are making my first Solo show the most enjoyable experience for me.

I love the dawn, to be able to go outside and be as close to the Earth as possible. To listen as day breaks, to feel the Earth spinning through space. The wonder of it all. As we go to work, drive our cars, do what we do that is something to remember; I am of this earth, this wonder in space.

I went to Fort Collins to The Poudre River Arts Center for the opening reception of the Dream Show which my painting “Earth Dogs” is part of; its a very nice gallery. Along with the Art Center there are two other Galleries and a cafe. Gallery goers were greeted at the door with a smile and a program of the show, I enjoyed walking through the gallery looking at all the art, mostly paintings , that related to dreams. I also took in a fascinating show of photos in the connected gallery next door, along with touring the Artist studios upstairs. We create!

“Earth Dogs” was located on a panel in the middle of the gallery along with other paintings, sadly though none of these paintings were lit like the ones hanging on the walls and the beauty of so many pieces of art was lost in shadow. (Which makes me oh so grateful to the Estes Park Public Library for it’s dedicated art space with excellent lighting. My paintings really shine there.) Nonetheless there were lots of people viewing the art in the two Galleries, beautiful harp music and lots of food and a great atmosphere... a very nice place.

It’s the weekend, day is breaking, I am breathing, the world is spinning through space.May 2, 2008, Beautiful Snowy May

With wild fires last week in Colorado this weeks snow is a good thing. And that is what it is doing here in the Rockies, snowing. Yesterday about 6 inches fell here, this morning it is windy and snowing. Though I am not that sure if it's 'wind' snow or snow snow.

It is interesting how my body and mind get use to the season changes and then revolt if it switches back. I was already in spring mode riding my bike, going for walks, sitting in the sun. Today is like a cold splash of water in the face! No pleasant stroll before breakfast for me.

I was talking with a friend who has lived in this area for a long time. We were talking about weather patterns and how they have changed. A couple of years ago I attend a 'water school' and the experts there were saying that the west was entering it's natural 100 year dry cycle. That the past twenty years had been wet. Their concern was that all the housing in Colorado had been built during the wet years when water was plentiful would not be sustainable during the natural dry cycle. Throw in global warming and it's anyone's guess. Of course in Denver one of the largest uses of water is for, wait, wait for it... WATERING LAWNS! Watering lawns in what is essentially high desert... go figure.

So hopefully this snow gives a little breathing room, dampens the chance of fires and helps along little green things springing out of the ground.

I have been working on several little paintings that have me coming up with new techniques... usually by accident.I paint intuitively in that I don't draw any sketches before hand, don't draw on the blank canvas. Just sit there staring at it until I 'see' something or something starts moving in me. Sometimes it is just a color or an animal or a motion. And many times it starts with that but goes some place completely different.

And since my one and only rule for painting is "There are no rules". I may start doing tons of sketches and outlines on the canvas. I have to keep reminding myself that there truly are no rules. Go to and beyond my inappropriate boundaries.

I have an interview today with the Trail Gazette about my solo show at the library and will head to Fort Collins this evening for the opening reception of the Dream Show. So as much as I would like to stay inside, have a fire and paint while drinking fresh mountain well water I instead will head out into the windy, snowy day... life truly is good.

Enjoy your day.May 1, 2008, Oh so quiet

It is very, very early morning here and oh so quiet. Snow is suppose to fall today, up to a foot... perhaps this is the quiet before the storm. Last night the wind blew so hard I thought the house was going to fly away.

I went for a long walk in the woods tromping through piles of rotten snow. It was nice to amble down by the little brook and sit in the meadow eating my sandwich while surrounded by mountains.

The solo show at the Estes Park Library is going well, lots of folks signing the guest book, lots of nice comments.

The show at the Poudre River Art Center is underway in Fort Collins with an opening/artist reception this friday. My painting 'Earth Dogs' is in that show. It should be a great show with the theme being dreams. For me ALL my paintings are dreams.

And the 'Absolute Show' finished up at the Oriental Theater in Denver this week.

I will find out this week if any of my paintings got into a show in Evergreen, Colorado.

It is real nice to have my paintings out in the world. To hear peoples response to them, it is a whole other aspect of painting. I love hearing what people think of them, what they see. Some one told me that they saw a bird in the painting 'Untitled Horse' and didn't understand the title until some one pointed out the partial view of the horses head. I think that is great because for me it is so much about color and motion or flow than it is about subject. An invitation.

And every one is loving the little paintings, they seem to draw them into their little world.

I am going back to bed and sleep for a bit more. Have a beautiful day.

jOy!Apr 29, 2008, It's been a long time

It's been a long time since I looked at the stars. As I was walking home after spending an evening with friends I made my way up the hill through the woods and climbed the stairs to the deck. Stars were everywhere, to the south I could see the lights of the valley casting an yellow/orange glow down in the valley sky, kind of like a perpetual sunset. Overhead the stars all looked orange , not their usual blue/white sparkle. I blinked a couple of times to see if it would go away, but it didn't... the stars were orange, even the ones far away from the valley.

I stood on the deck for a long time gazing at the stars. When I lived in northern Maine the stars seemed even closer. One night snowshoeing into the farm the coyotes were howling nearby, the northern lights were 'screaming' across the night sky an amazing red color, the stars were almost touchable and Halbop (sp?) was making it's way across the sky. I laughingly asked myself, "Why do you live here?"

And this is the question I ask and know the answer when I get past the drama that distracts from the orange stars in the sky.

Slow, slow is fast.

There is a deeper pace, a deeper way of being that is an invitation in my life right now. A new way to be present in this world, this life that I am learning. The questions I ask in the stillness are, 'What do I want?', 'How do I want to spend Me?'

It is another overcast morning here in the Rockies. I heard rumors of rain or snow these next few days. Which is fine with me as I slow down and get back to me. It's nice to feel the slowness of being. What does my body want and need, what does my soul's core want and need, how do I want to spend me.

Being in this world, being in this body, being. Learning to be human being, evolving, evolving while being self, here.

grace.Apr 28, 2008, High in the Rockies...

Sitting up at 9300 feet on an overcast day with the wind blowing. I am back at the Greenhouse for a bit, painting and tending my show at the library. Have to go in today to rearrange some of the paintings, the library has new signs for the 'Art Upstairs' which means moving some of the paintings around.

Unpacked my paint kit along with several small canvases that I have done backgrounds on. Feeling a bit restless this morning so painted fish moving fast across a mottled red background... or are the fish the background and the mottled red is the subject? I don't really know. I seem to be headed towards looser form and more just color. I think I have to just follow the color and the brush strokes wherever they go. I may be poor in some ways but I am not canvas poor or paint poor, though I am getting low on some of my blues. So I think I should just go for it.

When I did "Burns My Soul" I was painting in a tighter style, then when I went to 'finish' it with the fish I painted them very loose. I had to tighten them up, give them more shape and form in order for them to work with the tightness of the beast.

I brought the big painting I am working on with me but right now it does not feel right to work on it. Have to wait for the movement. I spend my day working at least from 9-5 with a lunch break every week day. I also work any other time the spirit moves me, which sometimes happens to be in the middle of the night or early, early in the morning. I work on my paintings, website, correspondence, shows... whatever needs to be done to move my art forward. I feel it has paid off in shows for one thing and the quality of my art which has changed as I spoke of above, looser and less.

I had a real blast doing the "Mail Art", I sent the last piece out Friday to someone in Vancouver, Canada. I hope they enjoy it.

Been biking more and more with every passing day and going for walks. I didn't bring my bike with me because where I am it is either UP or Down and no in between. I went for a walk up the road probably climbing several hundred feet in elevation in the process.

While you're here take a look at my Zazzle products lots of nice cards, posters and some funny (at least to me) t-shirts. Your business and support is forever appreciated.

If you do make the library show please take a moment to sign my Show Guest Book located at the upstairs librarian desk.

May your breath be full of grace.Apr 25, 2008, Looking Good...

Yesterday morning I hung my paintings for my solo show at the Estes Park Public Library. I had about 1 1/2 hours to work before the library opened. As I unwrapped the paintings I placed them along the wall and on the counters to get a sense of flow. One wall I redid completely as people were walking around me! When I left 2 1/2 hours later I was pleased. As you head up the stairs to "The Art Upstairs" "Call It" is the first painting you see at the top of the stairs. A great lead into the rest of the show.

My friend Kurtis Kelly who works at the library came in early on his day off to give me a hand. I had fun after I rearranged the one wall by giving him the title tags and seeing if he could match the right title with the right painting. He was not successful.

I think there is a nice flow to the paintings and I am real appreciative of the dedicated lighting for the art.

If you do happen to get to the Estes Park Library through May be sure to sign my Guest Book located at the librarians desk in the 'Art' room. I would really love to hear your thoughts on my art or you can just say, "Hi, I was here".

Next friday is the opening reception for the Poudre River Art Center's Dream Show. "Earth Dogs" is in that show. I plan to attend... weather permitting.

I painted my last piece of 'Mail Art' and sent it off to Vancouver today. That was a fun project for me. I have received two pieces of art so far from other artists, very interesting in their own right. It is amazing to me what people are moved to create, I love it.

Today I gessoed several small to medium sized canvases and did the background/under painting on a couple of them. Right now I am going for a walk to clear my head and soul before I continue on my large painting, which by the way was inspired by one of my small 'Mail Art' pieces.

Even as it snowed last night an inch or more it is also melting. But the air still has a bit of briskness to it. I noticed that the bike and walking paths have been completely plowed, in a couple of days they will be suitable for biking. One of my favorite things. If I can go a week without using my car that is a good week.Apr 23, 2008, A Day in the life of an Emerging Artist

So I wake up this morning and eat my breakfast high up in the Rocky Mountains. All is quiet here, no traffic sounds.

I headed into Estes Park, got a hair cut at my favorite barber, 'The 3rd One'. Now I look sharp but not quite like your long haired, barefoot middle age emerging artist anymore. I am still barefoot... at least in the house and when I paint.

After the haircut it was off to 'Big O', the tire shop. I have been having a real problem with my tires and finally today, this very morning, the crew at Big O took care of it. It just took about a year for them to understand my concern. Now I am good to go, three tires , many tire balancing episodes and alignments later I drive away satisfied. Life is good.

Then it was to the grocery store, in and out for $15 and change with 'two bags full'.

Finally I made it to the library as it opened and scoped out the 'Art Upstairs' this morning, got some strange looks. I mean man staring at blank gray walls... I call it performance art. It is a real nice space with lots of potential that is dedicated to hanging art complete with lighting.

Libraries are a very appreciated resource for emerging artists such as myself. I get to show 30 pieces, that's right 30 paintings for over a month in a high traffic area. In a community that not only supports the arts, but will come to the library just to see the art. Life is good, thank you Estes Park Public Library.

Today I am getting ready the title tags, no prices allowed on the title tags. I will have a discreet price list. I bought 4 feet of velcro just to stick them to the carpeted wall. I will also work on my last piece of 'Mail Art'.

If you are in Fort Collins or Estes Park my invitation to you is come see my paintings. My gratitude and deep appreciation to those of you who stop by this website AND go to my shows. Thanks for your interest and support! Yippee!Apr 22, 2008, Read a good book

The car is loaded with paintings and soon I will head to Estes Park for my one man show. For the rest of this month and all of May I will be hanging a large selection of my paintings at the Estes Park Library.

When I moved out to EP five years ago the library was one of the first places I went. I think the state of a community's library is a good reflection of the state of the community. Estes Park's Library is very nice with great staff that I have gotten to know over the years. They have always had a strong Art presence in the library, not only monthly solo shows of great artists but also a very nice permanent collection of their own.

So it is nice to be having my first solo show there in such a supportive environment, thanks to the library folks and the community.

I have a greater appreciation for show curators from getting ready for this show. It's a big undertaking, but so worth it.

I have some new works in this show that I haven't posted on this site yet... another good reason to take in the show.

This is a great time to visit EP with the Aspen leafs coming out and baby Elk running about. It's also a nice town to spend the day in with lots of shops and a beautiful river walk that runs through town.

I still have one painting to finish and send out for the ArtClash Collective's Mail Art. I have received two pieces so far myself, interesting pieces at that. It has been a fun project which I am enjoying very much.

Be sure to check out my 'new' painting 'Freudian Slip Streams', just click on the 'Paintings' navigation bar to the left to get started.

Also, please check out the 'Shows' page, besides the EP show I also have a painting in the Poudre River Arts Center 'Dream Show' in Fort Collins. And the 'Absolute Show' is still running at the Oriental Theater in Denver through this month.

I am in the middle of a big painting that came out of a little piece I did for the 'Mail Art' project. I really like it and will probably take it with me to work on at the Greenhouse.

Okay, I have more stuff to load in the car and get ready.

Have a beautiful day.

Breathe.Apr 14, 2008, Earth Dogs is on it's way!

I just shipped out 'Earth Dogs' to the Poudre River Art Center's 'Dream Show'. That show is in Fort Collins and runs May 1-14. Check my 'Shows' page for more information.

It feels like summer time here with temps in the 60's. I took a walk down by the river to check on the big trout pool. Saw a couple trout swimming around, maybe more were in the shadows. I like to think so. It was amazing how algae had grown on all the rocks over the winter. I am assuming it is because of the ice and snow slowing down the current over the winter that gives the algae a chance to take hold. Anyone know?

Getting a lot of visitors to my Artist Journal through BlogCatalog. That is nice. And also a big thank you to all the folks who visit my sister Rob's website and from there come take a peek at mine. Thanks Robs. You can check her site out by going to my 'Links' page and clicking on her link.

This kind of weather makes me want to ride my bike, which I do. It also makes me want to see what is over the mountain, go on a walk about. So I have been taking strolls down by the river along the old, melting snowshoe trails.

Have decided to just take everything with me to Estes Park and will be picking up a couple of paintings that folks have agreed to lend me for the show. I am looking forward to seeing so many of my paintings in one place.

My good friend Mark Kruger has run into a bit of a rough spot, if you are so inclined you can check out his website... you might know some one who knows some one.

Enjoy your day, your breathClick for more info

Apr 14, 2008, Shows

Upcoming, present and past shows of the work of Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Apr 13, 2008, Shows, Frames and Tags

Lot of shows ongoing and coming up. I am in the "Absolute" show at the Oriental Theater in Denver this month. I just received notice that my painting "Earth Dogs" was juried into the Poudre River Art Center's 'Dream' show which starts the first of May I think. And the REALLY BIG SHOW is in Estes Park starting in a couple of weeks. It will be my first solo show and it will be nice to see a lot of my paintings in one space. My friend Susan invited me to show at the Estes Park Library, my paintings will be there the rest of April and all of May.

I will have all the details soon on my 'Show' page. Right now I am busy making tags for the paintings and writing bios and artist statements. Or I should say, revising them.

Also I have been ordering frames, I found a real nice black metal floater frame that really adds and finishes my paintings. You will notice a price increase on some of my paintings, this reflects that the painting is now framed. You will see the word frame after the medium on the paintings home page. I have framed other paintings too, like 'I Create' and 'Night Chases Day' but the prices haven't changed on these. It's my gift to you.

Also, I have put 'When Thunder Dreams' up for sale. It is one of my favorite paintings, I love the motion and the emotion of that painting. It is one of my earlier works that really shows the future of my painting, I really love it.

I have just finished a large painting that I will post in the coming week. I re-worked 'Burn My Soul' into 'Freudian Slip Streams'... coming soon to a website near you.

I sent off my second piece of 'Mail Art' yesterday. I like what came out and want to explore that theme on a bigger canvas.

So this will be a busy week of getting ready for the EP show, mailing out the Poudre (I just love that word) entry and painting.

Check out my Zazzle site for the 'Bobblehead' t-shirt. That is how I feel most of the time, I mean we can't all have been the Genghis Kahns of the world.

Today is the last day Vail Resorts is open for the season. They are already plowing the deep winters snow off the golf greens and cart paths! We live in a weird world.

jOy!Apr 4, 2008, Art Clash Mail Art Project

This afternoon I mailed out my first piece of "MAIL ART", what's "MAIL ART" you ask?

I came across it on craigslist, The Art Clash Collective is a group of artists out of Philadelphia that organize great projects and shows, MAIL ART being one of them.

How it works is I sent my address to them and they sent me back 4 names and addresses with dates in the month of April. On each of those dates I send a piece of art I have created to the person on my list. In return I will receive 4 pieces of art from folks possibly all over the world. I have a couple of artist in PA, one in NY and one in Vancouver.

You can learn more about The Art Clash Collective by clicking on the link at the bottom of this entry.

I just think it is a WAY COOL project and I look forward to getting my four pieces of art. I painted a small 3x4 inch painting of two chickens for my first piece, I hope the person likes it.

You may have noticed that some of the words are highlighted in the first entry on the page. I have joined up with "JargonFish" which highlights certain words in my 'blog' and if you click on them you will be shown other blogs that contain that word. Likewise other blogs will show my blog. I felt it was an un-intrusive way to bring more visitors to my site.

I will find out in a couple of weeks if I made a show in Fort Collins about dreams. I finalized today a Solo show for the month of May at the Estes Park Public Library. They have a great space upstairs that gets a lot of traffic and shows paintings well. I will have more details on my 'Shows" page in a couple of weeks.

I encourage you to check out my Zazzle products, lots of new items. And please post a comment while you are there, much appreciated.

It's spring, the Red Winged Black Birds are back in Vail along the river even though there is still lots of snow. I can feel spring in the air now, makes me want to go on 'walk about'.

Enjoy your day, your life, your moment.

Earth Hour, my thoughts

Last Saturday, March 29th at 8 PM local time the World Wildlife Foundation's creation "Earth Hour" happened. Many of you probably heard of this and even participated. It was a very simple idea, just turn off your lights, your non-essential electronics for one hour at 8 pm your local time.

We did it here in Vail and spent the next hour enjoying a late dinner by candle light and then playing cards. Myself, Cat and Will, (who happens to be 17 and had heard about the event earlier and was a willing participant), had a great evening. It was fun. I noticed a couple of houses go dark across the street.

The next day there was a headline on the internet from Time that read: "Earth Hour, Did it make a difference?" Well, they never really answered their own question but instead went on to tell about all the places across the globe that shut off their lights... or didn't.

What that brought up for me is how as a society we want the absolute immediate fix or not at all. And from my own experience it is all about incremental progress or as I love to call it "practical evolution".

I lived for twenty years off the grid, the most we had were a propane stove and two propane lights. So I have known many "Earth Hours".

Which brings me to the question "Did it make a difference". Of course it did. First off thanks to the internet the awareness factor is HUGE, whether or not you turned your lights off or not.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, the saving of ourselves and the planet or simply simple decency to and of ourselves and the planet begins with a single step.

Remember when Jimmy Carter 'imposed' the 55 mile a hour speed limit during the 70's oil crisis? As an individual automobile owner you didn't notice a big savings on your gas mileage, if any at all. But the USA together saved millions of barrels of oil.

That is how we show respect for this wondrous planet and our wondrous selves, one step at a time. You won't even notice that your are missing anything or perhaps gaining anything, but collectively it is one big, beautiful 'WOW!'

CONTINUED IN NEXT ENTRY BELOW

Earth Hour - CONTINUED

I would rather play cards or read a book or sit and talk or just sit with, then watch TV. With the lights off and the candles lit comes a slower, more easeful internal pace.

And yes one can spend all their time arguing the point that it didn't make a difference and incremental change won't make a difference. While I love the fact that there are people out there working on amazing products and procedures to save energy, save the planet, I also think incremental change on a global scale is a wondrous thing.

Awareness, self discipline and joy... one step at a time.

Taking personal initiative and responsibility are crucial I feel in all aspects of ones life. I believe this is being reflected at a very basic individual level around the globe. We will "be the change we want".

Practical Evolution.

Incremental Change.

Easeful Unfoldment.

Collective Consciousness from each unique individuals perspective.

To learn more about 'Earth Hour' click on the 'Permalink' right below this entry.

http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/climate_change/what_you_can_do/earth_hour/index.cfm

I am retiring and throwing out my paintings.

It's been too long of a winter and I have decided to retire I am getting out of the internet art business I chucked all my paintings out the window. Later this afternoon I saw several people pawing through yesterdays snow hoping to find at least a piece of canvas they could call their own.

I was going to give them all away free on the internet but that seem like too much work, it was just easier to open the window and chuck them out.

What will I do now? I plan to sell everything else on ebay including my car and travel the world until I die.

Have a happy April 1st!

Mar 25, 2008, Dazzle my Zazzle

Good morning, the sun is slowly rising as I write this into an overcast day.

Lots of new stuff happening, here's a few...

I have created some very nice cards (and posters) from digital B&W photos I took around the Estes Park area. I have always loved B&W photography, for me it invites a deeper story. I also created postage stamps which is kind of cool me thinks.

As much as I love emails and blogs, for me there is nothing like receiving a card from a friend in the mail. There is a lovely pace of unfoldment to it that I throughly enjoy. If you live in a rural area the walk your mailbox is a journey all in itself.

Take a moment to check out all the new 'stuff' on my Zazzle page. Also, be sure to look at the comments posted by visitors, especially under 'Products' and leave a comment of your own.

I listed this blog with Blog Catalog and am already getting referred visitors from that site. Welcome, welcome.

Kimberly Jonas has a brand new website that clearly articulates the work she does. For those of you who aren't familiar with Kimberly she is the energy worker/healer that I worked with this past year. If you are visiting or live near the Boulder area I highly recommend a visit to her. You can check out her new website by clicking on the link at the bottom of this entry.

I went for a bike ride yesterday! The first time I have been on my bike in over a year, it was great. To have my energy returning, to have my rib healing, to be able to use my body. To run, play, dance... I love my body, it is so amazing and I am so grateful for it. I am now aware of a continuing conversation with my body and my souls core. What do they want and need is the question I ask now. The question and attention that shifts my perspective away from my ego perspective. It is an ongoing, continuous process.

It is as simple as asking my body is this the food you want, to paying attention to when I feel true joy in my life and being aware of what is happening in my body and my surroundings at that moment.

It seems to me it is a time of compassion, of love of shifting away from old patterns that no longer serve... in a very grounded, in this world way.

jOy to you.Click for more info

Mar 19, 2008, Gazing at the sun...

Just back from Dr. Wignall's of Eagle-Vail Wholistic Clinc. Since visiting him over a month ago and finding out what my body stressors are and clearing them I feel like a new being, knock on wood! Most of my symptoms are gone. Insulin, iodine, thyroid, infection were just a few of the areas that were off the charts for me. Anyways, I am not very good at explaining this process but it worked for me. So I invite you to go to Dr.Wignall's website to learn more.

My sister Robin told me about this next site www.solarhealing.com. A fascinating idea that I am going to do. You can simply click on the link at the bottom of this entry to check out the site.

I am finding that the human body is an amazing thing which I am very thankful for!

You may have noticed a 'button' at the top of the page call 'Blog Catalog'. My sister Robin suggested I join with this blog, An Artist Journal. It opens up my work to a vaster audience. Basically 'Blog Catalog' is just what it says, an online catalog of blogs. You can check it out by simply clicking on that button.

My rib is healing, it no longer brings me to my knees when I sneeze. Still hurts, I just don't fall down crying.

I took an old painting off the wall which I never felt was done and have been working on it yesterday and today. Lots of fish swimming by. Salmon. How their story touches our soul.

I also have completed three wee little paintings that I will post soon. I will probably set up a separate page just for tiny paintings. Keep an eye out.

I have sent off entries to a juried show here in Colorado and will find out next month whether or not I got in. Will be sending out more entries to other up coming shows. It is great to get my paintings out there. The FCMoCA was a great experience all around, the staff there have such great respect for art and the for the artist, just wonderful.

I also want to invite you to check out my Zazzle stuff, just click on the Zazzle 'Nav bar' to the left. When you get to my Zazzle page be sure to click on 'View All' so you get to see ALL of my items. While you're there please take a moment to rate the products and to leave a comment on the 'board' located at the bottom of the main page.

It's a cold but sunny day here, winter hasn't left yet. With my rib healing and feeling so much better I hope to get in a few runs on the slopes before spring.

Enjoy your day!

MarkClick for more info

Mar 18, 2008, Zazzle, Google, Sun, Thanks

The day can’t make up it’s mind to be sunny or snow here in the mountains. My rib is getting better, I am actually able to sleep lying on my back and right side. Three weeks of sleeping upright on the couch have taken their toil, so it is a blessing to get a full nights rest. I have been taking long walks up the road and into town. In fact I am headed out for a walk right now, it ‘clears’ and ‘moves’ my energy in my body... which is a good thing.

But before I do I would like to thank you for visiting my website and ask for your help.

Besides all my paintings, my Guest Book (please post a comment in the Guest Book while you’re here) and my Artist Journal (which some friends tell me is the best AND ONLY way to keep up with me!) I would love for you to check out my Zazzle posters, note cards, t-shirts, mugs of my artwork at:

www.zazzle.com/mark4art

Simply click on the Navigation Bar to the left labeled "Zazzle Posters".

Here's where I would like your help, while you're there sign in and then comment and rate my stuff. This helps boost my rating on Zazzle so I come up sooner than later in product searches on the site. You don't have to buy anything to make product ratings or leave comments, but you are doing me a great service! Be sure to, when there, to click on ‘View All’ so you get to see all my stuff, not just the featured items.The nice thing about Zazzle is they are an 'on demand' printer and their quality is excellent.

I am also experimenting with Google Ads, I have placed ads on the bottom of all the pages except 'Paintings', 'Small Paintings', 'More paintings' and 'Artist Journal'. I invite you to visit those sites at no obligation to you. My revenue comes from ‘clicks’ on those ads located on my site. Some of the sites advertised are interesting.

By visiting my site on a regular basis you also boost my listing on Google and Yahoo search engines, so if some one keys in say, acrylic paints, hopefully there I will be. Running this site is a pleasure to me and I love your feed back. I post what is appropriate and I do answer all, you inspire me to paint. Who better than you to recommend my art, so please do share my art by inviting a friend to visit the site.

Thanks and I really appreciate your support.Click for more info

Mar 12, 2008, Tomorrow Site Shut Down

Just a heads up for you folks who check my journal daily.(And which I am grateful for.)

Tomorrow my server is shutting down between 6 am and 8 am to do maintenance.Mar 12, 2008, Back from Fort Collins

Drove to Fort Collins on Monday to pick up my painting "Call It" after the closing of the show at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art. The staff there called it one of the strongest shows they have had of emerging artist. I hope some of you got to stop by and see some great art.

While in FC I stopped by Round House Gallery at 116 North College Ave. Cat and I came across this gallery when we went to the opening of the FCMoCA show. It's located on the second floor and well worth a visit. I had a nice conversation with the owners Dave Russell and Jason Montgomery, they are truly passionate about good art and their gallery.

By visiting so many galleries and talking with the owners/staff I am, for myself, demystifying the whole gallery process. I am also clarifying what I want from a gallery as it concerns my work and what I what from a gallery partnership. To learn what certain galleries want from an artist, how they approach the business, their passion, or lack there of, for art and the art they represent. And how they balance that with the business aspect.

My art is a wee bit different then most and is at times hard to categorize. I am leaning towards Contemporary Western (Art) Expressionism. With all the horses, coyotes, ravens and wide open spaces. What do you think? I think it is simply what I do in the moment, so it is definitely Expressionism with an universal twist.

Today I will be sending out show entries and working on my big painting. And going for a walk, walks are good.

Enjoy your day and be sure to click on the link at the end of this entry to visit Round House Gallery's website.Click for more info

Mar 6, 2008, The quiet of the dawn

It is softly snowing here the muted sound of the highway in the distance. I love the quiet moments of the day, the moments when the sun hasn't risen the stars are still visible in the sky. It's an invitation to slow, slow; to feel into being, self. A foundation to my day... a strong foundation to a wondrous day or simply a day that I am aware. A day when small me slips off and I am an emphatic soul meeting other souls in this world. Where the common currency is kindness, awareness.

I haven't touched my big painting for a couple of weeks now, ever since my fall. But I did pick up a nice stool at the thrift shop for $10 which is just right to paint from. I usually either stand or sit and this stool is perfect for that. It has character. What a career change for it, from some ones bar or snack bar to an artist studio. It's cracked in a few places but nothing some glue and loving hands can't fix. There is possibility for us all. The stool probably thought it was on a downward spiral and then at it's darkest moment it's life changed completely. Or maybe it went to the thrift shop with awareness and excitement, wondering with joy what the day would bring. Does it miss it's mate that was more broken than it? Will some one else come along and see the beauty and usefulness in this broken chair. Admire the grain of the wood? How many butts have sat in it? What stories has it heard? Will the stools history and the stories it knows seep out into the hands of those who touch it as they check it out at the thrift shop?

Will the stool I brought home tell me stories? Will they drift into my paintings? Is it my stool or is it it's own self and we've come together to fulfill our own purposes? To hold and to paint? To contemplate together?

There is a sweet sadness or melancholy wisping through me this morning alongside a simple, very simple joy of being, gratitude of being in this world. I believe that it is always there talking to me just like joy, love and grief and anger. It is good to acknowledge them, have a conversation with them. Just not to collapse into them. Being with what is.

What will today bring? Will old patterns burn off? Slip away? How much collective 'history' do I have in my bones, in my soul? How much does genetic evolution impact my choices?

And can I bring these thoughts, these 'places' honestly to my painting?

It's a quiet morning here, softly snowing...Mar 4, 2008, Cards

Well I have added a couple of posters and a lot of cards to my Zazzle product line. Check it out, cards range from $2.50 to $3.00 and posters are $19.95 for the 'basic' size. With the posters you can order smaller or larger sizes, along with matting and frames. It is fun to add those things as it shows you instantly what it looks like and the cost... lots of options.

I really like how the poster and card of 'Earth Dogs' came out with the black background. If there is a painting you would like to see as a poster let me know. Mostly it has to do with colors being true more than anything else.

If you are going to be in Denver on April 12th I highly recommend the Absolute event at The Oriental Theater. Three of my paintings will be there for the whole month of April, so if you are taking in any shows that month you'll see them.

This is the last week for the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art show. If you are in FC check it out, great setting for my painting 'Call It'.

Between laughing and sneezing, sneezing wins hand down. It really, really hurts when I sneeze. I have never cracked or broken a bone in my life (at least not that I was aware of) so this is a new experience for me.

I have another appointment tomorrow with the doctor who has found the cause of my illness. He 'clears' the stressors through a holistic method. Kimberly Jonas was right on when she told me that sugars, fruit sugars were impacting me. We are working with insulin, sugars and iodine. It is a fascinating process, all I can say is that I seem to find the appropriate care giver at the appropriate time. Though I am sick of being sick I feel I am seeing the light at the end of tunnel.

Since I am self employed and don't have health insurance you all benefit. Hence more products available on Zazzle which I get a percentage of the sale, kind of like a royalty. Also if you poke around the site you will find about 10 paintings, more or less, at drastically reduced prices... gotta' pay the Doc.

By the way the cards make great 'prints' in of themselves, a very reasonable way to put my art in your home.

Life goes on cracked rib and all, boy I am so grateful to and for my body.

jOy!Mar 3, 2008, Pick up, drop off

Went to Denver yesterday to drop off three paintings for the upcoming show at The Oriental Theater (click on the link below to learn more) and to pick up "Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon" at Core NewArtSpace.

Cat and I had planned to spend the afternoon at the Natural History Museum or the Art Museum. But, what usually is a drive of one and half hours became a drive of three and a half, one way. After a week of clear warm weather Sunday was a snowy day with about a foot falling making I-70 very interesting.

For those of you just checking in I have a sale going on. No rhyme nor reason to it (you can read the posting below to learn a wisp of a reason), you do have to poke around to find everything that is on sale though. Travel the world, travel my site. Lots of good deals.

May your day be wondrous.Click for more info

Feb 29, 2008, Cleaning out the attic, Leap Year and 2000

What do those things have in common? Not much other than they are the basis of my inspiration today. Today is February 29 an extra day this year, spend it like found money! Even without the extra day this website easily broke 2000 visits for the month which is a milestone. And even though I don't have an attic I am cleaning it out with some great deals on paintings.

So poke around the website and you will find some really good deals on some really good paintings. Don't know how long the deals will last, a minute, a day, a week or forever... depends on my mood in any given moment. Just thought I would have some fun with Leap Year and 2000. And remember that all my original paintings sold through this website come with a 30 day guarantee.

Today seems like a good day for Galleries. I know how to move to protect my rib, it gorgeous outside a perfect Colorado day. So I will head to town and stroll the Galleries. As long as I don't sneeze, sneezing hurts the most, I will be fine.

Have a beautiful 'extra' day today.Feb 27, 2008, Shows, Cards and Paintings...

Both Core and the FCMoCA are still going and for the month of April I will have three paintings at the Oriental Theater in Denver for Solid Art Collective's month long art show "Absolute". On evening of April 12 there will be the opening with wonderful live performances my some amazing performers.

Check out their website: www.solidartcollective.com for more info.

I have added greeting cards to my Zazzle products, they sell for around $3 each and include several paintings. Along with posters, t-shirts, mugs there is something for everyone.

I just finished up my painting 'Untitled Horse', if you haven't already looked at it click on 'Paintings' then click on it (it's at the top of the page) to enlarge it and learn some of my thoughts about this painting.

Today I will be lining up more shows for this spring and working on a rather large painting that is on the easel. My rib still hurts, I am learning to move correctly to protect it. Lack of sleep is the biggest thing, I slept propped up on the couch last night to make it easier to get up in the morning. It was taking me a good 10 minutes to get up and it was a very painful ten minutes.

Check out my stuff on Zazzle, rate the products and leave your comments. While you're here you can say 'Hi' by going to the Guest Book or Contact page, I would love to hear from you.

Have a day.Feb 25, 2008, It's been a long night

I have been up since 3 AM this morning. I took a bad fall on the ice Saturday and tore some muscles up on my upper left side. Cat fell too, so we are in pretty rough shape this weekend. It's funny how I was not aware how much I use those muscles until I try to do the simplest of things. Things like sitting, getting out of bed, going to the bathroom. I find standing is about the only thing that doesn't make me hurt. Of course I can only stand for so long! Lying down is an interesting proposition, but getting up is worse. It only hurts when I laugh, unfortunately that is true.

So it's been an interesting weekend, this morning after taking about 10 minutes to get out of bed my side feels real sore and tight and stiff and hurts if I just move the wrong way. The rest of me is fine, if I sit up straight and don't move I can actually type this.

I love my body, it's an amazing thing that my intent is to be aware and grateful of all the time... I am even more so now.

I will hopefully take some photos of my new painting today so I can post it. I have started work on a 30"x40" canvas. I am also getting paintings ready for another show coming up in Denver and am entering several others. The show at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art is still going on through March 8 and the Core NewArtSpace is also ongoing through March 2 in Denver on Santa Fe Drive. Several nice Galleries in that area.

It snowed about eight inches last night, thought we were going to get more. Today I will take it easy protecting my side. Fortunately I can paint, I just move with more awareness of my body.

May you day be well.Feb 21, 2008, The eyes have it...

Gessoing canvases, all shapes and sizes from tiny 2"x2" to 30"x40". I bought a big and I mean big canvas when I was in Denver, it measures 4 feet by 5 feet. As we Mainers say, "I am some excited". Of course we say it with a straight face and no show of emotion.

I have been working on a painting that is approximately 12 inches by 39 inches that I picked up in a shop in Estes Park. This painting is in a lot of ways a transition piece for me, it has a lot of motion in it and a very intriguing composition. I am still working on the eye which is a very small area, about 1 inch square but is so important to the piece. I work on it a bit than set it down and leave it. I look at it a bit, come back to it and work some more.

I am showing up more for my painting and feel I am doing really good work now. Lots of times I have to set down the painting and just let things sit; I will reach a point where I just don't know anymore because I have looked at the painting for so long.

Usually when that happens I catch the bus and head into town to walk and poke my head into the galleries. The gallery folk are very nice and don't mind an artist walking around or answering my questions. I came across the German painter Julius Seyler, amazing paintings. I am so glad that I can hop on a bus and saturate myself with fine, fine art within 10 minutes. Another artist I came across Sophy Brown at Vail Village Arts, she paints with acrylics on what appears to be masonite. She paints primarily horses/cowboys and she does them very well and she doesn't use a cookie cutter. Though she has a distinctive style that is easily recognizable, each painting has it's own uniqueness. She knows horses.

You can check out these artist at:

www.cogswellgallery.com

www.vickerscollection.com

I have a favor to ask, I would like to beef up my Zazzle, mark4art home page and you can help by taking a moment to go to my Zazzle page and rate the products, leave a comment... (it helps boost me in the ratings and makes it more interesting to folks who just go to Zazzle independent of my website), pretty please! And it doesn't obligate you in any way.

It's a beautiful day here and life is good. It's back to painting the eye...wish me luck.

jOy!Feb 19, 2008, New painting thoughts.

I have added brief thoughts on some of the new paintings posted last week for your reading pleasure.

Have a day.Feb 18, 2008, Red horses and green dreams...

So many paintings start one way and go another... I know I have said that before, but it is so true with me. I hardly ever do a sketch or a study of my next painting. I think of all my previous paintings as studies for the painting I am working on.

And that is holding true today with the painting I am working on. I do see trends in my paintings from certain subjects, to certain colors. I am definitely drawn to Ravens, Horses, the deep starry night, coyotes, bears, foxes and it seems rabbits, and of course one particular cow that didn't jump over the moon.

I really, really wanted to paint a raven on this painting. A red raven at that, but it flew away, it tried landing a few times but wouldn't sit still, wouldn't hold it's head just right. Instead a red horse (at least it is red right now) has taken it's place. I am typing this while I let paint dry.

We got back from Denver late yesterday after a whirlwind tour of Santa Fe Drive Art Galleries. We got to Core around 7:30 and it was a zoo, packed to the rafters with people and art. A fascinating experience. Core had only hung one of my paintings, "Under the cover...". I am glad to say it held it's own even with out a frame in amongst the onslaught of other pieces. Going back the next day was a pleasure viewing all the great art, some really amazing pieces.

I am finding that my work is unique and original which I feel is just an extension of my (one's) unique self.

How do I honor the One and my unique self? The greatest good for both? Perhaps that is why I paint.

Santa Fe Drive in Denver is turning into a real mecca of art. One gallery that stood out was Nine 10 Arts, at 910 Santa Fe Drive which happens to be right next to Core. I suggest checking out their website, they remind me of the Curly School in Ajo, AZ... except they are in the city.

It is one building with several studios, gallerys and live-in studios, along with a coffee shop and courtyard. The exciting aspect about the building is that it is truly, truly GREEN. The energy there is amazing, if I was going to live in the city it would be in a place like that.

Alright, I think the paint has dried. Back to red horses and green dreams.

jOy!Click for more info

Feb 14, 2008, Off to the races...

Well, not really. Actually tomorrow Cat and I are off to Denver to catch the Artist Reception at Core NewArtSpace which is located at 900 Santa Fe Drive. Hopefully we will be cruising the Galleries and other fun stuff Saturday.

You may have noticed a few changes to my site, take the Home Page for instance. I have put three different paintings on that, two which are new. You will find those two new ones along with one more new one on the Small Paintings page. And one of them is truly small measuring 2 x 3 inches!On the Large Painting page you will also find a new painting called 'Singing the Moon', when I get back from Denver I will add my thoughts on those paintings to their respective home pages.

I have another group show lined up and am entering some more in the not to distant future. Then it's time to line up the perfect Gallery for my art. Again, if you know of a Gallery that you feel my art would be a great fit let me know.

This is such an interesting time in our world, I am passionate about being here and doing my art.

jOy!Feb 14, 2008, Mark Easton Art, Acrylic Paintings,

Mark Easton's bold, intuitive Acrylic Paintings are unique. His paintings tell a deep story of the art of being human. Using bold colors his paintings impact the viewer deeply.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Feb 14, 2008, Small Paintings By Mark Easton

View the smaller works of acrylic paintings, new and works in progress by Artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog post

Feb 12, 2008, Excerpts from a letter...

Here are excerpts from a letter I wrote attempting to explain my technique... thought you might enjoy.

My acrylic techniques are self taught exploration, many in fact most of my paintings start out one way and a 'mistake' leads them to something completely different. I generally start out with a color or an idea/emotion and just let it go. 'Call It' start out as the color Red calling me. Lots of times I will paint the background on a canvas from the palette of another painting I am working on. Then I will just sit with that until something moves in me. I fall in love with color and can just look at colors with out form for a long time. I am always amazed when a painting comes together, I always hit a place where I think I have blown it. I would have to say that I have to get out of the way of myself when I paint.

I tend to paint in layers, I like to think that I do it in reverse. Starting with the 'outer' of something and working, layering my way to the 'inner'.

And then there are the paintings that just don't come together so I squirt paint on the canvas and brush it back and forth then take my finger and draw outlines, then 'erase' it and do it all over. Bruised Fruit and Grief Waits are examples of that.

Basically for me there are no rules, no ways that I am 'suppose' to do it, or the 'proper' way. Which for me is how I live my life, I just go by what is appropriate in the moment. And there has to be a willingness to go to my edges, to the places I am uncomfortable with. Take 'Call It', I really, really wanted to put at least a third raven down in the left hand corner to balance it out... but didn't and a great painting was born.

I think the biggest thing for me is to have lots of canvases, I buy canvas panels and tiny 2"x3" stretched canvases to play with, and just go for it.Be willing to do 'throw aways'', make a mess and follow your passion. You can at the very least gesso over any 'mistake'. Though I wouldn’t be too fast at doing that. I have two people that I trust completely that I show my work to before it is really done and 9 times out of 10 they tell me NOT to toss it. Just because 'I' am uncomfortable with it doesn't mean a thing.

It has to be fun for me and by that I mean whether I am comfortable or not it is what i want to do.Feb 11, 2008, I Create Posters

Several new items in my Zazzle store including a new poster. "I Create" is now available as a poster, check it out by clicking on the Zazzle Navigation Bar or clicking on the link at the bottom of this entry.

Also for those people who are just crazy about their art take a look at the 'Art Mob of One' t-shirts.

Okay, I have to go back to doing laundry and house cleaning.

And just so you know as we say back in Maine, Mystie "was some excited" about winning the poster. Congrats again.Feb 11, 2008, And the Winner Is...

And the winner is Mystie, USA.

Congratulations Mystie!

She says her favorite painting is 'Call It', with the wee little framed ones coming in a close second. Which she says look a whole lot better in real life than on this website, I agree.

I want to thank all the folks who entered. And I want to thank all you folks who stop by everyday for a visit.

This friday is the Artist Reception at Core NewArtSpace in Denver. Where some of my works will be showing for two weeks in Core's WOW show.

Also, the show in Fort Collins runs through March 8th. These are two great opportunities if you are in the area to see my paintings in the flesh, in a gallery setting.

Thanks for stopping by.Feb 8, 2008, Snow and more snow

Vail pass is closed this morning, over a foot of snow fell yesterday with high winds. Actually I-70 is closed all the way to Georgetown.

Next friday the 15 is the Artist Reception at Core NewArtSpace in Denver where several of my paintings will be showing during their 'WOW' juried group show. That show runs for two weeks. I will be attending the reception... unless Vail pass is closed.

The show at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art is still going and runs through March 8. Been getting nice comments on my painting 'Call It' from people attending the show. Thanks.

And today is the last day to enter the Poster Giveaway. Be sure to take a minute to email me your entry... even if you don't like the poster!

I finished up a painting yesterday and started the under painting of my next work. It feels good to paint and follow what arises in me, seeing it expressed on the canvas. Some one mention that my painting seems less studied and more free. I like the evolving process of my painting. Not getting stuck in a box, but taking what I learn or do with one painting and carrying that onto the next one.

Do something nice for yourself today and enter the poster giveaway.

Have a great day.Feb 6, 2008, The Art At Home Gallery

View photos of Mark's paintings from buyers. I invite the folks to send in a photo of their painting in it's new home. I also welcome any comments they would like to say about the art.Permalink -- click for full blog post

Feb 6, 2008, GOLD

There's a poster waiting to be won, with hundreds of people visiting the site everyday only a few of you are taking advantage of the chance to win a poster. You have until this Friday, Feb. 8 to enter. Simply go to the Guest Book page and fill in the form at the bottom of the page. In the subject line type "Poster Giveaway", in the "Your Thoughts" section tell me which is your favorite painting and why. And submit. It's that simple.

People from over 50 countries visit this site, I find that fascinating. And I don't mind shipping the poster to one of those countries. So Go For It!

And a big thanks to the folks who took advantage of 40 percent off sale and bought a painting. Thank you! Yesterday was the last day of that sale.

It is snowing here, softly, not very hard. I can see the mountains across the highway. I will slowly settle into working on my current painting. It was what I call a throw away painting, by that I mean I am not trying to do anything. Just trying some things out, different techniques. They are the paintings I paint when I am stuck or to put it better when nothing is flowing. I will often gesso over them and paint something else on them. But, this particular painting is telling an interesting story so I have upgraded it to a keeper and will work on it today. Although there is the good possibility that it will become a throw away in the end! We'll see.

Have a joyous day.

Jan 27, 2008, It’s been a Year! Let’s Celebrate!

It’s been a Year! Let’s Celebrate!

Dance on the tables! Swing the one you love! Fling Paint!

jOy!

Kicking off my celebration are two upcoming Gallery Group Shows in Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado! AND A HUGE 40% OFF Gallery Sale and Poster Give Away Celebration!

January 28, 2008 marks the one year anniversary on the web for www.mark-easton-art.com, starting with several hundred visitors a month the site now welcomes several thousand visitors every month and growing. So I am celebrating! with a POSTER give away and GALLERY SALE!

So you want to win a poster? Read on...

You could win the poster “GOLD”, this is a beautiful reproduction by Zazzle.com of my original painting ‘GOLD’. It’s real simple to enter just go to the Guest Book page and type in ‘Poster Prize’ in the subject line and then tell me which is your favorite painting and why and submit the form. Contest runs from Friday, February 1 through Friday, February 8, 2008. Entries will be posted on the Guest Book page. The winner will be selected at random and it’s open to everyone. I will pay shipping in the USA and if you are outside the USA you can pay shipping if you want it fast or if you willing to wait I will ship it slow boat. The winner will be notified by email when I will also ask for shipping info. Go for the Gold, okay that’s corny. Winner will announced February 10 on my website.

So you’ve always wanted to buy one of my paintings, well how about...

A BIG, HUGE GALLERY SALE! 40% OFF ALL PAINTINGS*!

5 DAY Gallery Sale! 40% OFF all original paintings on my website! That’s the amount of the usual Gallery commission and you get to keep it. Gallery Sale runs 5 days from this Friday, February 1 through Tuesday February 5, 2008!

*Does not include the following paintings: “Call It”. “Night Dogs”, “Bruised Fruit” and “Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon”. First come, first serve. Web sales only. Go to ‘Purchase Painting’ and fill out the form completely and click send. I will send you an Paypal invoice via email shortly after, regular shipping and handling fees do apply and will be included on the invoice.

Thanks so much for stopping by www.mark-easton-art.com. I love hearing from you, all your comments are a joy to read. Thank you for visiting and making it a great year.

jOy!

MarkJan 26, 2008, Fort Collins Museum Of Contemporary Art

Here's the info on my two upcoming shows. The first starts next friday.

Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art

Local Emerging Artists Show

Opening Reception: Gallery 101Friday, February 1, 2008 from 6-9:00pmNo Charge (6-9)

FCMOCA Gallery 101

Artists: Nikki Arnell, Laura Brent, Mark Easton, Kristina Grosser, Karan Karla Aron,Melanie McLain, Jaclyn Petty, Alex Stephens, Jennifer Valloric

Show runs February 1 through March 8

FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART201 South College AvenueFort Collins, Colorado 80524970.482.2787www.fcmoca.org

Directions:From I-25, take the Highway 14/Mulberry Rd. exit. Travel west on Mulberry to S. College Ave. Travel north on S. College Ave. three blocks. We are between Olive and Mountain Streets at the Oak Street Plaza.

My painting "Call It" is in this show, I am excited about people getting to see this dynamic painting in a art museum setting. I would love to have you come by FCMOCA and enjoy it. There is such a vibrancy about this painting that doesn't come through on my website.

You can also see my art at:

Core NewArtSpace900 Santa Fe DriveDenver

during

WOW SHOW"Wide Open Whatever" Group ShowFebruary 14 - March 2

Juried by Core Members

Artist Reception: February 15, 6-9 pm

For more info visit their website: www.corenewartspace.comor call 303.297.8428Jan 25, 2008, Flinging paint

I finished a large painting the other day, or rather I stopped working on it because I didn't know where to go with it. It wasn't turning out the way I had intended. So I have set it to the side to maybe pick up later. I also did a little sketch on a canvas panel using the 'left over' paint on my palette from other paintings. That was fun as long as I didn't take it too seriously.

I am in another show this month. "Call It" was juried into the upcoming emerging artist show at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art. The opening Artist reception is Friday, Feb 1. That's next week, the show runs for about two months. You can learn more by going to www.fcmoca.org or clicking on the link at the bottom of this entry. I had hoped that 'coyote dreams the night' would make the cut, I really like that painting. Oh, well...

Weather permitting I will be at the opening reception. The weather is so different on the front range as opposed to the western slope. There really is no snow to speak of over here on the front range. I have been plowing the road and drive way a couple of time due to wind drifting snow.

Today I will be working on some plumbing and heading to FC to pick up the two paintings that weren't juried in to the show. I am really glad that people will be able to see "Call it" in proper lighting and a really nice gallery setting. I look forward to seeing it and all the other paintings by this areas emerging artists.

Enjoy your day.Click for more info

Jan 23, 2008, Posters

Here you can purchase posters of some of Mark Easton's works of fine art.Permalink -- click for full blog

Jan 23, 2008, Star Horses!

I am happy to say that "Star Horses" is now available as a Poster! Just click on the link at the bottom of this entry or the Zazzle navigation bar to the left.

I am working on a new painting that has gone through several incarnations. After several attempts and ending up with a completely different background AND foreground than when I started, it is looking pretty good. The original idea involved a coyote, now there are many.

It is pretty cold here this morning, but no wind. Making a deep quiet hush in the woods. The woods out here are so different than what I grew up with back in Maine. There is no under brush to speak of and so few types of trees. Up this high it seems the trees are growing right out of rock, like they pull there nourishment from thin air. Sometimes I swear I could put my hand right through them, it is like they shimmer or vibrate. How 'real' is 'real'?

Enjoy your day, enjoy my new poster of Star Horses.

jOy!Click for more info

Jan 21, 2008, Softly the snow falls...

Quietly up here in mountains the snow is falling. I am taking a break from setting up my portable studio to write you.

The quiet is deep and still here amongst the lodge pole pines. And in this stillness I have been thinking about how do I live a fearless life. There is a lot of falling down for me because no matter how far I look ahead there are no foot prints in front of me, no guide posts. It is all new to me.

The intent to be an self actualized human being...mmm.

So I set up my studio, so I paint.

And do some things while I am here for my friends. Things like a little plumbing, cutting out a leaking copper pipe and sweating in the new. Chopping ice outside the door and with this softly falling snow soon to be plowing and shoveling decks.

It is all part of my painting and my painting is part of it.

I read a quote the other day that went: "Some things have to be believed to be seen." by Ralph Hodgson (1871-1962)

Which reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker: "You don't have to believe everything you think"Jan 20, 2008, Shows, Shows, Shows

Well, actually two upcoming shows. I dropped off 3 paintings at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art yesterday. They have several shows through out the year for local emerging artist. It is a juried show and I will know by next monday whether any of my paintings were juried in. The three paintings were, "Call it", "coyote dreams the night" and my latest "Be Still My Heart".

The show runs from Friday Feb 1 into March. The Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art is a wonderful space with interesting works of art. If you are in town I highly recommend it.

After dropping those off I headed for Denver and Core NewArtSpace a co-op gallery at 900 Santa Fe Drive. Core has been around for over 25 years and has an excellent reputation. They also have several open shows through out the year. You pay a $10 entry fee for each painting regardless whether or not you get in the show, it also is juried. Their shows have themes, this show is called the "Wide Open Whatever" show or WOW! I entered "Night Dogs", "Under the cover of snow..." and "Brusied Fruit". When I dropped off the paintings I was told by the curator of the show that my paintings would be in the show. That show runs from February 14 to March 2, with an artist reception on Feb 15, 6-9 pm.

Santa Fe Drive in Denver is one art gallery after another, makes for a fine walk.

I have been unpacking paint supplies, I have canvases all over the place now. When I was out and about yesterday I came across this canvas about 14" x 40" that I bought because it called to me. It will be interesting to see what comes of that.

It feels good and exciting to have my paintings out in the world. Two different shows, two different crowds. Core draws around 500 people for an opening night. I plan to attend both opening receptions, that is if I get in the Fort Collins one. It will be interesting to see what peoples reactions are. And it will be nice for my paintings to sell, that way I can keep on painting.

Going for a walk or snowshoe later today, though there isn't as much snow over here as in Vail. Suppose to snow tomorrow... plow and shovel, Yippie!

Have a glorious day.Jan 18, 2008, New Look!

I have changed the format of all my posters to give them a cleaner look that puts the emphasis on the art. Check them out, it's a subtle but nice change. It makes them much more suitable for framing, an option that Zazzle offers.

I also have added "Nite Chases Day" to the poster selection. Take a minute to check them out, let me know what you think.

I have seen two posters ordered from Zazzle of my artwork and they are beautiful. Absolutely true to the originals, the colors pop.

I am off to the Greenhouse for a couple weeks of painting at high elevations. Spectacular views and a roaring fire await me thanks to my friends Jack and Marlena. The quiet is amazing there in the woods.

I hope you are warm where you are, temps here have been below zero the last few days. And your life is good.

jOy!Jan 16, 2008, Be Still My Heart...

Be still my heart, be still the woods. Another painting done with a coat of varnish sealing the deal. If you click on the link at the bottom of this entry it will take you to my latest painting, “Be Still My Heart”. I will be taking this painting along with “Call it” and “coyote dreams the night” with me when I head for the Greenhouse Friday. They are 3 of the 6 paintings I will be entering in juried shows in Fort Collins at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art and a Gallery in Denver.

I have cleaned my brushes, packed up my paint kit to take with me. I have an order from Dick Blick that should arrive at the Greenhouse about the same time I do. I have ordered several large canvases. That is always exciting, the possibility that fresh, blank canvases represent. If the weather keeps up I will be spending my time plowing snow and shoveling decks with a little painting thrown in.

I got stumped on the new painting I am working on, the idea is clear in my head. Putting the composition on canvas is another matter entirely. So instead of getting more frustrated I stopped. I will take it with me to work on in Estes Park. It is good to do something else when things aren’t flowing. I usually go for walks along the road but because of all the snow I have stopped doing that. There is hardly room for the cars let alone a person walking. Especially since so many of the vehicles are driven by people who don’t have that much experience driving in winter conditions. But that doesn’t seem to stop them from going fast.

Check out the new painting, let me know what you think. Many thanks to the folks who have been buying posters and t-shirts, I greatly appreciate it.

So I will settle into this winter afternoon doing laundry, packing up for my trip to Estes Park, cleaning up... nothing like vacuuming to help center me.

jOy!Permalink -- click for full blog

Jan 13, 2008, Busy Start to the New Year

Lots of visitors this month to the site and everyone is going to the Guest Book. I mean everyone. About 75 percent of you to be exact, is there a secret meaning embedded in that page? It is fascinating to see what gets 'discovered' by visitors to my site every month. Some times it's a particular painting that everyone looks at, this month it is the Guest Book. If you go to the bottom of the Guest Book page you will find the submission form so you can not only read what other folks have written but add your own thoughts. Just fill out the form, key in the code and submit. And before you know it you'll be reading your own words posted in my Guest Book.

All is quiet here, it's early morning still dark out. I am going to go crawl back in bed. Enjoy your day.Jan 11, 2008, Is that a fly in my soup?

Over a foot of snow has fallen overnight and I am inside nice and cozy listening to Pandora Radio as I prepare paintings for two upcoming juried shows.

It is an interesting process, the last show I was in was the one in Lyons, “A Festival of Renaissance”. I was invited to participate and am grateful to Mystie Brackett and Betsy Burton for having me.

This time around it is a reputable Denver Gallery and a Museum. So, with Cat’s help I picked 3 paintings to enter in each show. Beside the filling out of forms and the labeling of paintings there is the personal inspection. Night Dogs is one of the paintings I have decided to enter, looking at it I realized I had picked it up at one point with paint on my hands. I could see two finger print smudges on it, however small they had to go. Then I started noticing all kinds of blemishes on all the paintings!

I remember years ago attending a show in Bethel, Maine of Jamie Wyeth’s paintings, this was about twenty years ago. Among his paintings on exhibit was a painting of a ram on the island across from Monhegan. When I got up close to it I could see hair from brushes, bugs all kinds of things in it. Well, I figure good enough for Jamie Wyeth, good enough for me. I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to my paintings so it is good to remember Jamie Wyeth and let paintings go and not get in the way of your experience of the painting.

I am getting ready to place an order for more canvases, paints and brushes. I feel comfortable now being an artist, painting. It is what I do. I have done many things but I get incredible joy out of painting. Maybe that is because I don’t ‘need’ anything so I can just paint for the sheer joy and exploration. Colors!

I just finished a big painting along the theme of “Under the cover of snow...” I feel into all those times as a child in the winter woods of Maine as the snow was falling, the amazing quiet. I remember coming across this little round clearing in the middle of the pine woods, a flock of evening grosbeaks flew in a circle around the clearing in a silence of whooshing wings. One of those memories that is etched in my mind.

When I finally post this new painting I plan to show you photos of the different stages it went through. It is kind of tough to start a painting, get into the flow and then put it aside for several weeks. But, it was good to get back in no matter what the struggle. I am satisfied with it, it is done. Next I will varnish it and put on hanging hardware because it is one I plan to enter in one of the upcoming shows.Jan 11, 2008, Continued from above...

I am glad to have these upcoming shows, it feels good to get out with my paintings. To see how others experience my art. It feels like time to go to the next level. A couple of days ago I used all this wall space to hang several of my paintings. It is good to see them all together, they make an interesting story.

I will let you know how the shows turn out.

Enjoy your day.Jan 7, 2008, Happy New Year

Well, the holidays are over, there is over two feet of new snow on the ground. And more people are starting out the new year by going to my Guest Book than any other page.

I made a few changes to that page. I put my Zazzle products on that page. If you buy something of mine from Zazzle I would love to know. I mean Zazzle informs me but I would love to hear your experience, how it went and what you thought of the quality of the product. I was really pleased with the poster I ordered from the ordering to the packaging to the actual poster itself, all top notch.

The Guest Book relies on you so take a moment to fill out the form and submit it. I will post it soon there after. It is kind of like walking through a gallery or museum and engaging in conversation with another gallery goer about the painting you both are standing in front of. I love going into galleries and looking at art. The Vail area as a lot of galleries, I was up in Beaver Creek pretending to pretend to be rich as I walked around. There was one gallery (there are a lot in the little village square) that featured wildlife and sporting art. In the window was a small painting of a fly fisherman standing in a stream, I didn't catch the artist name, that caught my eye. And again I realized that for me it isn't so much the subject matter as it is the light and passion that comes through.

Speaking of galleries I had planned to enter a portrait show put on by a gallery in Denver but I did not. The reason was pretty simple, they didn't return any of my emails or phone calls and when we stopped by the gallery they weren't open even though the sign said they were. I didn't want to leave my paintings with a business that was run that way.

Now that the holidays are over, things have slowed down a bit and my cold is mostly gone, I am ready to get back to flinging paint. I have several canvases and lots of ideas... let's see what happens.Jan 4, 2008, Out here on the raggedy edges of the Universe.

(This Piece Continues With The Next Entry Below)

A light snow fell over night about an inch, all is quiet except for an occasional snow plow. This is one of my favorite times when all is quiet before the sun rise. It seems to be the time of deepest stillness in world... at least in my world.

I don’t know about you but this seems to be a time of personal and maybe collective unknowns. A time when there isn’t a whole lot to hang my hat on. All the old parameters no longer exist. They have turned into wisps, fading dreams with waking.

I look for any way to be, which way does the trail go. Which way the journey. I am being asked to be present in a new way, to let go, to surrender all my old ways simply because they no longer serve. But what to keep, what to let go that is what this time is, the choosing. The sifting though everything that was/is me.

I have found myself ‘reacting’ to situations, to each moment. And I realized that ‘reacting’ is simply re-acting, not being. Sometimes the world seems to go too fast to simply breathe, but for me that is what is being asked. To be open to new possibility, do not re-act, do not have a re-action, but to be present. To come from my core not my outer self. It is, for me, a totally different way of being. Things effect me differently. Energy shifts in the people around me impact me differently and invite me to look at what is moving in me, to look at the reflection. The gift another gives me. There are foods I no longer consume, that simply throw me out of whack energetically immediately. I find myself going towards a simpler way of being here in this world. I don’t ‘need’ as much.Jan 4, 2008, Out here on the raggedy edges of the Universe. CONTINUED

Continued from the above entry.

So how do I marry this new way of being that is emerging with the very practical aspects of this world? I believe we are at a point where there are no guidelines, that we are writing the book as we go.

My painting is one way I explore this, sit with what is. It lets the unknown flow through me without explanation, without judgment... deleting the need to understand.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t find myself wandering out on the raggedy edges of the Universe and wondering what is beyond the Universe and beyond beyond.How do I hold all that in me? How do I go through my day with the dizzying array of possibilities in this world? How do I be humbly present? How do I let that possibility that is beyond anything I can conceive into my being here in this world?

These are just a few of the questions I ask as I see my world tumble away underneath me and something new start to form. The speed at which ‘we’ seem to be traveling seems to be increasing to warp speed and beyond. What is of value? What is to be cherished? What is of importance?

I have always felt I know nothing and have been very comfortable in my discomfort of not knowing. Yet, now there seems to be a struggle between my inner and outer selfs as they try to integrate.

So I call myself back to the simple, the holy, the moment... and I am not always successful.

May you and I go simply with awareness into the day with our love.Jan 3, 2008, Good morning and some answers to some questions...

I was asked why some of my paintings are available as posters and some are not. There is a real simple answer for that. It's a matter of whether or not I have a really good photo of that painting that is absolutely true to the original. In order to put photos on my website I have to 'size them down' so they loose some of their original quality. (Not being a computer whiz it's the only way I know how). And lots of times colors like red or blue tend to wash out or blend, I am also not a camera whiz. So the photos are good enough for the website but not good enough for reproduction purposes. Take 'coyote dreams the night', the coyote in that is much more detailed in blue in the original (which I love by the way and think is a stunning painting)than what you see on the web. The colors pop!

To remedy this I plan to go visit my sister Robs in Santa Fe and have her take photos of several of my paintings. She is, among other things, a phenomenal photographer. She has also promised to show me what my little camera can do while I am there.

As paintings become available I will let you know here.

I was also asked if there were any discounts available on posters. Zazzle offers discounts all the time on many of their products, right now it is 20% off t-shirts through January 7th. Keep checking back or sign up for their email bulletins. I think Zazzle gives a quantity discount too. Just be aware that when you buy one of my posters or other items you are buying directly from Zazzle not me. The only thing I sell through my website are my original paintings. And I too offer discounts every so often, from free shipping to percentages off! I also am open to barter, payment plans and just about anything else you can think of.

The other day I came across artist Marie Fouche, she works with oil pastels primarily. I love her painting titled "Dreaming a New Dream". She uses bold colors and heartfelt imagination seeing beyond what is there. You can check her out at: http://www.reenchantedearth.comor by clicking on the link at the bottom of this entry.

I want to thank Geneva for writing and asking her questions. I love hearing from you all. May your day be filled with joy and wonder.

MarkClick for more info

Jan 2, 2008, It's a new year! CONTINUED

Coming this year I hope to make available both of my Maine Humor albums through a service like itunes or napster. In 1995 I created a character called “Hugh Maine, Moose Ranger” and did shows through out New England and down the east coast and Canada. For those of you familiar with New England Humor, that very, very dry sense of humor, you will enjoy these immensely.

I also hope to add video to my website, letting you watch as I paint one of my paintings. Plus any other video I shoot that I think you will enjoy or at least find interesting.

And most importantly more paintings! I really love to paint, to see what unfolds onto the canvas. I appreciate very, very much your support, those of you who buy paintings and those of you who buy posters and those of you who click on the google adds and those of you who tell your friends to stop by the site. All that lets me continue to paint. I believe when we can live, be our passion the world is a more engaged, alive place.Thank you.

Today I will be putting hanging hardware on the paintings I plan to enter in the two shows. And perhaps actually painting, though I may crash any moment now with this cold.

I wish you the best of everything this year, may you be engaged even when it’s scary. May you breathe, may you listen to your heart and be your unique self with joy, wonder and ease.

One last little bit, when I got divorced one of my ‘vows’ was to buy one piece of art a year for me for no reason other than I liked it. And I have, it is a gift I give myself. The gift of art, the gift to ourselves and others. Life is good.Jan 2, 2008, It’s a new year!

It’s a new year!

May you be easing into 2008 with joy and wonder.

And good health. I still have a cold, the last two days walking around nauseous probably with an inner ear infection. But, that seems to have pasted. Today it is just the cold, no feeling like I am spinning or the world is spinning. I apologize if my Artist Journal entries have also been dizzy and spinning around.

The big news is my site is almost, but not quite a year old. On January 27th the site will have been up officially one year! Yippee! With over 6500 visits and over 14000 pages looked at so far. Pretty good for word of mouth and people stumbling across the site. And over 1500 of those visits and more than 3000 of those pages happened last month. Thank you very, very much for stopping by. A lot of you have been telling your friends about the site and I really appreciate that, keep it up. All of this builds momentum for my art. The more people who come to the site the higher up it goes on search engine results, which in turn... well, it’s a beautiful cycle. It also helps when I approach galleries to be able to show them the traffic my website, my art is generating.

Speaking of galleries, if you have a favorite gallery and you would like to see them showing my art, send me their contact information. I am entering a couple of juried shows in the Denver area, one is a portrait show and one is anything goes. I will let you know if I get in them. They happen in the next couple of weeks. I will dropping off two entries, “Bruised Fruit” and “Self Portrait” at one Gallery this Saturday. I haven’t decided yet what I will be entering in the other show.

Because selling art sometimes has long dry spells, I decided to add Google Ads to my website. The principal is real simple, if a visitor to my website clicks on one of the ads and goes to that website it I get credit for it. It does take a lot of clicks to make a penny, but it does add up... hopefully. The same goes with the Google search that is also on some of my web pages.

Another new item on the site is my affiliation with Zazzle.com. Now several of my paintings are available as posters, plus I have some t-shirts, mugs and bumper stickers. You can get the t-shirts in sustainable cotton, which I am very happy about. I did order a poster which is beautiful, the highest quality. The thing I love about this is the ‘on-demand’ aspect of Zazzle, there is no extra inventory, no guessing what you want, no resources used until you buy a product. That to me is just incredibly beautiful and you get to enjoy my art at very affordable prices.

Dec 30, 2007, Here I sit in the cold and quiet of the darkness...

before the dawn.

It is really quiet, not even a lot of traffic on I-70 right now. The still before the dawn. The quiet of my core, if only I listen to the stillness and bring that awareness, that being into my day as it unfolds. That is my prayer.

I have had a really bad cold for the past week, am slowly coming out of it. Cat has it too so that is nice in a way, because at least I know it isn’t a relapse of this ‘thing’ I have had since June. Until this cold I had slowly been getting better, kind of like 3 steps forward one step back. To me it is energetic, a time of totally ‘remaking’ myself. When everything that I ever hung my hat on no longer exists, a time of deciding what to keep and what to let go of. When all the old ‘rules’ no longer are and I don’t know what the new rules are. So I try to just show up, pay attention and be my truth. I seem to becoming together into a new configuration of who I am.

This month of December visits to the website are double the best previous month and growing. Thank you. I look at the statistics every morning, see what pages you’re visiting, what paintings are the most popular. More folks have visited “Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon”, the other painting that has gotten a lot of visits this month is “coyote dreams the night”. Every month it shifts around what paintings get the visits, but ‘coyote dreams the night’ consistently is always in the top five. Thanks again.

With being sick over the holidays I haven’t spent anytime painting or doing much of anything but taking care of my body. As I start to feel better ideas are swirling around in my head for new paintings. That is nice. I love painting. Cat and I were talking yesterday about art, about passion, about life. And the thing that came up was it is not what you do, but how you do it. Am I present, am I passionate, am I alive in who/what I am/do... no matter how humble it may be or mundane? Am I passionate about my life?

Can I say to myself, for myself that no matter what is happening “good” or “bad” I am grateful to be here, to be Human Being. That is my other prayer.

May you go into the New Year with joy.

Dec 23, 2007, WOW!

When I signed up with Zazzle and made some of my paintings available as posters I was concerned with what the quality would be. Well, I can sleep at night now.

"Gold" was the first painting I made available as a poster and as soon as it was up online I ordered a copy. And it came yesterday, it's beautiful. The color and detail are true and of the highest quality. It is, as the saying goes, very suitable for framing. I ordered it last Saturday, it arrived yesterday. Pretty good for printing and shipping one week before Christmas! It was well and safely packaged too.

So I can honestly vouch for the quality of the posters of my paintings from Zazzle. If you were thinking of ordering one I say go for it, they are great.

I will be giving this poster away soon to some one who visits my site. I am thinking of some contest so keep checking back. I will also be signing this poster which, of course, will increase it's value by more than I can even imagine.

It's snowing here, Cat and Dylan are making a traditional Swedish sweet roll and I am talking with you. Life is good.

Gather round your friends, may peace be you.

Dec 21, 2007, Support the Arts... Marry an Artist.

Or not, but check out my new T-shirt on the Zazzle Poster page. And while you're there in amongst the posters you will find a couple of bumper stickers.

Back in the 80's I lugged a lot of 'stuff' for my artist wife, seeing so many "Support the Arts" campaigns I thought the hapless spouse or partner of an artist supports the arts more than anyone else.

Today I put that thought on a t-shirt and a bumper sticker. I look forward to creating other items. It's fun and it provides me another outlet for my creativity. What you might not know is that humor and cartooning (I have drawn cartoons and simple line drawings all my life) have played a large role in my life. In the 90's I was a professional Maine Humorist producing two live recordings of original Maine Humor along with doing shows throughout New England and the East Coast. I then shifted to straight stand up for a year before coming out to Colorado. It will be interesting to see what I can and do create using the Zazzle venue.

Alright I am off to bed under a clear Colorado sky and cold, cold, cold.

jOy!

Dec 20, 2007, Thieves Steal $50 Million Picasso...

But leave Mark Easton's art alone. Oh, well.

Love a Picasso but don't have dough and don't really want to risk stealing one? Buy a painting from me, or a poster. It's cheaper, fewer hassles and who knows in a 100 years it might be worth $50 million too. As an older artist starting out late in life on my painting career odds are a greater return on your investment will come sooner than later, your grandchildren will love you and think you were so smart to buy one of my paintings way back when.

It's snowing hard here in valley, truckers are putting on chains to go up the pass. I have hung some of my art on the walls in my loft studio (doesn't that have a nice ring to it? if only you could see the reality) and I am especially taken with the painting "Jack's Chair" in looks really good. It is hanging right above the computer desk where I write this. I love the stars in the galaxy and the moon and the colors of the bear. This painting and others are just waiting to go home where they belong. Looking at my paintings is like a continuing meditation for me. Boy, I really love that moon in "Jack's Chair".

To steal a Picasso because you want it so bad you must have it, that is fascinating to me.

I think my posters are a steal, well a really good deal at least.

Okay, I am going to set up my easel and work on my big painting. Heaven forbid but I may have started a series!

jOy to your and yours.

Dec 19, 2007, If The Fool...

"If the fool would persist in his folly, he would become wise."W. Blake

If you laid my paintings end to end from when I started painting (again) three years ago you would see the story of my unfolding awareness. Dreams of dreams on canvas.

About the only thing that holds true for my paintings is bold colors and an invitation. An invitation to self, to us human beings.

I paint what moves through me, in me without concern for the last painting or the next. So some of my work looks completely different from one another, but there is an over all 'signature' to my work, like my life. Maybe some one could find a pattern, if there is one it is consistently going to my edges. That is my passion, how do I become fully human being.

I love this world, this dream. I love the art of our creation. We are not very good at being in this world, but we are learning and it is a, for me, a very humbling experience. Takes me right down to my nub... and beyond.

I was just looking at the painting "I Create", at it's web page reading what I had written. If you have a minute take the time to go take a look at that page, the words, the painting.

I also cruise around my website and realize it is a somewhat bumpy ride. Building it is not one of my favorite past times, I just hope it is accessible and very easy to navigate. I apologize for the non-uniformity of some of galleries. It took me awhile to figure out my photo sizing program. I also wish I could show you my paintings in person. For an idea just multiply the impact a painting has on you by 100 and you will know what the actual painting feels like.

My heart to you this Holiday Season.

Dec 17, 2007, Lots happening...

Got back from the Greenhouse yesterday where I woke up a little after midnight and went to work on my painting. Each layer is beautiful in it's own right and if I had unlimited canvas I would just leave some of them with only their under painting. I have a few ideas on how to finish this painting but for now have put it on hold for the holidays. Too much baking and fellowship to paint.

I have made another painting available as a poster through zazzle.com. The painting is "City of Dreams" which is one of the paintings on this site that gets tons of hits. It is an interesting painting that came out of the colors left on my palette when I did "Star Horses". Check those posters out and let me know what you think. I am real excited about having some of my paintings available as posters; affordable art.

A couple people asked when I was going to make "Call It" available as a poster. Good question, the answer is not for a long, long time. Unfortunately my skill level does not match my cameras ability. Red and blue tend to wash out or run together loosing all detail and subtlety. You would have a poster that was a red rectangle with two black blobs on it. Though the original is stunning it just doesn't translate well when reproducing it.

This month is turning out to be a great month for this website, lots of visits. Most people visit this page, the Artist Journal, or the Guest Book page. Art at Home comes in third. You like to know what is happening! Please feel free to add to the comments.

When I am painting I get into a flow. I will stare at the canvas at whatever stage it is at and see what is there. There are a dizzying array of possibilities; life for me is like that also. What do I choose, how do I choose? Like my painting I try to listen, am not always successful. My ego is great at imitating my inner voice. It is an interesting integration, one's vastness, inner self, core being (whatever you want to call it) with the outer, ego. How do I be in this world? That is the question foremost in my awareness. And I am not always that good at it. Trial and error. Knowing what is appropriate, what is true is a huge learning curve for me. I am coming to terms with who I am, the way I uniquely express myself. One of the things I understand about myself is that I will always have wanderlust in me.Even though I haven't traveled that much I always want to know what is over that hill, around that bend. How do other people experience this world.

That dizzying array of possibilities...

Breathe.

Dec 15, 2007, Cold and Still

This morning is breaking very quietly with the temperature around zero. There is no wind, all is still.

It was snowing when I drove over yesterday, the mountains were majestic. Really that is all I can call them, so huge and covered with snow. Driving along Rt.72 as dusk was coming on with the snow gently falling... mmmm.

Fortunately there was no traffic on the snow packed roads so I could really enjoy the drive. It was magical. Didn't see any coyotes, but my friend Jack has seen a couple recently. I am told the coyote is the trickster and the messenger. Does anyone know more? I am curious what other people think who are attuned (or not) to nature when an animal crosses your path, what it says to you, if anything.

Soon I will spread my drop cloth, set up my easel and look at my painting. First a little tea and maybe some fruit. I haven't opened the window quilts yet because of the cold, it is kind of like being in a giant cocoon that I can walk around in. I am very grateful that my friends Jack and Marlena let me paint here, rest my head here.

Stay warm, breathe and have a joyous day.

Dec 14, 2007, Wonderful, just wonderful

Cat and I went to see Cirque de Soleil yesterday afternoon in Broomfield. Thoroughly enjoyed it. What I love about seeing other art whether it be at the Denver Art Museum or Cirque de Soleil or anything, it opens me up to new possibilities. It frees the energy that is stuck in me. A good walk does that too, free the energy that I attach to.

I am still sitting with yesterdays performance. It was beautiful.

Today I am wrapping up art, I found this really neat family owned shipping business in Eagle-Vail. They ship everything. They showed me two bronzes that they were getting ready to ship. Told me about a restored antique pool table that they had just shipped to Singapore. Amazing. I bought some light foam wrap from them to wrap my paintings in protect them at home and when they get shipped.

Today I plan to head to the Greenhouse for a few days to finish up my big painting. The "flow" got interrupted, it will be interesting to see where it goes from here.

For those of you who haven't checked out my poster page click on the nav bar that says 'Zazzle Posters'. At this time I have four of my paintings available as posters.

And remember on my Original Paintings ordered off this website I have a 30 day guarantee. Also, now through December 31 I am offering free shipping to the lower 48 USA on all the paintings on the 'Small Paintings' page. Lots of gift giving options there.

And just so you know I am open to barter, trade, timely payments. Just send me a note.

It has started snowing just now in Vail, I will have to check the weather out before I head out. I-70 can be a real fun ride during snowy weather. Then again it can be a real fun ride during sunny weather.

Lots of visitors to the site, I would love to post your thoughts in my guest book. It is there for you so drop by the guest book page and fill out the form.

As we here in the USA are in the middle of the winter Holiday Season I wish you the best and a joyous time. May you enjoy warm fellowship through the Holidays.

jOy!

Dec 13, 2007, Posters! Posters! Posters!`

I now have four of my paintings available as posters from Zazzle.com. Just click on the link at the bottom of this entry or click on the "Zazzle Posters" Nav Bar to the left.

This is an affordable way to obtain my art. So far I have selected only four paintings for posters. One you have never seen, it is titled "NM Dreams". These posters are available in a variety of sizes. You can also select different papers along with having them framed if you like.

I will be adding more in the future.

This month more people have visited the website in 10 days than most months. Folks from over 30 countries have stopped by. Who are you? Let me know, drop me a note, say hello, wish me a Happy Holiday... or not, but let me hear from you. Just go to the Contact page or the Guest Book page and fill out the form . The Artist Journal and the Guest Book page get by far the most hits. You sure love to know what going on and I love that. And it doesn't matter if your English isn't that good. I have good friends who can translate Spanish, German, French and probably some languages I don't know about. So give it a whirl.

It is about 9 degrees above 0 here in Vail. It has been softly snowing all day only adding up to maybe 6 inches. Maybe it is time to go skiing again.

Here's the deal for me, I have had this website up for almost a year, just a couple of days to go, and the momentum is great. Building and building. I have been searching for ways to build an income that is why I have placed the Google ads and today linked with Zazzle for posters. I love to paint, I feel this is the time for me to paint. That it is important that I continue to paint. The reactions I get from people viewing my art tell me that in the most simplest of ways.

This new year I plan to aggressively pursue a gallery. If you have a favorite gallery and you think my art would be a fit please let them know about me. I would love to talk to them.

Tonight I am off to a Holiday party, what does a starving artist in Vail wear to a party? Me thinks comfortable clothes as always.

Enjoy your day, check out my poster selection and remember to breathe.

jOy!

Dec 11, 2007, Oops!

I forgot to add the link for "Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon" on the Small Paintings page. I have taken care of that so now by clicking on it you will go directly to that paintings page. That is what you and I get for me being my own Webmaster.

You can also click on the link at the end of this journal entry and that will take you to "Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon".

Dec 11, 2007, Landscape #12

Welcome to my site, my art, so glad you stopped by.

New paintings on the Small Paintings page including "Landscape #12". Click on the painting to learn more about my feelings on abstracts. I don't consider them abstracts actually, just a different way of looking at colors telling you what I 'see'.

Also check out the Art At Home page, I added two more paintings. Both my sisters own a painting of mine, paintings that spoke directly to them. My sister Em has always had an affinity to/for bears. She is in the process of moving but as you will see she knows what is important, what to leave and what to take.

It is softly snowing here in Vail. Being hooked up to broad band is a whole new world making working on the computer so much easier and FASTER!

A site I found that I really like and can now utilize fully is www.pandora.com

An online customize 'radio station'. It is nice to listen to music uniquely tailored to my mood without commercials.

I will be adding one more painting to the site today which is a little bit different from what I have been painting, it is titled "Monday, USA".

Enjoy your day wherever you are.

Dec 10, 2007, Google Adsense

After sitting with it for some time, talking with friends and fellow website folk I decided to put Google Adsense ads on some of my pages. Hopefully this will help buy tubes of paint! The ads are geared to the pages... somewhat and I have the ability to filter the type of ads that appear. The majority of the ads appear at the bottom of the page.

I am hooked up to broad band and plan this week to set up a link with an on demand printing site. This will enable you to buy cards, prints, posters etc of some of my designs. I will let you know when it is up and running and I am satisfied with it.

Yesterday I went downhill skiing for the first time in over 20 years! I learned to ski when I was a toddler between my parents legs at local Mt. Abrams in Maine. At the age of 18 I became a ski mechanic at Evergreen Valley, a now defunct ski area in Maine. It was my first 'real job'. I worked for one of the best, absolutely best bosses Barbie Verenus that I ever had. Ten years later I got out of the ski business, but it is kind of like riding a bicycle... you never forget. Let me tell you I am sore today! My thighs, my calves, my arms... well, basically my whole body.

But it was a beautiful day, you could see for miles. Though there were times I wondered if I would make it down the hill. Since becoming ill back in June I haven't done a whole lot of exercising. I use to ride my bike, walk, play tennis, go contra dancing, hike on a real regular basis. Needless to say I was breathing hard, thank God riding up the chair let me catch my breath... barely.

I am off to the local art store in Eagle -Vail called Scully's. It is always fun to explore a new at supply store. I just need three tubes of paint, white, blue and black. So click on those ads! Support the arts, support me!

Life is good.

jOy!

Dec 8, 2007, Coyotes cross my path

I love coyotes. When I lived in northern Maine on the farm coyotes were all around us and they never bothered the farm. I remember snowshoeing in at night with the Northern Lights above and coyotes howling and yipping in the woods beside the field. One late evening in the winter we heard something way off in the woods toward Mt. Katahdin, I don't think that was a coyote. The hair stood up on the back of my neck. It was a most beautiful sound. Having grown up in the woods and having lived off the grid for 20 years I have come to appreciate the grace, the flow to the natural world that is also an invitation.

As I drove over this day through Nederland to I-70 two different times coyotes were crossing the road then bounded off into the snowy woods. I know lots of people including farmers and ranchers have a problem with coyotes I can understand that, I simply enjoy their presence.

This storm has dumped maybe a foot and a half of snow here in Vail, about the same where I was above Estes Park. It is nice to have winter finally land here in Colorado.

I brought my big paintng that I am working on with me and I am thinking coyotes... we'll see.

I will be posting some new paintings that I have completed in a day or so, keep an eye out.

May you have a joyous holiday season where ever you are.

Dec 7, 2007, The snow finally arrived

Woke up early this morning to about a foot of snow and it's still snowing. Cat told me last night they already had 10 inches in Vail and snowing. The forecast says snow through the weekend. So I may be a the greenhouse a wee bit longer then I planned.

Will go outside in a minute and shovel off the decks and walk ways. Was planning to go into Estes Park to meet up with friends before heading to Vail but may not even do that, depends on the roads.

It could be worse stuck in the mountains with all my painting gear as it softly snows outside. I am fascinated by the colors on my large canvas. I have taken photos of each stage and will post them later.

I have a question for you, which painting is your favorite and why. Let me know by going to the contact page and sending me you thoughts. I would really appreciate it.

Okay, out I go to shovel.

Dec 6, 2007, It's funny how...

It's funny how a painting starts out one way and then veers off the path into something completely new. That is what is happening with the big painting I am working on, many layers, many journeys. I am not sure where it will end up. I was seeing crusty old horses with yellow teeth crashing across the canvas. But they ran away and in their place came the quiet of the deep woods at night with the snow softly falling. And that went away and slowly the deep heart of the sea came sweeping in. And now it is something even different than that. I like the colors and will leave it at that for now.

I am cleaning up the Greenhouse and getting ready to head to Vail tomorrow. I was thinking of heading tonight, might still. But it is snowing out and suppose to get heavier, I am not sure what it is doing on the western slope. Driving through Nederland, Central City to I-70 can be interesting on the best of days.

It has been good to loose myself in painting for the past week. A lot of good, perhaps even great art has come out of it. I really, really like "Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon". I keep going back to it, each time different parts draw me to them. Whoever buys that painting will have something beautiful that you can easily get lost in.

I was running low on a couple of colors and went into to town to see if I could find some. There is one store in town that carries art supplies, but as always the selection was skimpy at best. They didn't have what I wanted so I will wait until I get to Vail. It is almost time to place a big order from Dick Blick, need more large canvas and I think this time I will get some tiny canvases. I really enjoyed painted those, but I will get ones with deep stretchers so no frame is necessary.

The snow is softly falling here high up in the mountains. This house is at about 9300 feet, there is a huge difference between here and town, about 2000 feet.

Take care and as always I love hearing from you, drop me a note.

Dec 5, 2007, Under the cover of snow...

I have uploaded a new painting page. Check out my latest painting "Under the cover of snow they stole the Moon". You can go to the Small Paintings page or click on the link at the bottom of this journal entry.

I have taken to putting out stale bread or rolls along the railing of the deck in Vail for the birds. Stellar Jays were the first to show, then the Magpies. One day four crows showed up very quietly. And that was the inspiration for this painting.

It seems I have lost a day somewhere, I thought today was Tuesday, oh well. I am going to work on my big painting today, felt mean, grungy horses in the night galloping and throwing their heads every which way. A part of me that wants to come out on canvas at least.

Yesterday was warm and what little snow there is was melting. This is turning out to be a dry, warm winter here in Colorado.

Have a day.

Dec 4, 2007, Frame 'em, Hang 'em...

Yesterday the wind was gusting all through the day, the power would flicker on and off. I was working on my website uploading the page with the small paintings I just had framed. After loosing power twice in the middle of building the page I gave up. Early this morning I made another attempt and was successful.

The paintings look wonderful in their frames, Mystie Brackett does incredible work. You can look at them by clicking on the link at the bottom of this journal entry.

The prices are great too, so check them out.

While you're here take a look at the new painting on the "Small Painting" page. It's called "You are what You eat", sunflowers and a rabbit what more could you ask for. Just click on the painting to go to it's page and see a larger image and details, plus my thoughts on the painting.

Hopefully the wind will calm down today, it's still blowing around out there. Estes Park gets incredibly windy in the winter months. Not much snow, but lots of wind.

Though now it's warm and the wind has died down... time for a walk before I continue on the big painting I am working on.Dec 1, 2007, The Quiet of December

All is perfectly still here this morning, not a breath of wind. It's a little after five am as I sit at my computer gathering myself softly for the day.

I came to the Greenhouse to paint, feeling something deep within me. Since I have been here I have done two small paintings 6x12. One of them an abstract that I am calling "Landscape #12" and the other painting with all it's bright colors, "You are what you eat".

Along with all my small blank canvases I brought a large canvas. That is what I am called to paint, I just don't know what. I may have to do a few more little ones before the big one starts speaking clearly to me. All my paintings are an exploration that can start with a color or an image (though they rarely end up anywhere near that initial image) or just sitting with the blank canvas and seeing what arises in me. What is moving, what wants to be spoken in paint and canvas. The willingness to be uncomfortable, to not understand or judge. To stretch myself just a wee bit more... or a lot. Sometimes I get lost in colors, like bright shiny objects, I just keep looking at the colors. They are so rich I could eat them and do with my soul. They nourish me, they speak to me in a deep and abiding way... that "I" don't have to understand. It is a deeper language with out words.

You may have noticed that I have a new web page titled "Art at Home". I sent an email out awhile back to folks who have purchased my art asking if they would mind taking a photo of their painting where it hung on their walls along with their thoughts about the painting. Yesterday I received my first one. I thought it would be nice to have a in-house gallery of all my paintings that have found a home. You can check it out by clicking on the Navigation Bar to the left that says: Art at Home or click on the link at the end of this entry.

I love the quiet of the morning, before the sun has risen when all is still. I can gather my thoughts, meditate, ease into my day. Find answers to my questions and ask new ones. But mostly just be with what is with grace.

I had a lot of visits to the site this past month, more than ever before, and I am very grateful for that. December starts the 12th month of my website. It has been an amazing experience. This January 17th will my one year anniversary. Thank you all for stopping by, I appreciate it very much.

May you ease into your day with joy.


Nov 30, 2007, Support the Arts... Marry an Artist...

Or buy a painting instead. It's more cost effective with fewer hassles and more long term enjoyment!!

It looks like we might hit 1000, that's right 1000 visits to this site this month. Now that's a big deal in my world. People from over 30 countries have visited this month. Sure, I know some of those are spammers trying to use the site to bounce off of. But what the heck they get to look at good art while they are working.

I am still at the Greenhouse working on a painting that is half done, the first part is always the easiest! Head down to Lyons today to pick up the four wee little paintings that Mystie has framed. Unfortunately I won't be able to size them for uploading onto the website, I forgot to bring along the program for that. It's on a CD.

The Holidays are upon us, the mad rush for Christmas. Slow, slow is fast. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the season. Though I don't really celebrate Christmas I do love the lights and music and the good will of the season. I remember getting a Christmas tree as a child, all six of us kids and our Dad would head out into the woods looking for the perfect tree.

If you are looking for the perfect gift this Christmas consider one of my paintings. I ship UPS, FedEx and USPS which ever works best for you. And now through December 31, 2007 I am offering free shipping within the lower 48, USA on all the paintings located on the "Small Paintings" page.

Tell your friends about this site, suggest they stop on by and as always I love hearing from you.

Enjoy your day.

Nov 28, 2007, All is quiet...

I am back in the Greenhouse for a bit while I work on a new painting that I started over in Vail. It is incredibly quiet here, about 2 inches of snow fell over night. Just enough to get me outside this morning sweeping decks off and clearing walk ways.

The web site will probably go over 700 visits this month. The website brynmiller has brought in a lot of those visitors. People from over 25 countries have stopped by, maybe they are practicing their english skills. If that is the case they should go to some other website because my english skills are shaky at best!

Mystie tells me she will have the little paintings framed by next week, so keep an eye out for those as I will post them as soon as I get them. I have also finished up a painting that I will post sometime this week, you will recognize the bold colors and the style but the subject matter might throw you... or not.

For those of you in the Holiday gift giving mood consider a painting, it is a gift that keeps on giving. I keep finding stories, questions in my paintings, they keep telling me something new. I love looking at them in meditative silence and with music playing, an invitation to go deeper into myself and feel the expansiveness of who/what we are.

A couple in Washington state are acquiring ‘coyote dreams the night’, it feels right to me. I am working with them to set up a payment plan, I feel nothing should get in the way of you having art and my paintings going to where they belong. I use PayPal which makes it about as easy as can be to purchase a painting from me. If you are interested in a painting let me know. And remember all my paintings on the ‘Small Paintings’ page ship free now through December 31.

Enjoy your day, breathe.

jOy!

Mark

Nov 20, 2007, Free Shipping Thru December 31, 2007...

Free shipping on all small paintings on the “Small Paintings” page purchased between now and December 31, 2007 and shipped to the lower 48 states USA. That includes the three new paintings that are at the frame shop; those paintings will sell for $80 framed.

My sister Em said those paintings are just the right size for an RV or other small living quarters. She is right, they are small enough to fit anywhere, but big enough to fall into.

All my paintings, big and small, are standard sizes which makes for easy framing whether you go to a frame shop or buy ready made. The paintings on 1 1/2” stretchers look fine without a frame and can go straight onto your wall.

If you have any questions about shipping art, purchasing art from Mark Easton Art feel free to ask.

Well, it looks like it is going to be another warm day with no snow in sight here in the valley.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating, have a safe and joyous holiday.

jOy!

Nov 18, 2007, Check out the guest book

My sister Robs writes in my guest book today. You can check out more of her writing and amazing photography at her website www.nakedineden.com, just click on the link at the end of this entry.

I am excited to see the small paintings when they come back from the frame shop. On the web it is hard to tell the size of the paintings. A lot of people who saw "Star Horses" on the web then saw the actual painting were surprised that it was so small. It is fun to capture expansiveness in a small space.

Enjoy your day.

Nov 17, 2007, An amazingly quiet sunrise...

Two in a row, sunrises that is. I am over in Estes Park for a few days, after the noise of I-70 the quiet is sweet.

I stopped by Mystie Brackett's frame shop, she is framing all four of my little paintings. Once they are done I will photograph them and then post them on the site. It's a pleasure working with her, actually it's fun. We chose black floater frames and a mat background, as Mystie says, "it pops the paintings".

I have been catching up with friends while in EP and the wind. I forgot how the wind blows here in the winter months. Despite the wind the weather continues to be mild and a lot of ski areas are delaying their openings.

Okay, I am off for a walk in the woods. Enjoy your day.

Nov 15, 2007, Very small art indeed...

I have uploaded three of the small canvases I painted to my "Small Paintings" page. Take a look; in a couple of days I will put up their individual web pages.

I am off to Estes Park for the weekend, going to see the acupuncturist on the way. Also plan to stop by Visible Joy Framing and get these wee little paintings framed.

Still no snow here in the mountains, I just may bring my bicycle back with me! Take a spin around the valley.

Have a great day and enjoy your weekend wherever you are.

jOy!

Nov 13, 2007, What's in a name?

I just finished up four paintings, four very, very little paintings. I will put them up on the Small Paintings page over the next week.

I enjoy naming the paintings as much as I do painting them, some of the titles are: “Checkers at the Denver Art Museum”, “Talking Quietly Somewhere Among The Stars” and “Across the Street”. Awful big names for such small paintings. Of course these could change by the time they are posted.

“Across the Street” may never appear on my site because it is not a brilliant painting, but means a lot to me personally. Across the street the valley walls go straight up, the mountain side is covered with Aspen and Evergreens that when it does snow are barely discernible. It is incredibly beautiful and soothing. When I was a child during a snowstorm at night folks would turn on the outside light leaving the lights off in the house, we would sit by the window and watch the snow fall. It was and still is a meditation for me. When I had the farm in northern Maine I would go hang a Coleman lantern in the barn then step outside and watch the snow fall through the soft yellow glow coming from the windows.

After I have signed a painting I wait at least 24 hours before putting a coat of varnish on them. Then I photograph them and size them for the site... which I am getting better at as I understand the software I use. So check back, if you are “hooked in” to my website you will automatically be notified when the new paintings are posted.

The wind is blowing here whipping all the trees around, the days are still mild with no snow in sight. Maybe if I bring my bike over from Estes Park that will induce the Snow Gods to bless the ground with a lovely white blank.

I am ready, going to go downhill skiing for the first time in over 20 years. I grew up on skis, and spent 10 years in the ski business running ski shops and as a liftie. I hope it is like riding a bicycle... that you never forget how. It's such a different world, shorter skis and helmets.

Steep and deep!

Enjoy your day, even the mundane.

jOy!

Nov 12, 2007, It was like summer...

in Denver yesterday.

What a difference a couple thousand feet make. Cat and I went to the Denver Art Museum yesterday, spent hours wandering around taking in all that art and playing checkers in the cafe while eating a scone. Can life get much better?

So much intriguing, beautiful, engaging art. Some art of great skill and technique, some art contrived and some art oozing passion, the passion of the artist. For me it is the light and the passion.

One painting that I really liked was Theodore Waddell’s “Motherwell’s Angus”. It has amazing texture and light and movement that really spoke to me. You can see more of his work and learn more about him online at the The Meyer-Munson Gallery (just click on the link at the bottom of this entry). I have visited that gallery when I have toured Canyon Road in Santa Fe, it is a very nice gallery. I will be looking for more of Waddell’s work when I am down there next time. I must say that the website photos don’t do justice to the actual painting. The texture and luminous quality of the painting is lost. I don’t feel so bad about the photos on my site.

Another piece of art that I loved, which I unfortunately don’t remember the name of the piece or the artist, was a 3 inch high white styrofoam bead man.

Art is COOL and it was good to see so many people at the museum being engaged... whether they liked or understood the art they were looking at. For me one doesn’t have to do either to enjoy art.

The biggest thing I got from my afternoon at the museum, besides the fact that I had forgot how to play checkers, was “less is more”, not to be afraid to be uncomfortable with my art and... the urge to fling paint.

jOy!

Nov 6, 2007, A splash and a dab...

It's up and running, my Links page that is. Just click on the "Nav bar" on the left that says "Links". I have several links to art supply companies that I use along with other art sites.

My friend's sites are also included on this page, they might be of interest to you.

Yesterday I picked up a brush and started painting, I am working on the little, tiny canvases my sister Em sent me. I will post photos when I have completed them.

The days here in Vail are beautiful, most of the snow has melted except on the north slopes in the nook and crannies where the sun no longer shines. The river is slowly icing over, the big pools filling with frozen slush. I watch trout hanging out down near the bottom of the big pool by the rock. Their world seems very small...

I am off for a walk having worked on my website all morning it is time for some fresh air.

Have a day! jOy!

ps. You may notice that I have moved another batch of Artist Journal entries to the archive page... just making room.

Oct 30, 2007, Candy for Halloween

Candy to appease the things that go bump in the night. Here in Vail it is closer to winter than fall, all the leaves are off the trees. Yet still we have days of warmth, those perfect fall days. When I lived in Maine I loved the fall for the clear, humid free days, the brilliant blue sky and wood smoke. Also, the black flies and tourist were gone... for the most part.

Out here on the I-70 corridor everyone is gearing up for the ski season. I have seen articles in local ‘color’ magazines about hotel rooms that go for over $4000 a night during the season, of private clubs that cost $50,000 to join and a $3000 annual fee with an eight year waiting list ... just for a good lunch. How do I be in this world, how do I integrate the expansiveness with the grounded? This next few months I will be delving deeply into that, finding the way to express my uniqueness in this world without judgment. To be fully oneself engaged in this world.

Today I finish up closing down my friend Cat’s store at Copper Mtn. Everything is gone, just have to vacuum and lock the door. It has been nice helping with that, a good diversion.

But now I feel like painting.

So tomorrow on All Hallows Eve I will start painting. Or at the very least I

Oct 26, 2007, Yesterday was a beautiful day...

Today is just a gorgeous fall day here. I watched the moon slowly sink into the valley this morning. These are the days I am amazed by and know why I am here in the Rockies. Warm sunny days, brilliant blue sky... life is sweet.

Yesterday as I drove into Copper, gazing at the mountain with snow on it, a red tail hawk soared above. I breathed deeply of it all. For me the earth is such a part of how I am in this world. Autumn days like these are just gentle reminders of the beauty all around me. To breathe, to be, to go slow, slow.

Have a day.

Oct 21, 2007, Tiny, tiny canvas

It is snowing softly here in Vail valley, across the way are subtle shades of gray, green under falling snow climbing up the mountainside. The Cowboy Junkies are playing on the stereo, it is a good day to be inside. All is quiet.

My sister Em sent me four mini, tiny canvases. Two are 3”x4” and two are 4”x5”, and oddly enough I feel like painting grand vistas on them. Is that possible?

I haven’t painted anything since finishing ‘Burn My Soul”, it has been a time of quiet. I believe that, at least for me, painting is a cyclical thing. That I need the ‘down’ times as much as the ‘up’ times. That it makes for a true creative processes as opposed to just pumping out product. I am willing to sit with what is.

I have been checking out galleries online in the Denver area, there are some really nice ones with incredible vision and amazing art. It is a matter of finding the right fit.

Enjoy your day.

Oct 16, 2007, Ravens and Bears

There is snow on the ground here in Vail, does that mean summer is over?

I have been spending the last few days helping a friend close down and clean up her store in Copper. Reminds me of my days in Retail.

I am talking with a Gallery on the west coast about handling my work. I will tell you more as I know more.

Haven't picked up a brush for awhile, but am dreaming of ravens and bears, ravens and bears across the canvas. I have also been noticing the Stellar Jays, what beautiful birds, such color! They visit the tree outside the window.

Tomorrow I head to Boulder for an appoinment with Kimberly Jonas, she is an energy worker/healer. My visits to the accupuncturist have left me feeling smoother, I still get tired but mostly now at the end of the day. And I sleep like a log, hopefully my body is healing.

I watched "Inside the Actors Studio" last night. Anthony Hopkins was on, an amazing man. I was intriqued by his ideas about us humans and this world we find ourselves in, they were aligned with mine. These are interesting times and the shift that is happening seems to be more and more apparent to more and more human beings.

Life is good.

jOy!

Oct 11, 2007, Nothing but blue sky...

It is a beautiful Colorado fall morning today. I am feeling well after my second visit to Johanna Alper who is an accupuncturist in Boulder. My energy doesn't feel ragged today, it's smooth and consistent. That is a great feeling, though I huff and puff lugging boxes out of the car and into the house! Being out of shape is something completely different. :-)

I posted my latest painting on the website on Tuesday, check it out. Just go to "NEW PAINTINGS", it's the first one on the top, and click on the painintg to take you to it's page. I put up a couple photos of details of the painting along with an enlargement of the painting. That painting took a long time to finish, I never felt comfortable with it at any point and was always changing it or doing parts completely over. Maybe some day I will put up a web page detailing the trials and tribulations of that painting. At least now I am becoming very comfortable being uncomfortable.

For the next couple of weeks I am going to help my friend close down her store in Copper. Know anyone who wants a 100 t-shirts that say "Copper" on them? How about a rack of full of earrings? It does make a nice balance from painting though.

Hopefully in the next few weeks I will be adding several pages to my site. Mostly about my past lives. For those of you who don't know I have lived most of my life (until recently) off the grid completely in an organic homestead type lifestyle. I also was a professional storyteller/humorist for 8 years and produced two albums of Maine Humor. I did stand up for a bit just before I came out west. Plus a bunch of other things... all to be revealed soon.

I am also looking into giclee prints and hooking up with a site like CafePress so you can get my paintings in posters, note cards etc. The reason I will be able to do this easily is I have access to broad band, dail up is just a tad bit slow.

As for Seychelles... nobody got back to me on that. I guess it's too much of a bother while they are swinging in their hammock. Oh, well.

Enjoy the moment, enjoy yourself, simply be and breathe.

jOy!

Oct 3, 2007, Who the heck in Seychelles...

Every month some one among 79,330 people on 115 islands in the Indian Ocean that make up Seychelles visits my website. They also visit my friend LaShelle’s website www.facts-about-chocolate.com.

Maybe as they lay in a hammock feeling the gentle ocean breeze caressing their face they cruise the internet dreaming of fine art and fine chocolate.

Seychelles is a beautiful island paradise. Lonely Planet says, “Among the 115 islands of the Seychelles you will find the luxuriant, tropical paradise that appears in countless advertisements and glossy travel brochures. But however seductive the images, they simply can't compete with the real-life dazzling beaches and crystal-clear waters.” My paintings pale in comparison, I don’t know about LaShelle’s chocolate.

Why would some one visit my website from there? I’d really like to know, do they ‘bounce’ spam off of my site? It pretty much impossible to spam through my contact forms, but I am not an computer or internet wizard so I don’t know.

But I am an extremely curious person and would love to know why some one from Seychelles would visit my site, which painting do you like the best? Do you use it for other purposes? Does anyone know? Has anyone been there? Know anyone who lives there?

Never mind the Russian Federation.

See what happens when I am not painting!

jOy!Click for more info

Oct 3, 2007, Middle of the night

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, like now, and instead of thrashing about in bed get up. I left the window shade/quilt up on one of the big windows so if I was stumbling around in the night I would see the stars or moon or maybe just the lights of the valley.

Does the world change as I stare out this window at the moon and the few bright stars? Does it change as a star or perhaps it is just a satellite streaks across the sky?

Does it change if I am aware of my breath, my heart beating in my chest? I am having a hard time picking up a brush these past few days, does the world change because of that?

This past week has been a time of settling into myself, feeling different feelings flow through me, letting things flow out into my awareness from my very core. So much of my life has been entering the unknown and yet each time it truly is unknown. The grand music of my life has stopped playing, there haven’t been many, if any, ah ha moments. I am finding it hard to pick up a brush, to ‘understand’ where I am going, to be comfortable with this unknown, to have any sense of direction.To not hear 'the music".

Could it be that my sense of self has been transitioning from one sense of self to a greater sense of self, from outer to coming from true self, my core? So all is quiet? This being shut down in my 'outer' world not being able to be my usual self. Being 'forced' to look at things from a different place. I have just never been here before. I feel like ‘I’ am being humbled, worn down or disassembled. Give up. Let go. The clinging to old beliefs of self no longer serves. But the letting go is sad right now and there is a need to honor that, not change it. To think that “I” know any thing, "I" don't. Just be.

I have come to the point of choice and it has nothing to do with “me”. I have been here before, but each time is new, is deeper with more awareness. There is nothing to fix, nothing to dive into. It is simply an awareness, acknowledging of and a simple embracing of what is. Nothing to fix, nothing change, just being with.

All this impacts my painting, all this informs my painting. These are the questions that I explore, unleash on to the canvas. And don’t always succeed, especially with the definition of success being unknown to me.

There is wood to chop... what more is there?

(When I speak of "I" or "me", I am speaking of the smaller I or egoic self.)

Oct 1, 2007, Thwock, thwock, thwock...

Thwock, thwock, thwock...

The sound of splitting wood early in the morning before the sun has risen above the mountains. Everyone is getting ready for winter, the mice are moving in, the squirrels are very busy in the pines outside my window gathering food stuff for the winter, literally squirreling it away.

There is a beauty to the pace of splitting wood for me, a slow balance of life. Not to split it all at once but to go outside and split as I am moved throughout my day, my week; using an old metal wheelbarrow to haul it to a spot under the deck stacking it between two posts. Unlike when I lived in Maine on the farm where we burned two cord a year in our little house, this is for a fireplace that is more for comfort than for need. Though it is perhaps a true need to build a fire, watch the flames as they flicker upward telling stories.

I am in a place of unknowing, the emptiness screaming inside of me this morning, so I chop wood early in the dawn when all is quiet not even a breeze. As I prepare for winter, knowing I will not be burning any of the wood I splitting and stacking, I wonder what life has in store for me, what adventure. To meet life fully, fully engaged sometimes requires me to split wood, to slow down enough to be here. Slow, slow is fast.

About three weeks ago I went to an energy worker/healer in Boulder named Kimberly Jonas. It was an amazing experience. This illness that has stuck with me for months now has forced me to slow down. Without insurance and tons of money I was ‘asked’ to approach being sick from a different place, a place of self, to ask the questions of why I invited this into my awareness, my life. This weekends festival in Lyons, A Renaissance of Local was a deep look at the decline of oil, decline of a lifestyle, a look at sustainable lifestyles and ways of approaching that through local community. For me it is not so much a decline but the growing awareness that a way of being no longer serves, that this is a time of transition into a new way of being. That is what I have been doing consciously for the past year, my painting is a key part of that transition as I watch a new awareness and new energy start to come out, appear in my paintings. A re-remembering of who/what I am, we are.

It is a journey that asks nothing of me except to be, so I chop wood early in the morning. The furnace has just kicked in, the sun is over Twin Sisters; enjoy your day.

Oct 1, 2007, 600!

The month of September more people visited the website than any other time, with over 600 visitors. ‘I Create’ drew the most visits for a painting, with ‘Call It’ and ‘Bruised Fruit’ right behind. ‘Call It’ was well received this weekend at the art show in Lyons. It was great to see my paintings hanging out on their own. I enjoyed talking to other artists and the festival goers. I am working on building relationships with a couple of galleries, scouting juried shows to enter, contemplating have giclee prints made. And feeling deeply into life this morning.

Take a moment to send me a note, click on either the “Contact Mark” or “Guest Book” navigational bars to the left. On those pages you will find a contact form to fill out, I would love to hear from you and since my guest book page comes in number two in visits, just like me you all love to read what other people are saying. Enjoy the fall or spring depending on where you are on this world!

jOy!

Sep 28, 2007, Elk droppings by...

I am looking at an incredibly stunning sunrise with a raven floating down from Twin Sisters. The moon has been full these past few days setting early in the dawn behind Longs Peak. The world is an incredibly beautiful thing.

I went for a walk with my friend Marlena yesterday afternoon, she wanted me to show her the spot in the woods where I saw an owl being harassed by ravens, crows and magpies last year. It was about this time of year just as the aspens are turning. When I had gone for my early morning walks I had heard the birds squawking and screaming and figured they were pestering an owl. I took my video camera with me the second day last fall and taped the owl sitting in the tree. Watching the ravens and crows chase the owl the first day inspired me to paint “Night Chases Day”.

I asked her if she had seen the moon setting this last few mornings, she had. She had also be watching it rise from behind Twin Sisters in the evening. I told her that I had finally come to the realization that as I was watching the moon set, that that was the meaning of life, nothing more. Those moments that just are, where I am simply present.

I am finding all the things that have defined me are slipping away as they no longer serve.

The other night after I had finished my latest painting “the beast” I took it into my bedroom , propped it up in a chair and stared at it for awhile before I went to bed. I wanted to ‘understand’ it, to sleep with it, to simply be with it like I had the moon setting. Again, last night I looked at it for a long time before I turned off the light. As I looked at it I realized it was done and a title came to me, “Sun Dogs Burn My Soul”, which shorten to “Burn My Soul”. For me there is no escaping this paintings energy. I will take a photo later and post it on my site.

Today is the first day of “A Renaissance of Local” down in Lyons, I will probably head down to take a look at my paintings though I am not feeling that sociable. I have a house to clean, friends are coming for the weekend.

As I was writing that last bit I heard the elk grunting, squealing and bugling just outside. I went out onto the deck and could hear them, but not see them moving through the woods. I went elk hunting with my camera, it was the big herd moving up the mountain. There is something that wakes me right up watching them move through the golden aspen and pine early in the morning.

Have a day.

Sep 26, 2007, The closer I get, the farther away it seems...

Standing on the deck last night with the moon high over head dimming the stars as bull elk bugle down in the valley. It is clear and colder now with snow on the ground yesterday morning.

I got an email from Mystie Brackett telling me I hadn’t signed my painting “Jack’s Chair”, that is the way it has been these past few months, here and not here. Forgetting little details like that. I sign the front of my paintings in a non-obtrusive way, I don’t believe it is about a big flourish of a signature that detracts from the painting, I believe it is about the painting itself. I do sign the back of all my paintings with indelible ink telling where I painted it and when, plus a copyright notice. Most of my paintings say, “Painted at The Greenhouse, Estes Park, CO” on the back. I will take a trip to Lyons to sign “Jack’s Chair” before Mystie hangs them for the show this weekend.

I changed the title from “Blue Moon” back to ‘Jack’s Chair’ after my friend Jack’s experience/question of how far are the stars from us and if what we see is already expired and we are just seeing the ‘light’ from the star that no longer exists, then what is there?

The closer I get to showing in a gallery the farther away it seems, kind of like climbing a mountain where it comes down to just putting one foot in front of the other. Then one day, one moment, you are there.

Perseverance.

The wind is blowing, it is clear out and all is quiet inside. I will work on my painting this morning of ‘the beast’, it is changing. I see the changes in my head, in fact I do a lot of my painting in my head before I ever touch brush to canvas. Especially on paintings that I work on for a long time like this one. It is a feeling into, feeling into my very core and painting from there. Seeing what arises onto the canvas. Seeing what is.

For those of you who have difficulty contacting me through the contact form, please make sure you fill it out completely (all required fields) including the security word at the bottom. Because I do love hearing from you.

Sep 25, 2007, Still haven’t unloaded the car...

...but have started a load of laundry.

The aspens are most all turned here with the elk in full rut. The nights are cold and the days cool, yesterday a bank of fog rolled up the valley engulfing the house.

Santa Fe was beautiful, perfect weather for walking Canyon Road and exploring the galleries. It seems there is a shift to more ‘elemental’ paintings, more ‘earth’ paintings. Two days was not enough time to take it all in, revisiting some galleries from the first day I would notice something I hadn’t seen the day before. I was told that Canyon Road in Santa Fe is the third largest concentration of art in the USA, between the Galleries, Museums and Art Fairs I can see why.

This weekend two of my paintings will be part of an exhibit at “A Renaissance of Local” festival in Lyons, Colorado. For me it is a very appropriate venue to show my art. A great way to celebrate my birthday which is also this weekend.

In honor of my birthday anyone who buys a painting off the website will get free shipping and handling through Sunday, September 30th.

What do you think of the new background and navigation bars? I feel it makes the site easier on the eyes. Let me know what you think.

The stars are fading into the dawn, the moon has set behind Longs Peak and my clothes are in the spin cycle... it’s a new day.

http://www.bouldercountygoinglocal.com/festival-expo.html

Sep 24, 2007, Just a quick note

Bright and early here in Colorado, heading back to the Greenhouse in Estes Park high up in the mountains. Had an amazing time in Santa Fe visiting galleries. I will write more later today, right now going to eat some food and hit the road to EP.

Sep 19, 2007, Wash the car...

The big bull elk was bugling outside the house this morning before the dawn. I went out on the deck and peered down it to the woods, it was too dark to see him and his herd but I could hear them stomping around in the woods. Venus or Saturn is hanging in the eastern sky very bright, does anyone know what planet that is that I see around 5 am when I wake?

I am about to load the car with paintings, pack my clothes and head to Vail to pick up my friend Cat and then head for Santa Fe. Everything is as ready as it’s going to be, paintings, promo package... stuff. It will be pleasant be in Santa Fe in the fall, I have never been there this time of year. I will be staying close to plaza so will be able to walk to everything. I love cruising the Galleries, seeing what speaks to me, seeing what paintings feel alive. Hopefully I will find a hot springs to soak in while down there.

When I get back ‘the beast’ awaits me, plus a blank canvas that is 18 x36 sitting patiently in the corner. So many beautiful sunrises these past mornings, perhaps that is what I will paint on it. I love this time of year with the strikingly clear blue skies, elk bugling. At this elevation everything seems translucent, like it is pure energy.

While in Santa Fe I will try to check my email, so write if you like I love hearing from you. If I don’t get a chance I will see you when I get back.

jOy!

Sep 18, 2007, Life in the Rocky Mountains...

Yesterday a HUGE bull elk was just outside my window bugling as he moved his ladies down the mountain. Heaving sides and snot dripping from his nose he looked at me through the window. I was grateful for the wall and window between us, he was that close. It is nice to see the elk in the woods as opposed to in town walking down main street without a concern in the world among thousands of tourist.

Putting the finishing touches on my Artist Package for the Galleries, checking everything twice. Packing clothes, cleaning house, cleaning the car, checking oil... you know all the stuff an artist does besides paint. The glory part of the job! Just excited to be going to Santa Fe, I love northern New Mexico. Get to look at art, get to walk around Santa Fe in the cool of the autumn, get to visit with both my sisters... okay, two out of three isn’t bad. Just kidding!

The hardest part was putting together an “About The Artist” page to go in the package, something to say “Hello” and introduce myself to the Galleries. I had lots of help with it as I sent it out to numerous friends to get their input/feedback. My brother Will thought I wasn’t realistic enough, you know the nitty gritty of my life. With just a page... well, you talk fast and are concise to get a sense of ones self as one is now across. I also put together an “Artist Statement”, that was easy because I know why I paint. You can look at that by clicking on the navigation bar to the left labeled, ‘Why I Paint”.

This month is going to break all records for visits to the site. The site just keeps picking up momentum, this is very encouraging as I go out into the world with shows and galleries. It is nice to have you all along.

If you are in Colorado at the end of the month go to Lyons for “A Renaissance of Local” festival Sept 28-30, amazing speakers, amazing events, music, food, resources and... MY PAINTINGS!!

http://www.bouldercountygoinglocal.com/festival-expo.html

Sep 16, 2007, Morning has broken...

I picked up a number 2B pencil and drew 7 lines to be an old man looking, just looking.

I went downstairs to start a load of laundry and noticed a band of salmon orange across the horizon from Twin Sisters to Meeker, between cloud and hill.

I felt immense grief, joy and wonder if I could let the very beingness of being flow through me, be me.

It is in moments like this that I realize I know nothing, am everything and am brought to tears. How rich is that? To be full of beingness.

Can I paint that? Can I be that?

Can I?

I?

Sep 14, 2007, Google Ads

I have put a new background on my website, the idea being less glare than previous white background. Hopefully this will making viewing my site and my paintings more enjoyable. Let me know what you think.

I just got back from visiting my friend Laura Lavigne's website. She is an amazing artist. You can check her work out at:

www.lauralavigne.com

She works with acrylics also, using color and texture that you just want to breathe in.

Okay back to painting. The beast is progressing, it goes up on the easel and then against the wall... but, at least so far not out the window.

jOy!

Sep 11, 2007, Another fun day at frame shop!

Spent the morning yesterday dropping off “Call It” at Mystie Brackett’s frame shop. She, along with Betsy Burton of Blue Horse Gallery, will be hanging the art for the upcoming show the end of this month. I took along several other paintings; Mystie choose “Blue Moon” for the other painting for the show. I fondly call that painting “Jack’s Chair” after an experience my friend Jack had which inspired the painting.

While I was at Mystie’s we looked at possible frames for my paintings. For the small canvas and canvas panels we came up with a nice black metal ‘floater’ frame. It looks really good on the paintings; defining them, adding to them without taking away from the painting. Because I tend to paint right up to and sometimes beyond the edge of the canvas the ‘floater’ frame works real well.

I am excited about this show, at the same time it feels like a very natural unfoldment of my process. Today I am working on finishing touches on a couple of paintings plus working on “The Beast”, that’s what I am calling the big painting I am working on. At the suggestion of my friend Cat I taped a piece of white paper onto the canvas and drew the nose on it. Getting it the way I wanted it I then traced it onto the canvas.

So today I will work on that along with putting together an artist statement, an “about the artist” page and printed photos, plus photos on a DVD of my art work. This all goes into the Artist Package that I will present to Galleries.

This is an important time in my life, my being here, as I work through old fear based patterns, old patterns that no longer serve. I wish you the best today.

Sep 10, 2007, Autumn

The elk are moving, the rut is on. There is a small, young herd hanging around the Greenhouse and a large herd is also in the area with a massive bull. The aspen leaves haven’t started turning yet, but will soon... fall is here.

There is something right about seeing the elk in the woods acting a little shy as opposed to in town where they roam the streets, hundreds of them with hundreds of tourist watching them. Pretty much all the aspen trees in the area are girdled (the elk eat the bark, it is one of their main sources of food in the winter), one little grove of aspen near the Greenhouse has died from elk eating the bark in the time I have been out here.

I am getting ready to head to Santa Fe in a week to tour the art galleries on Canyon Road and see if one is a fit for me. That means putting together an artist package to present to galleries. Also, I am gearing up for the Lyons show at the end of the month. I will definitely be showing “Call It”, today I will visit with Mystie Brackett of Visible Joy Framing who is hanging the show to see what other painting she wants to hang.

I have gotten over 200 visits this month so far to the site, thanks for stopping by. The majority of visitors go to my “Artist Journal” and the “Guest Book”. And a lot of those visitors are from countries other than the USA, so if you feel like leaving a comment or want to see yours in my “Guest Book”, write me even if it’s in your own language. I have friends who can translate Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and other languages like Romanian, Swedish, Russian, Polish. It all comes down to who you know and I know a lot of people. I am of the belief that one can not have too many friends.

jOy!

Mark

Sep 6, 2007, Upcoming show

Rain is softly falling creating a beautiful watercolor of the valley below. Muted mountains, trees and clouds.

I have been invited to hang my painting “Call It” at A Renaissance Of Local Festival being held at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado September 28,29 &30. I feel this is a great match for me, I choose where I show with care. I am grateful to Betsy Burton of Blue Horse Gallery and Mystie Brackett of Visible Joy Framing both of Lyons for inviting me.

If space permits I will also hang another painting, most likely “I Create” which I feel is real appropriate for this festival. I am excited to attend and partake in so many interesting events and speakers, not to mention the food and music!

I am still working on my big painting, it is an interesting journey. In a couple of weeks I will head down to Santa Fe and do a tour of Canyon Road. Until then it’s high up in the Rockies for me.

jOy!

Aug 29, 2007, Grief waits, compassion holds the love...

It is a gorgeous day here in the Rocky Mountains, big high clouds grace the sky waiting for the mountains to turn them into afternoon thunderstorms.

I have just put up a photo of my painting “Grief Waits”, it is a small painting that I talked about in a Artist Journal entry dated August 25 (see below). I have added the words of my sister Robin on the paintings web page. I often send photos of paintings I have just completed to friends to get feed back. Read Robs thoughts on the painting and let me know what you think.

Grief, love, compassion, emptiness, silence... all these ‘things’ inside of me that just are and have become worthy companions. As I work on my large painting something else or the combination of those ‘things’ plus others are appearing on the canvas. I honestly don’t know if I will make it. It is like climbing a mountain, one foot at a time. Do I turn back, do I keep going?

Today I head down to Lyons to pick up a frame from my friend Mystie Brackett at Visible Joy Framing. The frame is for the painting “Star Horses”, she did such beautiful work for “Bear Breathes In” it truly is a joy working with her. ‘Star Horses’ is heading to Maine, going to it’s new home. That painting since appearing on my site is consistently in the top 5 paintings viewed each month.

Enjoy your day, enjoy your life, breathe and be.

Aug 25, 2007, Blue

It started with blue, deep blue with red streaks buried deep within. It has turned it to my greatest journey through paint. Many thoughts, many emotions and many variants of energy have already flowed across this painting.

I have considered burning it, throwing it out the window, covering it with gesso and simply walking away. I love the parts, the ideas but so far the whole has not come together.

Last night I ‘asked’ what do I do with this painting. What came to me was to continue, to keep painting a painting of much more detail. That something is being asked of me that may make me uncomfortable, that may not be what ‘I’ want.

So, here I am at the Greenhouse sitting with a painting, sitting with the energy, being with what is. The call to be present, the call to slow down. Since being so sick and slowly recovering I have found many things aren’t what they use to be. As simple as what my body can handle, what I feel. I have always lived on my edges, very willing to do what ever to become fully human being. So now it is new edges, new awareness' and integrating that into the ‘I’ of my awareness.

And this painting is a manifestation of that. Wish me luck.

I don’t know who we are

I don’t even know

what

we may become

All I know is that

we are one

Aug 23, 2007, New paintings...

Well, I am back on the front range at 9300’ for a bit. It is so quiet and lovely up here with amazing views down the valley and out onto the high plains.

While I was in Vail I completed two small paintings which you can find by clicking on the “Small Paintings” navigation bar to the left. One is on a canvas panel; I was really feeling into all the green lushness of western slope. There was a waterfall high up the mountain across the road from where I was staying. I believe it drops at least hundred feet down the rock face.

The other is canvas on a 3/4’ stretcher. As always it is a long round about process for me to get to the point where I feel comfortable varnishing the painting. Both of these ended up in a completely different place than where I started.

I will be in the Greenhouse as I fondly call it for a week or two before heading back to Vail for the winter, life is good.

I am working on a large painting that has a lot of blue in it and other colors that haven't shown up in my large paintings for a while. I will keep you posted on it's progress.

I also just got back from a short trip to Spokane, WA with a friend. A place I had never been, beautiful high dry plains. It rained all weekend while we were there, the first rain since June! I am thankful for this world, such gratitude to be in such an amazing place... even it is just a dream.

jOy!

Aug 16, 2007, Beavers in the creek

The things I don't notice... what I thought was flood trash wedged between to big rocks at a bend in the creek turned out to be a beaver house. As my friend and I were sitting in the dusk of the evening a young beaver swam up and disappeared into the "river trash". Looking closer it was obvious that it was a beaver house... makes me wonder what other things don't I see.

People stand on these rocks fishing or just hanging out, kids jump off the rocks into the pool, dogs clamber over them. One day while gazing into the pool from the 'river walk' I counted around 15 trout swimming in the pool and yet, I never saw the beaver house until the beaver swam into it. And I grew up in the woods of Maine, exploring the bogs, swams, beaver ponds, brooks and lakes.

That is how I feel now with this painting I am working on, the obvious is there, I just can't see it... yet.

This is a major time of transition and integration for me, being present with a completely new way of living in a new place, with new people.

I am headed to Spokane, WA this weekend, when I get back I will be in Estes Park a bit before coming back to Vail. It is looking like a winter of painting and skiing. I am also starting a serious search for a Gallery that's a great fit for both me and the Gallery. I will also be looking into a couple of shows to particapate in this coming year.

As I set up my studio in a new place with different energy I wonder what will appear on my canvas.

I get lots of visits to my site, especially the "Guest Book" page. I would love to add your comments to that page, shoot me an email and I will post it... even if it is in Japanese or Moldovian.

jOy!

Aug 6, 2007, Light rain, evening downpours, mist in mountains and a waterfall across the way...

I have been spending the last few weeks in the Vail area of Colorado, everything is lush and green. The exception being all the evergreen trees that have died from pine bettle attacks. Mountain sides of rust color.

But despite that I am working on a painting that is primarily greens. I am also working on another small painting that is red. Sometimes a painting does not go the way I was headed. I find a trail is over grown or blocked or leads to a dead end. So I have to find a new way through the painting. The small red painting is just that, letting go of one way of being to embrace a new way of being. I no longer do pencil sketches on the canvas, my paintings are just free flowing works as something arises in me.

I am coming to learn I can paint anywhere, even here in Vail with all the green and all the traffic. I-70 goes through the valley maybe 100 feet from where I am staying, it is hard to avoid. I haven't been in a ski town for many, many years. It is fascinating to see a town built around an industry, not a whole lot different than a mill town. Everything is geared toward the 'job'.

But, if you know where to go, are willing to poke around, you can find the quiet places, the beautiful places no matter where you are. And that is the same with my paintings... finding the way to my heart on a canvas.

Enjoy your day.

As an after thought, in the last two months mark-easton-art.com has had visitors from South Africa, Norway, UK, Romaina, Italy, Austria, Canada and the USA. Last month there were over 550 visits to the site, with the majority of the visits to "The Artist Journal" and "The Guest Book". The top five paintings visited were "Albuquerque Sketches", "Call It", "Bruised Fruit", "Blue Moon" and "Raven Speaks". Thanks for stopping by and while you are visiting be sure to sign the guest book, share your thoughts. I love hearing from you.

Jul 26, 2007, 20 PERCENT OFF and FREE SHIPPING!!!

In a little over 2 months I been in Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and back to Colorado. Staying over night or for almost a month in 13 different homes of friends or motels . In the past 5 years I’ve had 5 different address’ and lived in 7 different places. Certainly a time of transition; I have come to learn that change is the only constant.

And now, once again, I am getting ready to go on the road. I am spending these few days cleaning up the Greenhouse, sorting through my stuff and packing up my car.

To give me less to pack, less to store and less to cram into my car I have something I would like to offer you. Between now and July 31 all my paintings will be 20 PERCENT OFF WITH FREE SHIPPING! On some of some of my paintings you can save enough to buy a second painting!

Just go to Purchase Art, follow the instructions to fill out the form and submit it. I will get right back to you.

Now I have to get back to packing, this time I am making sure my paint kit is with me. Enjoy your day.

jOy!

Jul 25, 2007, Engaged...

He asked, “What do you do?”

“I am an artist.”

“Oh, another person who has dropped out and is no longer engaged in real life.”

“Actually, it is the other way around. Before, when I was working a job I was a drop out from life, now I am fully engaged.”

I may be scared shitless, but I am fully engaged. Life has become an invitation every moment to be fully here.

One of the things that has become clear to me from being sick for so long, forced to slow down and experience myself a different way, is that doing what I want, what I choose may scare me shitless. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. To be fully engaged in life, and not drop out into the ‘safety’ of a life not fully lived, is our true calling. I only know what it means to be fully alive, fully engaged with life, for me. To listen to what arises in me, to honor my uniqueness, to embrace with love fully who I am with out judgment then life becomes alive. What do I want, simple conscious choice. Ahhh, catch the wave.

I recently completed a small painting. It started out as an idea inspired by the desert complete with cactus and coyotes and owl. I worked on the under painting, the background, then the coyotes and cactus. It wasn’t working. In frustration I started squirting globs of paint directly on the canvas, lots of colors like red, yellow, blues... squirt, squish, squirt. It was fun! Using a wide brush I spread them all around the canvas, then I did it again... more squirting. I ended up with about a quarter inch of wet paint and began dragging first dry paint brushes then my finger through it. Exposing the different layers of color down to the original painting. If I didn’t like what I ‘drew’ I just ‘brushed’ it out and drew again getting globs of paint on my finger.

Finally something took shape that said here I am. So I stopped, put the painting out in the sun to dry a bit. Then I painted in what I had drawn. It is like no other painting I have done (aren’t they all), it appeared raw and tight to me, certainly not expansive. It made me uncomfortable, it wasn’t nice and neat and pretty. It was nothing that I wanted anyone to see, I thought of just burning it.

Being engaged in life fully does not mean I will always be comfortable, in fact perhaps rarely will I be comfortable. There is for me a difference in being comfortable and being at ease. I am now at ease with my discomfort, don’t seek to change it, it just is. To simply be with what is. Then the tight painting becomes for me the most expansive one I have ever painted. Opening my heart, myself to the universe that becomes the invitation, the mystery.

jOy!

Jul 18, 2007, Gallery, gallery where art thou...

It is a beautiful Rocky Mountain morning here, all is quiet as the sun comes up over Twin Sisters.

A friend visiting the site had difficulty sending the form on the “Contact” page. I am not sure what didn’t work for them. I really enjoy getting your emails and talking with you about art , the world and everything. I asked some computer savvy friends to check it out and see if they had any problems, so far none have. If for some reason the submission forms don’t work for you, your told you are not entering the correct password... no matter what you do, I can be reached at this email address: markeast@mark-easton-art.com

Today is a day of painting, I am working on a small painting inspired by my brief stay in Ajo, AZ and the surrounding desert. Some one viewing my actual paintings the other day wondered what their dreams would be that night. Painting for me is somewhat like uncovering a dream or dreaming a dream, seeing what is at the edges, being with the unknown.

When I started painting it was simply something I was drawn to do by way of joyous exploration. I tap into a fuller, less egoic, whole sense of self, a place of wonder and discovery, not needing to understand or judge. Some paintings flow right out of me, like “ I know” which way to go, others I sit with for days and weeks as I ‘find’ my way through the painting. And I look at them afterwards finding new insights, those insights come from a very deep level of nonverbal communication.

I know there is a huge difference between viewing my work on the website and actually viewing the paintings themselves. Which brings me to the next step in my process, finding the right venue to share my art in. I think a Gallery or two would be a good place to start, ones that are a good fit with my work and me. Where my art is accessible to view, to touch, to ponder. If you know of any Galleries that you think might be the place for my art let me know.

Thanks for visiting and letting me know your thoughts.

Jul 14, 2007, Starry, starry night

It is early morning here, around 4 am, all is quiet. I love these quiet moments when perhaps I can see the world more clearly, when all is still both inside and out. The sky hasn’t started to lighten yet, the stars are still out, as I walk out on the deck I can see the light from Denver and beyond.

This is a time of painting with the soul, of relaxing into what truly is. There is a low star hanging over Twin Sisters to the east, maybe it is a planet. The air is clear and the temperature is the low 50’s. The stars are clear and close here at 9300’, though when I lived in northern Maine they seemed even closer. I remember nights of snowshoeing into the farm as the Northern Lights played across the sky, of shooting stars and coyotes howling.

There is a deep peace for me that comes from being with the land that naturally slows me down inside, that shows me the way and has a deep richness to it. I would like to grow things again, tend a garden, eat a ripe, sun warmed tomato again.

There is a song that the soul, the earth, the universe sings if I but listen, and that song is me.

Jul 12, 2007, A Good Book, a story well told...

While I was in Albuquerque lying on my sister’s couch I read a review in the magazine “The Week” about a first novel by author Danielle Ganek titled “Lulu Meets God And Doubts Him”. The book is about the contemporary art scene in New York City. The reviews were good and the author intrigued me, so I dragged myself off the couch and went on a hunt for the book. I finally found the book at a major chain and it’s a great read. Well written with a sly humor, honesty... simply a good read. I was very interested to learn about the crazy world of New York art. So if you are interested in contemporary art or just want a good read check out “Lulu Meets God And Doubts Him”. You can visit Danielle’s website at www.danielleganek.com or click below for more info. I have my own ways of judging a book ... by it’s cover. Now if the authors name is a bigger font than the title or if they are wearing a leather jacket in their photo, watch out! I think it is a law, at least for mystery writers, that authors have to wear a leather jacket in their photo for their novel. Since Danielle did neither of these things I knew it had to be a good book. It is.

Jul 26, 2007,

20 PERCENT OFF and FREE SHIPPING!!!

In a little over 2 months I been in Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and back to Colorado. Staying over night or for almost a month in 13 different homes of friends or motels . In the past 5 years I’ve had 5 different address’ and lived in 7 different places. Certainly a time of transition; I have come to learn that change is the only constant.

And now, once again, I am getting ready to go on the road. I am spending these few days cleaning up the Greenhouse, sorting through my stuff and packing up my car.

To give me less to pack, less to store and less to cram into my car I have something I would like to offer you. Between now and July 31 all my paintings will be 20 PERCENT OFF WITH FREE SHIPPING! On some of some of my paintings you can save enough to buy a second painting!

Just go to Purchase Art, follow the instructions to fill out the form and submit it. I will get right back to you.

Now I have to get back to packing, this time I am making sure my paint kit is with me. Enjoy your day.

jOy!

Jul 25, 2007,

Engaged...

He asked, “What do you do?”

“I am an artist.”

“Oh, another person who has dropped out and is no longer engaged in real life.”

“Actually, it is the other way around. Before, when I was working a job I was a drop out from life, now I am fully engaged.”

I may be scared shitless, but I am fully engaged. Life has become an invitation every moment to be fully here.

One of the things that has become clear to me from being sick for so long, forced to slow down and experience myself a different way, is that doing what I want, what I choose may scare me shitless. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. To be fully engaged in life, and not drop out into the ‘safety’ of a life not fully lived, is our true calling. I only know what it means to be fully alive, fully engaged with life, for me. To listen to what arises in me, to honor my uniqueness, to embrace with love fully who I am with out judgment then life becomes alive. What do I want, simple conscious choice. Ahhh, catch the wave.

I recently completed a small painting. It started out as an idea inspired by the desert complete with cactus and coyotes and owl. I worked on the under painting, the background, then the coyotes and cactus. It wasn’t working. In frustration I started squirting globs of paint directly on the canvas, lots of colors like red, yellow, blues... squirt, squish, squirt. It was fun! Using a wide brush I spread them all around the canvas, then I did it again... more squirting. I ended up with about a quarter inch of wet paint and began dragging first dry paint brushes then my finger through it. Exposing the different layers of color down to the original painting. If I didn’t like what I ‘drew’ I just ‘brushed’ it out and drew again getting globs of paint on my finger.

Finally something took shape that said here I am. So I stopped, put the painting out in the sun to dry a bit. Then I painted in what I had drawn. It is like no other painting I have done (aren’t they all), it appeared raw and tight to me, certainly not expansive. It made me uncomfortable, it wasn’t nice and neat and pretty. It was nothing that I wanted anyone to see, I thought of just burning it.

Being engaged in life fully does not mean I will always be comfortable, in fact perhaps rarely will I be comfortable. There is for me a difference in being comfortable and being at ease. I am now at ease with my discomfort, don’t seek to change it, it just is. To simply be with what is. Then the tight painting becomes for me the most expansive one I have ever painted. Opening my heart, myself to the universe that becomes the invitation, the mystery.

jOy!

Jul 18, 2007,

Gallery, gallery where art thou...

It is a beautiful Rocky Mountain morning here, all is quiet as the sun comes up over Twin Sisters.

A friend visiting the site had difficulty sending the form on the “Contact” page. I am not sure what didn’t work for them. I really enjoy getting your emails and talking with you about art , the world and everything. I asked some computer savvy friends to check it out and see if they had any problems, so far none have. If for some reason the submission forms don’t work for you, your told you are not entering the correct password... no matter what you do, I can be reached at this email address: markeast@mark-easton-art.com

Today is a day of painting, I am working on a small painting inspired by my brief stay in Ajo, AZ and the surrounding desert. Some one viewing my actual paintings the other day wondered what their dreams would be that night. Painting for me is somewhat like uncovering a dream or dreaming a dream, seeing what is at the edges, being with the unknown.

When I started painting it was simply something I was drawn to do by way of joyous exploration. I tap into a fuller, less egoic, whole sense of self, a place of wonder and discovery, not needing to understand or judge. Some paintings flow right out of me, like “ I know” which way to go, others I sit with for days and weeks as I ‘find’ my way through the painting. And I look at them afterwards finding new insights, those insights come from a very deep level of nonverbal communication.

I know there is a huge difference between viewing my work on the website and actually viewing the paintings themselves. Which brings me to the next step in my process, finding the right venue to share my art in. I think a Gallery or two would be a good place to start, ones that are a good fit with my work and me. Where my art is accessible to view, to touch, to ponder. If you know of any Galleries that you think might be the place for my art let me know.

Thanks for visiting and letting me know your thoughts.

Jul 14, 2007,

Starry, starry night

It is early morning here, around 4 am, all is quiet. I love these quiet moments when perhaps I can see the world more clearly, when all is still both inside and out. The sky hasn’t started to lighten yet, the stars are still out, as I walk out on the deck I can see the light from Denver and beyond.

This is a time of painting with the soul, of relaxing into what truly is. There is a low star hanging over Twin Sisters to the east, maybe it is a planet. The air is clear and the temperature is the low 50’s. The stars are clear and close here at 9300’, though when I lived in northern Maine they seemed even closer. I remember nights of snowshoeing into the farm as the Northern Lights played across the sky, of shooting stars and coyotes howling.

There is a deep peace for me that comes from being with the land that naturally slows me down inside, that shows me the way and has a deep richness to it. I would like to grow things again, tend a garden, eat a ripe, sun warmed tomato again.

There is a song that the soul, the earth, the universe sings if I but listen, and that song is me.

Jul 12, 2007,

A Good Book, a story well told...

While I was in Albuquerque lying on my sister’s couch I read a review in the magazine “The Week” about a first novel by author Danielle Ganek titled “Lulu Meets God And Doubts Him”. The book is about the contemporary art scene in New York City. The reviews were good and the author intrigued me, so I dragged myself off the couch and went on a hunt for the book. I finally found the book at a major chain and it’s a great read. Well written with a sly humor, honesty... simply a good read. I was very interested to learn about the crazy world of New York art. So if you are interested in contemporary art or just want a good read check out “Lulu Meets God And Doubts Him”. You can visit Danielle’s website at www.danielleganek.com or click below for more info. I have my own ways of judging a book ... by it’s cover. Now if the authors name is a bigger font than the title or if they are wearing a leather jacket in their photo, watch out! I think it is a law, at least for mystery writers, that authors have to wear a leather jacket in their photo for their novel. Since Danielle did neither of these things I knew it had to be a good book. It is.Click for more info

Jul 8, 2007,

Buying a Mark Easton original just got easier!

I have just signed up with Paypal to accept payments, which makes purchasing one of my paintings that much easier. You will find all the info on my contact page.

I made a vow over five years ago to acquire at least one piece of art a year, it has been a joy to have stuck with that. The only requirement for me is that I like it, that something about it appeals to me, speaks to me. Art is good and it is good to have in our homes, in our lives.

I have been spending the last few days painting and have two works in progress. One of the paintings started out with a very clear intent, when I was "halfway" through it I realized it was done. For me it is an exciting use of colors and texture.

As I seem to be on the road a lot lately I am working mostly with small canvases, they are easier to lug around! I do have a couple of large canvases tucked away, just waiting. But, what I am really looking forward to is a 6'x9' piece of canvas that I have. I look forward to stretching that and seeing what arises on it's blank surface!

Now back to what I do... painting!

Jul 4, 2007,

Bruised Fruit

"Bruised Fruit" 18"x24" new acrylic painting by Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog

Jul 4, 2007,

Albuquerque Sketches

Two canvas panel sketches painted in Albuquerque by artist Mark EastonPermalink -- click for full blog

Jul 3, 2007,

If I could see with your eyes.

Ahhh, the texture, the colors...

A friend was over for dinner tonight, we sat on the deck and watched the stars come out, as she left she looked at some of my paintings. You know which one blew her away?? “Call It”, the one of the two ravens on the red background. She said she had always liked the concept of the painting as she had seen it on my website, BUT to see it for real!! That was something completely different. What I can’t seem to capture with my camera is not only the texture of the ravens and the red background, but the colors in the ravens. The reds, violets, blues, greens; the white speck in their eyes. How their feathers are detailed, rough and ruffled. Her exact words were: “DAMN!! That is your best painting, that is a powerful painting, damn.”

So I apologize that I am a painter not a photographer. Reds and blues seem to get washed in the light. But, I will try to get some detailed photos up on the web. The red background itself is many shades and hues of red, with a texture all it’s own.

I look at my paintings a lot; it is nice to see them through new eyes. So, remember if there is a painting that you like, buy it... after all that is what my guarantee is for.

Okay, off to bed... sweet dreams.

Jul 2, 2007,

Back in Colorado

Got back in the mountains of Colorado on Saturday, it’s nice to be up high where the view is spectacular and the air is cool. Early this morning put a first coat of varnish on some paintings. Hopefully later today I will upload photos of the wee little paintings I did while in Albuquerque. Lots of folks visiting the sight which is great. Not so great... Spammers found my site yesterday, so this morning I added the need for a secret password in order to submit either the Guest Book or Contact form. Don't let that stop you though, it's pretty straight forward, just fill in the box with the "word" at the left... no secret handshake required. It is amazing how the spam bounces all over the world before it lands in your inbox.Take care of yourself, breathe and enjoy the moment.

Jun 27, 2007,

Press Release

The News of Artist Mark Easton from a humorous slantPermalink -- click for full blog

Jun 20, 2007,

Man Paints... World Breathes Easier

Dragged my sorry butt into a craft store and bought a set of cheap paints, a multi-pack of brushes and some wee little canvas panels.

I am back in business!

Using these paints and brushes was something like using a sledge hammer to tap in a finish nail. I really appreciate my Dick Blick and Golden Acrylics... and my brushes. Even though these panels are "primed" with three layers of gesso, it just isn't the same. I usually put on three layers of gesso.

I felt into how I was feeling and have started a painting of a bear and a salmon. I love holding the canvas, looking at the canvas, feeling into the canvas... and myself, to see what arises, what wants to be painted. So, I have a tired old bear who isn't interested in the salmon. It is great fun mixing paint from such a limited palette.

Unfortunately I don't have my computer with me, I am using a PC (I have an Apple), and don't know how to download a photo of the painting. Apples are so intuitive based.

I am still recovering from my food poisoning and have been drinking water like there is no tomorrow, also resting.

But, it is good to paint, it feels so right. Painting right now probably does more for my well being than anything else.

It's what I do.

jOy!

Jun 18, 2007,

Flinging Paint

Since I don't have my paint kit with me I have been painting in my head. I see horses pounding onto the canvas of a dark night sky chasing a coyote, I see many bears walking across the northern lights from the left and I see a hearth, with burning embers of forgotten worlds, with sparks escaping into the sky. Until I have a brush in hand that is how I will paint.

I am still "looking" for an appropriate place to fling paint. I have put ads on craigslist.org and caretaker.org for caretaking positions that would also allow me to paint.

If you know of any caretaking, long term house sitting, live-in studio, house share, roomie... whatever, that you think might be right for me, please let me know.

While you are visiting please take a moment to sign my guest book or drop me a note. I love hearing your thoughts... I don't paint alone.

jOy!Mark

Jun 18, 2007,

New Mexico Sounds

Life is good, life just is.

I am still in Albuquerque at my sister Em's home where I have been spending most of my time on the couch. Recovering from food poisoning and then a very bad cold that has left me very aware of my body. I am at the stage where I have to be real careful as I feel better not to over extend myself. Because then I end up right back at less than zero.

Emily has been pumping the vitamins to me, she is an independent distributor USANA supplements. So, whether it is the USANA vitamins or her loving care or the combination of both, I do feel I am getting better. You can check out Em and and learn more about USANA at www.unitoday.net/EmilyAEaston.You can also email Em at: balancinglife andwork@msn.com

A lot has been moving through me while I have been laid up. It is like my greater self and my body had an intervention on my egoic self.

I have been feeling into the why a lot and have had many insights and dreams into the way I should go forward.

In no particular order here are some of them...

All pretense of being anywhere other than where I am is gone. Any pretense of thinking "I" am in charge is gone.

The absolute temporariness of life is very clear to me, bringing an amazing depth of sweetness and gratitude for what is.

Being stripped away of any sense of place or home, so now I am home where ever I am and in that can now have a home.Of realizing that I can now enter fully into relationship.

The absolute need to go slowly, to let go of everything in every moment, to understand that I don't understand and don't need to understand.

Of having the slate, my slate wiped clean so the new way of being has space, enormous space to become.

Through my visit to Maine and releasing, letting go of all kinds of items both physical and non-physical. The fact that for the past month and a half I have physically visited all of the active members of my family. That in some instances some of us had not been together in over 6 years or more. There seems to be a deep ritual involved here and an import that I am not aware of yet, a completion of sorts with my siblings. Also, a very deep, deep love that flows around even the simplest conversations I have with them.

That I have intense dreams of my inner soul mate. And intense dreams of reality that I behave in a complete new way, without thought.

I come back to the words, "One love, One hearth, (yes, that is hearth, not heart), One home."

I am still slowly down, releasing old ways of being that no longer serve. Slow, slow is fast. I can no longer go faster than the slowest one.

jOy!Mark

Jun 10, 2007,

Evening rains and Jemez hot springs... but no paints.

Rain is beautiful in New Mexico, even in the center of Albuquerque. I stood in the doorway yesterday evening as it poured outside for a good twenty minutes. Soaking it all up... the sounds, the smells, the feeling of moisture in the desert.

I am still at my sister's in Albuquerque recovering from what may be a deep cold. If I had known I was going to be this long from Colorado I would have brought my paint kit.

I miss my paints, my brushes... the feel of them in my hands. I have spent most of my time lying on the couch, taking breaks from that by shuffling around or sitting outside.

I want to paint again, though I know this is an important time of deep inner exploration it is good to feel the desire to paint. To roll out my brushes, pick up a canvas and stare at it.

Painting to me is a lot like looking in side with questions to see what will arise. What truth will be spoken, made alive in me, on the canvas.

I may have to visit an art supply store and pick up the basics.

It is good to know one still wants to breathe, to create.

Over the past 4 months there have been over 1500 visits to this site! From all over the world, countries like Japan, Sweden, Germany, Pakistan, Australia, Canada, Argentina and the USA. I find it fascinating that all you good people are stopping by my site for a visit. That means a lot to me.

The nice thing about being in New Mexico for a length of time has been exploring so many areas of the state. A couple of days ago my sister, nephew and I went to Jemez to enjoy the hot springs there. Jemez is a beautiful little town up a canyon with a river flowing through it. Because of all the moisture this year everything is still very green. My body soaked up the heat and the sun while floating in the hot spring, it felt like what I really needed. Jeremy, my nephew, would hop in the river to cool down every once in awhile. Brave man!

In the past month and a half I have visited all the members of my family. My brothers and I hadn't been together as a group for over 6 years. I realize that this is a major time of letting go of so much, this time has become a deep ritual of letting go to open up into the new way of being. Perhaps I went a wee bit too fast, so my illness is slowing me down. Allowing me to integrate all that is happening."How do I go as fast as the slowest one?"

As I lay "meditating" the words came to me, "one love, one hearth, one home". I am lovingly breathing into them.

Slow, slow is fast.

jOy!

Mark

Jun 4, 2007,

New Mexico Dreams

It's a beautiful overcast morning here in Santa Fe. I am recovering from a violent bout of food poisoning. Today I feel like the morning, slightly overcast.

Having taken care of the practical aspects of being that sick, now as I feel better I am feeling into the "other" aspects of why I got that sick.

I have been spending time with my sister Robin and her partner Stephen here in SF. My sister Robin's new book will be coming out this summer, it's about her adventures in the Austrailian rainforest. You can learn more about her and the book at www.achildofdestiny.com

I also got a chance to meet the author of the poetry that graces her book, Russell Hume. A really great man and kindered soul, you can learn more about Russell at Rob's website.

I had the pleasure of listening to Russ read his poems. He has an amazing voice, adding a richness and depth to his already beautiful poetry.

When these two go on tour to promote the book they will be an event you won't want to miss.

While in Santa Fe I took time to visit a lot of art galleries. Canyon Road is a fascinating experience. One of the things that I noticed is that so many artist paint the same thing over and over. It seems they find their style, their niche and don't stray from that. So, to me all their paintings look alike. The art I am drawn to the most are the works by Artist who have departed from that and are exploring something new.

For me it is a process of seeing what will arise in me. I never know what will end up on the canvas; it is a process of discovering and creation. Of asking questions, of being willing to go to my edges and to sometimes leap into the unknown.

But, then that's life... isn't it.

Off to ABQ to visit my sister Em. Life is good.

jOy!Click for more info

May 31, 2007,

Santa Fe Winds

Enjoying a beautiful Santa Fe morning, clear blue sky.

Spent time in Ajo, AZ checking out The Curley School Project. It was really nice, but not for me at this time.

I have been spending the last few days touring galleries, pueblo ruins and Tent Rocks.

Since this trip has been a search for a new home to fling paint I have been also checking out rents in the SF area. I love Pecos with it's river and GREEN.

Today it is more galleries, so far I have found no artist that paints like I do. I feel that is good, my paintings show something fresh and unique.

The site had over 350 visits this month, thank you all very much. I am glad people are visiting and enjoying the site. I really enjoy hearing from you. If there is a painting you would like to buy talk to me... because everyone of them wants to "go home".

I plan to set up a guest book in the near future.

Okay, it's off to enjoy the sun! Have a day!

May 24, 2007,

Let it snow!!

Twelve inches of snow greeted me this morning along with a beautiful Rocky Mountain sunrise. Back in Colorado after a two week visit to Maine. The trip was all I intended, almost like a ritual of gentle unfolding into letting go and renewal.

Seeing all the old farmhouses and rural towns was nice... right alongside all the explosive new growth! My last day, after a week of overcast and rain, was stunning. It was a perfect Maine day, clear skies, low humidity, swallows swooping across the field. A great gift to me.

I head out soon to Ajo, AZ to check out The Curley School. It is intentional, affordable housing for Artists; take a look at it at www.curleyschool.com. A friend suggested that I also visit the town of Oracle while I am in AZ. I am open to all suggestions and possibilities in finding the next place to fling paint at.

It's time to leave the “Greenhouse” up here in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. I have truly enjoyed the experience of painting here. While I was in Maine some one asked me if I would paint differently if I lived in Maine. The short answer is yes, the little bit longer answer is this... I am drawn to wide open spaces, limitless horizons. I think my paintings would differ a little bit if I lived where it rained and was cloudy a lot. Anyway, it’s an interesting question.

I do know one thing, it’s time to paint again.

May 22, 2007,

Rocky mountain high... bye, bye Black Fly

Catch a plane out of Manchester, NH at the crack of dawn tomorrow back to Colorado. Leaving the black flies here in Maine. Had a wonderful time, got to visit family and friends, travel around the state, stick my toe in the ocean and canoe.

Getting on the water after so long was very nice, my brother Will and his family took me down a little stream up in Garland. We went over a thousand beaver dams and fallen trees, but it was worth it because it was an ADVENTURE!

Thanks to everyone for a great time. Maine is a beautiful place, but I am glad to be heading back to the West. Wide open spaces, high mountains... and no black flies... life couldn't get much better.

The biggest reason for this trip was to go through all my belongings that had been stored for the last 4 years in my brother Chris' barn. Had a barn sale two Saturdays in a row... everything must go! This trip was a time of letting go of a lot of "stuff", and old way of being. I feel lighter and more whole... ready to paint. Life is.

jOy,

Mark

May 8, 2007,

FRAMED!!

I am leaving on a jet plane... well, almost. Still packing.

I just got back “Bear Breathes In” from the frame shop, it’s beautiful. I had an idea of the the type of frame that would really make this painting. So I went to see Mystie Brackett at Visible Joy Custom Framing in Ly ons, Colorado. She was a blast to work with, the whole process was a joy. Mystie does excellent work from beginning to finished piece. Mystie can be reached at 303-823-0390.

I will post a photo of the framed painting as soon as I get back... you now have something to look forward to!

While there is still snow on the ground where I am, it was snowing yesterday, my brother tells me the Black Flies are out in full force in Maine. That’s all the incentive I need to hop back on a plane to Colorado!

I do hope to hit some art galleries while Maine, especially in The Old Port in Portland. Life is good.

Enjoy Spring!

©2006 m.easton