Artists of Texas State Blog: Nancy Medina

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

It's time to make some tough decisions around Flower Mound Studio, and no, this does not involve insisting AnnieBee eliminate one toy because she got three new ones today. This is much more serious. I have to decide which Italian villages, markets, and castles to tour with my Tuscany students next week. Cortona, Siena, San Gimignano, oh my - I think I need a glass of wine! As if this were not enough pressure, I was just informed by a thoughtful and kind friend that Friday is national donut day here in the US and she will be enjoying it without me. Oy!!

Before things get completely out of hand, I have to get my sticky notes out and write stuff down. Here are a few of my jottings, if you were headed to Italy for the first time in your life, what would be on your to-do list?

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Close to Heaven Peonies and a North Texas Workshop - Flower Painting Classes by Nancy Medina Art

Close to Heaven Pink Peonies

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Get a New Painting in Your Inbox (almost) Every Day!

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Close to Heaven Pink Peonies is based on the blossoms that took their sweet time opening this week. I finally put my fresh peonies in the fridge, and had forgotten about them until tonight, when we ran out of creme and I was searching about. Something tells me I'll be painting them again soon, unless, of course, they get lost behind the orange juice.

I'm delighted to announce my new Texas workshop, July 10-12, designed especially for the traveling student. The hotel picks you up at the airport, and takes you to class each day. I know I've spent many a moment chewing my nails over how to get to and from a class in a strange city before, and I'm tickled to provide a more convenient option. We'll be painting florals and landscapes, and I hope to see you there, blossom friends!

Painting Brilliant Flowers

and Landscapes

July 10-12, 2015

9 am to 4 pm Daily

Registration Information

The studio models take a dip and a bow!

Sunday, May 24, 2015

A Free Tulip Video and Framed in Violet White Roses - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

Framed in Violet White Roses

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Get a New Painting in Your Inbox (almost) Every Day!

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Watch Your New Tulip Movie!

Framed in Violet White roses celebrates the push and pull of warm and cool violets, and how it can be just so much fun to let your hair down and play with color. Today the pugs and I are celebrating in the studio the release of my full-length, free tulip video. Just a flower footnote for all those who watch, unlike my professional DVDs, Pink Pirouette Tulip on video was just an amateur production done by yours truly, with her puggy assistants, so the sound is not high quality. I beg your forgiveness for that, though, if you listen closely, as a consolation prize, you might just hear snoring, snorting, barking and other assorted puggy noises! Stay tuned to the end for some fun out-takes involving the helpers!

Click here to watch your free video!

I hope you enjoy this little tulip treat, I created it for you as a thanks for walking with me on this flower-strewn path of my first year as a full-time artist, and also to celebrate hitting 14,000 Facebook fans. I thank you from the bottom of my heart - with flowers - and pug kisses, too!

The studio models take a bow!

Sunday, May 10, 2015

A Dallas Arboretum Tour and Willow Loop Wildflowers - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

Willow Loop Wildflowers

by Nancy Medina

12X16

Oil on Museum Quality Panel

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

A wet winter and spring have brought on the most colorful wildflower bloom in years in the Texas Hill Country. Willow City Loop is just outside the historic town of Fredericksburg, Texas, where I teach each spring. We also have plenty of blossoms up here in North Texas. The Dallas Arboretum has constructed an array of new rose arbors this year, along with some fun Texas-themed topiaries. Visit my art blog today for a photo tour for those who haven't visited yet this season - enjoy!

Friday, May 8, 2015

A Mother's Music and Peonies in Cut Glass - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

Peonies in Cut Glass

by Nancy Medina

20X16

Oil on Museum Quality Panel

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

When we were young, my Mother would go into the piano room and play Fur Elise while we did our homework. Sometimes she played for hours. At times she labored through the notes and, at other times, the music seemed to flow from her fingertips. Today when my sisters and I met at the farm, it was the first day I was there when my Mother's home no longer was filled with her presence. Read more...

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Saying Goodbye and Flags in My Garden by Nancy Medina Art

Arboretum Flags ~

Blue and White Irises

by Nancy Medina

24X12

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase information

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Heaven is filled with the gorgeous sound of my Mother's laugh today. She passed away on Thursday evening. Just as many had predicted, the world tilted under my feet, and life is not the same. I've learned a lot since Thursday. I've learned that amazing friends will carry you on their shoulders when your heart is sad. I've learned that sisters are some of life's most precious gifts. I am quite certain my Mother is writing poetry again. I woke up this morning with a funny little song in my head that had the words "I'm so proud of you, Nanny..." in it, and though I can't remember the rest, it felt like a message from a guardian angel with a sense of humor.

I taught a class at the Dallas Arboretum Saturday. At lunch break, as I sat in the quiet classroom by myself gazing across the easels at my student's work, and seeing the sunlight streaming in from the skylights, I realized my Mom had just watched me teach for the first time.

I do believe there is a beautiful next chapter after this life. I do believe there are more poems to come. For now, I will keep moving forward with her spirit beside me and the memory of her laugh in my heart. I will love you forever, my beautiful Mom.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Pink Tulip Jubilee and a Gift for You - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://www.nancymedina.com/available-paintings/

Pink Tulip Jubilee

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Click Here to Sign Up for a Chance to Win!

The fresh pink tulips stayed perky for one more day, so we're celebrating with a spring giveaway in Flower Mound Studio this week. I'm looking for a home for a deep gallery wrap print of one of my favorite paintings, Life's a Breeze Peonies. How to win? Sign up for my Art Newsletter! I'll be announcing the winner on May 2 at 8:30 pm CT on my Facebook Fan Page. Be sure to tune in flower friends, you may have to get that hammer and nail out to hang your new prize!

https://www.facebook.com/nancymedinaart?pnref=lhc

Life's a Breeze Peonies and the studio models

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Blog Talk Radio and Hydrangea Queens in New Orleans - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

Sugar Queen Hydrangeas ~ Class Demonstration

by Nancy Medina

20X20

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Click Here for the April 23 Show at 11 am CT

No sooner had I unpacked from my back to back workshops in Nashville and New Orleans, and it was time to prep for my Blog Talk Radio Show interview for Artists Helping Artists.

I'm so nervous! What if I forget my name? Worse yet, what if I forget the studio helpers' names?

Leslie Saeta and Margaret Sheldon, the hostesses, assure me it's just a chat between friends, nothing to be concerned about. Nevertheless, my motto is: It's best to be over prepared. I've glued post-it notes all over my computer and begun gargling with salt water. I've included essential information, too, like my name, blue and yellow makes green, all those little things that slip my 50-plus year old mind. Read more....

New Orleans Alumni, 2015

The classroom models take a bow!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Spring Rain Iris Garden - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://www.nancymedina.com/available-paintings/spring-rain-iris-garden

Spring Rain Irises

16X16

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

This morning my iris garden was struggling to regain its footing after the cool rains yesterday. A flock of yellow blossoms had fallen to the earth, so I took up my garden scissors and brought them indoors for a modeling session. My four pug helpers accompanied me on this rhizome reconnaissance mission into the gardens.

I hope you've had some productive moments in your spring garden, with helpers nearby to keep you smiling - tomorrow morning I'm off to teach in New Orleans, one of my favorite places in the whole world - and I'm not just saying that because of the beignets, cher!

The studio models take a bow - and a dip!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Blue Heaven Hydrangeas and Tough Choices in the Garden - Flower Paintings by Nancy Medina Art

Blue Heaven Hydrangeas

by Nancy Medina

20X20

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

I clipped the blooms from my hydrangeas this evening. I originally had planned to cut some of my new irises and bring them into the studio to paint. I stood in front of the iris bed with the scissors in my hand, looking at the white irises, and the blue irises, and the deep purple, and I just could not bring myself to cut any of them. They were so tall, and fresh, and recently unfurled, and clearly enjoying their moment in the sun after a long winter.

The blue hydrangeas that traveled with me from my last workshop, however, were beginning to fade. Destined for my flower pots tomorrow, I knew the blossoms would not last much longer. Or perhaps that is just the excuse I used to have the courage to cut them. They posed quite bravely under the hot spotlight in Big Blue, my favorite vase, this evening. Here's to their sacrifice - thank you so much to these lovely blue blossoms for taking one for the team!

The studio models take a bow!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Spring Sparkle Geraniums and Caught in a Flower Painting Love Triangle - Nancy Medina Art

Spring Sparkle Pink Geraniums

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Spring Sparkle Pink Geraniums was one of my recent class demonstrations and the flower models are already blooming happily on my sun porch, as part of my "paint the flower, plant the flower" recycling program. I'm leaving for Tennessee Friday for a full workshop near Nashville, but I have a confession to make. I am so excited about Tennessee and seeing all those friendly southern ladies, but Sonoma, California, is on my mind! Paint Brilliant Sonoma is coming up soon. Is it okay to be in love with two venues at the same time? Will Nashville begin saying awful things about Sonoma on its Facebook page if they discover I am practically seeing them both at the same time?

Regardless, the evening wine tasting and hazy mornings over flower filled fields with clusters of grapes catching the dawn dew are calling my name. I would move back to California in a heartbeat, if I could afford the car registration fees. At least I can visit occasionally, and take you with me! Here's the squeeze on Sonoma:

Paint Brilliant Sonoma

May 29-31, 2015

Registration Information

~ Class Wine Tasting Outing May 30 ~

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ea2sq1hfb9b9197c&llr=lmrhfmcab

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Signs of Spring Purple Iris Garden and a Sonoma, Calfornia Workshop - Flower Paintings by Nancy Medina Art

Signs of Spring

Purple Iris

by Nancy Medina

20X20

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Signs of Spring celebrates the first blooms in my garden, my purple and blue iris. Thanks to the wet winter, the flowers are promising to perform extraordinary feats of color in my iris and hydrangea beds over the next few weeks. I promise to document the array of unfurling petals for you on my art bloggy, flower friends, so stay tuned! I hope you have a beautiful Easter weekend with lots of loved ones nearby!

I'm excited to be heading to Sonoma, California, for a workshop soon. My hostess has been sending photos of the blooming gardens there, and we have a wine tasting evening at La Rochelle Wine Market. You are invited so pack your purple brushes and join me there - your vintage awaits! Read more...

Paint Brilliant Sonoma

May 29-31, 2015

Registration Information

Signs of spring on the easel!

Your vintage awaits!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

New Cell Phone Cases and Brink of Spring Sunflowers - Nancy Medina Art

Brink of Spring Sunflowers

by Nancy Medina

20X20

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

Click here for Cell Phone Cases, Pillows and Fun Stuff!

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Click here for Cell Phone Cases, Pillows and More Fun Stuff!

There's no time like the present to try to lump all the new things to do into one month, don't you agree? I launched a new web site, print store, and blog this month. I'm still polishing the sparkly bits and fluffing the fluffy parts, but most of the links are working most of the time now!

Simultaneously my busy spring teaching and travel period has begun and I'm packing for Fredericksburg, Texas, then Tennessee, then Louisiana (again!), then Tuscany, Italy. Negotiating multiple shipments of supplies to various locations involves a lot of brain cells. Never try this on less than two shots of espresso with whippy creme. Trust me on this.

And lest I forget the most important part of my message today, my new cell phone cases and pillows are here and I just love them! Yes their kitschy and cute and probably frivolous, but gosh they're fun. I gave away a few yesterday on my Facebook fan page, and will be giving away more soon! Click here to sign up for my next big giveaway!

http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/nancy+medina/all

This just in, flower petals not included....

Hmmm, says the sunflower.

Friday, March 6, 2015

A New Poppy DVD Double Feature - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://www.nancymedina.com/2015-workshops/

Poppy Garden, Part One of my new DVD

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

I’m super excited to announce my new double feature DVD has arrived! With two full-length lessons on poppies and pansies, you’ll want to stock up on Milk Duds and popcorn, and maybe get a nice little four footed helper to sit in your lap during the show. Tomorrow morning I’ll be shipping out all the pre-orders to flower friends in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and across the US. No worries, though, I’m saving a poppy with your name on it! Here’s where you can order your copy….

Click here to order my newest DVD!

http://www.nancymedina.com/videos-2-nancymedina/pansies-and-poppies-double-feature-dvd

Poppy-Pansy Double Feature

Thursday, March 5, 2015

My New Print Store - Maple Cottage Hydrangea Garden - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

https://nancy-medina-82sz.squarespace.com/available-paintings/nancymedina

Maple Cottage Hydrangea Garden

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Visit my new print shop

I'm so excited to announce my new print store has finally opened. Thanks so much to everyone who has been so patient over the years, waiting for prints that took quite some time to arrive. Good things happen for flower friends who wait!

In a few days, I'll also be launching a new daily painting journal on my new Web site, featuring my new print store, free painting videos for you, and lots of exciting new colors and moving parts.

Here's a sneak peek where you'll see much more in the future on my new web site. Let me know what you think, I always love so much to hear from you!

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Hidden Hydrangea Garden - Flower Painting Classes and Worshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://nancymedina.fineartstudioonline.com/workszoom/1694688

Hidden Hydrangea Garden

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Hidden Hydrangea Garden is the newest painting in Flower Mound Studio, with snow all day keeping the helpers and I pretty much house bound. Hidden Hydrangea is another painting dedicated to the memory of my great-grandmother's house in Palestine, Texas, a house that has wonderful childhood memories for me. Shady verandas, the haunted peacock bedroom upstairs, the big claw-foot bathtub, and the shed in the back yard with so many shadows and places to hide...all of these places still play a starring role in my dreams sometimes.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Pink Azalea Cottage and My Great-Grandmother's House - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://nancymedina.fineartstudioonline.com/workszoom/1691534

Pink Azalea Cottage

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

Pink Azalea Cottage is a scene that might seem familiar to anyone who has grown up in East Texas and seen the azaleas in full bloom. The cottage is a memory of my great-grandmother's home in Palestine, Texas, where she raised a family and had a garden and did all the cooking and housekeeping even though she was blind. Nanny used to be able to tell which plants were which by smell, touch and taste. My mother spent every summer of her childhood with her grandmother. Mom said she would take the train down from St. Louis to Palestine after school let out for the year, and the summers she spent in Palestine were the happiest times for her growing up.

If you walk down the path and open the back porch screen door, you'll enter Nanny's big kitchen, with the formica table. Beyond the kitchen, through a large arched doorway, you will find her formal living room, with a collection of plates from around the world along the walls, and her favorite rocker next to the radio just under the windows by the cuckoo clock. This is where Nanny spent every afternoon listening to her favorite gospel show. I imagine there were many, many days my mother was in her lap, being rocked to sleep, with the sound of birds outside the open screen windows, the clock chiming the hour and half hour, and the sound of the voice on the radio. What a dream come true it would be to be able to travel back in time and see this tableau, and my mother's golden curls, as she lay sleeping in her grandmother's arms.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Vanishing Violet Irises and an Ice Storm Rescue Story - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://nancymedina.fineartstudioonline.com/workszoom/1689704

Vanishing Violet Irises

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Palette Knife/Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

First thing this morning after checking in at the studio/office with the bosses/pugs, I set out in my business casual bathrobe to the back yard post haste with a pair of scissors. My mission, not to frighten the neighbors (although this is sometimes the result of these types of excursions), but to rescue my purple irises from the impending ice storm. Apologizing profusely as I snipped their bright stems as low to the ground as I dared without damaging the mama plants, I hastily rushed these four beauties indoors to fresh water resuscitation in a glass vase. Tonight they held up quite well under my hot studio lights, just long enough to inspire a bit of color, flare, and fun purple splash onto a nearby canvas. Stay tuned, tomorrow we could be in for more violet, if these ladies do not vanish overnight.

The studio model eyes her likeness with a critical stamen...

Hey lady, don't get too close to the paint there!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Garden Dreamer Iris Path and Surprises in the Flower Beds - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://nancymedina.fineartstudioonline.com/workszoom/1688746

Garden Dreamer Iris Path

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

On new year's day I had one beautiful, frozen white iris in my garden. Sadly, I did not see it until it was almost wilted. Today I was so excited to see a plethora of purple in my iris beds, these lovely bloomers decided to thumb their little iris noses at winter! I do hope it will be a good spring for my garden this year, and they don't all bloom too early. Sending happy thoughts for healthy rhizomes, and especially hoping the black iris blooms in April again!

Early bloomers testing the winter temps today!

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Blue Hearts Cottage - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

http://nancymedina.fineartstudioonline.com/workszoom/1687918

Blue Hearts Cottage

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops