A Texan's Viewpoint on the European Kiss ~ White Tulips ~ Nancy Medina Art Classes and Workshops

The Kiss - White Tulips

by Nancy Medina

16X16

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

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

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

There is just something about that European greeting, the kiss, that always takes me by surprise. Not that I don't like it, I could get used to it, but being a gal from Texas, we were taught "The Hug" rather than "The Kiss" and so going in for the hug and suddenly getting lips on your cheek is like discovering you're doing the Cotton Eyed Joe when your partner was intent on the Texas Two Step. It's really just a different point of view on a greeting, and one that is much warmer, even than a hug. Like I said, I could get used to this whole European thing! And it's a good thing, since my France workshop is coming up in August. Mon cher, I must pack again soon!

For now I'm finally back on Texas time, the unending rains have cut off the main road into and out of Flower Mound, and I'm so thankful, yet again, to be a work at home artist! We're not paddling around in boats, though it sure looks like it from the national news. Not to worry, I have plenty of Dove chocolate and crackers and cheese. I can hold up literally for days on such awesome rations!  

Here's a new video I created for you - break out the popcorn and enjoy a view of my workshop in Tuscany last week! Next stop, France! 

Click here for the Tuscany video!

The studio models take a bow!

Escape to Southern France!

August 4-14, 2015

Learn more...

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

Close to Heaven Pink Peonies

by Nancy Medina 

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

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

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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!

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

Purchase Information

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

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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!

Watch Your New Tulip Movie!

The studio models take a bow!

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

Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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!

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

Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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...

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

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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.

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

Pink Tulip Jubilee

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

 Purchase Information

 

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

 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!

Click Here to Sign Up for a Chance to Win!

Life's a Breeze Peonies and the studio models

Pink Blush Tulips, a New DVD, and a Radio Interview - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

Pink Blush Tulips 

by Nancy Medina

16X16

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

 Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

I was feeling quite blue about missing the tulip fest at the Dallas Arboretum this spring, when I stumbled upon a bouquet of big pink tulips at the flower market today. I could hardly wait to get them home and put them under the spotlight! Pink Blush Tulips celebrates all my favorite spring colors, with a mix of warm peach and pink spring hues.

The real prize at the market was a bundle of peonies - cross your fingers, toes and flower petals that the peonies will fluff open in the next day or two and be ready to pose for a painting! If I get really lucky, they'll hold up for my next DVD filming coming up very soon. (Stay tuned for more details on the new video lesson coming up soon...)

My first radio interview aired a few days ago, for Artists Helping Artists on Blog Talk Radio. Awesome hostesses Margaret Sheldon and Leslie Saeta put me right at ease. You can hear the whole interview, even if you missed the event, since it's all on the streaming thingy ma bob system. Break out the popcorn and enjoy!

Click Here to Tune In

The studio models take a bow!

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

Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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.

Click Here for the April 23 Show at 11 am CT

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!

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

Spring Rain Irises

16X16

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

.

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!

Southern Bell Sunflowers and a New Tennessee Workshop - Flower Paintings by Nancy Medina Art

Southern Bell Sunflowers

by Nancy Medina

24X24

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook
.
.

Southern Bell Sunflowers was one of my class demonstrations in Tennessee last week, and features some teal pops of color to balance the warm orange bellies of these large flowers. We had a great time in class, the students took home some prizes, new hats, and even one big grand giveaway of $1000 (in chocolate!). I'm delighted to announce I've opened another Tennessee class since the first one filled up so quickly - I hope to see you there!

Painting Brilliant Florals and Landscapes

in Memphis/Collierville, Tennessee

October 12-14, 2015

Registration Information

Nashville, Tennessee Alumni 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

Purchase Information

Sign Up for My Newsletter

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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!

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

Purchase Information

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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 ~

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

 Signs of Spring

Purple Iris

by Nancy Medina

20X20

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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!

Reading to My Mother the Poet - Flower Paintings by Nancy Medina Art

Pink Halos Peonies -

Cover Art ~ Pandora's Box

by Nancy Medina

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

Tonight I read to my Mother from her own book of published poems. As I read, I glanced at her from time to time in her hospital bed. She lay with her eyes bright and alert. As I finished each poem she had written, I would meet her eyes briefly and she would meet mine, with a bit of a smile shared between us.

As I read to her, it occurred to me, my reading voice has the same inflection my Mother's voice had when she read to us as children. Because her hands can no longer grip properly, I held the book upright for her, showing her each poem and the painting I had chosen to go with it.

When I finished the last poem, the one she had written about her father, I said to Mom, "The end." She turned to me with a smile and said, "That was good."

And it was. It was very good.

Seaside Cottage and a St. Louis Workshop - Flower Painting Classes by Nancy Medina Art

Seaside Cottage

by Nancy Medina

20X20

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Class Demonstration

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

This morning I received an email from LinkedIn suggesting I consider a job in architecture. This is about as close as I'll get to being an architect. Seaside Cottage is a painting of Le Vieux Couvent in Frayssinet, France, converted via my imagination to a seaside retreat. I had a palette knife teacher form Belgium who told us that there are no straight lines in nature! The little crooked roofs and cottage of France are a testament to that.

I'm very excited to announce a new workshop in St. Louis, Missouri, set for October 23-25. We'll paint bright flowers and French landscapes in my home town. You are invited to join me for three full days of painting, and students who work in oils, acrylics, and water based oils are welcome. I hope to see you there!

Painting Florals and Landscapes

in St. Louis, Missouri

October 23-25, 2015

Registration Information

Spring Fever Tulips by Nancy Medina Art

Spring Fever Pink Tulips

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

Spring Fever Pink Tulips was one of five class demonstrations during my workshop in the Texas Hill Country this weekend. Visiting Fredericksburg, Texas, is always a treat, and we were just on the verge of what may be the best bluebonnet bloom season in quite some time, thanks to the wet winter that is behind us now. Students from Ireland, Michigan, Colorado, and across Texas painted tulips, hydrangeas, sunflowers and French landscapes, fueled by fresh fruit kolaches and cookies made from scratch, courtesy of our talented multi-tasking energizer bunny hostess Jane!

I did emphasize to everyone our holiday theme, encouraging everyone to come up with a few bunny jokes, because, everybunny needs somebunny sometime, right? Take a peep at my new Web Site to a see a slide show of the students hard at work! 

And here's a little joke for you!

What is invisible and smells like carrots? Answer - Bunny farts!

 The classroom models take a bow!

Fredericksburg, Texas alumni 2015!

One More Day Pink Peony Bouquet - Flower Painting Classes and Workshops by Nancy Medina Art

One More Day Pink Peony Bouquet

by Nancy Medina

24X24

Oil on Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

 One More Day Pink Peonies was the result of another good day at the flower market, I found fresh peonies out of season! Only two in the bundle really held up well overnight, so I painted them here, as a tribute to their perseverance under the bright studio lights. My Pug-mobile will soon be filled with supplies for my next workshop in the Texas Hill Country. I am planning to make a strategic stop at the fresh kolache bakery one morning, to indulge just a bit! Hopefully there will be at least a few left in the box by the time I make it to class, but I can't make any promises or anything...!

The studio models take a bow and a .... nap!

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

Maple Cottage Hydrangea Garden

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

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!

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

 Hidden Hydrangea Garden

by Nancy Medina

14X14

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Purchase Information

Videos

France, Italy and the US - Flower Painting Workshops

My Web Site

Follow Me on Facebook

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.