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Since a trip to Paris this spring is not in the cards for most of us, I thought I'd share a walking tour with you. Paris in springtime is every bit as beautiful as you might imagine, and maybe even a little more so. The gabled windows and peaked roofs with views of The Eiffel, charming flower markets on hidden byways, afternoon art fairs in Montmartre with a rainbow of umbrellas backlit by the sun, it's food for the soul of the artist. Cafe hopping to see who has the best croque monsier is daily sport, and searching for the best patisserie with the excuse of needing something colorful to paint (and eat!) is always on the menu. The intentional love for beauty is reflected everywhere you look in this wonderful city.
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When you read the history of Paris, it's miraculous that The City of Lights has survived and thrived. The people of Paris are quietly resilient, even now, as they build clear walls around the base of the Eiffel Tower for security, the old Louvre keeps its arms wrapped protectively around its treasures, with the tiny Mona Lisa painting as its beating heart. I hope you enjoy these moments! Someday soon, we shall have to stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries together and share a cafe au lait at sunset, flower friend. What a dream come true that would be!
Scroll down for the tour!
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| Only 4 earlybird days left! |
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Earlybird registration ends June 24 for my new online class, Big Bold Acrylics. Meander beautifully through your summer with paintbrush in hand, and seven full-length paintings to download and keep! Big Bold Acrylics gives you permission to play ~ break the bonds of super realism and bring joy to life on canvas.
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Want to see what you'll be painting before you sign up? All of the finished paintings are on display. We'll create aspens, poppies, snapdragons, lilies, and roses in seven full-length lessons you can download and keep. With my special secret sauce medium, with super easy set-up and cleanup, you'll get a safer, healthier studio without the smelly solvents or chemicals.
Big Bold Acrylics delivers something absolutely new and vibrant, with all lessons never before released. Prepare to get inspired and excited about your beautiful summer adventure that's about to bloom, flower friend!
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| A few of the Big Bold Acrylics lessons waiting for you! |
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| Perfectly normal things growing in flower beds by the Paris bus stop. |
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| A croque monsier and a croque madame, can you tell which is which? |
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| You know, just the normal sidewalk decor. |
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| Wishing I had twenty dozen friends to help me carry all these home! |
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| Replenishing pigments at the oldest art store in Paris ~ Sennelier! |
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| Rose gardens of Notre-Dame Cathedral (before the fire) |
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| Do you think the guards at the Louvre mind barefoot visitors? |
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| Getting up close and personal with Monet |
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| French pink peonies, oo la la! |
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| It was purchased as a painting prop only, I swear! |
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| Fontaine Saint-Michel, a tempting place to spend the day! |
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| Oh wait, we haven't eaten here yet, have we? |
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| A prolific portion of profiteroles, s'il vous plait! |
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| Sunset on the Pont Alexandre Bridge ~ sigh inducing... |
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| A little rest stop and caffeine for round two of cafe hopping, yes? |
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| I really should get a few more of these, don't you agree? |
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| Let's do this again tomorrow, ma chere! |
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A Joyful Brush painting, Purple Cascade, 20X20, oil, information
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Are ready for a new painting adventure but want to stay home and stay safe on a budget? Join hundreds of artists from around the world who are already a part of the flower family. The Joyful Brush is a monthly online class and is a respite for the creative soul. It's affordable, inspirational, and a great place to reawaken your love of color.
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There are dozens of new lessons blooming and weekly live events in your Facebook groups. If you're looking for an uplifting, encouraging and positive group of artists to thrive and grow with creatively, there is an easel with your name on it in Joyful Brush! Cultivate your creativity brilliantly all year long, through every season of your art journey, from the comfort of your home studio.
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Peonies touring the Tulip Gardens of Paris!
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"I have been following my bliss with Nancy and the flower family for four years now. Nancy, you are an awesome teacher and an inspiring person, so much that I feel I know you personally. You and Carlos have done a great job of offering professional videos that allow your personal style of teaching to shine." ~ Leigh Howard
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"I highly recommend taking all of Nancy Medina's online courses. She is a wonderful teacher and artist. She holds nothing back and the videos are shot high quality. She has lots of extras where you can ask questions and the paintings are full of colour and beauty. The screen shows the setup and Nancy's painting. Her palette is on one screen, which is very helpful. A perfect companion to assist you in finding your own style. I've taken other online courses and these are the most professionally shot and organized." ~ Elizabeth Mitchell
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"I first saw Nancy's paintings on Pinterest and immediately fell in love with them. That's when my search for this phenomenal artist began! I am in most of her online classes and love them all." ~ Cousin Val B'dreaux
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"Well, I want to recommend Nancy's workshops to my friends, but I am afraid I will have to warn them it may change their lives! Going to France and watching Nancy paint was one of the best experiences of my life. The conversations I had with everyone prompted me to do some serious soul searching. While we were at the Abbey, I got a text asking me if I would be interested in a job. It would be working for a small county and would be a salary cut. Normally, I would have said no, but I realized on this trip that I wanted to paint more and my present job was too emotionally draining. So I accepted the job and this morning I felt energized enough to paint before work. You have really changed my life for the better!" ~ Cindy Zuniga ~ France 2019 Alumni
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"In August, I was thrilled to take a painting class from Nancy Medina. It was wonderful watching the master paint and being able to ask questions. If you get the opportunity to enroll in a class, jump on it!" ~ Dian Renfro
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"It was pure pleasure spending the last few days painting with you in Flower Mound Studio. Such a welcoming home with amazing Southern hospitality. I felt energized and yet reflective and calm at the same time. You have revived my passion and curiosity for my own journey. Thank you for encouraging all of us to feel special and worthy. I enjoyed every single minute of getting to know you and the other girls. I will likely be a repeat offender - LOL!" ~ Wendy Angel, Canada
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"I appreciate all the work you put into your paintings and classes. This is very much needed for all of us who need to work from home and yet be a part of an energetic group of artists! Your paintings are awesome and I can feel the joy you offer. I'm so glad I decided to paint with you." ~ Penny Fox
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"Every single lesson of The Joyful Brush presents a masterpiece! I am always so impatent to get my new monthly classes." ~ Christiane Kingsley
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"I can't tell you how much I've learned from our workshop in Flower Mound Studio. Nancy is so giving with her gift. And Carlos gets the best husband award. Having a blast with this group of people and pugs!" ~ Diana McClarnon
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"I attended Nancy's workshop for the last three days. Nancy always exceeds my expectations. I absolutely love every minute of her two-hour demos. She doesn't sent you off to your easel to face a blank canvas alone. She's right there for support and a step by step process. If you haven't stepped out of your comfort zone to take Nancy's workshop, you have no idea what you are missing. Start your journey either in person or online. You won't regret it!" ~ Deb Stone
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A precious moment with my honey in Paris!
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Here's my message for you:
Living, painting, & moving
toward your joy!
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Seven years ago, I quit my corporate job as the director of a national magazine to become a full time artist and art teacher. One morning I had an epiphany: Life is too short not to follow your bliss. I never dreamed that painting would someday allow me to travel around the world.
In the past year, I've worked with Disney and painted on national TV! Every day I wake up and my heart surges with happiness. Yes I am an artist. Yes, this is what I do for a living. Yes, I am a lucky girl. Thank you to each of you who have walked with me on this path. Whatever your tomorrow brings, may it be filled with color!
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