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The older I get, the more my understanding of thankfulness changes. Life is a storm and sometimes our losses feel insurmountable, but I've learned with every challenge that taking one small step at a time, one breath at a time, is a path to peace. There is a healing quality to picking up a paint brush and creating shape and color on canvas.
On this day not long ago, I stood in front of the easel for 10 hours, painting my way through sadness. My Aunt Bitsy had died in her sleep the evening before Thanksgiving. She was more of a sister to me than an Aunt. She was close to my age and possessed a tender heart and a fierce protectiveness for those she loved. This woman who had played semi-pro women's softball in Chicago could not bear to sit through a scene on television where any animal suffered. She also taught me important life skills, such as how to peel the sugary top layer off the cinnamon toast and throw the crust away.
This holiday is a sadder time now, but that's a small price to pay for the memories. How lucky I am to have lived a life filled with brave, fierce women who blazed paths for me, and who showed me how to walk with my head high despite life's storms. Holidays and loss go hand in hand, but they are reminders of the weight and power of the love that came before, and the love that made me who I am today.
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| My annual half-price sale |
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Over a dozen new paintings are blooming in my gallery today, and my once a year, half-price sale is on! Treat yourself to something beautiful this holiday season, with flowers that never fade.
Check out all the blossoms and pick a few gifts for the ones you love best! A million thanks to over a dozen collectors who have already selected original paintings during the sale this week, you are the reason this little gallery in Colorado Springs keeps right on blooming!
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You deserve something beautiful!
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Experience the wonder of the birthplace of the Renaissance, and join the hundreds of students who have already signed up for my online workshop, Paint Brilliant Italy!
Every moment was filmed on location, ranging from ancient abbeys to castles in the hills. With seven full-length lessons, you'll get tour videos, inspirational downloads and weekly Italian lessons from our awesome tour guide, Piero. Don't delay, this sale is open for just a short time. Your chariot awaits, you intrepid painter, you!
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“I wanted to say a giant thank you to our teacher, Nancy Medina! These online classes were just wonderful. I'm so happy that I signed up. Each lesson was jammed with great instruction and each project was just beautiful. You have given us so many tools to take on our adventures with painting. I needed a little "renewal" to jump start my spirit. These were exactly what I needed, particularly during this "pandemic time". So very grateful for all you have done for many of us. Thanks a million!" ~ Carole Aubrey
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“What can I say! Thank you, thank you - the best experience. You are the perfect artist and teacher. So generous to share your artistic know-how. Easy to follow, and I learned many things. A great Big Bold thanks!" ~ Lia
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“Please don't hesitate to join The Joyful Brush! Nancy is a wonderful teacher and you will learn so much." ~ Nancy Bodkin
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“Nancy is the best! She IS joyful in her approach, too. I look forward to taking another series of lessons from her!" ~ Mimi Maki
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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 flower-filled moment in Paris!
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Here's my message for you:
Living, painting, & moving
toward your joy!
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When I quit my corporate job as the director of a national magazine to become a full time artist and art teacher, I never dreamed how much things would change. One morning I had an epiphany: Life is too short not to follow your bliss.
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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