-​INSIDE THE PIANO GALLERY  -LIVE FROM THE SALON
-a night of music and art with New York based composer and pianist Margin Alexander

   Anticipation hung in the air the night of Margin Alexander’s much-anticipated New York concert—a showcase of artists from around the world, each paired with original compositions inspired by their work. I still couldn’t quite believe my artwork had been selected among so many exceptional talents.
     Weeks earlier, I received the email that would alter the course of my artistic journey. Margin, an internationally acclaimed composer and pianist, had seen my work—an abstract expression of color and emotion, portraying the beauty of a vibrant fall sky. It was a piece I had poured my soul into, a sky of swirling colors and textured brushstrokes that seemed to leap off the canvas and dance in the air. Margin wanted to create an original piano piece inspired by my artwork. “I am fascinated by your artwork", he said.
        The night of the concert, Margin took his seat at the grand piano, an aura of calmness enveloping him. A projection of my work appeared behind him. He introduced me and described the emotions and inspiration the painting evoked in him.  He spoke passionately about how art and music can transcend language and connect us on a deeper level. I listened eagerly as he described the music that began to flourish in his mind, a piece that would capture the colors and essence of my work. He chose a "very silent suite", to musically pair with my painting. As he played, the notes flowed effortlessly, a soft, haunting melody bringing the canvas to life.
      I felt honored to have been included in the group of ten global artists that were featured that day. It felt like a celebration of creativity that transcended borders and languages, our individual expressions brought together in a symphony of art and music.  This experience had planted seeds of inspiration within me, reminding me once again of why I create art in the first place—to connect, to share, and to touch the hearts of others.  That night Margin Alexander’s concert melded his music with artwork, It felt like I had been a part of something divine, a fleeting moment of harmony and brushstrokes, where art and music intertwined. 

    Florence is a city that breathes, a city that refuses to be rushed. It, in turn had slowed me down, grounded me in a way I hadn't realized I needed. 
     Walking through the Piazza della Signoria, Italy I was surrounded by such majestic sights as the "David" and the Medici lions. The statues and architecture here are stories of triumphs and tragedies. Worn cobblestones are a reminder you are walking on ancient ground. The facades painted in hues of ochre and sienna reveal layers, centuries of repairs and renovations. A glimpse of a fresco peeling through a decaying wall, these, are some of the elements that I want to express in my art. 
     True art, much like Italian wine, needs time to breathe, and develop its full potential. Experiencing Florence hasn't just given me new subject matter: it has given me a new perspective in the value of patience, the beauty of imperfection and the importance of slowing down to fully observe.

My daughter Kim asked for a painting for Christmas. She wanted it to be all one color...gray! She wanted to know if I could make something that dull. Well, I gave it a try and think it turned out pretty good. I found that the elements in the painting are even more pronounced because of the lack of color. It blends well with the greens and gold in her home.  Will I paint others in this style, definitely! Wishing you all a blessed holiday season and Happy New Year!

   Looking back to 2021, I can see the progress in my art journey.   Two of my artworks were chosen to be exhibited  at the Boynton Beach Arts and Cultural Center . Earlier in the year I was short listed in the Palm Beach County Paint in Public Places project- in which I received a monetary award. Summer of 2021 allowed me the time to really dig in and experiment with a lot of different painting styles. Entering an abstract painting into an online Art2Life International exhibit was a real highlight. The exhibition was juried by Juan Kelly, owner of Santa Fe gallery Nuart.  I also had the pleasure of painting some artworks for several family members. During the holiday season I set up a booth at the Boynton Beach Arts District and sold several pieces.  I think I'm getting closer to finding that "artistic voice" I hear so much about. For 2022, I'm hoping to do some plein air paintings with an onsite Meetup group.  In the meantime, I'm getting messy with paint and seeing where else this artsy adventure leads me. - blessings to you,  ~Marilyn

     This is a little painting that I made early on in the pandemic. I felt from the start, that we were going to have to tackle covid-19 together to make things better. One of my favorite musicians, Bob Marley said it best;
One love, one heart, lets get together and feel alright....So I did a lyric twist  and added "Let's-so-cial dis-tance and help save lives."
     United we are better equipped to fight this viral threat. We can do it! We the praying people, the science people, we the helping, trying, and respecting one another people, we can do it!
     

Fall is here and I'm giving myself a new start. I need to vacuum out the Covid dust and shake the Political dirt off my carpets. 
I really  just need to make myself feel better. 10 months into 2020 and I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck.
Maybe a new haircut, pedicure, and some exercise for this gal.
I also organized my art supplies by throwing out dried up tubes of paint and some brushes that looked more like my  hair when first  released from a towel turban.
I don't know about you, but I've found it necessary to distance myself from most news outlets, and even cut back on alot of social media. The wonderful thing about that is, I'm discovering so many things that really interest me.

What is something that you have discovered or rediscovered during 2020 that you really brings you joy?