Awake and Dreaming

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin

"Awake and Dreaming " oil and mixed media on recycled wood Jude Harzer Fine Art

detail     "Awake and Dreaming"

I began this painting while in New York City at the School of Visual Arts in the summer of 2009. That was a wonderful and life altering experience for me, having returned to school at nearly 46 years of age to devote my efforts exclusively to my art. The program lasted only 5 weeks, but it was an intensive period of time during which I immersed myself in my thoughts and my painting. When I returned home, I was very aware of the changes that had occurred around and within me. Imagine how noticeable the transformation would be if you hadn't seen a small child for a year! The changes would be monumental and immediately apparent! Mine were undeniably huge! The greatest challenge was in determining how to reconnect and assimilate back into my daily life where the people I most loved, existed and thrived. One of my best friends advised me to paint my way to where I wished to be.This was invaluable advice but not always easy to follow because the realization was that where I am going, those I love might not care to follow. I have struggled these past few years to remain sensitive to the idea that they didn't expect or invite these changes.I even surrendered myself to the notion of "staying put", convincing myself that my "selfishness" and restlessness could be remedied by altering my thoughts and perceptions...Hmmm...I failed at that endeavor!

Because, move forward I must.....We are designed for change and growth, however difficult it might be.This summer I will once again have time to fully dedicate to my art as I begin  graduate school .I am approaching this experience with more confidence and receptivity to change. During the past two years, I have grown bolder, braver,kinder and more patient. I have become a BELIEVER and  I am certain my work will reflect who and what I am...an artist:) Change is good!
"
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. " ~Anatole France

Wonder

“Wonder is not a Pollyanna stance, not a denial of reality; wonder is an acknowledgment of the power of the mind to transform.”~  Christina Baldwin

 

For every child: I wonder if you will ever know how loved you are and how you have graced my life...109814

"Wonder...Know this child will be gifted...With love, with patience and with faith...She'll make her way ...".

http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Wonder/20LU7t?src=5

Cecilia: My Wish

Detail oil on canvas 24" x 36" Jude Harzer My Wish

In process: My Wish oil on canvas 2011 Jude Harzer

 "Well the thing I find most amazing in amazing grace,is the chance 
to give it out ...maybe that's what love is all about..." B. Heath                      

                           

These Are The Days

Love, thanks and peace on this special day. There is only now. I will enjoy it with a grateful and loving heart!

Cecilia: My Little Wildflower

For My Daughter...

My recent vertical triptych is entitled Cecilia: My Little Wildflower. This portrait is created in oil on 12" x 12" maple sheathed panels. It is a celebration of abundance, strength and the confidence to be oneself. "CiCi" epitomizes the untainted beauty and untapped potential and promise of youth.

“One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” ~Maya Angelou

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Upcoming Exhibits

Art Connections 7
January 18-February 19, 2011
Montclair State University
George Segal Gallery
1 Normal Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07043

Juried exhibit
Accepted for display and sale:
"In A Boy's Dream"
24" x 24" oil on wood

montclair.edu/Arts/galleries/
Inspired by an image of my beautiful nephew, Brady Estelle.
For commissioned custom children's portraits , please contact me through my website or on Facebook.

Believe In Your Dreams

“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”Shel Silverstein

Imagine if from the time we were little, we were encouraged to fearlessly and passionately follow our dreams! I think that pure magic and love would happen! Dream huge!

Inner Peace:In Process

The Real Life 3 Doors Down
Painted Evans Blue

Commission Completed: Giving Life to Another's Vision

I just finished my very first official oil portrait commission. Had some one asked me several years ago when I first rediscovered my art, to paint a large scale portrait of NOT one child, but of four, I would have immediately declined. Most likely it would have been due to fear of not being able to capture the "vision" of the client,the pressure of creating four reasonable "likenesses" and the belief that I would leave them disappointed and myself frustrated and feeling more incompetent.

Funny how time,attitude and confidence, alter both the creation process and the end result. This opportunity was perfect.It felt natural. I was given direction, yet freedom. My client, Dr. Robberson, had a clear vision of how to best represent her children on canvas. I liked that she was specific about details such as color, expression, symbolic elements and medium.It was to be rich in color and "storybook" like in content. Her confidence in my work, gave me "freedom" to simply do what it is I do, to the best of my ability.

Tonight she approved the final version. Her response was a gift. She explained that the heart and soul of a child, is revealed within their eyes. She expressed that each of the portraits successfully captured the joy and life of her children and she described how she felt, upon observation, as though they were looking at her, confirming to her personally that they are happy in their childhoods, at this moment. I was overwhelmed with both relief and encouragement in knowing that I am finally doing what it is I am supposed to do: paint, create and capture memories.