4th of July update! Still creating my new original series' at Treasure Island Beach, behind The Montage Laguna. Very peaceful "plein air" and lends itself perfectly to the "abstract realism" artworks that are being produced - near and dear to my heart & spirit. Also very blessed to have my dad creating archival handmade wood, ready to hang, panels that are superior in quality and lend themselves perfectly to my styles & mediums. In peace & gratitude *Michele*

Peace to everyone in this special holiday season! I am in gratitude for the gift of painting, and grateful to all my gallery reps. And additional thanks to everyone who supports and values the collective dream of all original artists who enjoy bringing more beauty to our day-to-day world. *Michele*

Hi and Thanks. You could try M. Graham Walnut Alkyd Medium. I have been told it is nontoxic and has minimal or no fumes. Do not use water with it, however, or very minimal water if necessary. I paint Alla Prima, and usually do not use anything to speed it up these days. It sounds like you 'might' be a layer or glaze painter (I am just guessing) and I do not work that way. I always work Alla Prima & mine usually take 1-2 weeks to dry, depending on the weather and how thick I go. I do not use very much water either, just enough to get the flow. I am in CA and the weather patterns seem to be changing but 2 weeks normally does the trick. If you go back in for any reason if you are Alla Prima, yes you have to start the clock again at 2 weeks! It might depend on where you live also regarding climate. I do work with non-toxic Spike of Lavender on rare occasion, and the studio and even my home, AND the paintings smell of Lavender for a few days! Although it is very strong and I have had to experiment with it. The Spike seemed odd to work with it, meaning a bit unpredictable. Sometimes, the Spike of Lavender seemed to speed, and sometimes it seemed to slow (?) even though I spoke with Holbein several times about it, I still could not get straight answers on it. So with Spike of Lavender, unfortunately you will have to experiment with it. Do not use aromatherapy cause that does not work! My guess is that with the Lavender, it depends on what colors we are working with, although no company has told me that directly. I rarely use the Lavender even, due to the unpredictable nature and the style in which I paint. I have a tendency to pull the palette in an intuitive fashion with no planning at all. I hope this info helps you and please spread the word for other artists to stop using chemicals. Happy Holidays!

Thanks UGallery for the "Where I Create" blog article ... In Gratitude ! http://blog.ugallery.com/post/96100284779/from-where-i-create-michele-morata

One of my paintings was chosen for magazine "Horizons" cover art for November/December issue. In Gratitude! *Michele*

Dear J.Hardy: Thank you so much for taking time to write me such a kind note. Peace & Gratitude! *Michele*

"Design Bureau" Magazine Press Interview tomorrow for 8 original paintings inspired by my work with fabulous HGTV interior designer, Beth Whitlinger, for her "Contemporary Bachelor Pad" project.

Dear K.Hersh: I guess I should add this particular painting you referred to "Desire" does have a very small amount of "random" organic sand texture in the Peach mid-line of the Painting. I do use sand from time to time underneath when I want an area to have a 'grounding' or other 'earth' effect. However, it is extremely subtle in this particular painting. My heavily textured oils are a separate series I produce also with eco-friendly art mediums from Italy and international organic hand-made mediums. Thanks again and Peace Be With You.*Michele*

Thank you for your kind feedback! I only use Oils in this particular series. My favorite medium is the eco-friendly water-based oils that present exactly like traditional oils which is fabulous. This is the medium I have been using since 2003 when these 'special' Oils were first available for sale. A little pricey for some artists, but I jumped on this medium as I have always been aware that I wanted to minimize or eliminate chemicals in my studio. I also encourage other Oil artists to do the same for our collectors, ourselves as painters, and our earth environment. Regarding online versus in person, up close and personal it is easier to see the brushstrokes than online I have noted. Although, online or in person my Oil work does have a dream-like quality. Sometimes I scan a painting so that the potential collector can view the brushstrokes even more, if they like. Most people are drawn to the work that resonates with them on a deep level and speaks to them in some way.

Dear Collectors: I am thrilled to hear the painting is so nicely situated in your dining room. Thank you so much for taking the time and giving me this inspirational feedback. In Peace & Gratitude *Michele*

Hi - Thanks for your interest in my original oil paintings. I have more larger drying which will be ready for UGallery in early 2013. I am also available for commissions thru Ugallery for any size that compliments your home or office space! In Gratitude *Michele*

LightPath has a mystical/magical quality to it. I paint my eco-friendly oils from a meditative soul level, so this painting was produced in that manner. Not knowing what it will turn out like, there is no hidden agenda. Painting in a spontaneous fashion is my favorite form of creative expression - however poetic statements emerge during and after the process. I come back to this peaceful series over and over as I enjoy being in a tranquil positive state as much as possible! I believe that is what collectors are drawn to in this series – giving them that same “light” emotion that the artwork has been produced in. I receive light to give out light basically, so this painting really hits home with my spirit of contribution to the world. Poetic Statement: “The LightPath Emerges – The Essence of All There Is.” Thank you for your interest & let me know if you have any more questions. Peace Be With You. *Michele*

Just finishing a large residential multi-painting project with a former HGTV designer - very exciting! *In Gratitude* Michele

Laguna Beach Gallery I am repped with chose me to be the artist to rep their gallery in a special show at Laguna Beach City Hall: 8/20/12 to 9/20/12. Peace*Love*Gratitude! *Michele*

Dear Collector: I'm always happy when I know my collectors are happy. I believe original paintings are truly complete (full circle) when it arrives in your environment & resonates with the viewer(s). So thank you for completing this exchange of positive art energy & for your kind note. Peace & Gratitude *Michele*

Hi Kris & Fred! What a wonderful testimonial to read on the divine timing of Good Friday! I'm honored that you have been following my work for a year ... and so excited that "Simplicity IV" has brought beauty & joy to your environment! Thanks for your kind words & loving energy back to me thru our Fine Art creative connection. *Peace*Love*Gratitude* ~ Michele

Hi M Steve ! Thanks for taking an interest in my original painting SunScape III. Let me know if you have any questions. Peace*Love*Gratitude - Michele

Hi - Enlightenment is on heavy duty wood which enabled me to go even thicker with the eco-friendly Italian plasters that I utilize in my textured oils ... in almost a sculpted fashion when working on heavy wood. I allowed approximately 12 layers of plaster to dry on top of each other before I started with my oils over the top of texture. I am thinking about calling this series "sculpture paintings" as the artwork almost has a 3-D quality sculpted quality to it. I have also incorporated gold leaf into this series which reflect light in a beautiful fashion. I am currently working on another one right now on heavy duty wood gallery canvas in my studio which is larger - a 24 x 36 x 1.5. Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks for your interest in my original paintings. *Michele*

Thanks for your support! I feel very fortunate to have this creative gift to share with the world. *Michele*

Thanks so much for your testimonial, Art Lover! It always makes my day when I read uplifting testimonials on blogs or email. Thanks again for taking the time. *Michele*

Cheryl: Thank you for commenting on the specialty skies. I have much gratitude regarding this creative gift & that my paintings bring positive energy into collector's homes and offices. *Michele*

Love light and peace to everyone this season and year round! Thanks for supporting the collective dream of all fine artists, past, present and future! N Gratitude to my collectors and the gallery - xo

Thanks 4 your interest! Sure that sounds great. I will email you info & let Ugallery know you might be stopping by soon! *Michele*

Thx AR! I paint my textured oils in studio as the materials I use in this artwork is complex: each painting is 3 paintings in 1 & layers need to be protected while drying.This is a different process than pure oil.I begin with plaster from Italy and lay down the 1st painting layer.Second, I embed archival paper products or other ecofriendly materials.Third layer, an oil painting on top of the other 2 layers. It's a longer process as each layer has to dry. My oil is waterbased but still takes a approx 1-2 weeks to completely dry before release & ship, or transport to art gallery.

Hi KB: Thank God for Iphones - able to quick reply! I consider myself primarily an "Imaginary" oil artist, although I occasionally paint outdoors. I have an artistic photographic memory with regard to imagination, so if I see sun, earth, sky, clouds, nature, colors, that evoke strong positive emotions, those show up on canvas. DreamLand was painted while listening to classical music from the movie Out of Africa. I started my process with abstract angel undertones which are not visible to the viewer after my intuitive blending process. I love to sign my paintings on the back to allow collectors to flip horizontally & vertically. It's lovely to have that decor freedom with abstracts/moderns. However, I am happy to sign originals on 1.5" gallery side, or the front, if a collector requests, and I normally do this with my last name unless otherwise requested. I include a full signature Certificate of Authenticity on the back of each painting. DreamLand has the top (2) 2011 colors of the ye

thx S Brooks ! i'm enjoy working with the brighter oranges also ... I like to paint what I call 'earth tones' with a kick sometime. A Happy and Colorful 4th of July to all !

Thanks for kind words! I'm working on some small and mid-size Teal original oils in June and July ... check back at Ugallery or feel free to commission a work thru Ugallery of any size! I have been producing commissions for many years and my collectors have always been very happy with their commissions. Thanks again for your interest!

Artist News: My 6 month public art mural has been completed at Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA. For local residents, please let patients and family members know there is a meditative art mural designed to promote peace during difficult times. The hospital's outdoor healing garden is connected to the back of the 24/7 chapel.

Dear Sharon: I'm so happy that the painting is so nicely situated and you are pleased with the original oil painting. Thank you dearly for taking your time out to give me this kind response and feedback. I believe my paintings to be a 'collective' experience and end up with the owners that are meant to have them, and the whole creative process is complete when the painting connects with the viewer(s) in this manner. Peace and love to you thru the holiday season, New Year, and may every day be a beautiful new beginning for you and your artwork.

Many of my vertical oils can be turned into horizontals - it all depends on the space available and what the client prefers ... sometimes galleries turn them upside down for different effects or I've seen them hung horizontally as well at times. Thx for your kind words and a big thank you to everyone who is purchasing my paintings at Ugallery. Peace, light, and happy holidays to all!

News: I'm currently working on a commissioned contemporary 'healing art' large outdoor mural for Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA located in their Healing Garden outside the chapel. I'm using archival Plasters from Italy that I utilize in my mixed-media Contemporary Paintings to produce this public artwork.