caressing the mind

A soothing break for the mind
A graceful dance, low in the sky
A gentle nudge for a deep breath
Kissed by silver and bits of gold

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Nikol Haskova Studio

anticipation

With gorgeous sights, sounds and most importantly, scents of spring everywhere, I wanted to celebrate the luscious pregnancy of the season. While there is a breathtaking beauty to everything in bloom, I was after a different kind of loveliness. 

The kind that is in between winter and blossom, waiting, seemingly quietly, like a girl next door. Unlike the femme fatale of cherry blossom and magnolia blooms, she appears innocent.

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Nikol Haskova Studio

bending

For blossoms

For newness

For love

Nikol Haskova Studio

Put that failure on a shelf

I worked hard on this one. Changed it quite a few times. Added a brushstroke when I got up in the middle of the night. Thought about it over breakfast. Finally, I thought it was done.

I proudly showed it to my husband. A long, silent, torturous pause. I knew it right then. It wasn't done. Worse, it was awful. The words no artist wants to hear didn't need to be said.

But, of course, my husband said them anyway, bless his soul. In his view, it wasn't awful, but rather "creepy". Yep. SLASH goes a searing hot knife into my tender creative heart. Well, he continued. "If you were trying to depict a haunted forest, you succeeded". SMACK goes a massive imaginary hand across my forehead.

Needless to say, he was right. Which is exactly why I asked him. I wanted honesty. I may have wished for it to be served on a pretty saucer and wrapped in lace, but that has never been his way. I don't mind when he doesn't like certain paintings. He rarely praises my studio accomplishments, but when he does, it's better than getting a curator's nod of approval.

It wasn't that he thought it was a poorly done painting. I did. Because it failed to deliver the sentiment. The title was "Winter Sleep" and it was to be a soft and dreamy study of the wait for spring. The piece now occupies the highest drying shelf in the studio so I don't have to look at it. When I'm no longer pissed off at it, I'll complete it to my satisfaction. Meanwhile, I'm working on a painting titled "Vader".

Thank you, my love, for helping me grow. I don't always like the process, but I'm ever so grateful for the end result. I'll play the sweet, tender CD you gave me when I return to the aforementioned work in progress.

all senses seduced

In love with life, Violet was taking slow steps down a dusty path. With a sweet song serenading her mind and scrumptious sweet bits underfoot, she could not imagine the day getting any better. And then... 

Nikol Haskova Studio

dreamland

Prelude in C Major

Surfaces

I'm so excited to teach again - last year the classes were quickly filled with enthusiastic, eager to soak up new info, creative souls. We covered a lot of ground. This year, going in with a little more experience, I aim to offer a more focused lesson. 

It's wonderful how gifts land in our laps when we let stuff happen. Just a couple of days ago, I was thinking about how I'd love to return to Opus for a demo. It's such an inspiring, positive and friendly place. There, I receive as much awesome energy as I give out. The thought came and left without me acting on it. 

Yesterday, I was working on a large piece called "Surfacing". As I'm about to wash my brushes and call it a day, the phone rings and Camille says to me: "I'm planning spring demos. Do you want to come back? The first lessons will focus on surfaces." 

Nikol Haskova Studio