Beauty

It is profound to look and see the beauty that surrounds us! After returning from Colorado for a family reunion, I was amazed at the beauty of the desert landscape.  Yes it is completely different from Colorado, yet the unique and complex terrain is soul provoking. When we look deep within the objects we see there is a beauty that is open to all that go within! How can these plants survive in 110' degree heat. Their beauty lies in there WILL to survive! They have that look of water saturation that they hold onto, They resource for living goes deep. Can we learn from these textural beauties? They have incredible surfaces and defense systems to keep them alive. And as an Artist, I relish their beauty because of their uniqueness! The shades of green, the prickly needles and rough edges, are so very cool. But then you have so many trees that are wispy and flowing with air.....occasional blasts of color are there!
I am saying look deeper and always never loose a chance to discover the inner beauty that surrounds us!
It can happen in an instant!
Where is our resource for living a fruitful and meaningful life?
Michael@battagliastudios.com

Life in the Desert!

I have been so blessed to be so busy since I moved to Palm Desert in March of 2014.  One project and commission piece after the next.  Honestly, a whirlwind of activity and adjustment!
I followed the money as they say.  I have clients here that appreciate my talents and know what they are looking at.  When I think I have been coming here for 20 years it is mind boggling to say the least.  Living in the heat takes some adjustment for sure.  I love it much more then the cold winters of Colorado. So it has been very rewarding and lucrative as well.
Still travelling to do projects.  I was recently in Montana doing a project at Mr. Foley's house in Rock Creek.  Amazing landscape and beautiful country. The golf course he had built by Coors is honestly one of the best I have ever played.  Coors of course is one of the golf architects who designed a course at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. Super private and pristine, rolling hills and meadows full of wild flowers! Soooo beautiful!
It was fun to spend some time with my brother and work together.  We also played a course in Missula that was designed by Jack Nicklaus.  It was a beast of a course and was laid out in the old mining fields of that town. Again incredible scenery!
So, I will be going back to Denver to do a small project in a few weeks and looking forward to catching up with my family and Dad.
My dream is that one day not to far in the future, I will be doing Art fulltime.  But for now, just occasionally.  That must be God's plan for me. So be it.
Much more to say but will write soon!
God bless and peace to all, Michael

This joy of the new spring in the heat of the desert!

So, it has been awhile and just wanted to catch up a bit on my life and Art!  Reality has been ever present and I have learned that know one is coming to put all of this together.  So, some tough decision have been made concerning my next chapter in this life.
I am starting three projects in Palm Desert in August 2013!  Very excited about this!  Major opportunities and colorfield  painting and plaster work galore.  There will also be several painting I will be doing, so I will keep you posted!  I will be working in two CC areas in La Quinta at the Hideaway and The Tradition.  Such unimaginable beauty, I can't tell you.
My brother and I will be doing this with the help of several locals there.  It will be hot at around 110 or so, but we will get used to it!
We are staying at PGA West close to the job site, which will be nice.
I always love returning to the desert, it holds a magic spell over me in so many ways.  I love the smell of the flowers and bushes and the sound of water everpresent.  There is this contrast of dark oxidized iron rocks to soft petals and streaming water and foliage everywhere, with fruit trees ever where you look.  So I am always so awe struck by this raw beauty.
At present my life has been so busy that my social life has not kept pace with my business life.  Hoping that God as a matchmaker will bring a wonderful and caring woman into my life.  Living and sharing your life with a partner make life so much easier.  I long for that day.
The Art has been going well and I will say this, one thing I have discovered is that if my work can be of incredible service and help for my clients, that is what I want!  To make this world more beautiful in there eyes makes my day.  Thanks Wendy for your encouragement and your sweet smile every day. It was wonderful to help you achieve that special look.  God's grace abound in your life.
Ciao Ciao for now.  Hope all of you find that special place within you that keeps you happy and productive.  God bless, Michael (signing off for now)

Today, Feb. 26th is a big one.  Bob at itransport is coming on the 28th to pick up my Art for my upcoming show in March through the middle of April in Palm Desert.  Trying to finish up one last piece (small) by my standards.  Mad rush working to get ready. Please pray God's message will come into the light through these paintings.
I am always amazed at how God works with my creative side.  I have my ideas and as I proceed He takes control with my hand following in His footsteps.  My heart cries out for this remarkable Friend my Lord and Creator.  Help me to always keep my mind open to the turnings and nuances of your word spoken within me!
This week is also the Exempla/St. Joe deadline for the Hospital downtown.  We are entering this as Molly from Nine dot Arts sent me an invitation to join in.  Delys has done a remarkable job with Adobe Design, so the power point will show the Board by clicking up or down with the arrows the images in each. Very remarkable.  She has persevered through this.
Also at the end of the week I start these pieces from Africa that need embellishment, should be fun working  on these.
A also want to say goodbye to Julie Donnato, Mike F's sister in Palm Desert. I will see you one day on the other side.  I know you are with the Father in His glorious kindgdom probably decorating and space planning rooms in His Mansion on the hill.
God bless everyone!  Had a huge snow storm a couple of days ago and will be quite some time before we can get out and play some golf.
Peace and contentment my friends, Michael
 

Autumn 2012

Today is Saturday the 13th of Nov.  Time flies doesn't it?  I am in the process of moving my Studio to my house, which I am very excited about.  It will give me so much more room.  Nocci and I will be together most of the time and hope to get a great rhythm going.  Working on a large piece now but have been tied up with this move for the past couple of weeks.  Work coming up in from California soon.  Nice to visit, work hard, make some money in the sun, and see all the beauty that is ever present in the desert.  This time of year the trees start blooming.  So cool.  The smells of the annuals are so intoxicating. Oh, just takes my breath away.
Life has been interesting lately and I find myself at odds with myself in terms of direction and planning for the future.  A big part of me would move to Palm Desert, yet I have family here.  I can't stand the cold and the winters in Denver.  So God willing I will be in the desert in the winter months.
I find myself yearning for a touch from the Holy One! A spark of revelation or knowing.  Do you know what I mean.  Something to hold fast the rising water of doubt and indecision in my soul.  Art is my soul and my peace of mind.  I want to paint like a mad man.  I have so many paintings lined up in my head.  When to have the time? There is some reluctance to work at this pace.  I pray that I will find a "resting place" and contentment deep within me.  I need this to have solice and completeness in my work and in my thinking.  Hope all of you have an awesome Autumn.  So beautiful here.  God Bless, Michael

Artwork

I had a terrific time in Palm Desert, Ca.  It was a blast.  Met so many people.  The Cancer Auction went well as well.  Met many patrons and collectors of my work.  Even met the gentleman that had bought my two paintings called "The Golden Light over Silverton".  He was from the mid-west and such a nice guy, humble, and was so excited to meet me after all this time.  He said he flew in especially for the Show.  It was nice to hear all the stories connected to the Art work they had purchased.  When you think that I have sold over 150 paintings, mostly over 4x5 ft., in the past 7 years it hard to believe. It amazes me how much of my work is out there and how much it is appreciated.  I met these two gentlemen from one of the Country Clubs nearby and they had never seen my work.  They could not belief how much the texture enhanced the picture.  I hope to see them again!
The desert still gives me goose bumps every time I go there. The flowers and landscape is so primitive yet so rugged.  The smells from the creosote trees are amazing as well.  Palm Desert is like a bowl of ripe tomatoes with white buffalo cheese surrounded by the ever present rust chocolate molasses mountains!  As you look at these mountains they go back and back and back forever.  So sublime!

Had some great times with my Uncle Mike playing golf as well.  Hope to continue to go back there for years to come.  Take care everyone, Michael

Easter 2012

What a glorious Easter it was here.  Beautiful, no winds and warm.  Our Choir sang Stabat Mater, an unbelievable piece of music from Jenkins.  It was about the sorrowful mother of Jesus, Mary.  Roberta Griggs sang the solo female part and she was marvelous.  Such haunting yet beautiful melodies and tragic endings and a beautiful beginning all in one.  I was so proud to sing in this.  Jim, our director, has done some amazing and challenging pieces this year.  The music has made us laugh uncontrollably and cry as well. Pastor Janet came down before Good Friday night and prayed with us.  It was so emotional.  I cried as I sang.  All the Choir was choked up!  The Wesley Players did an awesome job with their portrayal of the apostles and soldiers and the Cross.  Moving beyond words.  So blessed to be part of this congregation...to sing to God as a help to allow God to work between the lines.  Emotion opens the heart.  It was thrilling and so moving.  Thank you Lord for this opportunity to be there and to sing my best.  It was a weekend to remember.
My sister had Easter Dinner and it was great. Lots of food and laughter and the Masters prooved to be so exciting with Bubba winning the green jacket.  Little Nocci enjoyed herself as well.  Man, this little dog loves to walk.  It is such a joy for her prancing and dancing along.  Saying Hi to everyone.  What a blessing she is to me.  I honestly do not know how I could have made it this past 3 years without her.  She is such a comfort and such a little snuggler.  God bless everyone. Thanks again for all my wonderful friends and you know who you are.  Thanks for your encouragement and for your sharing of your life with me!!!!!
More about the art and how it is coming along.  We are posting on Facebook now under The art of Michael Battaglia.  Check it out.  Blessings, Michael