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

What is happening?

Hey everyone, looks like another beautiful day in Colorado. I am furiously working toward a one man show in Palm Desert in April.  Have a few things on the wall, that I am working on.  Mostly gold leaf pieces, but I am still so intrigued with landscape.  God knew what He was doing creating the earth.  When you look around there is so much there!!!!!  Don't you think.  I mean really look.  It is like your eyes have been opened up.  For me it is this revelation that deep within its normalcy is this power of life, color, and meaning.  Are you following me? Like a meandering stream, that has been there for hundred of years.  What a story it tells.  I want to lay in the grassy meadow and look up in the sky in silence, hearing the rustling of the wind, the birds singing, the brook moving and splashing nearby, and if I am lucky, maybe that small silent voice of God.  Be at peace my son, for I will never leave you or forsake you! I want to be able to transform this revelation into the work at hand!  The picture deep inside!  Wow!  Peace everyone.  Have a great weekend.  Michael

The Voice of Action and Happiness

Today I feel so blessed.  So thankful for my family and my friends.  God has brought so many wonderful people into my life.  I pray that I will always have an open mind to their opinions and inevitable difference.  What a great thing that we are all made in God's image.  It is the glue that holds us together, despite our differences.
But onto the work.  I have been involved in helping some folks with projects in Los Angeles, Evergreen, and the Polo Club.  All terrific people and great to work for.  I did have the opportunity to work for Sly Stallone in Beverly Park.  What an amazing house.  I will attach some photos of small areas in the house that we did.  We have been working also for a super talented designer from Palm Desert in Evergreen, doing impact walls throughout their house.  Again, photos when we get close to the finish on this one.  The project in town was built on a project we did 12 years ago.  Some new work and touch up of existing walls.  Amazing that the finishes held up that long.  The one thing I can say is that I know from my heart that God made me to paint.  It is in my heart, my hands, my mind.  Completely filled with wonder and excitement about what is next.  I do one and another is right there.  My Holy Father guides me and directs my brush for his Glory!
I have been working on two pieces one in gold leaf and the other in a butterscotch gold color.  The golf leaf painting had almost a tribal emotional feel to it.  Bands of color over oil pastels.  New techniques!!! And the cool part is that I am getting to use some of my pressed and dried flowers from my yard.  So much fun.  So much beauty.  I could do this all day.  Loose track of the time and day.  Photos to come.
The other piece is a golden field with horses in the long grass looking out at the viewer.  They are caught up in the light of heaven in this golden field.  There are hilltowns and small villages on the treetops that overhang the field.  Topiary borders the stream that runs through the field.  Peace and contentment!  I hope people get that sense.
I also just completed a large piece that will be displayed at Bobbi Walker Fine Art that is called Lover's Moons over Sienna.  An angelic and scenic look at the fields, vineyards, trees and houses that border that magical town in Tuscany.  Look for photos to come.  I have recently gone back to some of my roots in terms of technique, and I am excited about the results.  Very raw and colorful.  Hope you like them.  God bless and keep smiling!  Michael

The Road less traveled!

There are so many mysteries of life.  Too many to try and figure out.  We are all given talents from God.  It is how we use them that counts.  I ask for your grace dear Father, that I can except the things I can't change and work towards moving and allowing others to walk their path of hope and change.  Grant others in my life the peace and  understanding that only You can give. Whisper your will to them and protect them from any harm or deception.  You are a protector of all.  Please help us walk this road in harmony and open witness to your love and will! Sometimes my pride and blind spots get in the way of truly loving and being the man you want me to be.  I say this because my strength as an artist lies in your revelation  and instruction of my life.  How can I paint the picture deep inside if I am at war with the man you made me to be?  Please guide and protect that inner child of  wonder and divine insight.  Let it be so that I might be all that you want me to be and create! Bless the color and texture and words of touch that reveal your Spirit of Love.

The Long and winding road!

 I have been so blessed to have been working on a project for the last several months.  Truly a miracle.  God is at work on my behalf.  This I know.  Understanding all of the why's and wherefore"s is beyond my comprehension.  I have been working on several smaller pieces at the studio.  Whenever I am here and start working, it is like I am HOME!  Things fit. They come together.  And I feel a magical touch of inspiration and a touch from the HOLY ONE.  No doubt he created it before I even thought of it.  I am just trying to catch up with the revelation at hand.  Blessed to be at work this day shortly before my birthday come Monday.  Lord guide and protect my imagination and the words and colors of my heart.  Let it say what you want.  Let it be a testimony to your glory and creation.  let it say more than what is before the viewer.  let it be a journal of the heart and mind.  Let people identify with the content and mystery surrounding the craft. 
Thanks for helping me grow this summer in character and resolve.
God be praised.  More later, Michael

The Joy of Life

So, It has been awhile, but a short note!  I have been in the process of moving and collaborating with my students on their MA programs.  Also, I have been working on a large project downtown.  Been too busy.
Was invited to the Florence Biennale for this year, however I passed to the foreign exchange rate and overall cost of the venture.  Would have been nice.  No problem though.  There will be another time.
Work has been going well and I am trying to squeeze in time for my own work plus teaching.  A balancing act.  Proud to know that Dan Beck down the hall from me just won national honors on one of his paintings with a great check to go along with it.  The man never stops.  His car is parked in front all the time.

Not much more right now.  One thing, go see Tree of Life, a powerful film, produced by Brad Pitt.  Live and death, rebirth, and the spiritual connection between us as humans and this planet.  Very cool!

Looking forward to more summer trips to the mountains.  Went to St. Mary's glacier the other day in my Miata, what a blast.  SO!!!!! incredibly beautiful.  Fills the senses.  What  a beautiful state we live in.  God bless! Michael

Love is a many splendered thing! Sunday 4/9/11

I have seen you in the mountains of earth and coal
I have known you from the singing of the happy whippoorwill sitting on my post
I know your voice in the wind and the sweet kiss of wine on your lips
I feel your heart beating against mine
You are that essence of        innocence and erotic tenderness       no man can resist
Wishing for completeness in the dirt and depth of your soul
Yet fighting the growth of fear to believe she is herself a passenger
on a rough sea stuck    weathered    tossed    and formed by the sea and earth below
She will struggle and live a full and complete live as the sirens call our for redemption,  knowing that
perfect love casts out fear and     fear      is the enemy of growth and happiness
let their song be gone from you
Your arms will catch her as she stands up in that twisted vessel
For Love's song must be found in     you first     so you may love another
I see her now free from the things that nail her wounded and sick from her past     Don't hold back dear one  

Alive

if chosen in the deep and weathered boat     set sail    stand with arms outstretched      sails      lifted high
with sorrow and gratitude a woman of profound dimension finding her dreams come true
Wet dreams and confusion     hope     but you will be OK
as a bird of coal set free to sing the love song of meaning and life sustaining vision of the muddy water that held you back from the earth your friend
Walk proud and humble before your God       for He has made a life for you and you will find the song deep within you
and
in the chains that bind you. Spread your wings and fly
fly
and be free!

Lay down my love beside the babbling brook and listen

Freedom is at hand!

Life in the fast lane

Today was a wonderful day.  Played golf with my father at 85 years old.  Man, I hope I can walk when I am that age.  what a short game he still has.  Played with a couple of nice guys.  Golf is such a rich experience. Value in all that you breath in and feel.  Maybe the reason I love golf so much is it slows down my crazy life for a few hours.  I don't know.  But, the sense of peace and excitement I feel when I step on the first tee, I don't know just so hard to explain.  A thrill..  That is it.  What will happen today.  Despite some injury and letdown in my own life today,    I knew it was coming,     I went for it.  What gives you the strength to carry on?  Is it another glass of wine or another piece of  creme brulee?  I find myself in the fast lane too much.  Always it seems taking on much more and having so much to do.  Balls floating in the air.  Hundred projects possible?  Do they all come in or none at all. SLOW DOWN AND BREATH.  The mountain air.  Nocci's little purrs and sihys.  All the tender, and heart opening gifts from the giver of life and art.  Help us to open ourselves up, to quiet down the     race of time      and all it's obligations. Like walking down the green slopes of the mountains above Assisi stick in hand,  meandering and stopping  and catching the wind through the trees and      knowing God was with us every step of the way        and we did not have to change lanes or stop for any one.  We were free    above the clouds    into the clouds, of the Holy city, throwing buckets of paint in the air!.  God bless!

I feel the voice of the wind whispering and howling through the pines!

Today is Friday and I just got back from the mountains in all of its glory. Looking at a beautiful home with incredible potential and serenity..... So incredible to be so close to the wind high up   touching the clouds    with birds swooping and rocketing into the air.  In the past several days a word and phrase has been swallowing me up in every step I take.  They say when God speaks to you He starts with a whisper and finally if you are away He starts to yell.  God is patient with all of us, because He loves us I suspect.  Certainly I know I don't deserve his attention.  There is a scripture that says from Romans that "Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God     and a another     from Ephesians Don't walk in the vanity of your mind, with your understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in the world, because of the blindness of their heart".  So, who is this NEW MAN and NEW MIND He speaks of?  Growth, Freedom, Lack of fear, Letting go of old injuries like car wrecks, Trust, Loving when it is difficult, Jumping off the ledge deep into the turquoise water deep and healing?  I want to fly with my art and my purpose driven life.  Trust in the Holy One.  Ground yourself         in the wet clay     feeling his strength and purpose.  All things have a season and a purpose.  I know one thing is for sure, I want to keep my hands in paint no matter what and for whatever purpose it may bring because I know in "my gut" that I am serving Him when I do and I soar with eagles wings diving and allowing the wind to carry my heart and soul to freedom and comfort. Please oh God help me to trust in you, don't let me look down and fall into the deep waters without your support.  Give me a new mind that I may create and allow my life to soar and live with unquestionable belief that      you will always be there       unconditionally my Love and Songbird above the howling winds of this world.  If there is a blind spot, please show me and give me the grace to see it and follow its power and reclaim my innocence. Help me to know your will.  Have a great weekend Grace, L, C, and my fellow hawks singing a song of praise as we glide free above the troubles of this world!

Music

It amazes me that music in all its forms brings life to the listener.  It also amazes me that each one of us has a very unique voice.  Our voice, not like any one else.  Have you ever though how amazing that is?  How unique and wonderful of a creation we all are.  That we sing but not like any one else! That God in his touch made each one of us different.  How can anyone not believe in God?  When you look at the universe there is nothing like the earth, nothing!  How can that be? The miracle of music, the inspiration to create.  Chopin, Mozart, The Beatles, Dvorak, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, BB King, and all other music wonders.  Where did they get these melodies?  Did they create them?  I believe they were given these through their hearts and minds by a spark, a spark and flame, of fire burning bright and notes in the air and words in their fingers and gifts from God!  Peace, love...have a great week, Michael

A crazy day

Well today was a roller coaster ride!  More things going on then I could have imagined.  C was running errands, picking up sample boards, proofs of photos.  JJ was working on 11 entries into show across the world with continual problems with the simple tech device.  Each show has specific numbers and qualification, size restrictions, artist comments, etc.  All part of the process though. Very interesting and exciting.  We will see where he goes with all of this and then I can critique and add as necessary after we get the initial work done.
Completed a surface at a client's house yesterday.  A complex combing with a colored and fragile overglaze.  Turned out very exotic in reds, sap green, and  black.  Looks like a fabric or tilled up earth.  Feel like you want to put your hands on it and feel the texture!
Started S painting today, cut the edges and primed and painted it.  Ready for the image soon.  I will update the process as I go along.  It is talking to me at this point.  I have an idea or several but nothing in stone so far.  It will hit me I know it and then I can move forward.  There is truth in every line and every surface.  It has a mind of its own.  We just need to tap into its heart to make it sing.
Singing tonight, choir practice!  What a blessing.  J makes it so much fun and uplifting. I really feel God's presence there.  How He must delight in all of us horsing around and trying as best we can to learn the music.  Something different every week.  Soulful hymns and dramatic backdrops.  You really get caught up in it.  Singing bass with a three octave range.  Tuff to get to low C.  Some phrases are so lyrical they take my breath away.  I feel so much like crying for joy.  Such liberation of the Spirit within us.  God bless!

The beginning of a new era of thought and work in my search for God's will!

Saturday, March 12th, a beautiful day here in Colorado.  Was scheduled to play golf, but to much wind!  Going to spend the day with Carrie, my new love and friend!  Eron Johnson art, work at the studio. Visit antique shops for a project.  Getting ready for a commission piece for Stephanie.  She say she is still a "Hill" even though she has a different last name now.  wants something mysterious, monochromatic, and enchanting.  No problem!  Will come up with a few ideas, and send them to her with a limited palette and will let it fly.
Need to pick up my sweet Miata convertible with only 40,000 miles on it a 93!  Having problems with this car for almost a year.  Got it solved though.  Can't wait to drive it once again.  So much to fix.  Madness.
The state of art at this point is very difficult.  Returning from my yearly one man show in Palm Desert, Ca., there were signs of life but slow going.  Worked my tail off and spent 1000's of dollars on these paintings.  At this point I don't care what I do as long as I can make some money, construction, faux, driving a bus, teaching.  Whatever it takes.  No matter what.  Art will sell but it will take some time.  So sad, people dropping like flies.  So much talent wasted.  So much for that "hope and change" bologna promised by an arrogant and incredibly self absorbed individual!
God willing the partnership of freedom and bliss of the creative spirit will rage forth in the coming months.  I look forward to this. To once again be caught up in the Light and partnership with my Lord.  Let me be the brush and knife that cuts through the layers and strata of our life's to reveal the truth hidden down deep within us. Painting that picture deep inside. So much joy and fulfillment. It felt like a vocation and mission.  Sad that the right brained artistic crowd has to struggle with money and making a living.  We are the poets of this age.  God has revealed in us his future and road less traveled.
Please be patient with me as I learn this new technology.  I will figure it out.
Cool possible plans on the horizon on several fronts M in Seattle, L in the desert, and several other possible commission pieces/wall surfaces in Denver.  Keep pushing and never give up (more on this later).
Be courageous and fight the good fight, let your light shine forth, and pray that God will send angels to loosen the hearts and minds of men able to afford and appreciate good art and send them forth to bless the artists of this day. I pray for the strangle hold of fear to leave this country so that people can once again feel they can work and live and make a living.  Be positive! God bless.  Michael

Angels

A quick note!  Something has been going on in the Universe.  I can sense the opening of the Heavens.  Let the Light shine forth in the deepest of tragedy and confusion.   Angels, and the Holy Spirit at work.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but, ecknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path".  God has a plan.  We may not know what it is but He does and we need to trust Him.  Let your guts rise up to your skin and let that spark of indwelling creativity puncture through our hard cores and reveal itself in our work.  "The very stones will cry out" from the scripture.  God is present.  Have a blessed day. Michael