November Newsletter from My Website

Money problems and the bad economy are dominating headlines and entering most everyone's conversations (mine included) at some point during the day. It's almost impossible to be around people or connect to media and not hear something said about some aspect of money.

Our country's current financial instability is something that I can't obviously change, and that stresses me out. For stress relief I turn to something linear and controllable - exercise. I'm an active person, but in times of uncertainty I ramp up my exercise program. Maybe this doesn't seem very artsy or creative, but how I think about exercise is my creative approach to stress. Here's why: Targeted exercise creates measurable positive change in strength and power while relaxing the mind. And that equals control. Most of the control we think we have in life is often an illusion -- except for exercise.

Until I realized this, I often thought of exercise as something I fit around the days I was having fun in a sport like skiing or paddling my SUP board. Creating art is a very non-linear type of activity and I can spend days or weeks on a canvas and not be able to get at what I'm envisioning. Not only does exercise make me healthier, I can experience some linear measure of success with as little as an hour or so a day of minor discomfort.

Whatever the ups and downs may be in my day, not only does the success I feel translate into the rest of my day, I can eat more! Just in time for the holidays I wrote down my Pumpkin Sweet Potato Custard recipe so you can try one of my family's favorite desserts. It's like pumpkin pie without the crust.

The holiday season began this month with Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) and now we're heading into Thanksgiving. The election is over and the work of change is all of our responsibility. I am very grateful to live in our great country. May we all take a moment to count our blessings, not only our cash.

Happy Holidays,

Cristina

Exhibit Info November 2008:

• Gottshalks department store obtained 2 images from my Spanish Rose Series for their entry foyer in the new Gottshalks in Bend, Oregon.
• ASU Arizona State University Museum of Anthropology is exhibiting my 16'6" charcoal drawing, Love Always (Siempre Amor) for their 9th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival exhibit, Oct. 28, 2008 - Jan. 29, 2009.
• Central Oregon, High Desert Gallery Sisters, Oregon, is exhibiting my series of Madonna retablos (altars) in their gallery.
• Onda Gallery in Lake Oswego, Oregon (a suburb of Portland) included my acrylic painting, Two to Tango in their Tango exhibit .

Along with painting, I continue to write design articles regularly for Latina Style magazine, and offer color consulting services to home and business owners choosing paint colors in Bend, Oregon. I like sharing home design ideas with clients, it's a satisfying way to share my creative skills when I'm not painting or writing.

All artwork under copyright protection by Cristina Acosta.

October Newsletter From www.CristinaAcosta.com

Dear Friends,

A lost racing pigeon bunked in the eave of our house for a couple of weeks. I tracked down the local racing pigeon group and after describing the bands on the bird's legs, the man I spoke with urged me to catch the pigeon so that it could be returned to it's home. The bird had other ideas. It stayed comfortably out of my range, and grew plump on the cracked corn and sunflower seeds I pour into the bird feeders around my garden. I last saw the racing pigeon flying towards downtown Bend, Oregon with a wild pigeon friend. It had discovered it's heritage and took the plunge to live life in the wild.

That's how I've been feeling lately, like I'm rediscovering my heritage. Not in a cultural sense, but in a human/animal sense. It started with learning to surf my SUP board. After a summer and autumn on the water, I found something in SUP paddling and surfing that energizes me. I'm deeply respectful and sometimes scared of open water and the ocean, so surfing isn't only about fun for me. I'm very aware when I venture off shore that I'm entering a wild and impersonal food chain. And when the wind and waves change from friendly to scary, that only compounds my fears. But, the ocean has a deeper metaphorical and spiritual meaning for me that became part of my consciousness as a child growing up on the California coast, so I didn't let fear stop me. I coped with the water despite my anxiety and stuck with it long enough to actually enjoy myself. Crossing over that personal hurdle has been positively affecting my art. I've gone back to making large images and continue to explore where my retablo series takes me. My series of altars (retablos) is growing and is now beginning to be exhibited as a group.

This month has been an exciting blend of local, regional and national exhibits. In Central Oregon, High Desert Gallery is exhibiting my series of Madonna retablos (altars) at their Redmond, Oregon location. This is the first time 14 of these ex-voto style retablos have been shown together. Regionally, Onda Gallery in Lake Oswego, Oregon (a suburb of Portland) included my large oil, Sentinel Moon - Blue Heron in a show benefiting the Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. And their Alberta Street Location is showing my retablo, La Sirena (The Mermaid). Nationally, the ASU Arizona State University Museum of Anthropology is exhibiting my 16'6" charcoal drawing, Love Always (Siempre Amor) created for their 9th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival exhibit, Oct. 28, 2008 - Jan. 29, 2009.

Along with the art, I continue to write design articles regularly for Latina Style magazine, and to color consult. I like sharing home design ideas with clients, it's a satisfying way to share my creative skills when I'm not painting or writing.

I encourage you to continue to explore whatever it is that energizes and enhances your passionate self. It's the best way I can think of to stay creative and positive during this time of economic uncertainty.

Warm Regards,

Cristina

Read more on my website www.CristinaAcosta.com

Newsletter: Summer 2008 (from my website)

I'm learning to Standup Paddle Surf and I am obsessed! I started learning to surf last summer and because I live inland, I focus on Stand Up Paddling so that I can be on my board whether I'm on the coast or in the middle of the country. I get scared a bit in the ocean or on big lakes when the wind is high, but I keep on learning. So why am I writing you about surfing in an art newsletter? Because I'm excited to share my experience. ( I love it so much my husband, Randall Barna and I have a SUP website and blog selling gear and sharing stories & tips.) Pushing myself to continue to grow maximizes my creativity. And, it's fun to be consumed by something fun and playful. My sense of possibility is enriched with every small triumph.

And nurturing my sense of possibilities gives me the vision and enthusiasm to embrace life and try new things, both in my work and life. Embracing life means embracing change. One of my favorite changes to be part of is a happy wedding. Recently commissioned by a couple to paint an image to celebrate their upcoming wedding, I painted this image in my Paint Happy style. I titled it Wedding Promise. The colors, clothing and setting are personal to the couple. He's supporting the heart they embrace together as they float happily over the sea of life. I enjoy painting commissions that celebrate anniversaries and other happy occasions -- everyone is in such a great mood!

I began writing professionally a few years ago, and I'm really enjoying it. I was invited to write a biographical piece for the magazine Pure Inspiration's Summer 2008 issue. Titled, Art and Spirit, I share my story of how my art has shaped the path of my life and both echoed and lead my spiritual growth. One of the results of my journey has been to realize my dedication to make my life more artful, leading me to developing design work such as Color Consulting for homes and other buildings along with developing recipes.

I've included recipes for you that will help you save some money (a great thing in this economy), whether you're making a Brown Sugar Body Scrub or learning to make your own Artisan Bread so you can leave high-priced bakeries behind and enjoy the quality of artisan baking along with the satisfaction of making your own bread.

If you'd like to know more about my Color Consulting work, contact me, mention color consulting e-booklet in the comments box and I'll send you a free e-booklet about my service.

I hope you enjoy the remainder of the summer.

Happy Creating,

Cristina

Choosing Paint Colors Home Decor Licensing Who is Cristina Press Philanthropy Hand Painted Ceramics Cooking with Cristina Art and Inspiration Articles and Books Contact Cristina Original Oil and Acrylic Paintings Site Map Hispanic Heritage

May 2008 Newsletter: Creativity is Connection

(From my website monthly mailings: sign-up here.)

Dear Friends,

Connections between people are more obvious than ever before in history. Virtual-world relationships on sites like Facebook and LinkedIn are blurring the external boundaries between our work, social and family selves. The boundaries between the different worlds we pass through during the course of our day and the different personas we may inhabit are now permeable. How do we keep centered, balanced and creative when the world around us is increasingly changeable?

Keeping the connections between eyes, hands and heart open requires practice. Meditation is one of the tools I use to keep the connections open within myself, therefore staying centered. A form of meditation, sketching is a fabulous way to stay in the present moment as it requires all of my attention. As my mind travels, my pen follows. My sketchbook is one way I connect with myself and the world around me. Drawing keeps me on track, both in my creative work and in my life. There is no separation.

Accessing deeper meaning doesn't have to be something that happens only in specials places or at special times. It's available to us 24/7 in all of our choices. I recently wrote a blog entry titled Authentic Color Vs. Color Trends that explores using the process of choosing colors for your home as a self-development practice.

Because we are creators, being connected is crucial. The fossil fueled motor and this boon (along with other factors) has led to global climate change, possibly humankind's biggest global challenge. At this time in history it is especially important that each of us are aware of our part in creating our small piece of the world and how those pieces interconnect with others.

Live Happy,
Cristina

Note: I drew these ink drawings during a belly dance event. These drawings of belly dancers are ball point pen on 3" x 5" paper. Completed in about 5 minutes or so (as long as the dance lasted), they are representations of my visceral response to the movements and beauties of the dance and dancers. Though this sketch was 5 minutes, I've been sketching for over 30 years. What you're seeing in each sketch is the refinement of my ability to create an image that relates my experience along with leaving open-to-view the paths my mind took during the drawing/meditation. See how my love of movement influences my paintings on my site at www.CristinaAcosta.com

April '08 Monthly Newsletter from my Website

Dear Friends,

Paint Happy is the name of both my art book and the series of paintings I make in that style. When I paint, I hold a thought/emotion in mind as I create. My Paint Happy series encourages happy, joyous thoughts. It's always a pleasure to make and to share with viewers and collectors. I'm happy to announce that High Desert Gallery in Sisters, Oregon is now the exclusive representative of my art in the Central Oregon region.

Along with representing some Paint Happy pieces online, Myrna Herrick Dow, a partner in High Desert Gallery, is an award winning framer. She has framed several pieces in the series -- gorgeous! The High Desert Gallery is also hosting the preview of the painting Springtime All Over - The Garden Store. I donated the original painting to the SIster's Folk Festival, My Own Two Hands Art event and auction. High Desert Gallery donated the framing. It's a wonderful cause: Art & Music in the schools. You can proxy bid by phone through April 12th.

Another wonderful public cause is the Jacobs Gallery in the Hult Center in Eugene, Oregon. The Gallery is a Non Profit organization funded through private donations, the City of Eugene and the sale of art. Latino Visions, a invitational exhibit of ten Northwest Hispanic artists, curated by Analee Fuentes, is open April 4 - May 17th. I'm proud to share 3 of my large Madonnas in that exhibit.

As the April days lengthen, warmer days that aren't too hot make for ideal house-painting weather! Ok, it's doesn't sound exciting, but it is a necessary chore if you own a home. To make choosing colors for the exterior of your home a little easier, I put together a collection of paint color choosing tips for you.

If you aren't buying paintings or choosing paint colors, please don't feel left out. I have a new recipe for you. My Salsa recipe is easy, fast and authentic! Not only will you save money making your own salsa, it's easily adaptable to a variety of ingredients. And if you are feeding any fruit & vegetable-phobic eaters, you don't have to remind them that salsa is truly a health food! (The chips, maybe not!)

Live Happy,

Cristina

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March 2008 Newsletter from my Website

Dear Friends,

The days are getting longer and it's almost time for the Vernal Equinox. More sunshine is on its way! To get through the rest of winter I recommend more chocolate! I visited Oaxaca, Mexico last month and along with enjoying the wonderful arts, crafts and ancient pyramids, I discovered a recipe for you, Chocolate with Water (Chocolate con Agua). Oaxaca is renowned for chocolate, and much of it is consumed as a beverage.

Along with traveling, I am fortunate to be able to share my art with the staff and patients at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, Oregon, through March & April. My art exhibit at St. Charles Hospital is of mostly my large-scale oil paintings from my Animal Spirit series. Deer, coyote, raccoon, raptors, other birds and animals visit my garden year round (despite living close to town). I long ago gave up typical gardening so that I could support the wildlife with feeders and water features to make up for the diminished forage they have since development in the area took off. I photograph and draw the animals before painting, only creating paintings of animals I’ve actually encountered.

On the wall near the hospital chapel hang 4 of my Madonnas. One of those paintings, Guadalupe with Tear is also featured in The Business Journal of Hispanic Research, a bi-annual publication of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. The periodical supports credible, peer reviewed research on Hispanics. They are changing the business environment for the better!

The change of seasons always inspires some people to paint their house. A journalist recently interviewed me for a national article about home exterior paint colors. If you’re feeling ready for a color change, I have a few choosing paint color tips on my website.

Live Happy,

Cristina

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Feb. 2008 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Happy Valentines Day! This is the month we honor love. Like most everybody, I've spent a few bummer Valentines Days over the years. Love I learned is a practice. So is art, prayer, parenting, exercise, eating and most anything else that you participate in with your heart and soul. It all becomes a spiritual practice, and each of us brings our unique presence in the practice of our lives to the world. Lavishing beauty on the world is my way of dealing with the negative news that streams from all around the world into my TV set, computer and radio.

Sharing beauty motivates me to begin blogging. I've discovered that I enjoy the artistic discipline of blogging. Writing, like painting is both a craft and art. Searching for things to write about is similar to beginning a painting. I sit quietly with my tools at hand, shut my eyes briefly to signal my mind that I'm entering my place of creative flow and begin.

Sometimes that place leads me to history. As a life-long artist, I've done a lot of different types of art jobs to stay housed and fed. For a couple of years I was a billboard painter. Now that it's a lost art, I wrote the essay, Painting Big - My Life as a Billboard Painter, about my history painting the 24' long outdoor ad murals.

All of this writing hasn't left much free time. I invented Santa Fe Chicken Rice for those days that I don't have much motivation in the kitchen. When you're not cooking or otherwise creating, remember to sign up for my blog. Send me your creative comments and questions and I'll answer them on the blog. Whether you're wondering what color to paint a wall, how to teach someone (yourself!) to draw, make a killer cookie or talk about art, I'd love to hear from you.

Live Happy,

Cristina

Subscribe to Cristina's Newsletter for once a month news, or get more on her Blog.

Choosing Paint Colors Home Decor Licensing Who is Cristina Press Philanthropy Hand Painted Ceramics Cooking with Cristina Art and Inspiration Articles and Books Site Map Contact Cristina Original Oil and Acrylic Paintings Hispanic Heritage

January Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! The rush and fun of the winter holiday season is behind us and I'm tired of cooking and eating! On that note, my gift to you is a recipe for Brown Sugar Beauty Scrub. Stir fresh mint and orange zest together with simple ingredients and you are in for a calorie-free treat that will leave you refreshed and ready to act on your inspirations.

The New Year is also a time for resolutions. Team inspiration with imagination to discover and create resolutions that have power and meaning for you. When I make resolutions and plans I like to think about what has positively inspired me. Sometimes inspirations are famous people or events. At other times inspiration is closer to home.

Close to my home and heart is my sister, Alisa Acosta. She recently celebrated her 5 year anniversary after undergoing treatment for cancer. Her dedication to all aspects of good health in the ensuing years inspires everyone who knows her. In the tradition of the Ex-Voto, I painted a Madonna titled La Sirena Verde/The Green Mermaid to celebrate her life and gave it to her during the Christmas holiday. Thank you Alisa for all that you are!

A resolution needs a plan, and a plan involves a practice. Whether that practice is spiritual, physical or fiscal depends upon your resolution. As an artist I've learned that when I consciously practice a creative act, my attitude (and my day!) is often better. I don't have to pick up a paint brush or write an article to be creative. Some days, it's not practical. My practice it to pay attention to beauty in all forms. It's a practice that keeps me connected to myself and the world around me. Those connections are the waters in the well that feed my inspiration.

Though it's about creating a plan for a home project, I want to share with you an article I wrote, Plan for Success. The principles are basic to any successful plan. I'd love to hear from you and learn about your inspirations.

Live Happy,

Cristina