Muses

Muse of the Blue Sky by Tanya Torres
Acrylic on canvas, 12" x 9", 2014. 

Muse of the Red Sky with Hibiscus by Tanya Torres
Acrylic, gold foil and bindi on canvas, 12" x 9", 2014. 

I finished these two muses last week, although they had been waiting since January for a few last touches. They were meant to be "twin muses" but each went in a different direction, one more simplified and matte, and the other more glossy  and "all the way" with bindi and gold foil on the sides, like some of my muses on tile.

Then, when I started writing a post about them, I stopped and realized that I have never put into words, even for myself, why I paint these faces. One reason is that they flow easily, "they do themselves." The reason why that happens is that they are the symbols of why I create art.

In the old times I was very dramatic, always concentrating on the painful and violent side of life. But when I started reading about spirituality, the idea that, through painting (or through whatever it is that we do all day,) we can send blessings and "good energy," prayers, to our world, ringed true and called to me. I started practicing it when I created my first Mary Magdalenes.

In the process, I learned about sigils. Sigils are magical symbols that contain the energy of your thoughts as you create them. They could be made of words, like in my painting of my Guardian Angel (on the robe are painted the words Amor and Paz.)

I realized that by painting the muses on tile that people take home, I am sending, within what I feel are harmonious lines and colors, my intentions of Love, Peace and Joy where they go. And that makes me very happy.

These two new muses are larger and painted with acrylic on canvas.

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This Saturday, 3-6 p.m., you are invited to drop by my studio for tea! Join my VIP list for details.

Mosaic Counter and Backsplash

The Kitchen Mosaic is finally done! Here are the photos and a little video to see the whole kitchen. Plus some photos of Katherine's table, always set and always beautifully creative! 

The paintings on the cabinets are by another artist. Katherine's house is literally full of art and crafts. It is like entering a wonderland, especially in the first floor where the kitchen is located. 

Front view. 

Detail of countertop.

Detail of backsplash.

Katherine loved the little butterfly that flies away. I had to adjust a piece over an outlet, and this little butterfly didn't want to go back home with me!

 Video of the kitchen.

Katherine's whimsical table! This time it was decorated with african motifs. The brownstone still have most of its original details. The library is a writer's dream. And the back patio is a little wild, with roses and sculptures. I love it!

Magical Medallions Updated

Here are some of the completed Magical Medallion Sets.

I also want to share an invitation:

See the special prices when you join my new VIP List! This is just a fun name so I can build a new list for people who want to see more of what I do or would like to see new pieces first. Plus, get 10% off in my Etsy Store, Art by Tanya Torres forever, and a special invitation to tea or coffee in my studio.

Warm Lights $32

Magical Butterfly $22

Pink and Black Mysteries $32

Ocean Elegance $32

Pink, Blue, Green Fairies $27

Purple Galaxy Wrapped in Blue $32

Amber Tiger $32 Reserved

Warm Illumination $22

Detail Warm Illumination

Jupiter $30 

New Mexico Sky $30

Purple Sky $30 Sold

Myth $30

Mysical World $30

Earth $30 Sold

Hope $16

Hope

Hope

Venus Love $30

Path $30

Oceans $12

Pink Path $30

Divine Dream $30 Sold

Blue Ocean of the Earth $30

Playful Sky $30 Sold

Blue Path $30

Peaceful Sky $30 Sold

Next week in the VIP List my new Fridas on tile, and in the coming weeks, new paintings.

And one more thing. These are the meanings of my colors, and my intentions as I paint with them:

• White: Purity, light
• Pink: friendship, tender love
• Blue: Peace, lightness, embrace, masculine energy
• Yellow: Wisdom, flight
• Orange: Dancing, warmth, soul fire, happiness
• Red: Energy, passion, burning love
• Purple: Spirituality, dignity
• Green: Hope, healing, Mother Nature
• Magenta, Fuchsia: Feminine energy, spiritual flight
• Black: Silence, inner rest

I send you lost of love, peace and joy in this beautiful day!

Magical Medallions

If you ever went to one of my events, you probably have seen these.

Magical Medallion Set with 1.5" medallion, $30.

Little Universes, 3/4" medallions, $15.

My friend Elisa Montesinos called hers a Magical Medallion. She just moved to Venezuela and sent me a photo wearing the necklace I gave her before leaving. Notice that when you wear one of these, you get to go somewhere with palm trees and sand.

Elisa in Venezuela.

I thought I would share a little of how the magic is done.


After falling in love with a jar of blue ink, I bought a set. Then I started playing with the inks on BFK Rives paper. I no longer remember why I thought of using the little paintings for jewelry, but when I placed glass on top of the first compositions I made, alchemy happened.

Last night I created a new series. Here they are before cutting them. After they dry, I look for the special places where the colors mix and swirl and blend. I find a composition that looks like a universe. Then I turn each circle into 1.5" or 3/4" medallions, some with matching earrings. They are originals made with love, my kind of magic! 

Magic Medallions in progress. Can you find the painting that matches each?

Julia de Burgos

Julia by Tanya Torres, Acrylic on gessoed board, 10" x 8", 2013. 

Today I celebrate Julia de Burgos' 100th Anniversary.

As a child, her poem Río Grande de Loíza, and her photo hung on the wall in front of our dining table, so each morning and night, I read her poetry and looked at her photo.

She was the first poet I ever encountered. I grew up with her words and her rhythm.

There would be no poetry in my life if it weren't for Julia de Burgos.

Thank you Julia!