Sharing wisdom and experience

Color has always held deep significance for me. Having studied its effect on the emotions and the body for many years, I was surprised when Sherwin-Williams announced Khaki as the color of the year. It’s not a color I would ever choose instinctively — so I turned to AI to understand its symbolic meaning: “The word ‘khaki’ comes from a Persian word for ‘dust’ or ‘soil.’ It refers to an earthy, neutral, muted shade — typically yellowish-brown or brownish-green. Khaki is associated with nature, practicality, reliability, and military origins. It symbolizes a connection to the earth, functionality, and understated strength, while also conveying calmness and grounding qualities.” I understand the collective need for calm and centeredness — especially as we witness the ever-growing chaos in the world. It’s difficult not to feel fear, anger, or frustration, particularly if you’re constantly exposed to the news. But... khaki? Last week, I became acutely aware of my aging. Sometimes, even now, I’m startled by how old I am. The changes in my body are undeniable. A question lingered in my mind: Am I just taking up space on this earth? Still, I packed a large suitcase full of encaustic paints, tools, and supplies to lead a program at the Exploring & Manifesting the Creative Self retreat. I printed out Qigong materials and brought my Sacred Women Tarot cards for the “Intuition” sessions I was scheduled to lead. I was nudged out of my comfortable stay-at-home routine, joining a group of 13 women. We stayed at the same hotel, shared beautiful meals, and slowly opened up to one another. My heart expanded with each conversation. On the first day, I introduced myself, shared what I’d be teaching — and mentioned my age. That certainly got their attention. People are often surprised I’m still walking around, let alone teaching hot wax painting! It was a joy to lead the first early morning Qigong practice, offer tarot card readings after lunch, and introduce the group to the magic of painting with fire in the afternoons. The next morning, we began with Yogananda’s energizing exercises, followed by a color meditation, and more hands-on encaustic work. The hot wax painting was a hit. Seems as if I still have something to share. One woman told me it was her favorite part of the entire retreat. She said, “Ezshwan, you have to come back next year.” I replied, “If I’m still here…” She frowned. “Don’t say that.” But she doesn’t yet realize — what peace and love are waiting for us on the other side. <

The Power of Red

I have been a student of color for over 50 years. I wrote a short book about that subject and I have plans to create some YouTube videos about the importance of color in our lives, personalities, emotions and bodies. Just recently as I have been checking my files of sales and comments, I noticed that almost every red painting I made in the past few years has sold. From my book,"Red is a forceful and stimulating color. It is the great energizer. Red helps us integrate into our physical body. It speeds up the pulse rate, raises the blood pressure and increases the respiration. It is a color of activity and intensity. corresponding to fire and blood, it stimulates the passions, the life force and the appetite. Red indicates force, vigor and energy... If a human body is lacking the red vibration that person could be inclined to be lazy, idle, sleepy and anemic. The appetite would be diminished. Here is what some others artist and designers have said about red: "I want a red to be sonorous, to sound like a bell. If it doesn't turn out that way, I add more red and other colors until I get it." Pierre Auguste Renoir "Of all the hues, red has the most potency."Jack Lenoard Larsen "Red is the ultimate cure for sadness." Bill Blass "It is not pure fantasy to say that the color red is like the sound of a trumpet." Joyce Carey "You can't go wrong with the use of red. Every painting should have red in it." George De Groat Here are some of my sold painting that have a lot of red in them;

Collector Appreciation

Thank you for all the collectors who have chosen my art to enchance their homes. Felicia Moye, a brillant violinist picked these painting for her collection. Thank you Felicia!