The King of Pop Dies at Age 50

At fist I was incredulous, but it is official that Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop has died at the age of 50. Although the title "King of Pop" has been disputed by many, especially those who point out that he was the "self-proclaimed King of Pop", he certainly lived a life full of triumph and defeats like many kings throughout history.


As an artist, and by having grown listening to his music, I am inspired by his artistry, but saddened by the tragedies and struggles he endured. As the eternal optimist that I am, I will chose to focus on the great things he did and the inspiration he gave many to proclaim that they can become the best or at least live and die trying.

May he rest in peace.

There's a hole on my canvas!

It's on purpose. This is only a sneak peek at a work in progress. Can you decipher what is the symbolism behind this painting? Please post your comments.

Out of Focus

Sometimes we can be a little distracted by our surroundings, wondering aimlessly through our daily lives, but it doesn't have to be that way. Today, for example, I have lacked the focus that I usually have and could not figure out on what to focus my energy. I bet that this is something that happens to you too and hopefully want to address. I'll tell you what has worked for me today, in hopes that it helps you fan away the fog that doesn't let you see your intended goal.

I decided to first acknowledge that I was lacking focus. That acceptance catapulted me into problem-solving mode. I started listening to some Jazz music (select your favorite, instrumental preferably to minimize distractions)and began writing things down. I see this as a funnel that helps me gather a myriad of ideas and thoughts and put them in a tangible form that I can later analyze.

I now have a list of things to do, some nice creative melodic atmosphere in my studio and a renewed sense of control, which I believe is crucial in tackling on the day. I don't claim to be a productivity guru, I'm just an artist sharing a solution, that might yield the benefits of creating something great. Maybe today that something great will be just to accomplish a few tasks in my list, but overall, it is that first step in regaining my focus and pressing forward onto bigger things.

I wish for you, a day of clear focus and productivity. I pray that you will have a renewed sense of empowerment and control and I trust that as you lay your head on your pillow tonight, you will feel that you conquered by getting back Into Focus!

Have a blessed day,

~One~

(Painting titled "Out of Focus" by Juan "One" Sepulveda)

Art that Inspires You!

There is nothing like living in a house that reflects you and your history in every corner. Every room of the house is like walking into a museum that displays the stages of your life and experiences. Whether you are an art collector or a proud parent, make sure to surround yourself with art that inspires you.

A painting is something that accompanies you through your life and serves as a constant reminder of your purpose in life. It is a reminder of those moments that make your life meaningful. Paintings are not only a visual representation of a place or a person, they are a vivid icon that has profound meaning.

I encourage you today to hang some meaningful art in your walls. I would obviously prefer that you hang my art on your walls and share it with your loved ones, but even if it is another artist's art, make sure it uplifts you and motivates you.

I have made a personal commitment to create things that stir emotions, inspire people to grow and prosper. Please make sure that you surround yourself with positive works of art that will welcome you to "Today" every morning and guide you to "Tomorrow" as you go to bed.

I pray that every time you look at one of my paintings, you can take a minute from your busy life and remember all the great things that God has given you and look to the future with expectancy and trust that the days ahead will be even better than days gone by.

May you be blessed every day of your life.

From my heart...

Juan "One" Sepulveda

Gibson's GuitarTown: Meet the Artists

On Sunday, April 26 you will have the opportunity to meet the artists of Gibson Guitars Orlando GuitarTown event. The gigantic 10ft guitars along with the elegantly designed showcase guitars will be on display at the Orlando Farmer's Market on Lake Eola. You will have a chance to speak with the artists and add their work to your collection.

The artist Juan "One" Sepulveda designed a guitar exclusively for the event and will be sharing his inspiration with the visitors. His creation is titled "The Dream of Music" and will be auctioned off to benefit several local charities.

More information will be posted regarding the auction event in the next few weeks.

Event Hours:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

"I will not last you all your life"

It's 12:53 PM and I just took a break from painting to load the dishwasher. Something rather mundane, which usually gets my mind going. As I was putting some glasses into the machine, I remembered those words, which my mother uttered quite often when I was growing up "I will not last you all your life". She used it as a way to encourage me to learn things and learn them well while she was alive. I didn't think much of it then, but in retrospect she was partly right.

She was right in the fact that it was important that I learned things and learned them fast, because she was not going to live forever. I sure wish she would have lived much longer, but for the time I spent with her, I at least listened to her and learned many things from her; Things that will be with me for the rest of my life. This in fact is where she was wrong, even when dealing with boring everyday things and years after us looking into each other's eyes, she will last me all my life because in every day I live, in every decision I make, in every dish I place in this dishwasher she is here with me.



Thank you for making me the Man I am today. I love you Ada

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For those of you who have a Twitter account, follow me. Just like with my blog titled "Behind the Canvas" (http://onesgallery.blogspot.com) my postings through Twitter are charged with thought-provoking comments and exclusive information related to my art and the creation process.

I have been sharing photos of works in progress, photos of inspiring items within my studio, photos from events, etc. I hope you enjoy it and sign up for my blog as well.

Stay inspired and live blessed.

Juan "One" Sepúlveda
www.OnesGallery.com
OnesGallery.BlogSpot.com

The Power of Words

Above is an ambigram I designed to keep my mind from idling. An Ambigram is a graphical representation of a word, which when viewed from different perspectives, it spells the same thing. In this case, if you look at it upside down it continues to spell "Focus Force".

I chose these two words because they are powerful reminders of the wonderful things that can be achieved when we focus. Words carry the power to heal and to harm. To attract and repulse. To build and to destroy. Chose them carefully and opt to say positive statements out loud. I am not asking you to come up with mantras to recite throughout the day, although you may chose that if you like. I refer to stating audibly what you intend to create in your life.

Before today's meeting, declare that it will be a success, and be at peace in the expectation that it will be so. Before walking out the door in the morning, declare that today will be a day full of blessings and so shall it be.

I challenge you to put it to the test today and tomorrow let me know what miraculous things happened in your life as a result of it. I have put it to the test today. As I write these words I have declared audibly that after you read this, you will put it to the test and it will be fruitful. Not to convince you of this truth, but so that you can enjoy the blessings of this fact and share them with those around you.