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

Follow me on Twitter

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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.

Work in Progress: Untitled (Lincoln)

This is my latest instalment in the Mosaic Impressionism collection. As you can see the central theme will be the Abraham Lincoln. Surprisingly enough, a man who lived troubled by the possibility of not leaving behind a legacy. Now, almost a century and a half after his death, his life continues to inspire millions and encourages them to also work hard to make a difference.

Here is what people thought about "The Journey"

Shortly after publishing this painting on various website including www.OnesGallery.com, here are some of the interpretations that people shared with me. I am always happy to hear the different emotions that come out of analyzing a painting.

Fanny P. – Orlando, FL
Title- 'The Search', the search for treasure, search for clear skies after the rain, being fruitful in whatever endeavors...thirst.

Rafaela C. – San Juan, PR
"We reap what we sow" In our path (journey) through life, we shall encounter the fruits and rewards of what we have planted.

Vanessa T. – San Juan, PR
This is the new era. We cut old promises to the economy... We want a chance again to build a new road of life. Economy will grow when we build new commitments in our society. Work with our own tools. We must care for the earth, it is time to work with the soil.

Margie V. – Tampa, FL
By the puddle of water I could infer that it had been raining...but the rain cleared and now I see a non-treacherous road offering bright opportunities...

Joann C. – Toa Baja, PR
There’s a silver lining in everything.

Ines R. – San Juan, PR
BIRTH

Donna S. – Orlando, FL
On the Way to Oz

-Please take some time to add your interpretation or comments regarding this painting below-

Thank you,

Juan "One" Sepulveda
www.OnesGallery.com

Gratitude

As I revised my blog entries, I noticed that I never published a message titled "Gratitude", despite having started it near thanksgiving day.

I am grateful for the people God has brought to my life with the purpose of guiding me, protecting me and loving me.

I am grateful for the talent he has entrusted in me and for the desire I feel for developing it to its highest potential.

I am grateful today, even for the obstacles I have encountered in my path, because they fill me with determination and help me be grateful for the stretches of this path that are not as challenging.

I am grateful for you taking the time to read this right now, because I wrote it for you. To remind you to lift your head above the fog and focus on the great things God has given you, as you continue your journey fulfilling your purpose.

May you continue to be blessed.

Juan "One" Sepulveda

What is the meaning of this?

You might be wondering "what is that?" Well, to me it means something very special; however, if you had to guess for yorself, what do you think it represents?

Please add your comments below and I will be revealing the meaning of it shortly.

Inspiring Trip of Surreal Proportions

There is a subtle magic to spending time with people you love and
people who love you; A subtle charm to be inspired by little details
all around.

Today I have been magically charmed in the presence of

great friends and my sweet wife, by the art of Salvador Dali, the
simple food of Wendy's and the immeasurable joy of memorable
conversations.
Yes it was a good day... I am blessed.

Different interpretations of a single work of art.

As I published this painting on my website (www.OnesGallery.com) and other websites, here is what some of you wrote about your unique interpretation of it. I am very pleased with these contributions and encourage you to email me your interpretation of this and all other paintings.

Fanny P. - Orlando, FL
I see 'New Discoveries on the Horizon' in this painting, whether it's about life in general, discovering yourself, teaching others about life, or learning to discover a new found love, and seeing that come into play expecting only the best from that new arrival.

Ines R. - San Juan, PR
I fail to see any of us as a work in progress, but I do acknowledge that, in our remembrance of things long forgotten by means of the dense veils that cover us, we are not all that we can be; and the process of remembering will provide those horizons, not a limited vision. The boat is always there, ready to be boarded; the sea..perhaps calm, or perhaps troubled, but always ready to be conquered when there is a lack of fear..and the horizon, reminding us that there is nothing we cannot do if we set our mind to it. And the figures to the right of this exquisite and impressive beauty serve to remind us that we are all one; for in all truth, there is only one of us here.

Deborah M. - Miami, FL
sometimes, we spend so much time deciding if we should go or stay, that the opportunity to go dissappears. If you are luckiy you have someone who chooses to stay behind with you.

Alicia P. - San Juan, PR
Para mi la cara de la arena representa una persona pensativa. Idealizando las diferentes maneras de amor que existen en la vida. Veo el amor de parea, el amor de una madre para un hijo... Me encanta, esta precioso, que Dios te siga bendiciendo en tu arte.

What will this year bring?

As you may know, I declared that 2008 for me was going to be "The Year of New Beginnings" and so it was. I got married, I signed with a prestigious publishing company, I turned 30. All great beginnings.

Now I have declared that 2009 is "The Year of Growth". It is time to water and nurture what I have sown and wait on the promise of God that it will be fruitful. I am glad to share in this journey with all of you.

Now, its your turn... What are you expecting for 2009?

Are you a warrior? If so, what is your battle?

"The Warrior" 18" x 18" Oil on Canvas

The fearless winged warrior is poised for battle with its head held high in determination. Like this character, we are faced with battles that we don’t always choose and yet have to face them with the courage of a warrior. A true warrior is not immune to fear; a true warrior is the one that is not paralyzed by fear and presses forward regardless of how improbable the victory might seem to others. In his heart, the true warrior is not a mere survivor, but a conqueror that inspires others through his fight.

Send me an email, let me know what's your battle.

Surround Yourself with Optimism

Often times we find ourselves in situations that are difficult, but if we surround ourselves with optimism, challenges tend to get solved with less stress. Sometimes we feel like all the doors are closing in front of us, but we need to keep a positive attitude and understand that the right doors will be open for us. I love an expression I heard from Dr. Wayne Dyer, which says: "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". What a powerful message!

Now that so many of us are affected by financial challenges, some of you might be afflicted by some health issue, now is the time to keep our heads up and trust that things are going to be better. Optimism alone does not change things, optimism-induced action is the key. So make a commitment today that you will surround yourself with optimistic people, be of encouragement to others when they are feeling down and I assure you that you will be able to live a happier life, full of victories.

So many exciting things

In February I exhibited my work at the International Art Expo in New York and the results were mind blowing. Hundreds of people expressed their love for my work and the messages contained in it.

When the year 2008 began, I claimed that it would be the year of New Beginnings. I knew that I would get married to my sweetheart Jen, I knew that I would attend Art Expo New York (AENY), but little did I know that so many great opportunities would present themselves. I am grateful to God for all the blessings he has placed in my path and for opening up my eyes to recognize them. Many times we get so busy with being busy that we miss recognizing the hidden blessings that cross our path.

On my trip to AENY, I met many wonderful people who embraced my work. Among them Legacy Fine Art, who has decided to bring my art to Las Vegas for the International Art Expo Las Vegas. This great event will feature hundreds of galleries and thousands of art collectors under one roof. The Mandalay Bay Hotel will be the host of this exciting event. If you have an opportunity to come visit our exhibition space, please do so, I would love to see you there.

Why have I not posted anything lately?

This photo is evidence of what I have been up to lately. I married my sweetheart Jennifer on 8-8-08. As you can see from the photo, we exchanged vows in front of a painting I created, which has many symbols of our union. This painting, which is the largest painting I have created in this style (4 feet wide by 6 feet tall), is now witness to our union. Visit the blog soon so that you can see the upcoming photos of this painting and the celebration. Thank you for your patience in waiting for a post, I am getting back on track and will be updating the blog and website on a regular basis now. Be blessed and stay inspired.

Starving Artist? Why not something else?

To start, I have a long history with this expression "Starving Artist". I love the expression so much (Sarcasm). But it is a good question, why choose to be an artist instead of anything else? I honestly feel that I did not choose to become an artist, I was an artist before I knew it. The crazy part was to decide to make a living at it. As many of you know, I have been living from my art since August of 2004. Many things happened to me that year, which finally opened my eyes and confirmed in my mind that living as an artist was the only choice. By the way, I have not gone a day without eating and I have God to thank for that. Because if he is caring enough to feed the flowers in the fields and the birds that cross our blue sky, How much more does he care for You and I. Whatever your dream might be, pursuit it with passion and with well intentions and God will honor his word by taking care of you.

Where is this spiral staircase going?

As some of you may know, I often paint live in front of an audience; Whether it is at the restaurant Cafe Tu Tu Tango or at various events I attend. People are fascinated by the creative process and while I was working on this painting, I received many compliments about this painting.

I don't usually share unfinished paintings through my website or blog, but I will make an exception this time. Many of the people that complimented me on this painting called it by a specific title. I would like to hear from you "what do you think was the name people gave this painting?"

Today I welcomed two friends to my studio and showed them this painting. They were very enthusiastic about how such a simple imagery could provoke such complex interpretations. I am curious to know "what is the message you derive from looking at this painting?"

Please direct your comments and questions to one@onesgallery.com