Ethos by Randy Elrod - How To Create Culture

My Latest Watercolor "Venice Conclave"

“The surface of Venice is constantly metamorphosing [and] painting Venice is almost like being a restorer, peeling off the layers to find the picture after picture underneath.” -Arbit Blatas

18" x 22" $750.

Order High-Quality Giclee Prints of "Venice Conclave" and also see more of my watercolors at my gallery HERE.

Join Me For "A Toast To 2010" - The Most Unique (and FUN) Wine Tasting of Your Life - And Benefit A Great Cause

 

# of Persons

1 Person $50.00 2 Persons $100.00 3 Persons $150.00 4 Persons $200.00 5 Persons $250.00 6 Persons $300.00

A Thankful (and Unusual) Stream of Consciousness

Here is three minutes of spontaneous and unedited thankfulness. 

Saying "Thanks" is the least I can do. First, a thanks for SUFFERING. As I grow older, I realize the benefits that come from this unwanted, unheralded, much maligned experience. Many American churches teach that if you do God's will, you will have health, wealth and prosperity, but on the contrary, I have found that the more you desire to please God, the more apt you are to find suffering around the corner. Now please understand the context of this first thought, I do not presume to say my suffering compares with those I have met in the misery of the Ugandan slums of Kampala, nor in the poverty and hopelessness of countries ravaged by the idealistic and impotent scourge of Communism. I am simply referring to the suffering I have experienced in the context of my life, most of which has been self-inflicted by poor choices on my part. But no matter how the suffering came about-it somehow, thankfully, has proven a path to a closer relationship with my God.

Second, a thanks for DREAMS and MAGIC. Maybe, just maybe, there is a correlation between suffering and the results of choices that lead to saying, "Damn it, no matter what, I choose to believe in dreams and magic and yes, even world peace"  instead of wrapping myself up in a psychotic ball of selfishness and hopelessness. Dreams DO come true and the world is filled with magic. We just have to never quit looking for it.

Third, and finally (and certainly this does not pretend to be an exhaustive list of thanks) a thanks for CABINS. Log, slat, batten, old, new, rustic, elegant, in Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina, Wyoming and Montana - somehow these man-made structures have become sacred spaces where I continue to find God and peace in front of roaring fires and among the mounted remains of deer, elk and bear. With magnificent views of 14ers, ridges, lakes, gulches, the Tetons and cuisine from green chile to Bar-B-Q. I am incredibly thankful to have so many of these retreats at my disposal. I'm also thankful that innately I have realized the vital importance of these cabins to my health and psyche. I'm blessed to encounter the fearful quietness of solitude within these warm and peaceful walls of wood. And in that solitude to fight a sometimes desperate fight with suffering and a fight to continue to believe in dreams and magic and the essence of existence.

P.S. I'm  especially thankful to a little blond 13 year old girl from Ringgold, Georgia, my childhood sweetheart who for 30 years has been a fellow believer in dreams and magic and at times has suffered greatly because of it. But who has also chosen to walk with me despite me. Dreamers can be incredibly sucky, brooding, introspective, and very unmagical companions at times. So, I'm humbly thankful for the magic she has shown me for a dream of a lifetime.

I'm thankful.

Join Me To Raise Tuition For Anastasia Morozova - A Moldovan Orphan Who Is A Gifted Artist

I have the distinct honor this year to serve as Artist In Residence at O’More College of Design in Franklin. It has proven a stimulating experience to meet so many students who are so extraordinarily gifted.
 
One such student is Anastasia Morozova. The first week I painted on campus she stood at my shoulder asking question after question in broken but improving English. Her eyes were shining in the quest for learning more about painting. She instantly impressed me with her hunger for knowledge.

It has come to my attention that Anastasia has no parents or means to pay for any further college. As an orphan from Moldova, she has excelled as a student and artist at O’More. I have included her bio below and two examples of her art.
 
My wife Chris and I feel that Anastasia must continue her education and we want to ask you to help us make that possible. She has captured our hearts as she will yours.
 
We would like to invite you to meet Anastasia, (physically or virtually) view her art and enjoy a glass of wine and cheese (sorry, but only you physical ones) at our home this afternoon, 5-7 p.m.

Dr. Mark Hilliard, president of O’More believes in her strongly and will be here to make a short presentation. I have donated an original watercolor that can be purchased through a silent auction that evening with all proceeds going to Anastasia's scholarship fund. Myself and Artists Ken Davis and Kelly O'Neill will have art on display to benefit Anastasia. A love offering for her will also be taken. All gifts will be made payable directly to O’More College of Design and are tax-deductible.
 
Anastasia has absolutely no means of support. She is a dedicated student who is also a hard worker. I see her working hard every day at the O’More tea room. Please join us and help support a promising young artist.

 “He who gives money to an artist, himself does an artists’ work” – Vincent Van Gogh

Today only- If you order any print or original watercolor (they make perfect Christmas presents) 20% of all orders go to Anastasia's tuition. You can join us tonight virtually by purchasing a print or original at: http://randyelrodart.com

Anastasia Morozova

Anastasia Morozova was born in 1989 in a small village in Ukraine. At nine years of age, while living in a Moldovan orphanage, Anastasia began studying art and found her true passion. When she was 18 years old, Anastasia came to America, after spending nine years at the orphanage.

 

She is currently a sophomore attending O'More College of Design in Franklin, Tennessee and studies Fashion Design. She continues to excel as an artist. Anastasia speaks Russian, Romanian and English. 

Whether it is a charcoal drawing, a painting or a sculpture, Anastasia is able to capture the essence of beauty in her works. Her future is bright with the possibilities of what she brings to both fashion design and art.

 

All proceeds for Anastasia's artwork go toward supporting her tuition at O'More College of Design. If you would like to become a part of her success as an artist and student, you may request a personalized work of art.

 

Anastasia Morozova

art@anastasiamorozova.com

www.AnastasiaMorozova.com

615-794-4254 Ext 222

For more information about Anastasia, contact

Dr. Mark Hilliard

President of O’More College of Design

615-794-4254

mhillard@omorecollege.edu

January 9, 2010

O’More College Of Design

McAfee Library 2nd floor

423 South Margin Street

Franklin, TN 37064

9am – 5pm

What To Bring: Your Laptop

Cost: $299.00

We Give You a 100% Money Back Guarantee If You Are Not Completely Satisfied With The Seminar

Register HERE

Announcing My New Gallery of Art And My Latest Watercolor "Fashion Shoot"

I'm so happy to announce my all-new gallery of art. Beginning today, I will now add all my latest watercolors to this gallery. You may access and subscribe to it: http://randyelrodart.com or http://elrodart.com

I am also thrilled to serve as the artist-in-residence at O'More College of Design in Franklin, TN for this college year. The O'More students are some of the most creative humans I have ever met. It is an honor to interact and learn from them and also share my gifts and passion for the arts.

My latest watercolor will go to the O'More Private Art Collection and is entitled: "Fashion Shoot". It portrays a dress and fashion shoot from the incredible senior fashion design major who won the 2009 fashion show competition.

I have included a thumbnail here so that you may click it and go to the art gallery to view the full-size watercolor. Enjoy!

***Also, please consider being a patron of young artists and buy my works. ALL monies go to train young artists.

I also now have limited edition giclee archival prints available for purchase in all sizes for EVERY watercolor. They are perfect for Christmas gifts.

"When you give money to artists, you are yourself doing an artists work" - Vincent Van Gogh

We Debuted This Hallowe'en Video On A Huge Screen In Our Front Yard

We also dressed in character the week before and my son-in-law Ben used his green screen to film us "walking" through the Enchanted Forest. We had over 2,000 kids come by our home from 4:30-9:30pm and we were all in costume with professional fog machines and sound effects. The werewolf and the headless man are always a huge hit with the kids. Hallowe'en is a big deal on Main Street in Franklin.

The Freedom Behind The Paintings

The conversations and questions surrounding my recent paintings have proven very intriguing. Consider this e-mail I received from a friend who attended church with me over a decade ago:

"Hi Randy, I just visited your web site for the first time in years. Awesome. You may or may not know, I do investment management for people. My thoughts after viewing your web site was how great it puts God's spirit in your life and the life of your art, music, even eating and drinking and sex. Although God said much about finance and investments, I am missing the connection you enjoy in those other fields. My work seems superficial to me, and it shouldn't. I have clients that do not know the Lord, and although I try to share my joy in the Lord, it seems to lack the passion you have in your art. I have been successful on the investment management side and give God the glory, but is there another spiritual level? Maybe your next book . . . . ."

As I mentor professionally, drink coffee casually and talk candidly to others, a recurring theme has emerged. One very prominent pastor, last week while enjoying coffee together called me a "rich" man. When I asked him to explain, he replied, "the wealth I'm referring to is not monetary riches, but far greater riches of freedom."

I suspect what he was referring to was a freedom to explore my deepest dreams, a freedom from the judgment of narrow minded religious people, and a freedom to be the artist God created me to be, uncensored by the walls of fundamentalism and rationalism.

Three years ago, an author (whom you would all know) and I were enjoying a sacramental meal and wine together in the crisp air of Colorado with dear friends and he recounted his story. He dreamed of writing a book, but realized he couldn't publish it while fulfilling a very prominent leadership position in corporate Christianity. The book told the story of a gay man, and that simply would not be permitted by the gatekeepers of evangelicalism. He realized that in order to do what God had obviously called him to do he would have to resign. He took a huge risk and did so and that book subsequently went on to be one of the best-selling "Christian" books of all-time.

He solemnly said, after hearing my dreams, that I would probably have to take a similar leap of faith in order to do what God had so obviously called me to do in the second half of my life.

I once heard Len Sweet say, "The church does not prize originality, but rather cloning, it does not prize freedom, but control."

However, the radical teacher Jesus Christ teaches that "truth will make you free". He gives incarnational and unconditional freedom. Both of body and soul - what my friend Dr. Lou Markos describes  as "our enfleshed souls".

Hopefully and prayerfully, there is much more to my paintings than what first meets the eye. Please take some time and SEE. To quote Thoreau, "It's not what you look at, but what you SEE that really matters." Seeing is an amazing gift that we all possess but rarely utilize. Stop and See.

Dare to SEE my paintings. Question them. And right before your eyes, layers may slowly peel away and maybe, just maybe you will see what the painter sees. The colors of creation, and grace, and communion, and beauty, and joy, and love, and intimacy.

...Or maybe you'll just see yourself.

If truth be told, most of us are heartsad and ashamed of what we've allowed to wither within.

But there is hope of SEEING again...

I see through watercolors. How do you see? What are your watercolors? Where are your riches? In music? In fishing? In hunting? In writing? And yes, the "wealth" my pastor friend referred to can be found even in investment management.

I don't know about you, but behind my paintings...is FREEDOM.

My Latest Watercolor - "Emancipation"

 
This painting was inspired by the Religion Lies series recently at Crosspoint.tv

My Latest Watercolor - "Morning Beauty"

 

This dew-covered beauty quickened my heart one early morning recently in Napa Valley, CA.

5 Things I Love This Week

1. Winter Snow - The single by new EMI artist Audrey Assad. My favorite song of the year. Period.

2. iTunes U - An unbelievable resource at my fingertips.And its free! Loving "Philosophy for Beginners" from Oxford University

3. Put Things Off - An iPhone app that is a unique and laid back to do list. Perfect for procrastinators and busy people.

4. In Search of God and Guinness by Stephen Mansfield. I cannot put this book down!

5. Thai Chicken Masamum - Here's my recipe...

Ingredients

1	teaspoon vegetable oil
2	tablespoons grated ginger
1	large onion , sliced
6	teaspoons Thai red curry paste
3	tablespoons fish sauce
6	cups low-sodium chicken broth
2	(14-ounce) cans coconut milk , well-shaken
1	tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2	pound white mushrooms , cleaned, stems trimmed, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1	pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts , halved lengthwise and sliced on bias into 1/8-inch-thick pieces
3	tablespoons fresh lime juice from 2 to 3 limes
3	potatoes cut into small pieces
6    ounces cashews

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat until just shimmering. Add ginger and curry paste; cook, stirring frequently, until just softened, 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and stir until the red curry paste dissolves; Stir in remaining broth , fish sauce and brown sugar. Add the potatoes and onions and bring to simmer over high heat and cook partially covered for 15 minutes.

2. Return pan to medium-high heat. Stir in the coconut milk and chicken and bring to simmer and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Reduce heat to medium and add cashews, then add mushrooms and cook until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and season with salt. Sprinkle the bowls of soup with cilantro before serving.

3. Enjoy.

"Traveler's Rest" - My Latest Watercolor

This watercolor was inspired by the events of the last few days unfolding two blocks from my home in historic downtown Franklin, TN.

Six months ago, shovels first pried loose the skeleton of this Civil War soldier buried 145 years ago in an unmarked grave on a field where a new Chick Fil-A will stand along Columbia Avenue. Today, a new grave and coffin cradle the traveler's bones. He was buried under a monument of limestone in Rest Haven Cemetery with soil fetched from 18 Civil War states, North and South.

For two days, hundreds of people (including my wife Chris and me) walked the creaking wooden floors of our beloved St. Paul's Episcopal Church, which was used as a barracks for Union troops during the Civil War occupation of Franklin. More than 400 people had come through by midmorning Friday. Part of the outpouring can be traced to national and local media coverage. A film crew is recording the events for a documentary, and as unbelievable as it sounds, two living sons of Civil War veterans attended.

There was no marker on the grave. No identification was found with his skeleton except a handful of brass buttons carrying a federal eagle symbol, a fired Minié ball, tacks from the soles of his boots and a glass bead. All of these were buried today with the bones.

Fighting tore through Franklin on Nov. 30, 1864, leaving thousands of traveling Union and Confederate soldiers dead.

-Excerpted and adapted from an article in The Tennessean by Kevin Walters

You may purchase the original 16"x20" watercolor on handmade art paper - $450. or a limited edition signed archival 8"x10" print - $45. plus shipping.

Options

Original Watercolor $450.00 Limited Edition Print $45.00

"Guilty Pleasures" - My Latest Watercolor

I suppose this painting could also be called "Communion" or possibly "Body & Soul"

What do you think?

Buy this original 12" x 16" watercolor $450. and help Kalein.org

48 Hours of Solitude at Kalein@Round Cove "One-on One Mentoring w/ Randy Elrod"

"One-On-One" Benefits:

• 48 hours of total solitude on the fabulous 2,000 acres of Kalein @ Round Cove that is located in the middle of 30,000 conservancy acres
• A full 8 hours of mentoring one-on-one with Randy Elrod featuring a safe non-judgmental environment and "anything goes" conversation about your choice of topics: leadership, ministry, entrepreneurship, finances, marriage, teamwork and many more while hiking the stunning Tennessee bluffs, caves and trails OR just sitting and talking on the porch looking over the bluffs and scenic vistas while sipping Southern sweet iced tea
• Two nights in a stunningly beautiful & isolated cliff-side cabin featuring Ritz-Carlton "rustic elegance"
• Meals prepared from scratch by Randy and helpers (Italian Feast & Crepes and much more) with the optional opportunity for "on the job" cooking lessons if you wish. Kalein @RoundCove features heirloom chickens that produce fresh organic eggs, seasonal vegetables from the organic garden, and an Italian garden dining area (weather permitting).
• The most unique communion service of your life in a magnificent million cubic foot private cave
• Your spouse may attend at no extra cost
• A picnic lunch prepared just for you to enjoy in the expansive wilderness of the verdant cove
• Fine wine tasting and an ABC's of Wine etiquette class (optional)
• Time to explore the many trails and caves on property, shoot skeet, swim or simply relax in the private hammocks overlooking the bluffs
• Reservations are limited to 12 per year
• For additional info and references: E-mail HERE

"I came to Kalein@Round Cove in a place of exhaustion and frustration, and left so refreshed and encouraged.  I learned how to rest and dream again.  It was such a beautiful and peaceful place and the one on one time with you was unbelievable.  Thanks for making yourself available to guys like me and sharing the massive amount of knowledge you have with me (and your cooking skills...the food was amazing!).  It has already impacted my ministry and personal life in a huge way." -Joel Bowder (St. Louis, MO) Twitter: @jbowder

"I needed to make some huge changes in my life this year. I turned to Randy Elrod (@recreate) to help me push the big reset button and zone in on my passions and talents. We met at Round Cove near Winchester, Tennessee, which is the perfect backdrop to dream and re-energize. We talked a lot about the practical ways of fulfilling the dreams I have for my family and me. The time and money spent for this One-on-One weekend were well worth it. I’m still processing everything we discussed and the answers to the hard questions Randy asked are still unfolding. I’ve never been happier, and I’ve put my talents and passions to work in creative ways that are generating multiple revenue streams and enabling me to live a much better, less-crazy life. Thanks Randy!" – David Ballard (Fort Smith, AR) Twitter: okjedi and letsroar

"I had the privilege of spending time with Randy Elrod this summer for some "1 on 1 Mentoring".  To say that our time together had a huge impact would be an understatement.  Randy has a way of listening and coaching that opens your eyes to seeing so many things.  Several months later, and I'm still wrestling through the things we uncovered and can't wait for our next time of mentoring". -Fred McKinnon (St. Simons Island, GA) Twitter: fmckinnon

"My mentoring session with Randy Elrod was wonderful. A great time to just let my thoughts loose with no strings attached. He really helped me to change my ministry thought process. He also totally changed the way I was thinking about taking a sabbatical. The time we spent together will go down as a benchmark in my ministry career. His ministry experience, people experience, and overall church experience gave a great frame of reference for our discussions. He is an incredibly “safe place” to process thoughts and ideas."  -Richard Wentz (Little Rock, AR) Twitter: rwentz

“It is amazing how Randy can sit with you and make you feel like you are the only one that exists.  My "One-on-One" mentoring time was a great opportunity to open up about life and ministry without fear of being judged or preached at.  Randy has open ears, an open heart and loves people.” -Louis Tagliaboschi (Bowling Green, KY) Twitter: louistag

My Latest Watercolor - "My Girls"