Greetings and apologies for my writing absence. I have been struggling with health and business and creative challenges for what seems like years, however, as I'm writing this, I realize that I allowed myself to get sucked into the abyss of negativity and despair as I listened to daily news which seems to exploit and expand the dark side of what has been slowly chipping away at our collective and individual ideals concerning what we truly feel is worthwhile in our lives. (whew that was a long sentence :-\

So... as an artist, I am blessed with the option of going to my sketch book, paint table, or computer and indulging in the creative process which is an ideal form of creative therapy on many levels. That said, I'd like to gift you with a do-it-yourself version of a manifestation mandala process that I created based on defining and embracing what you do want to have in your life.

It is a 9 step process (in case you had not yet noticed,  I have a serious fascination with the number 9 - which in numerology represents a level of completion and therefore opens the door to further focusing and manifesting even more goals!

 This process can be used over and over and... if you choose to try it out and have any questions or ideas along the way, please do contact me at: debra@gallerynumbernine.com

I'll get back to you (usually within 24 hours) and we can meet by phone or facebook, skype or zoom to talk a bit more about the basis of this process.

I'm also "slowly" preparing to go live on Facebook and/or Instagram to talk about our art and also to answer any questions you may have about the mandala process and will be announcing the times, dates and places where you can join me to ask questions and perhaps share a bit about yourself!

To access the full pdf booklet of the Mandala Manifestation process, click on the image below, enter your first name and best email and send it.

The full step-by-step process will be arriving in your inbox today!

"Snow Magic Delaware River View" by Julius Valiunas

Nature has always been a major inspiration for creating art. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a deep energetic connection to see the beauty, power and magic of nature all around me. Ornamental grasses, grapevines, flowers, river rocks, wildlife, trees and especially their distinctive bark textures. Wherever I focus I can feel the energy of the shapes, shadows, colors and light. Does this happen for you as well?

I’m still amazed that an hour long walk in the forest can transform into a fabulously healthy break that provides not only a bit of needed physical exercise and fresh air, but bountiful images of forest colors and textures that I photograph along the way as reference for future art. It often feels as though a magical energy is beaming an a wave of joy directly to me as I admire and photograph a fern, rock formation, a tree or creature. I feel honored as if the forest is granting permission to share this magical energy.

Nature is beyond generous in sharing her gifts and I truly hope this magic reaches you through the art that we are inspired to create! Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season and Year Ahead!

~ Debra

AND of course I'll share a few favorite art works with you...

To view more art images and the available media and sizes please continue to the next section ->>>
 

Click CONTINUE READING box below for details

Mustard Greens and Sorrel Nature Pattern - detail view

A summer garden is so much more than the vegetables and flowers that are planted there each year. Once the seeds or baby plants are in the ground, it becomes a daily encounter with nature. Hundreds of Catalypa flowers dropped all over the yard and into the garden and I literally crawled  around the entire space for almost 2 hours, hand-picking the decaying flowers to get them out. The Catalypa tree is amazing and quite annoying at the same time. In the late fall, it drops foot long brown seed pods in an effort to extend its family and existence everywhere and the leaves are so large you can use them as placemats for a picnic!

But I'm digressing already :-/ oops! 


>>> this story continues on the full blog post - click on continue reading >

Sunkissed Red Berries

I took a photo of these glowing red berries a few years ago when I was watering my friend, Jane’s Garden in between rains and thoroughly enjoying this opportunity to get away from the techie side of my day and bask in a different location of nature’s energy. These red berries were practically shouting (via their sunkissed glowing) to be photographed! They are large bushes/trees and don’t need watering, but definitely were ready to be photographed.
Now available as a fine art print here on Gallery Number Nine
and also on many print on demand products from my
Debra Cortese Designs shop on Society6.

.

The real background story is that it took me 10 years to rediscover these small blue paintings the first time and another 2 years to fully understand the power I received during the original painting process and again as I was creating the new, repurposed designs
from the original, almost forgotten small blue paintings. I knew then that I needed to release the anxiety and weight of impending foreclosure. I also knew that the painting process always allowed me to lighten up and play and focus on colors or shapes and forget the woes and burdens of being a responsible adult – at least for the duration of a painting session...

"I was so happy to be out in the fresh air and sunshine! Of course during the
next two days I realized just how out of shape I am after months of sitting in
front of a computer."   ~ Debra Cortese
 

Spring Hike at Shuman Point Natural Area, Lake Wallenpaupak, PA

The beautiful spring weather was more than we could resist and we were definitely overdue for fresh air and movement. So… finally got ourselves together and headed over to Pennsylvania to try a new to us trail, the Shuman Point Natural Area. It was so rewarding to be out and physically in motion. Seeing the beauty in nature everywhere and taking way too many photos of the textures, shapes and colors along the trails.
We’re sharing a few favorites here and I’m sure there will be more than a few new artworks based on our spring outing. Have to say, it’s been more than 24 hours and my legs, bones are still recovering from the 2 hour hike but so very happy to be out and physically moving parts that have been stuck in front of a computer for months. A tiny bit achy the day after, but well worth the adventure :-)
A walk in nature is just what we needed for our health and for new art!
~ Debra

On the morning of January 4th, 2021 brightly sparkling
snow sculptures appeared in every direction!

I could not resist taking dozens of photos and now, only a few weeks
later, I’ve processed and stylized the original photos
and chosen my favorites for a delightful new collection.

Curious to hear your comments on the Sparkling Snow Sculpture images?

You can view all of the options for the first 3 Snow Magic art prints HERE.

~ Debra Cortese ~
Friday, Feb 5, 2021

I'm sharing this image as our official
Gallery Number Nine Holiday Greeting Card
along with sincere wishes that it shares as much of the joyful, healthy,
nourishing experiences of nature that appear on a daily basis
right outside my studio here in Narrowsburg, NY!
. . .

Greetings from Gallery Number Nine’s home base in Narrowsburg, New York!

 

I'm writing this on September 16th and it's a beautiful fall day here along the banks of the Delaware River . This is where I take many of my nature and wildlife photos, create new art and try to keep up with social media and marketing which has become vital to our success as artists.

I want to thank everyone that entered the August Fire Road art giveaway. I am truly grateful to all of you for your comments, sharing the art and for being part of our growing community! We are definitely growing in popularity and that directly impacts our continued success as full time artists!

Next I want to congratulate the winner of our August "Fire Road" fine art print...

Video Interview with New York Artist, Julius Valiunas

> click the black box below to watch and read the entire interview <

HONORING TURTLE
Symbol of Mother Earth

When I received the annual call for the 2016 Riverfest Poster Art, I knew I wanted to honor Mrs Turtle, but first, I wanted a different kind of information, the kind that resonated with Her and the River and all of the elements of nature that intrigue me every day when I loo out over the Big Eddy. Turtle is an ancient creature with some serious history and mythology.  I wanted to paint the meaning, the feelings I have about Turtle....



"Mama Turtle scouting out a nesting place to bury her eggs along the banks of the Delaware River, Narrowsburg, NY"
 

click the black "continue reading" button below for the full story

In the early 2000’s while browsing through the garden shop at Adam's Fair Acre Farms, my youngest daughter convinced me to purchase a praying mantis egg sac.
Who knew you could raise them in Kingston, NY?

Click CONTINUE READING button below for a bit more information on this experience...

 

I lived in Miami, Florida from 2002 to 2012 and as with everywhere I’ve lived, I always have a garden. It’s an integral part of who I am.
Edible plants, herbs and veggies are fabulous to have right outside your door, or in pots on the patio. Mango Salsa is...

During the summer of 2012 we had the 5th and largest honeybee invasion in our Miami home
which was constructed almost entirely with Dade County Pine.
Our expert and most compassionate beekeeper/relocator was no longer on planet earth
and it took several days to track down his replacement. I contacted every source I had
and then some to find a bee relocation expert. Most of the services that were advertising
would only exterminate and that was never an option!

Tropical Rain Forest White Bird Walk

I've been revisiting hundreds of images, sketches and nature photos
and am finding new inspiration and ideas in almost everything.
Apparently this Covid pandemic quarantine can be a facilitator
of new and ideally, improved versions of artistic possibilities.

Crystal Lake Nature Walk turns into a magical, inspiring world of forest textures and colors - and of course, new art!

On a beautiful April day during the Covid 19 quarantine we ventured out for some fresh air and sunshine. Yes, we wore our face masks and gloves and even remembered the bug spray.

Read the full article by clicking the black box below...

You are invited to use my Red Shiso Nature Art Mandalas in a new
9 Step Meditation Process to Attract What You Do Want
Available today as a FREE, printable PDF download.


 

I intentionally created the 9 Red Shiso Mandalas to have a dual use as both nature art and as focus tools to manifest specific life experiences like a better job, a new home, romance, travel, wealth, and of course good health. Then, with the arrival of the COVID-19 world pandemic disrupting lives and livelihoods across the planet, I’m hoping that this meditation process is more timely and useful than ever.

As you explore each of the 9 Steps and their POWER words, you will be creating an incremental and very personal process that...
to continue reading, click the black box below.
 

ROCK TOTEM GOLDEN CAMO SHIPShifting Totems - the background story...

I’ve been an artist/designer and avid nature lover for a long as I can remember. I grew up in Narrowsburg, New York in the 50’s and 60’s, left as soon as I could  in the 70's and returned to the area in 2013 at a mature and still curious age. I quickly became entranced by the ever-changing views of the Delaware River. The fact that this mature age allowed me to acquire vastly more inclusive observation skills has enabled me to see beyond the usual.

to read the full article, click the black "continue reading" box below...

Hurricane Ivan Plywood - The Artists and The Gnomes
 

The mystical Green Garden Guardian Gnome in the photo that accompanies this post has become a mascot for much of my personal story. This character, along with 18 additional very unique ‘hurricane plywood’ gnomes allowed me to connect with the Miami art and business communities in ways I would not have expected. It was a delightful project involving 17 artists, the Neighbors for Neighbors organization, television stations, the Miami Herald, Miami Arts & Business Council, Pinecrest Gardens, the Coral Gables Annual Christmas event and much more.

- Debra Cortese, artist/curator Gallery Number Nine 

for full article in Miami's Tropical Life... 

click the black CONTINUE box -->