We are so excited to have Mike Elsass at Miraval this week! As part of our Artist in Residence series, guests can join artist Mike Elsass in an interactive painting workshop as he shows you how to let go of control and your notions of "what is right" in order to paint what is natural for you at that precise moment. A Miraval favorite you don't want to miss!

Mike is well known for his vibrant abstract paintings on rusted steel. “It’s a rush ahead of the brain: ready, aim, fire. You paint first and get introspective later” Elsass said. “Everyone puts on a white tuxedo shirt, it’s letting yourself go with no fear and no mistakes, that’s the way I paint.”

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We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed artist Diana Madaras to Miraval! Although her art is well-known throughout the country, Diana is extremely popular in the Tucson area and her works can be found in thousands of homes here in Arizona. More than being an amazing painter, Diana is an incredibly lovely person and we are looking forward to having her work with our guests at Miraval. Here's a message from her...

My life is busy.  I run the galleries, develop new art products, meet customers, attend events, and paint. I yearn for quiet and tranquility and a chance to create without interruption; to shut out the noise of my busy world.

“Life in Balance” is just what the doctor ordered, and as I recover from a broken right hand (an artist’s worst nightmare), nothing could be better than a trip to Miraval. Today, for the first time since the accident 32 days ago, I was able to write.  I will start painting again this weekend with my right hand. 

After the accident, I longed to spend time in my new painting studio at home, so I’ve been painting with my left hand. I thought I would feel frustrated when I couldn’t make the strokes I wanted, but I found the experience to be peaceful and healing, and the paintings that resulted were emotional and satisfying. I was surprised I could do it!

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