Machu Picchu

This January, we had the opportunity to visit the magical and sacred country of Peru.  We had always wanted to go there, and of course Machu Picchu would be at the heart of our visit.   What struck us the most was the warmth of the people, and their connection to their land.  They seemed to be very much in tune with the natural beauty around them.  You could feel a warm energy as you traveled.  The Sacred Valley region bordering Machu Picchu was filled with majestic mountains and a winding brown rapidly moving river making its way through the land.

The memory of the Incas was alive with ruins and geometric terraces where corn, quinoa  and potatoes grew.  As an artist, Elise was struck with the awe inspiring landscape, the morning mist over the mountains, the colors of the artisan market places.  She has always been drawn to the inspiration of the mountains as a source of healing, and this healing art has served as the basis for the creation of our book, Messages to the Heart, Reflections of Beauty and Truth. The trip to Peru will stay in our consciousness, and sure to serve as a point for future art, contemplation and writings. Here are some pictures from our trip, ending in a new work in progress from Elise, Mystic Mountain.

Original pastel by Elise Okrend, Mystic Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Peru. www.eliseokrend.com

March 7th Workshop- Gain Clarity, Passion and Purpose Through Art & Words

We have a few programs coming in March based on the Art and Words from Messages to the Heart. We are grateful to the Asheville Citizen Times for their write up on these programs. See article below:

ASHEVILLE – Elise Okrend and her husband Phil have a passion to help others find their own personal truths. Elise, a pastel painter, and Phil, a writer and professional coach, came together to produce and release the coffee table book “Messages to the Heart: Reflections of Beauty and Truth” in 2014.

The book pairs Elise’s pastel landscapes with Phil’s poetic passages and is divided into chapters to inspire readers to connect with their own fulfilling life vision. Chapters include “Reflections on Following Your Heart,” “Unity,” “Love,” “Optimism,” “Transformation,” “Awareness” and “Empowerment.”

Read more of the article HERE!
Register for the March 7th Workshop HERE!