The Monarch Effect

Testimonals

Sandra Nitchie — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:45:11 +0000

“Hello Sandra, I want to thank you for the Soul Painting class. It really opened me up to painting from within myself. I have never painted anything imagined, always from a photo or real life. It was a great experience, insightful, healing, fun, and taught me allot. It was a great way to get in touch with myself and allowed me a way to express that.” -Andrea Chevalier

“I signed up for six hours of private art classes with Sandra and I learned so much I signed up for another six hours. She takes the time to answer all your questions, and guides you through the entire process. I like the way she teaches, which is hands on, but gives you plenty of room for your own creative input. Next time in Mexico I will sign up for more classes; thanks Sandra!” -Anthony Karakas

“I took my first painting lesson with Sandra and found her to be patient, skilled in teaching without making it overwhelming for the student. She manages to show all of the elements in the first two classes such as composition, color mixing and painting. I suggested a trial class to my boyfriend and he was so impressed that he signed up for a series. If you are completely new to painting as I was or are more experienced, you won’t be disappointed in Sandra’s classes.” -Debbie Barran

“I recommend Sandra’s soul painting class to anyone wanting to experience a deep reconnection with the spirit in a nourishing context. Sitting by the Pacific Ocean in meditation with Sandra and fellow artists, connecting with ancient Mayan symbols and rituals, we prepared ourselves to move to the canvas with spirits open to possibility in a new way. Sandra is a gifted faciliator– she inspires her students to explore and celebrate their innate gifts and talents as creative beings. Thank you, Sandra!”-Rosanne Morris

“My husband and I fell in love with Bucerias 8 years ago and we have returned each year since. Last year’s visit was enhanced by my participation in Sandra’s Soul Painting class which I was fortunate enough to discover through my Pilates class. As a retired Visual Arts teacher I found the experience to be informative, enriching and soulful. Sandra easily accommodates students of all levels of expertise and background while providing a special experience. I plan to spend more days in her “care” this November. Thanks Sandra.” -BJ Reid

“I found Sandra’s Soul Painting class fun and relaxing. I treated my mother to a surprise day of bonding and girl time. We found Sandra to be relaxed, professional and lots of fun. Neither of us would proclaim to have any painting talents. However, both our pieces of art that we created are up on our walls in our homes. Thanks Sandra for a lovely day!” -Rhonda Zarate

“I have never been a painter but wondered if I could be! My parents were both quite gifted that way. At a major cross roads in my life I met Sandy and got to know about her Soul Art concept. I liked her, we made a nice connection and I felt “safe” being led into this new experience by her.

It all appealed to me so I went along one day and at the beautiful beach we performed the 4 directions ceremony and light meditation before putting pencil to paper and sketching out our thoughts and feelings. Once done with this lovely ritual, and feeling very relaxed and open, we went to the open-air art terrace with its bursting Bougainvillea and explosion of colour. The easels and paints were set up and all we had to do was sit down and let it flow. I amazed myself by creating a symbollic and (not too) abstract painting that really symbollised my emotional and spiritual state at that time and which embraced my feelings of hope and optimism for the exciting future I know lies ahead for me. I know that I will do more art in the future and would not hesitate to recommend Sandy’s course for anyone at all….a beginner like me or more advanced like a few of my classmates. The small group enabled great bonds of friendship and sharing of experiences and was very personal and touching. I will be back!” -Allison

Sandra Nitchie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:25:53 +0000

Sagrada Wellness Mexico & Boutique Hotel , is a luxurious, all-inclusive, eco-tourism retreat center, located just minuets from San Miguel de Allende, nestled in the outlining picturesque mountains, providing the perfect Soul Painting and Nature Painting setting. The natural beauty of Sagrada´s preserves engages all of the creative senses and delivers an experience sure to leave you feeling centered and in your most imaginative self. “Sagrada,” which means sacred, is a true reflection of the beauty, historic landmarks, healing energy and eco-design that grace 18 acres of exquisite botanical gardens. For more information and photos visit: http://www.sagradawellnessmexico.com/

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Things to Bring

Sandra Nitchie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:59:08 +0000

· Layered Clothing (tends to be warm during the day and chilly at night)
· Sunblock
· Hat
· Tennis or Hiking Shoes
· Sunglasses
· Journal
· Extra Drawing Instruments (drawing paper and pencils provided)
· Open Heart and an Open Mind!

Provided
· Canvases
· Brushes
· Acrylic Paint
· Painting Supplies (easels, palettes, etc.)
· Drawing Paper
· Drawing Pencils

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About Your Teachers

Sandra Nitchie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:02:08 +0000

Sandra Nitchie, is the founder of the Monarch Effect, a 501c3 with a mission to “create awareness affirming the interconnectedness of all life, through Mindfulness in Nature programs, inspiring aliveness and sustainable actions in mankind leading to the transformation of humanity and our surrounding world.” Sandra is also a graduate of the Maryland Institute, College of Art, with a major in graphic design and a minor in painting.

“My journey is one of Faith, trusting in the dream and following a passion beyond all obstacles. A true journey of the heart is wrought with life lessons, some very painful, that clear the mind of impurities, for it is in the heart where our universal Truth find its place and voice. I´m happy to bring you this exciting experience where we discover together our hearts and souls and align with our own creativity”

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Aztec Experience

Sandra Nitchie — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:44:31 +0000

La Danza Azteca is a living, evolving, cultural tradition filled with the artistic, spiritual and military traditions of the Precolombian Aztecs, their neighbors, and their post-conquest Mestizo descendants. Each dancer, according to his or her age, agility and physical stamina, dances in cohesive unity to create prayer: kinetic, powerful and emotional. This prayer is carried within the dancer’s heart and throughout the dancer’s consciousness. Learn the ancient dance steps of the deer and other earth bound creatures and elements. Through our dance steps, drum beats, and ceremony, we join our intentions to connect the memory of the ancient peoples to our modern day society. Through the dance we create an active portal to honor and learn from the ancient traditions of central Mexico.

The temazcal, steam bath, is one of the most famous Pre-Hispanic healing tools still used today for physical, emotional and spiritual purification. The traditional clay, dome-like structure represents the womb of Mother Earth and the ceremony within honors each cosmic direction, opening the potential to experience a heightened state of consciousness. The temazcal ritual has seen a resurgence in our modern times as many seek to connect, learn and heal from the ancient traditions of our ancestors. The intention of the temazcal is to purify the mind, body and spirit and become reborn through the ceremonial experience. Today the temazcal is used as a catalyst to stimulate physical and emotional health.

Video of the Temazcal experience at Madre Tierra in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Cost & Payment

Sandra Nitchie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:44:55 +0000

Total cost is $1,750 USD
Early Registration by May 15th, receive 10% off!
Retreat costs include; painting supplies, accommodations, food and evening activities. Costs not included are airfare and travel to and from the Sagrada Wellness Mexico & Boutique Hotel.

Payment can be made either wire transfer, Western Union or by PayPal invoice (accepting Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover). A non-refundable 25% ($440 USD) deposit is required to hold your reservation. Space is limited. Please contact sandra@themonarcheffect.org to make your reservation and arrange payment.

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Contact Information

Sandra Nitchie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:21:55 +0000

For more Information
Sandra Nitchie
sandra@themonarcheffect.org
322.101.5100 Mexican Cell

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Nature Painting Photo Gallery

Sandra Nitchie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:23:55 +0000

Nature Painting

Sandra Nitchie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:55:03 +0000

Nature has long been known as the healer of humanity. Yet with the growth of our modern civilization we have taken great strides that separate us from the healing powers of the natural world. Many now realize this disconnect with Mother Nature and are seeking ways to mend the broken link. Nature Painting is a grounded approach to rekindle our intimate relationship with our natural surroundings, bringing a sense of centered calmness and a better understanding of the role we play in the intricate web of life.

Spend the day observing, drawing and painting the majestic landscape of San Miguel de Allende, an area of Mexico known for its beautiful horticulture, endless skies and powerful healing energy. Learn to capture the this dynamic landscape with energetic drawing and painting. Attain the basics of acrylic painting in mixing color, layering methods, brush techniques, creating texture and form painting. Walk away with the fundamental knowledge of acrylic painting which gives you the inspiration to continue your painting journey with confidence.

The intention of Nature Painting is to not only learn the basics of acrylic painting techniques but also to heal our connection with Nature and better understand our relationship to the world around us.

Photo Gallery of Nature Painting classes in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Soul Painting Photo Gallery

Sandra Nitchie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:26:15 +0000