the zoo: IF

queen anne's

this is a new painting that i have completed for a series i have been working on for an upcoming gallery show...

morning finds...

I found this lovely dried magnolia tree bud and a small piece of rusted metal while on a morning stroll....i thought they fit perfectly together in this fruit jar...finding things such as this always reminds me that I want to make a small bag to carry with me on my walks so that way I am not filling every pocket or hand with my treasures...

yet to be titled...

newest painting...

stealing muffins...

"grow"

this weeks illustration friday topic....i thought this was appropriate

Illustration Friday...

Well...Here is my submission to {open}'s Illustration Friday. The topic is "open" and your illustration must represent this topic in some way or another, its then voted on and if chosen, will be displayed at {open}'s gallery/book store in Long Beach California through January.

fairly new painting

this is a painting i recently completed...i love it and hope to do more like it..

anticipation

I have gourds growing...and absolutely cannot wait until they are dried so I can begin creating things with them. First and foremost Raine and I will be making spooky gourds for decorations this year instead of the traditional carved pumpkins (since we have no pumpkins)! Iwill post pictures once the creations begin.

[what we thought was going to be our] new baby announcement

warm room

This was taken at my in-laws house, formerly my art studio, now a room of randomness that still offers a kind welcome with its warm, comfortable feeling...

Fruit Labels

I was doing a search for snow owls to get a good understanding as to how they look for un upcoming print I would like to do. During my search, I came across this lovely company that designs labels for fruit crates. I love these designs. Very inspiring.

Beautiful Raine

Summer

Kennedy Coffee Exhibition

Exhibiting again...finally. It has been awhile, since Common Grounds in fact, that I have exhibited my paintings anywhere. I have gotten a little gig at a nice Coffee house/Roasting company in Bentonville, Arkansas called Kennedy Coffee. I forget how refreshing it can be to display your works!

Collograph[y]

So today at school we were asked to begin our ideas and plates for a collograph print. Unfortunately my profesor is not so well at explaining techniques and materials, so I was forced into doing my own research outside of class since I have no recollection as to what he was actually saying during class. I probably learn more by actually going out of my way to learn something rather than listen to the murmur of my instuctor explain something he'd rather not be explaining. So, here is the result of my research. This is a collograph print created by Jenny Bullen. It seems rather simple compared to the explanation given by my instructor. That's not to say that the ideas and thoughts behind this creation were simple....just the overall technique. After a little googlin' I'm inspired to actually do something with this rather than stare at my classmates hoping for some collographatic epiphany!

new found glory

Last semester I had taken an Asian Arts Special Topics course that inspired the heck out of me. I can honestly say that the class itself was not at all what I had expected, but I have noticed a subtle difference in my approach to subject matter and overall placement that I feel is a result of this class.

One artist that I absolutely cannot stop thinking about is Aubrey Beardsley. Though he is an England artist, he was indirectly inspired by the Japanese ukiyo-e prints. His work was absolutely revolutionary of his time. Which inevitabley (and collaborately) sparked the Art Nouveau movement.


I am currently changing my concentration (for my BFA) from painting, to printmaking. I feel as though I have a pretty vast understanding about painting, yet I have no idea about where to even begin with printmaking. Hence the fact that it is important for me to venture beyond the comforts of the paint brush and perhaps develop another artistic skill. I no doubt have held fast to the methods and techniques of Beardsley so that I may apply them to my own.


Besides Beardsley, there is one more artist that I have utterly fallen in love with. I am shamefully uncertain as to the artist's name, but I will assume that it is Nebo Peklo. Though I believe it is two artists that have this site, I am still uncertain. I'm sure I could do 30 seconds of research and find out, but I dont feel like it. I wont go into details as to why they inspire me, but it seems rather obvious....theyre freakin brilliant!! And theyre my new found glory....(the link above takes you to their site).

Those of you whom actually received mine and Jonathan's wedding invitations will see that we used some work by these brilliant artists to make our invites...(can I admit that?)

CORRECTION:

"Nebo Peklo" is ONE artist = Natalie. Her brilliance has spurred new things in my artistic life which cannot be put into words. She is by far one of my most admired artists....her stuff is well worth the peak!! That 30 seconds of research seems rather worth it now....sorry!!

bang was a dud

I recently had an art show at a regional art festival called bang. I have decided to post about my experience so that perhaps others may not be so vulnerable as to fall into the trap that I did. I thought it would be nice to support some "under-dogs" in the regional art world by merely hanging 6 of my paintings for a weekend at their festival. I showed up friday, hung my paintings, went back sunday to pick them up, and no one was there....not even the paintings. when I attempted to contact the "producers" one wouldn't answer, and the other was hungover and VERY rude....needless to say the whole show became a mixture of confusion, chaos, miscommunications, and disorder that I was later blamed for. I have never had such a bad experience with an art show. It's a long, unnecessary story, but ultimately I have some tips for anyone new to the art market or anyone considering an "art festival":

1.) Legitimacy: Do some research about the festival and figure out how long it has been going on. If it is older, find some former artists that may have some insight as to how the show went; or you could even ask previous show-goers if the festival was organized and seemingly legitimate. If the show is newer, that doesn't mean that its bad, it just means that the people may be new at doing it, and are going to use this show to learn from their mistakes....don't NOT participate because its new (b/c they need you to help get it started), but be sure you do the following:

2.) Communication: always be sure you stay in contact with whomever is providing the show. this means not only by email, but more importantly by phone or in person as well. Become aware of who is coordinating and producing the show. The last thing you need/want is some "kids" that think its going to be cool to have bands and art for a weekend trying to put together something they haven't thoroughly thought about and worked out the details for.

3.) Ask Questions: Always take into consideration what may be going on around your artwork while it is on the wall. Also, be specific (and redundant if necessary) when asking about what time your artwork should be dropped off, who is hanging it, how it can be hung, if you can hang it yourself, when it should be picked up, and what happens if no one is there when you go to pick it up.

4.) Where does the money go?: find out if the show is benefiting a charity or other non-profit organization. If so, don't feel bad to ask where the profits from your work is going. If it is going to benefit someone other than you, be sure you are alright with the organization it is benefiting. After all, this is your work, and you have all rights to know what's going on.

These are just a few suggestions to keep your stress level down!! I did by the way get my paintings back (after 2, one and a half hour trips) If you are considering an art festival, then good luck...and the last festival on my recommendation list is Bang.