Frank Gardner Pushing Colors in Mexico

Frank Gardner

Santuario

Santuario" 18x14" oil, Frank Gardner © 2010
$1,430. Framed. Available at M Gallery of Fine Art
Sarasota, FL

I found Artist Frank Gardner's blog My Paint Box today while blog hopping~ I love oil paintings, probably because of growing up around my grandmother who worked mostly with oils. I have always loved the way the paints layer, and how the paintings themselves go through a metamorphosis where each stage is a piece of work of its own.

"Looking Over San Miguel", 14x11" Oil, Frank Gardner © 2009

$1,050. Framed, Available at Addison Art Gallery

Frank Gardner works and lives in Mexico painting on location and out of his studio. In his bio he describes his painting as "representational. At times influenced by the impressionists in that he wants to capture light effects and color and sometimes sacrifice detail. A controlled chaos or loose spontaneity is his favored look, although each color and stroke is well thought out and carefully placed."

Not only is Frank Gardner's work beautiful, I love his blog for opening up his process of creativity for us all to enjoy~

Put Your Money Where Your Mouths Are

color bookmarks, originally uploaded by catriley.

I found a link to Catriley's Flickr today in my emails from Yahoo ATC Artist Trading Cards swap Group and had to share not only her beautiful art but the Loving Kindness in her project. Each of her pieces in her gallery "Put Your Money Where Your Mouths Are" are up for donations that will be in turn given to her local food bank. May we all be inspired~

The Art of Wonder Wanda

triple cupcake sm, originally uploaded by wme133.

This beauty is from Wanda Edwards a Paper, Watercolor, and Jewelry Artist. Wanda has a website
where you can find more of her beautiful work. You can also find her available art at her Etsy store W.D Designs Fanciful Things for your Fanciful Life and follow her Artful Journey at her Blog Wonder Wanda.

 Koi II

Wanda has a background of teaching school children art and  her playfulness definitely  comes out in her art, and was also trained in botanical illustration which is visible in her own detail. I had so much fun visiting Wanda's flickr photostream where she has an exhibit of all her different talents.

 Swirls

This is from Wanda's polymer clay designs.

Visions of Shoes

This one shows the pure fun that is in Wanda's art. I just love this! I'm a huge fan, and can't wait to see more :-)

Heart Art

Laurel True

Even though It's no long Valentines day/month I don't think Hearts ever go out of season. I was inspired to share some "Heart Art" today because of a "Postcrossing" Friend in China who is also crazy about Heart Art.

Sigute Ach 

Traci Higginbotham

 

Mairi Stephen

Discovering the Guards of the Art World

Swipe Magazine
This illustration, used on the cover of Sw!pe Magazine, is a pen and ink by Jack Laughner.

Today while  listening to NPR's Morning Edition there was a great story about a group of  Guards at the  Metropolitan Museum of  Art . They have published a magazine displaying their own art. They stand around all day and night protecting some of the most important valuable art in the world, meanwhile being surrounded by the people observing the art. In turn they are the observers of the observing. As you learn about The Guards you discover that each of them has their own purpose for working as guards surrounded by art and got their in their own unique way.

Phil Padwe

Poe by Phil Padwe, watercolor and ink wash

Even though  each of the Guards have distinctively  different backgrounds, they have the desire to be creative in common. They cover the spectrum of Genre of both the visual and literary word, while showcasing different  methods from surrealism to contemporary photography with many places between. Their stories are as interesting as their art. While some of the guards came to the Met with Artistic backgrounds some where inspired by the art itself and found their talents while there. 

 I love how they  are in these "regular" jobs while being in a "big" place while working on their own passions. That's one of the reason's I can't wait to get back to selling furniture. It's a really creative place for me..Even though there was hours of standing around "waiting" I did seem to be at my most creative. So,  hanging  out in our "regular" jobs can be used to help keep us impassioned.

Meredith Iszlai'

"Buffalo Skull 1" colored pencil and graphite.

You can find a great article at the New York Times and also find the podcast to NPR's Morning Edition or read the transcript.

Barry Steely

2 Swimmers alkyd and oil

These are just a couple of many awesome pieces of work. Be sure to check out the many contributors to the Swipe Magazine and get a copy for yourself.

Graffiti Art In Motion In THE RoOm by Rinpa Eshidan

The Face Room

This amazing  group of artists bring the whole process of  creativity together in a video showing how they go  from white walls to places in their imaginations. They not only work well as a team, but they also create their art with the purpose of  bringing others together.

"The Rinpa Eshidan core team is made up of Noiz-Davi, Daisuke Yamamoto, D.H.Rosen, Akari Sasai and XOLA . The group's main activities are performing in live-art events and creating videos of art in action. Instead of focusing on the finished project, they believe the process of creation itself is where art comes to life and their videos aim to engage their audience in that process."

 Img Noiz

Not only do they have awesome videos you can visit their gallery at their website where there are tons of pieces for the Graffiti Art Appreciator to enjoy~ 

Check out this great MSN Video: Graffiti Room Undergoes Transformation

Venice Carnival is Full of Art

untitled-34.jpg, originally uploaded by fudino.

These Photos are all from Fundinos Flickr Photostream. They are an amazing collection that is well worth the visit.

Venice Carnival 133

Venice Carnival 57

Venice Carnival 72

In 2010, the Carnival in Venice Ran from Saturday 6th February to Tuesday 16th February. The Creativity that goes into the costumes is amazing. If you are a color and texture junkie like I am the eye candy will fill your senses with inspiration  and wonderment.