Painting's That Make You Smile

Amsterdam

12"x16" acrylics on canvas

These beauties are from the artist Alina Vidulescu, who lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Alina started painting as a hobby in 2004 and when she quit her day job in finance in 2008 she  was able to dedicate herself to her passion of painting. Her "style is impressionistic, she loves to paint landscapes and still life, but tries different subjects and styles. Alina uses high quality acrylics."

You can find Alina's work at her Etsy store ACVART and at her blog ACVART Alina's Acrylic Paintings. Check them to see paintings that will definitely make you smile ~:-}

 

Happy Poppies

24"x48" acrylics on deep canvas

 The Calanques

11"x14"  acrylics on deep canvas

Not Just Pushing Pencils

 Aurora Detail

 These incredible Pencil Sculptures are from Artist  Jennifer Maestre. Jennifer has taken the "common object" the pencil and turned them in to incredible "structures". This incredible art came from the inspiration of "Sea Urchins", with their beautiful appearance and the paradox of how they are not to be touched due to the dangerous outcome. 

Asteridae

Ms. Maestre has studied art all over the US, and you can even find her work available in her Etsy Store.She also creates incredible  beads from pencils. I love how Jennifer Followed her muse to find her own style and material to work with. You can read much more at her website.

More hilarity with Color Pencil Pendant

Habitats Galore

Habitats, originally uploaded by PurpleSkyArt.

I found this mosaic creation at PurpleSkyArt's flickr~ Go to the Flickr Upload and you can follow the links to the individual artist.. Great inspiration~

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.

Michael Reagan's Art Helps Us To Never Forget

The Portrait Artist Michael G. Reagan started drawing over 40 years ago when he had broken his arm from playing football and was trying to occupy his time. He quickly realized how much he enjoyed drawing and soon found out how good he was by the reaction of others. He later served in the Vietnam war where he continued his  portrait drawing. Often these Portraits where the last images of the fallen. Michael went on to pursue an art career where he crossed paths with many celebrities and was commissioned to draw their portraits. As he has continued his drawing of over 10,000 portraits he has shared his enthusiasm through his motivational speeches as well as through his many heart warming pieces of art that he has drawn for charity. Michael  has most recently been working on his Fallen Heroes Project where he offers his service to create a portrait  for the families of fallen soldiers.

 Matt Maupin

"Our mission is to honor the American Fallen Heroes for their ultimate sacrifice during the war against terrorism. The foundation will provide the resources to produce and distribute to each family a hand-drawn portrait of their Fallen Hero, created by artist Michael G. Reagan, free of charge. Each portrait is intended to show our Love and Respect for these Heroes and their families."

 Christopher Michael Dana

RR"Reagan views his art as much more than work, he feels called to share his talent for larger purposes. While he is sought out to draw many commissioned portraits, even some as high profile as President and Mrs. Bush, he feels called to bring healing to difficult situations through his art. “After reading in the paper about a terrible car accident involving a drunk driver that had killed two daughters, I felt compelled to provide a memory of the girls through a portrait for the parents,” he describes. “When I met the family to present the portrait, the grandfather told me I had brought life back into the family. I can’t eliminate anyone’s grief, but I can provide some comfort and healing.” This is just one of many such examples of Reagan sharing his gift to bring healing to a family after loss."

 Amanda Pinson

You can find a video by MSNBC and a audio slide show at  BBC..There is also a presentation of the drawings at Arlington Cemetery.

Street Art's Creative Movement

PCM - Hope Street Art / Day 1, originally uploaded by Claire_Sambrook.

 I am a huge fan of Street Art aka Graffiti~ This is a Creative Movement Project in the United Kingdom where
Street Artists are working with Portsmouth City Council, Sifer Design and the Portsmouth Creative Movement. This is the "starting of their painting / spraying of Hope Street Hoardings in Portsmouth. Work will continue throughout the month" This was posted by Clair Sambrook at her Flickr Photostream. Follow the links to see more of their artwork.. So COoL!

Artists for A Heart For Haiti

I found this on a blog today while visiting Amusing Muses. Kathy is organizing an art auction to benefit Haiti. Check out her blog for details, I'm sure you will be inspired to participate. The Auction is to be held in June via the web.

Crafty or Artsy? Or Just Bringing Out Your Inner child?

Snow fun, originally uploaded by my dog sighs.

This is from "my dog sighs" one of my favorite "creative genius" on Flickr! He created these snow stack people, aren't they awesome!
I thought this picture sets up for my topic for the day..
"Out growing" childlike art.. Hummmm
While I was clicking through Flickr and was looking at some of my "contacts" new uploads I came across some synchronicity in action, which is always  CoOL~
this is how it went...

This what I read...

"I got fired up about a letter to the editor that I read in the recent issue of Somerset Studio. So I wrote a letter to respond to that letter that got me all riled up.

Then I folded it up, put it in an envelope, and Zen-ed myself by decorating the envelope."

then Me..

no way.. Ok, so about an hour ago I was flipping through my "somerset studio" that I bought today, (It's been like a year since I splurged and bought myself a copy) and I was reading the Jenny Doh letters.. then I chill out clicking through Flickr.. And here I find this "beautiful cover" ..Your letter "vibes" were so strong I felt them all the way here in Florida!

Basically what the  "Letter to the Editor" writer is  saying is.. Hey, Loved your magazine, but I've outgrown you, cause now that I've retired from teaching elementary kids "visual arts"  I'm a "Real Artist" and have outgrown you, your childish art and your readers.. and what do they think they are anyway.. "craftspeople" or "fine artists"? ...(little c and little fa) and besides.. someone else gave me this subscription anyway. Ouch..


Then me..

If you are referring to the letter from "S R W" ..OMG! I just hope she didn't infect too many children with her "opinion". The truth is that most of us stop learning art in our county in Elementary school due to our wonderful "educational system" that she was a part of.
I will also point out that some "Artists" with a capital A are "holier than thou" so she's just tapping into that. But the majority of artist's (that I've met anyway) would laugh at her comment. Following the Muse is what's important to most us, and I wouldn't be surprised if she shuts her Muse off!
as far as "do most of your readers consider themselves "craftspeople" or "fine artist".. Most of us play with our "art" not to define ourselves but to set ourselves free from "labels". I for one may not have much "talent" but at no other time am I happier than when I'm "playing" with art. As for the Artist's that are schooled and educated as "Fine Artists", they are like our "Professors" and they deserve our respect but by no means do most of us consider "art" only for the "Elite" that's like saying that the only people that should write are the people who write books.. UGH

Amazing

I was sent this in an email from a good friend of mine. This is absolutely amazing!
"This video shows the winner of "Ukraine’s Got Talent",  Kseniya Simonova, 24,  drawing a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II.  Her talent, which admittedly is a strange one, is mesmeric to watch.

The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about $130,000.00 

She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated. 

It is replaced by a woman’s face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman’s face appears. 

She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier. 

This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house. 

In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye. 

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine, resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million. 


Kseniya Simonova says:  
"I find it difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paintbrushes, but using sand and fingers is beyond me. The art, especially when the war is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears. And there’s surely no bigger compliment."

In Pursuit of Daily Inspiration in the New Year

write {13/365}, originally uploaded by Kim Klassen {mondo beyondo ...baby}.

I have an affection for Artist's and their journals, and  really enjoyed finding Artist Kim Klassens journal embellished with her art! This is from Kim's  Flickr Photostream.
Kim has a beautiful Blog at Kim Klassen Cafe where you will find some of her beautiful creations as well as many of the things that help to inspire her. Also check out Kim's Etsy store where she has some of photography and other designs. Kim is "ga ga over words" and that's probably one of the reason's I am so drawn to her "Art"!

Kim's "one little word" For 2010

I especially love Kim's "one Little word" for the year; "Soar". Kim credits this idea coming from Ali Edwards 

from her blog "One Little Word" where Ali's words were Peace (2007), Vitality (2008) , Nurture (2009)and for 2010 it's Story.

"Essentially the idea is to choose a word (or let it choose you) that has the potential to make an impact on your life".
 Go to Kim's blog to find out about the word of the week etc. I love themes and the "word" tradition really helps get the inspiration flowing. Now I have to find my word~

Small Pieces of Wonder

the stones from Winnipeg, originally uploaded by knitalatte11.

Every once in a while I come across an artist's work that brings me to tears. I'm not sure if it's because of the time and love that the artist puts into it, or if it's just the creativity itself that moves me, but Margaret is one of those artists! Once I learned that this beautiful artist is in fact a "family physician in a small rual community, who even makes house calls and end of life care" it all made sense :-)
Margaret has an Etsy Store where you can find her many prints available to purchase, and her blog Resurrection fern  is full of creative playfulness. Right now you can even find a long list of where to find tutorials for handmade gifts.

Luna the Giant Pink Sea Snail

Orbiting with Laura Rogers and Her Encaustic Wax Painting

Encaustic Wax Painting 'Brown Bird with Pattern', originally uploaded by dontorbitme.

This beauty if from Laura at her Etsy store Don't Orbit Me Encaustics . Laura lives and creates in Markham, Ontario. Her medium of choice is painting with beeswax. Laura  shares with us her inspirations as well as her artistic process at her Flickr Photostream and Etsy store. I love that it's "Perfectly imperfect in nature". You'll find all kinds of goodies available to purchase at her Etsy store..

A Night of Lights (Carousel)

Urban Decay Window

Remembering Charles Seliger

Painter Charles Seliger passed away six weeks ago at the age of 83 from a massive stroke. I just finished reading the Artist Addison Parks' blog Artdeal Magazine and loved what he had to say about his friend Mr. Seliger ; "He was an artist. Artist as poet, explorer, gardener, astronomer, composer, and botanist. Artist as painter." make sure you go to Addison's blog to read his whole post. I was weepy when I was done.

We always hear how anything worthwhile takes time, and  you only get out of things what you put into them. These are the lessons that I am now reminded of. Patience to walk through life and take its turns one at a time. Not rushing through it to end up at a dead end.  At the end of his life Charles Seliger had gone through his journey participating in it all, giving it his all. We are lucky that he was such a man, that he left his legacy in his art for us to enjoy for generations to come.

  Untitled

Cellular Mansion

1945 Oil on Canvas

at Artnet

Ways of Nature 10

2007

crylic, colored pencil, matte gel, and beeswax varnish on gessoed Masonite.

read more at the Brooklyn Rail

 Redefining Abstract Expressionism

 Book available at Amazon

 Don Quixote 1944

found this at the blog A Journey Round My Skull

The Art and Beauty of Lesley Dill's Language

Small Poem Dress

Lithograph on newspaper

Can be found at Artnet

Corolla
found at the Hunter Museum Of American Art

On exhibit at Museum of Fine Arts at  St. Pete, Florida

See a Virtual  tour on Youtube courtesy of the Hunter Museum

  I was listening to my favorite talk radio at WMNF's show Art In Your Ear this afternoon when the guest on the program was Lesley Dill. (you can hear the podcast here). Lesley is an extraordinary mulit-media  artist who uses everything from foil, newspaper to photographs with all  types of materials and textures in between.
"An English major before she became an artist, Dill found her artistic vision when her mother gave her a book of Emily Dickinson’s poetry. Dickinson’s words resonated with Dill, sparking images that the artist says she just could not ignore." She's a visionary artist bringing her love of words to her artwork. Her artwork is known for it's spiritual and sensual nature.
Lesley Dill  has traveled and lived in India and  currently lives in New York.  Her most recent exhibition
I Heard A Voice is of her large scale theatrical art work and is currently being shown in St. Pete's MFA.