Tuesday, November 29, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #56

I created Featured Art Tuesday Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, cooking, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including drama, writing and poetry. 
The list goes on and on.
 

Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person. 
To join us for FATuesday, link up at the bottom of the page. 


I am out of time with all that must be done for a trip I will be taking this week.  FATuesday Artist Spotlight takes many hours of work each week.  So today, I am featuring one of my favorite artists once again--our beloved Great Aunt Martina Gangle Curl.

Great Aunt Martina was a delight.  I can still hear her laughter and the sound of her voice in my mind.  It was obvious she deeply loved her family.  I remember her worn, yet beautiful face, the way her eyes would twinkle when she smiled beneath the ever-present scarf she wore over her hair.   She was always kind to me and gently encouraged me to draw.


Above you see Aunt Martina in 1975, at a "sit in" protesting Portland General Electric.  She would have LOVED today's Occupy Wallstreet movement!  She would have been in the thick of it all.

This is the wonderful face I remember.  She had a tender and truly noble heart.  Like so many of today's young people, she was passionate about the equality of all peoples and caring for the poor and disadvantaged.  When she was in her early 80's she was arrested for picketing the White House in Washington DC!  I remember seeing her face on television.  Though she and I did not always agree, I admired her stand for what she believed.

Aunt Martina was one of 200 artists employed by Federal Arts Project, the New Deal’s ambitious effort to support visual artists, writers, and dramatists under the auspices of the massive Works Progress Administration (WPA).  These artists provided murals, paintings, watercolors, and wood carvings for Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.  She and fellow artist Arthur Runquist created a great mural for Rose City Park Elementary School in Portland.  It is called The Columbia River Pioneer Migration – The Homesteaders. Her artwork hangs in the Oregon Art Museum and she is considered to be one of Oregon's most important historical artists.

Her artwork was born from the terrible Great Depression.  She was one of seven children who lived in desperate circumstances.  Their father had gone to look for gold during the Alaskan gold rush and was never heard from again.  Life was incredibly hard.  Their mother provided food for the family, working as a domestic – washing clothes, sewing, or doing farm chores.  The family often followed the harvest as workers in the fields.

When Aunt Martina was in her mid-20's, she attended the Museum Art School in Portland.  Unlike most artists of the time, her etchings, lino cuts, and lithographs of the mid-thirties often portrayed women and children fruit harvesters and other working people.

She once speculated how different things would have been if she had gone directly from high school to attend art school. “I would have had seven, or eight years of ignorance of what was happening in the country,” she reflected. “I would no doubt have painted flowers and landscapes instead of poor families and people running from violence, homeless people sleeping on benches, etc.” These powerful images from her early life experiences filled her thoughts and deeply influenced her artwork.  Her mentors, she once mused, “didn’t realize what life had already done to my thinking.”

She and fellow artist Arthur Runquist, were blacklisted during the Cold War because of their political views.  She wrote. “Thugs beat Arthur up. They injured his hand so badly doctors thought they would have to amputate. Luckily, his hand was saved." He and Martina were working on the Pendleton murals at the time.


Last year, when my sweet Sis Clytie called to say she had found an original painting by our Great Aunt Martina, I was in awe.  The above painting was found in a box of our Grandmother's papers--which would have been destroyed that very day. Through her artwork, Aunt Martina succeeded in dramatizing the beauty and aesthetic diversity to be found in the everyday settings of people living throughout the Pacific Northwest in those hard years.


She was not only a gifted artist, but was a wonderful person who deeply loved her family.  Once at a family reunion, I was sketching a rough picture of something which had caught my fancy.  I remember feeling a hand on my hair, looking up to see Aunt Martina smiling down at me, nodding her approval.

 wish I would have known then, how much she loved art--I would have asked her about her life and how she saw the world--about what it was like growing up in the Depression.  I wish I could tell her how proud I am to be her great niece and how much I treasure those moments when she would lean over my drawings with a smile and an encouraging word.  I wish I could tell her what an inspiration she's been to me over the past few years.

You can find restrikes of fourteen works of art by Aunt Martina for sale, at The Pathways Collection.  To read more about Martina Gangle Curl's fascinating life, visit The Oregon Encyclopedia and the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission.


If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:
*Blog the art you want to share.
* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.
* Visit other artists who have left their links.
* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.
(We artists need to encourage each other!)
* Add a link back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Turkey Tease - Guest Heart Thursday

Before our dear Booterz flew away to heaven, I was inspired to make a little comic about her.  Her tail was incredibly long--14 inches of expressiveness.  In the series, Bootz made friends with a little bird.  At first Booterz thought about eating the birdie.  Then she and the Bird became friends, teasing dragons, dogs and, yes--this poor unsuspecting turkey.

A perfect addition for both Guest Heart Thursday and Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!


For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #55


I created Featured Art Tuesday Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, cooking, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including drama, writing and poetry. 
The list goes on and on.
 

Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person. 
To join us for FATuesday, link up at the bottom of the page. 

I found Sunny Carvalho’s amazing art through my sweet Friend Tammie Lee.  I fell in love with Sunny's art at my first glance.  Her artwork reflects a whimsical heart--the sculpture she creates has a grace and life all its own.  I am so inspired by Sunny’s use of color and pattern.  Her artwork moves--it twinkles!

Sunny writes, “Who, me? I guess I'd say I am a painter of Pretty Girls (and sometimes, Ugly Girls!) and maker of things! I have a need to create that I just can't contain. I do something different every day. I paint, sculpt original dolls, make all sorts of fun things and teach at Artfest in Port Townsend, WA    

You can see more of this artist's sparkling art at Sparkle and Spin the art of Sunny Carvalho.  


Kylie Fowler is new to me.  I love her thoughtful use of color in this portrait of her “Mum.”  This fabulous artist loves to explore various styles.  Her art  reflects a deep fascination with life and a love for variety.  She inspires me to try new things.

Kylie writes, “…I love any artwork that contains eyes. The eyes are generally the most important part of each of my artworks. As they say, 'The eyes are the windows to the soul'. I also enjoy sewing and producing mixed media artwork, so hopefully in the future I will produce more mixed media works of art. I am a creatologist. A person who loves to create.”  

You can find more of Kylie's fascinating art at the Blissful Pumpkin.  Happily, you can also purchase her whimsical collages, paintings, portraits, caricatures, art prints and other such wonderful stuff at her Etsy Store, the Blissful Pumpkin.


Becca, a talented artist, photographer and musician from Las Vegas, loves to create beautiful mixed media collages using vintage ephemera.  She also likes to sew and is an avid antique hunter.  She is a wonderful photographer and the good friend of two dearly loved orange kitty cats.  I love the way Becca views her world and the way she shares it with us.  She says the Great Pacific Northwest is one of her favorite places--she's one of us, even if she doesn't actually live here--I can tell.  (grin)

Becca writes, ”I am a wife, crazy cat lady, hobby photographer and a self taught mixed-media artist…Music is also a big part of my life.  I play classical piano, acoustic guitar and sing.”  What an incredibly gifted lady Becca is!   I have the feeling she could play music along with the wind in the trees.
  
To see more of this wonderful artist's eclectic work, visit Patina Moon 



Paula Kuitenbrouwer’s delicate artwork is also new to me.  I love the gentle tracery of flower, bird and butterfly wing--there is a magical quality to this artist’s work which satisfies something in my eyes.  I love to look--to see through this artist’s eyes.  When I view Paula's beautiful drawings, I feel inspired to reproduce what I see in my own little garden.

Paula writes, “To me art is about creating beauty. I enjoy the process of creating beauty. There is so much to learn about it and how to achieve it. I like to find beautiful compositions with harmonious shapes and colours. If I make a drawing or painting that brings pleasure to the eye, harmony to the mind or peace to the heart, I feel happy. Apart from being intrigued by beautiful compositions, drawing helps me to escape the stressful concept of time. When I draw sometimes time is substituted for timelessness. Waking up from such mindful moments I notice my drawing surprisingly shows progress, although I was all the time absorbed in the here and now.” 

 To see more of Paula's lovely artwork, visit Mindful Drawing. Happily, you can also buy her work at her Etsy shop, Mindful Drawing.


Nancy Lefco's eloquent work is creatively satisfying to the soul.  I feel inspired to try my hand at collage art when I view her artwork.  I especially love her journaling pieces.  Indeed, she does tell a story--Her artwork leaves you wondering about the plotline, wanting to see more.

Nancy writes, “Collage…that wonderful form of art where we take seemingly unrelated materials and combine them in fabulous ways.  Pictures, text, tickets, game pieces, ribbon, scraps of fabric and bits of paper…come together and tell a story, that alone, they could never tell.  It is the storytelling element in collage that speaks to my heart and keeps me creating…”

To see more of this artist's beautifully reflective artwork, visit Mixed Media Collage Art by Nancy. 

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:
*Blog the art you want to share.
* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.
* Visit other artists who have left their links.
* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.
(We artists need to encourage each other!)
* Add a link back to FATuesday in your blog entry.


Monday, November 21, 2011

Fuchsia - Sunday Scans


If the Fuchsia flower had a face, this is what she would look like.  No wonder the hummingbirds flock to kiss her lips!  This original pocket art drawing is only 2.5x3.5 inches big!

Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week.  Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned.  So pick up your artwork, old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!  

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Face of Light - Weekend Reflections


This is the first time I've entered one of my organic art pieces in Weekend Reflections.  This was so special, I wanted to share it.

We were getting ready to work on an addition to the back of my parent's home.  Chilly raindrops tumbled through the air in pockets of splashing cold.  Then suddenly the sun came out.  It peeked at us from between the branches of the trees.  Later I realized there was a face--a face made of light...perhaps an angel watching over us, as we worked.


Above you see this lovely shining face, with delicate fir needle earrings, as I first glimpsed her through the lens of my camera.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Christmas Tree Angel - Guest Heart Thursday


This is the first sketch of our Christmas card.  She is really my niece--and yes, there are lots of hidden hearts.

And now Malaya and I need your help.  Christmas Tree Angel is a really boring name.  We would like to know if anybody out there might have any ideas for a name for this Christmas card.  If we choose your name, you will get a print of the finished card in the mail at Christmas time.

Four-year-old Malaya says, "I can hardly wait to see the names you think of!"

Have a lovely week!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #54

I created Featured Art Tuesday Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, cooking, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including drama, writing and poetry. 
The list goes on and on.
 

Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person. 
To join us for FATuesday, link up at the bottom of the page. 
 

Helen Wheeler Shaw is new to me.  This fascinating artist has a unique way of viewing her world.  Her abstract pieces are just amazing.  She is a free-spirited New Zealander from Texas, happily painting at her studio in the Texas hill country.  Helen finds inspiration outside her own front window--the beautiful birds who inhabit her three-acre nature sanctuary.  Her work reflects her great love for all animals and the earth.

Helen writes, "My ' Helen essence' shines brightest when I am creating, or when I am surrounded by nature.  These two things are essential for my fulfillment and growth on this life journey.  Nature inspires, delights, enchants and sustains me…”

To see more of this wonderful artist's work, visit her art website, Helen Wheeler Shaw Bird and Botanical Art.  You can also follow her adventures in art on her blog, The Willow's Nest.  


Andrea Pratt's artwork is so inspiring.  I love the detail she puts into her pieces.  Each drawing has hidden patterns and meanings.  Her charming artwork intrigues me--I want to look and look--and keep on looking.

Andrea writes, “Art, for me, is about creating meaning and order from an unruly and constantly moving herd of ideas. Oil and acrylic paint, coloured pencils and my camera all feature prominently in my toybox. I am drawn to both natural and built environments (and their intersection), primitive symbolism and patterns, bones, crows, canoes and houses. Being lucky enough to live where I do, the inspiration for most of my paintings and drawings is rooted in the natural world, but I like to combine imagery in unexpected ways.”

To see more of this intriguing artist's beautiful work, visit Coloring Outside the Lines.


Darlene is self taught artist who loves to create using a variety of mediums including oils, watercolor, acrylics, porcleain clay, paperclay, papermache, and glass medium. I find her eclectic use of mixed media art and papermache extremely inspiring.  She is not only a gifted artist, but is a wonderful person with one of the biggest, most loving hearts I’ve ever known.  I am privileged to call Darlene my Friend.

Darlene writes, “I am a mixed media artist who is a believer in following your hearts dreams and wishes. My background experience includes in oils, watercolors, stained glass, glass fusion, porcelain dolls, polymer clay dolls, and currently Mixed media and paper art. I enjoy creating art to make for all occasions…”

You can see more of this talented artist's charming artwork at A Dancing Mango.  Happily, you can also buy her artwork from her Etsy Shop, A Dancing Mango -Where the magic of the past lives.   


I am inspired by Michael Shapcott's use of highly detailed graphite underdrawings, which he treats so they won't smudge--then paints with colorful washes in oil and acrylic paints.  In addition to his paintings, this Connecticut artist creates art videos which track the process of his paintings and highlight his unusual style.  He credits his education for basic technical experience.  However, he believes it was only after breaking with many of the traditional methods he was taught, that he developed the confidence, unique voice and style he has today.

Michael writes, "I have learned that you must above all else believe in yourself and your worth and be brave enough to live the life you choose. Being a full-time artist is about doing what you love every day, expressing yourself, touching others lives with your art, and making a unique mark on the world – but it is not for the lighthearted. Our lives depend on it. This is how we earn our living, how we spend most of our time and energy, what we pour our deepest passions into, how our face is shown to our loved ones and to the world. We don’t just want to succeed. We have to.  I do this because I love it and what I aspire for is to reach out and touch viewers of my work, making sure that those who see my paintings see something that enriches their experience."

 You can find more of this incredible artist's amazing art on his blog at Michael ShapcottYou can also find an additional array of this artist's work in his DA art gallery at Michael Shapcott.  


I fell in love with the bright colors and whimsical detail of Terri Kahrs lovely artwork.  There is something about her art, which inspires the child in my heart to dance.  Terri's joyful artwork inspires me to experiment with color and patterns.  

Terri writes, “For a short time I entertained the idea of being either a butterfly or a beautiful, mystical Unicorn. But all along, thoughts of being a dog were always strong…”  

To see more of Terri's happy artwork, visit Pringle Hill Studio

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:
*Blog the art you want to share.
* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.
* Visit other artists who have left their links.
* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.
(We artists need to encourage each other!)
* Add a link back to FATuesday in your blog entry.


Monday, November 14, 2011

Foxydoodles - Sunday Scans


Here is one of my little Foxydoodle drawings.  I love foxes.  When we were small, I remember watching red foxes leaping above the grasses in the field across the street--in just this way.


I also remember a lady who came to the house with a tiny fox cub nestled in her arms.  "Have you lost a puppy," she asked.  She'd found him beside the road and didn't realize he was a fox!


This is the first three of eight Foxydoodle ACEOs which will be up for sale soon in my Etsy Shop.

Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week.  Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned.  So pick up your artwork, old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!  

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Tangle of Hearts - Guest Heart Thursday


This is my very first attempt at cloud painting.  After a life and death encounter with a staff infection in my foot and leg, my family gave me a camera.  As I recovered, I would hobble around the block, viewing my world in a whole different way--through the camera's eye.

One late night, I spied a beauteous sunset through a tangle of curly willow branches.  I saw hearts!  Using a very old paint program, I attempted my first cloud painting.  I was using the mouse as my paintbrush, so it took a very long time.


Above you see my Tangle of Hearts as I first saw them.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #53

I created Featured Art Tuesday Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, cooking, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including drama, writing and poetry. 
The list goes on and on. 
 
Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person. 
To join us for FATuesday, link up at the bottom of the page. 



The wonderful doodle art of Aimee Myers Dolich makes me laugh.  Sometimes, her presentation of poignant thoughtful words fills my eyes with tears.  I LOVE how Aimee sees her world and brings it into mine.

Aimee writes of her newest adventure,  “After five years in a quirky little college town in Kansas, life is now taking me to the east coast. I hope you'll join me on my new adventure as I learn how to navigate urban mania once again. who knows what we'll find?”  I wish you all the best in your new digs, Aimee!

To follow the adventures of this wonderfully creative artist, visit Artsyville.  Happily, once she's all settled in on the East Coast, you will be able to purchase her artwork from her Etsy Shop, Artsyville.  You can also find Aimee on Facebook at Artsyville.



I have only recently become acquainted with the wonderfully detailed artwork of Ester Wilson.  Her use of patterns, color and shading boggle the mind.  She's inspired me with her spectacular use of detail and simplicity.  I love the fact she likes to draw to classical music.  Music tells a story and Ester becomes the storyteller.

Ester writes, “I’ve been drawing since age two, and have always felt the need to continue making images. I feel in my core that there is nothing more important than creating. I think that strong feeling has always been there with me, and so I decided to give it full attention and see how deep I can go with it; how much I can learn about myself through art.”

To see more of this amazing artist's work, visit Daily Drawings.  


The work of Cathy Holtom is stunning.  Her use of colors is so inspiring to me.  I love the tones she chooses for each of extraordinary pieces.  Each of her drawings evokes a feeling almost like a song.

Cathy writes, ”My art is an expression of an emotion about a time or place.  I start with a sketch, a photograph or just a passing glance of something that remains in my mind.  I work predominately with coloured pencils but I also like to use other mediums such as watercolour and oil depending on the mood or effect I want to create.”  

You can find more of Cathy's lovely pieces on her blog, Down a Dusty Lane

I was having a bad day the moment I found Ernie D'Elia's hilarious illustrations.  His capacity for expressing fun in his artwork just fills my eyes.  I was inspired by his Animals on the Go series--which includes an Elephant in an Elevator and the above Shark in Shopping Cart.  What great fun.  Thank you for making me smile, Ernie.

Ernie writes, “…I use acrylic paint on illustration board. Occasionally I throw in some ball point pen, and a colored pencil or two, but mostly good old fashioned paint!”  

To see more of this gifted artist's work, visit Ernie D'Elia Illustration.  You can also find him on Facebook at Ernie D'Elia Illustration.


I found Elizabeth Rose Stanton through Illustration Friday.  What a wonderful artist!  Her sense of humor makes me grin.  I love the simplicity of line she uses to project an idea onto paper.  She inspires me to see the fun in life.  I enjoy this gifted artist's view of the world.

Elizabeth writes,  “I spend most of the time wandering around my right brain, bumping in to things that go bump in the night.”

To see more of Elizabeth's fabulous artwork, visit Pens Paper Studio.


If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:
*Blog the art you want to share.
* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.
* Visit other artists who have left their links.
* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.
(We artists need to encourage each other!)
* Add a link back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Forest Dreaming - Sunday Scans

I often draw faces with forests and mountains surrounding them.  Each face brings a different scenario to my mind.  In my photography I often see faces in clouds, trees and traced along the folds of hill and mighty mountain.  Sometimes my imagination translates from reality into fantasy.
 

Here you see one of these whimsical drawings, which reflects my great love for Nature.

 
I am so grateful to our Creator for His amazing Creation.


Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week.  Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned.  So pick up your artwork, old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!  

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Quiet, Please - Guest heart Thursday


Here's another of my doodles I just finished in honor of Guest Heart Thursday!  This little mermaid bids us to be quiet for a moment--to enjoy the sea with all its sounds, scents and sights.

Of course I have hidden hearts in this drawing--how many can you find?

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #52

My darling Sissy Clytie pointed out that, at 52 weeks, FATuesday Artist  Spotlight is exactly one year old.  A HUGE thank you to all the incredibly amazing artists who have inspired me this past year.  I am the person who is honored to feature YOU

I created Featured Art Tuesday Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, cooking, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including drama, writing and poetry. 
The list goes on and on. 
 
Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person. 
To join us for FATuesday, link up at the bottom of the page. 



I first became acquainted with Anna Vanover through recommendations from some of my art friends.  What an incredible artist!  Her work is realistic, yet beautifully whimsical.  Anna's charming artwork inspires me.  I love the amazing amounts of personality she puts into her subjects!  Her humor is wonderful!

Anna writes, “I create when I am happy - I am happy when I create.  Perhaps this sums up who I am as a person.  Those who know me well might say that more often than not you can find me with a paint brush in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, and one or more furry friends within arm’s reach.  These are the times that I am the most content.”  Ah, I can SO relate!

You can find her wonderful artwork at  Anna Vanover Studio. You can also find her work on Facebook, at The Art of Anna Vanover.


I have never seen bottle lamps like these.  When I found them, I was amazed and inspired by their sheer beauty and creativity of the artist, Songbird.  Each of her pieces is uniquely gorgeous.  She collects the bottles from a local town pub, then cleans and strips them of labels.  She drills a small hole near the bottom, then uses tissue paper or crepe, to decorate the bottles. These wonderful lamps have a lovely glow which cannot be achieved with traditional lighting.  I have never seen anything like them before!

Songbird writes, “I started making bottle lamps at the urging of my husband. I really did not want to take the time and effort needed, but after the first bottle was made and I could see how unique and pretty it was, I have not stopped making them. I believe that I need to be a good steward of this beautiful country in which I am privileged live, so keeping glass out of the landfills makes sense to me.”

To see more of these unusually lovely lamps, visit Songbird's Bottle Lamps.  Happily you can purchase these lamps through her Shop! 

I was perusing Etsy and found these amazing masks.  They are created by a husband and wife team, Tom and Jill Banwell.  Made of lightweight  leather, some of these pieces are delicately lovely--like something I would draw.  Others are simply fun--adding whimsical ears, or noses to the face of the wearer.  I was SO inspired by the artistry I saw.  It is interesting to note that the beautiful mask pictured above was worn by Lois Lane in Smallville!

Tom writes, “My wife Jill and I live in Penn Valley, California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a rural area and we have my studio under the house. I get to enjoy watching the deer and other wildlife traipse by the window, which provides a relaxing atmosphere in which to be creative.” 

You can view these incredibly fanciful pieces of art Tom Banwell Designs.  Happily, you can also purchase these extraordinary masks from their shop.
 
I had the wonderful experience of meeting this talented lady recently in Spokane Valley, Washington.  Sitting in her gorgeous living room with it's stone fireplace--walls complete with tapestries, richly appointed wall hangings and gorgeous artwork, I felt SO privileged.  It was like I was in a castle. 

Susan is one of the most creative people I've ever met.  She works with home schooled children and their parents, producing filmed classes for homeschoolers on subjects, such as integrating art into history and how to write a mystery story!  She has a huge closet of marvelous costumes and her creativity, when putting together sets and props for her classes, is boundless.  I was so impressed with her interesting ideas and happy enthusiasm.  Susan is not only a talented writer, fabulous teacher and extraordinarily talented artist, she is thoughtful and kind--a truly beautiful person both inside and out. 
 
Susan writes, “…my classes are very animated, and I often wear costumes, yes, even when I teach writing! I try to make everything come alive! You will notice that my articles pack in a lot of ideas, because I know how precious your time is.”  

To see the amazing variety of classes she has to offer, visit Susan Evans, Homeschool Resources.  Happily, her audio and video workshops and a myriad of wonderful ideas are available on her website, too! 

At first glance, I thought the photographer above, Lori Grimmett, was standing in a snow bank!  Amazing--that is actually sea foam.   I was touched and inspired by her enchanting photography.  The grace, beauty and magnificence of her work is unparalleled.  A photographer once said God created moments just as he was ready to click the shutter.  Lori's photography has that kind of supernatural quality about it.  I want to see the world that way, too. 

Lori’s goal is to “…encourage her viewers to see God in all of creation, to view the world in surprising and magnificent ways they never expected, and to pass that inspiration on to others.”  She has succeeded!

To see more of this gifted photographer's work, visit Lori Grimmett Photography.

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:
*Blog the art you want to share.
* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.
* Visit other artists who have left their links.
* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.
(We artists need to encourage each other!)
* Add a link back to FATuesday in your blog entry.