Heart Hug - Guest Heart Thursday

This is my niece.  She is the light of my eyes--and she LOVED this picture of herself hugging the little smiling heart.  I am SO blessed to see the world through the eyes of a three-year-old!

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #22

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT 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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  
I hope you will join in the fun!

Steve Abbott is new to me.  I've always loved still life paintings--This artist's work is wonderful--a true inspiration.  Located in Calera, Alabama, in the United states, Steve is a third generation artist!  I especially loved the Apples of Gold in a Bowl of silver above.  'Tis exactly as I pictured it.

This gracious artist writes, "I am drawn to figurative work and still lifes.  I love creating beauty in my art and hope to do so the remainder of my years!  I hope you enjoy my work. Please tell me what you think. All painters are a work in progress! What do you like? How can I improve?"

To see more marvelous still life paintings, visit Steve Abbot Fine Art. 

 Ann Ranlett's portraits of animals are wonderful.  Her use of color is unexpected and inspiring.  Her whimsical portrayals capture the essence of each animal's unique personality.  She uses a variety of mediums to create her charming pieces.  She describes an intense interest in nature, which, along with her biological/scientific background, give her pieces a special realistic feel.

Ann writes, "...I'm fascinated by the textures and colors found in nature..  I'm really in my element when working with ink on scratch board; it’s quite forgiving and I like the challenge of creating intricate detail and texture with black, white and shades of grey. I also enjoy working in graphite pencil for the same reasons.  When I need a break from monochrome work, I switch to watercolor, although I'm likely to add a little pen & ink or color pencil to my paintings. In 2005, I started working with watercolor on Yupo, a synthetic paper. I'd been wanting to try something different and my "Paintings with Petzazz" pieces are the result. They're wildly colored and have quite a bit less detail, but they're still recognizable as a particular breed or pet."

To see more of Ann's inspiring work visit her gallery at Ann Ranlett.

Ann  Gates Fiser is a gifted artist with many outlets--including illustrating children's books and  set design!  Over the past nine seasons, this inspiring artist has designed and painted theatrical sets for Redmond Second Story Repertory Theater, Redmond, WA.   Godspell, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Living in Paris, The Importance of Being Ernest, Blithe Spirit, The Nightingale, The Frog Prince, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, are just a few of the plays for which she has painted sets.   

Among her many accomplishments, Ann's murals have been featured in the Seattle Street of Dreams, Seattle Symphony Houses, The Jr. League of Tacoma's Decorators' Show House & Garden Tour, Tableau Magazine, Pacific Northwest Magazine and in various newspaper articles. In the first half of 2007, this talented lady painted four murals for The Children's Museum, Seattle.

She writes, "In all the things that I do, the basic component is a curiosity for learning and a quest for creative expression. My joy is creating murals and seeing the excitement and happiness on a client’s face when they see the transformation of their personal space. I love to encourage creativity in others, helping them to find that "inner artist" that lives inside all of us. It’s my intention with my work to create a nurturing environment for my clients. I also love illustrating children’s books, composing music and writing songs."  

To see more of this eclectic artist's work, visit Fisor Art Studio. 

Has anyone out there heard of Scrapling before?  The above piece, by Gez, is a Scrapling!  A scrapling is something created with leftover art and craft scraps!  I had never heard of Scrapling before visiting Gez's wonderful Blog.  I felt so inspired after visiting there.

This enthusiastic, joyously talented artist--obviously a teacher at heart--has much to share.  To visit her cheery, inspiring blog, visit Gezzyb's Jots.

I fell in love with Jeanie Callaghan's matchboxes.  Each exquisitely decorated matchbox drawer has lovely surprises hidden inside.  I felt so inspired by the beauty of these tiny pieces of art. 

Jeanie describes her lovely creation.  "The box is covered with brayered paper - which I love to use every chance I get!  The heart is raised up a bit from the matchbox.  I love these artificial flowers that I purchased at Cappels in Cincinnati during one of my visits home.  They remind me of the crepe paper flowers that my grandmother used to make..."

To see more of Jeanie Callaghan's gorgeous work, visit  All My Artist Trading Cards. 

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

Little Red Riding Hood - Guest Heart Thursday

Here she is, Little Red Riding Hood!  Her basket of food is sitting on the ground behind her, just in case you are wondering!  This pen and ink was inspired by my nieces, darling Malaya and Sweet Peyton.

I have hidden a bunch of hearts in this drawing!  Can you find them all?!

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #21

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT 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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  
I hope you will join in the fun!

I have only recently became acquainted with Anna's beautiful artwork.  The whimsical quality of her drawings delights my  heart and fills my eyes.  The kitty pictured above is especially sweet.

Anna writes, "I have been painting all my life since I remember me. When I was a child, I read a book where story hero Karandash painted pictures, which become alive as soon as they had been finished. I thought if I will learn to paint really good, my pictures will become alive some day too. This child dream still lives deeply in my heart. I know it will never happen, but I feel addicted to magic of painting and drawing, because it makes our life so emotional and colorful."  I can identify with Anna--when I was a little girl I would dream the same kinds of dreams. 

To see more of Anna's art, visit Art by Anna.

I first became acquainted with Bob through my friend Amber.  He is a truly amazing artist and a nice guy, too.  Most of his unique pieces are ACEOs.  The incredible detail he puts into his "Bone Work" art is stunning.  Happily, you can find his artwork for sale on Ebay at b.l.ink!  I have seen his work in real life--it is beautifully made. 

Bob writes, "...My life has been good for the most part.  I draw, I live, I work, I raise my son as best I can, and hope that is good enough for all things to turn out well in the end."

To see more of Bob's wonderful bone art stylings visit Bone Work by Bob.

Julia Christie is a graphic artist, who's work woos the eye.  The exquisite detailing in her artwork is lovely.  I like her stories and I have enjoyed reading the step-by-step descriptions of her own creative process.  She is a dear lady who's work is truly marvelous.

Julia writes, "I live on the west coast of Washington State on an island. The San Juan Islands are my neighbors and yes, I do know how lucky I am. I am fortunate to have fallen in love with the most wonderful man in the world...For some reason, he continues to fancy me too. I am a mother first and foremost and it is such an incredible privilege to guide my little ones as they learn how to navigate through this world. Mothering can consume me ~ I'm trying to make a little room for me again tho, so I'm working on writing my first novel. I've also rediscovered the artistic side of myself and am having a blast finding artistic inspiration everywhere!"   Thank YOU for inspiring us, dear Julia!

 To see more of Julia's fascinating work, visit Serendipity - A Mother's Tale.

I have been a big fan of Al's for a long time, now.  He has a way of seeing our world which bewitches the  eyes.  His work is truly breath-taking!  I count it a privilege to know this talented photographer.  He has been and continues to be an inspiration to me.

Al writes, "Born in London, I've lived in The Netherlands, New York, and Washington DC. Now I've settled down in Colorado and love taking pictures. Unless otherwise stated, all pictures are taken by me with my Nikon D40X. I do almost no photo editing - occasionally I will crop or remove a dust spot, but that's all. What comes out of the camera is what you see here."

To see more wonderful photography, visit Al's Photography Blog.

I met Prospero through my sister Clytie.  I have been a big fan for quite some time.  This artist philosopher often ties his photography to words and phrases in such a way, I find myself fascinated to find the link between the two.  His artistic photography is startlingly beautiful, wonderfully thought-provoking.  I want to add that his lovely assistant Angelina, is especially adorable. 

To see more visit Prospero at the Serendipitous Garden.

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

The Rose

This is an ACEO, 3.5 x 2.5 inches.  Over the past day or so, I've been experimenting with Prismacolor pencils on black art paper.  This is the last of four experimental ACEOs.  I love roses--I especially love the way this one turned out!   I thought this Rose would be perfect for Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #20

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT 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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  
I hope you will join in the fun!

I have been a big fan of James Browne's artwork for several years.  His work is ever inspiring to me--I  LOVE his unique style and the whimsical way in which he views his world.  As he states, he paints for those who remember what it is like to walk in the heart space of a child.  

James writes, “The older I have become and as my artwork matures the more my heart yearns to create. This yearning becomes a passion and my true emotions flow out of me as I paint. When you create, I believe you have to open yourself up and reach deep within to really get a feel for what you're all about and what you hope to say or express in your painting. Then everything you paint becomes real to you and for the viewer anything is possible. I paint for just that reason. It is a wonderful feeling to share my imagination and emotions with people through my paintings.” 

To see more of James Browne's whimsical artwork, visit Everland.

I have only recently discovered the wonderful artwork of Laurie J. Grove.  The little Jack Russell terrier above is an example of the exquisite detail found in her art.  Her cats are also beautiful.  Laurie is a natural born artist who has the gift of drawing the essence of her subjects into the pieces she creates--each one is delightfully inspiring.  Laurie attended the University of Texas in Austin and Texas Tech University.  There she studied photography, drawing and sculpture.  Her artwork can be found in all 50 states and in over 37 countries.  It is a privilege to know this lovely lady.

Laurie writes, "I have always loved the arts and can remember being pretty serious working with my pastels and charcoals before age 10..."

To see more of Laurie's fabulous art visit Art by L. J. Grove.   
 

I am also featuring my talented sister Clytie, who's artwork totally inspires me and fills my eyes.  I love the art she creates from "genuine" graffiti, trash and recycled treasures.  Each of her amazing works of art, are one of a kind and absolutely beautiful.  I am in awe of her imagination and creativity.  Sissy is a HUGE inspiration to me. 

Clytie writes about the source of the graffiti she uses in many of her artistic creations.   "I watched as the abandoned mega-church across the street became a magnet for taggers and graffiti artists. Many works of art were made on walls backed with drywall. Subsequent vandals kicked in these walls, leaving pieces of graffiti scattered around. I picked these up, removed the drywall backing, and turned them into art. The mega-church is now cleaned out - no more graffiti. But I have my stash!!!"

To see more of Clytie's incredible graffiti art, visit Random He'Art'Work.

It is only recently I became acquainted with Georgina Bedwell and Midnight the Wonder Cat.  What a delightful blog--depicting the daily blog of a fictitious cat--but as she says, don't tell him, he doesn't know.  I fell in love this blog.  With the recent loss of our own dear Bootz--the adventures of Midnight (from a cat's view), made me laugh and inspired my heart.  Thank you Georgina!

Georgina writes of herself, “I am a daughter, a friend, a girlfriend, a grand-daughter an artist, an aspiring writer, a wise cracker, a dreamer, and a thinker who above all else wants to create a beautiful life.”

To see more of Georgina Bedwell's engaging art, visit Midnight's Blog.

I LOVE the artwork of Elizabeth W. Sever.  Her birds are especially darling.  The detail of her work is astounding, as is the warm feel she infuses into each piece.  She makes me smile--the way she sees the world is wonderful and the sometimes hidden humor in her pieces is inspiring.

Elizabeth writes, “I love birds. They remind me of people I have met..” 

To see more of Elizabeth's fabulous artwork, visit Elizabeth W. Seaver Fine Art.

 If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

Our Sweet Friend Bootz The Cat

This is our sweet little Friend Bootz The Cat.  Boots flew away from this earth ten days ago.  She left a giant hole behind.  How we miss the funny things she did.

She had claimed the left side of my desk as her own.  If I happened to leave something I was working on in HER space--she'd push whatever it was off the desk--into the garbage, then sit back on her haunches, staring down as though to say--well, that's where THAT belongs.  She would often jump onto my desk.  She would start her flying leap from across the room.  The impetus of impact would send everything except Bootz, onto the floor. I think she liked the noise it made--and the fuss I made.  lol  She was so cute I could only laugh at her.

She would follow my husband and I around the house, interested in everything we did.  When I would sit at the kitchen table to draw or read, Bootz would hide under my skirt, sitting on my toes--snagging anyone who passed by, along with strings, feathers--whatever might dangle into her reach.  She knew how to open doors and loved to watch the birds from my husband's office window.  She slept on Alan's lap in the evenings and spent her night times cuddled between the two of us.

She rarely spoke, but when she did--we knew something was up.  She needed additional water in her dish, or wanted more food.  She disdained  people food of any kind, preferring her science diet food. 

The day before she left us, she snuggled more than she had ever before.  She stayed as close to each of us as she could.  She even would lay her head on my arm as I worked on my computer.

This picture was completed some days ago--I wanted to share her happy face with you.

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #19

This week, in honor of Bootz The Cat, I am featuring artists who love cats and who's drawings have touched my heart.

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT 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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  
I hope you will join in the fun!
  

Stephanie Manchipp’s work is new to me. This wonderful artist trained at Reigate School of Art and Design, and is a well-known artist whose work has been sought after by a variety of international publishers.  

Stephanie uses a variety of mediums to create her imaginative pieces, including watercolour, oils, acrylic, pastels and oil pastels.  My favorites are her exquisite cats.  It is not surprising to discover she is a Member and Vice Chairman of the Society Of Feline Artists!  She is a member of the prestigious Society of Industrial Artists and Designers, S.I.A.D., and sometimes exhibits her work along with her gifted husband, artist Ben Manchipp.

To see more of Stephanie’s lovely artwork, visit her gallery at Manchipp.com.

I have featured the art of Sandrine Curtiss on FAT Tuesday before--and I love her description of herself as a self-taught artist who, inspired by the talent of her older sister, started drawing portraits with graphite pencils.  I have actually had the awesome privilege of getting to know this incredibly talented artist.  Her artwork is not only truly amazing, but she is a lovely person.  Her drawings of cats especially touch my heart.

Not surprisingly, in the summer of 2002, Sandrine won a full scholarship for the Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Her beautifully drawn pieces are so realistic, they almost seem to move.  She understands the soul of her subjects.  Sandrine is a HUGE inspiration to me.  I could look at her artwork and never get tired of looking.   Happily anyone can purchase her collectible artwork on EBay! 

To see more of this precious artist's incredible work, visit Sandrine's Gallery.

I was delighted with artist Sue Sareen's cats.  The drawing above especially caught my attention.  Our Bootz sometimes slept in this exact position.  Though Sue paints across a wide variety of subject matter, she has a particular affinity with cats. She enjoys their independence, their sinuous grace and beauty of movement. Always in her paintings there is a strong sense of intimacy with the subject matter.

Sue has published a book on watercolour painting, produced two videos and frequently writes articles for the Leisure Painter, and The Artist magazines. She teaches regular classes and workshops on watercolour painting in her Nottingham studio and organizes painting weekends and holiday’s abroad.  That sounds like a LOT of fun.

See more of Sue Sareen's lovely work at Sareen Arts.

Dawn Russell's artwork is a delight to my heart.  A native Californian, this talented artist has a variety of styles and subjects.  She has been drawing since she could hold a pencil, and has wanted to be an artist since she can remember.

Her artwork can be found in collections around the world.  She has been a juried artist in several guilds and has won awards in international competitions since she was 10 years old!  Her artwork has been widely published in various magazines.  Dawn specializes in  pet portraiture, but that's not all, this wonderful artist also does cartooning, greeting card designs, trading cards, and more. She paints, sculpts, draws, and does something called pyrography. It is no surprise she also designs jewelry!

To see more of this eclectic artist's fabulous work, visit Dawn Russell Artwork and Photography.

Jackie Coote's cat drawings are filled with personality.  The painting above is especially special to me, because this kitty reminds me so much of our dear Bootz.  Jackie is a self-taught artist and a member of the Society of Creative Arts of Newtown and the Putnam Arts Council of Brewster, NY.  She works mainly in watercolour, but has lately begun to get back into acrylics and oils.

Jackie painted while in high school and became interested in painting again after she raised her family. Although Jackie's work as an artist varies in style and subject matter, she is frequently inspired by her own five cats (Frank, Dennis, Eddie, Lily and Donald), as well as the furry companions of her friends and family. 

To see more of Jackie's wonderful drawings, visit her gallery at Feline Artists.

I have the lovely privilege of knowing this artist personally.  She is my dear Friend.  Amber Day is a self-taught artist, who's beautifully detailed watercolors are exceptional.  Though she paints a variety of subjects, her cat drawings are especially cool.  There is a whimsical quality to her work which greatly inspires me.  You can find Amber's collectible artwork for sale on Ebay under animaegirl! I own a few pieces of her work, including the tiger above, so I feel especially blessed!

You can see more of Amber's charming artwork at Doodles by Amber.

Here is another of my favorite artists, Lynn Risor.  She is an inspiration to me.  I especially love her cats.  I have no idea how she is able to create the beautiful paintings she does--but I am grateful to God for her presence in this world.  Lynn also does incredible murals, as well as animals painted on rocks which look so real they almost seem to move.  She is a brilliantly gifted artist and I am honored to call her Friend.

To see more of Lynn's charming artwork, visit her blog and art gallery at L. Risor.

 If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.