What is a Dragon to Do? - Guest Heart Thursday

It seems our poor Dragon dear has an ardent admirer.  I believe the Lady Dragon returns the little fellow's great affection in some small way -- but what's a Dragon to do with THIS hapless circumstance?

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

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #30

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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.
 
For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight  
see the bottom of the page.
 

I hope you will join in the fun!

Linda Shantz is new to me.  She works in oils--a medium which is a mystery to me.  This charming lady seems like she would be great fun to know.  Her exquisitely detailed art inspires me to want to try oils once again.  Perhaps I shall, now that I see what she does.

Linda writes, "I am a self-taught artist, specializing in horse and animal portraits. My background is primarily in Thoroughbred racing, for which I still hold a passion. I also train dogs professionally, both basic home obedience and competitive work. On the other side of the planet (or my brain), I have a BSc in Food Science with a minor in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, which I use primarily to annoy my friends!" 

To see more of this interesting and talented artist, visit Linda Shantz Equine and Animal Art.

Russ Flint is one of my all-time favorite artists.  His art reminds me of another of my greatest inspirations, Michelangelo.  I first became acquainted with Russ's art when this illustrated Bible was given to my eldest when she was two.  I have been inspired by this artist's work since then.  Recently I was able to acquire the illustrated Old Testament--the artwork is just as spectacular as the New Testament.

Reporter Melissa Wynn from Mountain Valley Living Magazine writes, "Since he was a little boy, Russ Flint of scenic Indian Valley has been passionate about art. At a very young age his grandmother gifted him the book, “How To Draw The Human Form,” and he hasn’t set the pencil down since. Not only does Mr. Flint continue to sketch, he excels in the mediums of chalk, charcoal and oil paint. After studying at  the Art Center College of Design in Southern California, this talented artist illustrated several children’s books, including “My Very First Bible” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” published by Ideal Publishing." 

To see more of this amazing artist's work, visit Russ Flint Art Home.

I have loved Aimee's art for a long time.  She is not only a gifted photographer and artist, but she is a talented writer who's word-smything makes me laugh and cry.  This marvelously creative artist's work deeply touches my heart.  Today, inspired by dear Aimee -- I am quite sure we CAN survive -- WITHOUT umbrellas!

Of an art project with her children, Aimee writes, "...now kids are already fearless in wielding a paintbrush, and i had two of them working either end of this, so i had to split myself in two for this project -- one half to let loose on the paper, and the other to stand firm guard to make sure our house and garage did not become embattled in paint. sure enough i lost myself in one corner of the painting for long enough for our white garage door to get a bath in forest green, so i spent a half hour scrubbing it clean, finishing just before the storm arrived. we had the time of their lives painting this, but selfishly i cannot wait to get a few moments to do this project all alone, where i can get lost in my head and follow my intuition without consequence!"  I adore how Aimee sees the world.  I'm grateful she shares her delightful stories with us.

To see Aimee's incredibly creative blog visit Artsyville.  To see more of her delicious artwork visit her facebook page at Artsyville.  Happily, many of her wonderful pieces are for sale!

I found Melinda Lincoln-Napoletano through her Father, Honest Abe Lincoln.  Just like her Dad, Melinda is an incredible photographer and talented artist.  She is also a gifted writer.  The eye-catching drawing above is a sample of what she calls "Zentangles."  I find these pieces fascinating and inspiring.  I want to look at them from every angle.  There is something magical about these drawings. 

Of the drawing above, Melinda writes, "...was thinking of the sea and a sea monster/dragon...like friendly one...sorta like PUFF the Magic Dragon...or Cecil from Beanie and Cecil...remember them? This is what came out of that...."  I think Melinda should illustrate children's books, don't you?

You can see Melinda's wonderfully unusual artwork on her blog, Breathe!!  She also has some spectacular photography at Phos Graphis, Painting With Light.

Jennifer MacNeil Traylor's art is new to me--I love the colors she uses and her creative use of space and light.  What beautiful work she does--it is no wonder she has recently signed a contract to be an official artist with The Trail of Painted Ponies! Most of the time she paints horses--I just happened upon this sweet picture of Pumpkin Pie on facebook and fell in love.

Jennifer writes, "It all began with a palomino mare named Gypsy. My mother purchased her as a weanling and eventually broke her to saddle. Then I came around and Gypsy changed my young life forever. My mother would even trail ride with me when I was a baby. She had to sell Gypsy before I was at an age to remember her but the seed had been planted."

Happily you can view and purchase Jennifer's enchanting artwork at Gypsy Mare Studios.

If you'd like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you'd like to share.

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

*  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 to FATuesday in your blog entry.

Funky Fish - Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another ATC watercolor of a funny Funky Fish.  There are at least two hearts in this picture--can you find them?

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

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #29

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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.
 
For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight  
see the bottom of the page.
 

I hope you will join in the fun!
  

I had the privilege of meeting Susan Bourdet in person at a local art show.  What a delightful lady she is!  I have the blessing of owning one of her excellent books on watercolour technique, personally signed by this wonderful artist. 

You can see Susan's love for gardening in the pictures she paints.  She plants her yard with favorite flowers and has created a pond and waterfall to attract local wildlife.  She is a natural born teacher who enjoys sharing her unique methods and insights with other artists and nature lovers in watercolour workshops and seminars.  I am personally inspired by her watercolour paintings.

She writes, "Raised in a family that loved the outdoors, I have always sought wild places, feeling that nature is central to my way of life. No piece of my art has ever seemed complete to me without an element that could fly or dart from the page. I moved with my family to Oregon in 1974, where I discovered watercolor. I specialize in this temperamental medium because I enjoy contrasting soft-edged, luminous background areas with delicately detailed birds and animals. My paintings don't attempt to duplicate what I see in nature, but rather to capture a fragment of the wildness and beauty we could so easily destroy."

To see more of Susan's amazing artwork visit Susan Bourdet Art.

I was delighted when I found this dreamy Celtic Crown.  The artist, who's name I have yet to learn, has some brilliantly creative ideas.  Her whimsical handmade hats and wearable art clothing, made from vintage, upcycled and recycled fabric, are unique.  Her exquisite woodland faery crowns and circlets, inspired by nature, are truly beautiful to behold.

The Artist writes, "I love vintage! Vintage clothing, vintage patterns, vintage linens, doilies, sheets, and buttons. I love to upcycle these treasures into fun one-of-a-kind hats... I find great joy in giving unwanted materials a new life and purpose."  Don't you just love that word, Upcycle?! 

Happily, you can view and purchase these lovely items at Green Trunk Designs.  

I found Terry Isaac's art through some artist friends on Facebook.  What a talented, amazing artist he is!  I was especially taken with the charming detail in his work.  I am inspired by the realistic feel this strikingly talented artist gives to his paintings.  One could almost step through the picture into the scene.  He says when it is time to leave this world, he wishes to do so, knowing he's left paintings which inspire others to appreciate the true wonder and beauty of the natural world.  

He writes, "I have been on a journey with my art since I can remember. As a youngster, exploring the world in my backyard was a daily adventure, always finding a new treasure to look over and study. I have never lost the intrigue of daily exploration and discovery. I look for the special, transitory and magical moments in nature that appear with the right lighting, color and atmospheric conditions. Magnificence can be found in large, dramatic landscape or a smaller and less majestic scene such as a moss covered rock. ...I draw my inspiration from observing nature, always on the look out for 'magical moments'.  ...I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do something I have such a passion and love for."

To see more of Terry Isaacs incredible artwork, visit Terry Isaac, Wildlife Artist.

I first discovered the whimsical world of Carmen Ellis through some of my artist buddies on Facebook.  This astonishingly versatile artist makes me laugh.  Her unconventional humor inspires me.  

She writes, "Once upon a time in a land not so far away, as close as your backyard some people say,  lives a little group of creatures you might call scary. Some are small, some may bite, some are tall and a terrible fright!  You will even find a little creature of the night but if you catch a glimpse DO NOT FOLLOW...  For these are the spooks of Spooky Hollow!~"  Sounds like fun to me!

To see more of Carmen Ellis' charming artwork, visit Spooky Hollow Folk Art.   Happily, you can purchase her art at Spooky Hollow's Shop.  

William Phillips is an artist I've only recently discovered.  What an inspiring artist he is.  In 1975 this remarkable Oregon artist painted his first nostalgic piece, a painting of an old car with a rumble seat crossing a wooden bridge.  Since then he has graced the art world with many incredible paintings, including his newest piece above entitled Engaging the Enemy. An intriguing fact I love, is that in his paintings one can usually find an aircraft of the same time period.  This is "a friendly little nod to his other love, aviation."

His web page at Artifacts Gallery describes his fascination with airplanes.  "Phillips’ love of flight led him into the Air Force. He was stationed at a number of bases, including Tan Son Nhut, where he spent many afternoons sketching the various aircraft on the base and the beautiful clouds that gathered daily during the monsoon season. After discharge Phillips attended Southern Oregon University, majoring in law while living and working at a fire station as a student firefighter. He worked for the City of Ashland, Oregon, as a city firefighter for twelve years, then spent another four years as a wildland firefighter, continuing to hone his painting skills all the while."

To see more of Phillips' wonderful artwork, visit William Phillips at Artifacts Gallery.

If you'd like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you'd like to share.

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

*  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 to FATuesday in your blog entry.

Heavenly View

I caught sight of this fellow one afternoon--I saw his hands first.  This man's wonderful face reminds me of our beloved Uncle Jody.  I can't help but wonder if he doesn't peek down at us from heaven once in awhile.

His face is a little harder to see--but you can see his hands so clearly in the original untouched photo.  What you see above is exactly as I saw it in the sky.  Isn't that just the strangest thing?  Awe-inspiring.

Warrior - Guest Heart Thursday

Clearly this angel warrior is on a mission.  I just happened to click this picture in the Safeway parking lot!  I'm sure people watching me take pictures of the sky that day were wondering!  There is a heart in this photo--can you find it?

Above you see the Angel Warrior as I first saw it through my camera's eye.  As you can see, I did not have to enhance much.  I think this original photo is amazing.

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

I See Roses - Pink Saturday

This is another of my pen and inks to which I added watercolour a few days ago.  I am enamored with the medium! 

I thought this ACEO (sized 3/5x2.5 inches) would be perfect for Pink Saturday and this lovely spring day.  Here in Oregon the sun is shining and everything is in bloom.

For more fabulous pink stuff, join Bev at How Sweet the Sound!

Sleepin' Pretty - Guest Heart Thursday

This week, my sweet Friend Amber Day, a wonderful artist and watercolourist, came over for lunch.  We had a fabulous afternoon.  I have always been scared to death of watercolours.  She taught me enough that day, that I am not afraid anymore.  I can hardly put the brush down--I have a feeling I've found a new passion in art...this is one of six Cuddles watercolor ACEOs.  I will be putting them up for sale on Ebay this weekend!

Do you see the hearts in this watercolour painting?

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

FATuesday Artist Spotlight # 28

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, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.
 
For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight  
see the bottom of the page.

I hope you will join in the fun! 

I have had a fascination with all things Australian since I learned about that amazing country, way back in  third grade. (I won't tell you how long ago that was...)  I only recently discovered the extraordinary work of Australian wildlife watercolourist Matteo Grilli.  His work is beautifully detailed, his execution of his subjects masterful. His brush magically brings the Australian Bush country to life.

Of his blog Matteo writes, “This place gathers the results of my wanderings into the Australian bush, wetlands, beaches, parks and gardens that abound in the greater Brisbane area plus other places as well. I hope to be able to forward to you the sense of wonder and discovery I experienced.”

To see more of Matteo Grilli’s fabulous artwork, visit Matteo Grilli Wildlife Art: Watercolours from the Australian Bush.

I first met gentle, talented Tera through her digital art blog Olive Hue Designs.  I even have one of her wonderful pieces on my wall!  Happily, this lovely artist has found a new outlet.  She creates incredibly elegant digital backgrounds--and they are FREE!   

Of herself, Tera writes, “...Just a crazy crow girl who dreams in digital...and likes sparkly things.” 

You can find Tera's fabulous digital background artwork at Old Crow Backgrounds.  

I have featured the art of Valerie Greeley in the not so distant past after I found her through some artist friends on Facebook.  The funny thing is I’ve not only loved her artwork when I was young--but I’ve been a follower of her blog, Acornmoon, for a long time now.  I just didn’t put it together.  This sweet lady is not only a gifted artist, but a wonderful photographer and writer.

After a series of life-changing events, Valerie wisely writes, “Life is slowly getting back to normal, or should I say a new normality?   Things will never be the same, life changes and moves on and as with all crossroads there are possibilities and opportunities, a new chapter in all our lives.”

I’ve wanted to see the books she speaks of and here is an exquisite sample.  Valerie writes, “At the weekend I also found time to do more bookbinding and made two sewn books in the Japanese style using beautiful Japanese papers. The inner pages folded at the foredge and the spine stitched with silk. I learnt this method of making books with Kathy Abbott, designer bookbinder extraordinaire.  Inspiration abounds.”

To see more of Valerie’s multi-faceted talents, visit Acornmoon. 

 

I first met Penny when she came by my blog,  Angel Stories.  When I visited her lovely blog, I was captured by the beauty of her artwork. She is an incredible artist.  I especially loved her little angels.  But I was also captivated by the painting featured above.

Of this lovely piece, Penny writes, “Watching all the birds outside has inspired me to attempt a set of Love birds.. I changed the background several times before I was satisfied... I hope you enjoy viewing.”

To see more of Penny’s whimsical artwork and sculpture, visit Angel’s Door.  There is a wonderful parade of her artwork at the bottom of her blog--don’t miss it!

I found Byron O’Neal’s photography quite by accident.  I was mesmerized by this unearthly photo of a sunrise reflected in the crusty waters of a salt flat located in Death Valley National Park. 

Byron reveals this marvelous piece is for sale!  He writes, “This unlimited edition image is printed on Velvet Rag 315g paper and has an image footprint of 13"h x 19"w and comes matted, ready to put into a 18" x 24" frame. Available at a discount price in conjunction with my print of the month program in April 2011 only."

To see more of this photographer’s incredible repertoire of photos, visit  Byron O’Neal Photography. 

 

If you'd like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you'd like to share.

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

*  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 to FATuesday in your blog entry.

Sea Captain in the Clouds

We were at the Coast staying with Captain Grady and his lady Sandy.  The clouds that evening were magnificent!  I especially loved the formation of clouds I saw directly over their home--out over the trees and sea.  I didn't notice the face at first--it was when I looked at the pictures on the camera I noticed this kindly young Sea Captain smiling to the South.

Above you can see the Sea Captain's face as I first saw him.