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.