Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Snow Eagle - Guest Heart Thursday


I have been painting tee-shirts for the past five days.  It has been about 10 years since I've painted on fabric this way.  The above is my favorite of the six I've painted so far.   The snow flakes were not intended--I squirted white paint onto the head area--and it splattered all over.  That's when I came up with the idea of the Snow Eagle.  Sometimes mistakes make the best pieces of art.  If  you look closely, just under his feathered chin--you can see a tiny splatted heart. 


The wolf above gave me all kinds of trouble!  His face was too fat, his ears were too short and his fur was too stripped.  The photo doesn't do justice to the final painting.  I do love his eyes--they follow a person everywhere!


I call this an Etruscan Lion, because he came out so differently than what I'd envisioned when I first started painting him. He looks rather fierce, don't you think?


This fetching fellow turned out a little stout--Sometimes a drawing takes over and does something completely different than what I first had in mind.
Here is another of the eagles I painted.  As you can see this guy has a completely different personality than any of the others.

These tee-shirts were painted for the winners of a drawing we had for our non-profit organization.  I had a LOT of fun painting them!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #39

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, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including 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.

For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight
see the bottom of the page.
I hope you will join in the fun!




I was absolutely blown away by the incredibly realistic artwork of Robbie Graham.  This amazing artist captures the wild inner soul of the animals he paints.  His subjects are often so lifelike, it seems they might spring from the canvas.  Robbie is a huge inspiration to me. This is how I want to paint.

Robbie writes, "One of the world's most beautiful and revered animals stands near the brink of extinction. In this century alone, three sub-species of tiger were driven into extinction, including the Bali, Javan, and Caspian. Tragically, the remaining five sub-species are at risk of meeting the same fate. The tiger faces an onslaught of poaching throughout its range. My painting highlights that the tiger must be vigilant, not from other predators as there are none, but from the human species, the only single threat to its future! We cannot let these magnificent creatures leave us forever!"

You can find this artist's work at Robbie Graham Wildlife Artist.  To follow on Facebook, visit Robbie Graham Art.



I only recently became acquainted with the whimsical artwork of Rebeca Trevino.  What a dear lady!  Not only is she an incredibly gifted artist, but she is a delightful person.  Her quirky sense of humor shines through her work.  Yet along with the smiles, one can find much to think about.  This wonderful artist inspires my whacky side!

Rebeca writes, "I like the mysterious aspect a box provides. A box can hold secrets, or treasures or thoughts. A box can tell a whole story just by opening the lid. A box holds our curiosity, people always want to look inside. To add interest to a box, I often embellish it with things like dice feet, faucet handles or brass bells. I also use words and collage images to tell the story…At the heart of my efforts as an artist is the need to recycle things, to rescue stuff that has been forgotten or thrown away. Hence the name “OBTAINIUM ART" defined as: art materials, not bought new, but obtained in other ways, such as 2nd-hand, dumpster diving, chance findings or donations."

To see more of Rebeca's charming artwork visit Obtainium Art - A Gallery of Assemblage Works. 


I adore Andrea Joseph's artwork.  This gathering of lines invites me to take a closer look.  I love the feel of a journal, words, drawings, poetry of thought.  Andrea inspires me to want to start an art journal.  I found this talented artist through Dave's Old Paper Art.  I'm so grateful!
 
Andrea writes, "I love drawing SO much that I want to continue learning and improving my skills and that means doing things differently, pushing oneself, from time to time."

To see more of Andrea's fascinating art visit  Andrea Joseph's Sketch Blog.  Happily, you can also purchase her work at her Etsy shop, Andrea Joseph.



Shirley Ende-Saxe is also new to me.  I was fascinated by this artist's compelling artwork.  I felt drawn to these unique wall hangings as soon as I saw them.  They are spellbinding.  I am inspired by a feeling of mystery I sense may be hidden behind each of these wonderful art pieces.

Shirley shares some interesting thoughts on framing, "There comes a time when the space allotted is filled and another strategy must be followed, so follow it I will. The idea of framing art has it's drawbacks, the primary problem for me is not enough space to store all those rigid, uncompromising metal and plexi thingies. The secondary problem is that framing seems to tame whatever it frames. It always bothered me that I used 90% recycled in the collage and then encased it in a spanking new frame." 

To see more of Shirley's arresting artwork, visit In the Name of Art.


I was enchanted and charmed by the artwork of Jacob Livengood.  Jacob is an illustrator, painter and graphic designer from San Diego, California.  I felt inspired by his use of an ordinary object--a garbage can--to create such an interesting and colorful piece of artwork. His use of design and color is a show stopper.  Not surprisingly Jacob has been featured in a number of magazines as well as high profile websites.  

Jacob says, "Overall, I just hope people see something unique in what I do and appreciate it to help me thrive and hopefully inspire."

To see more of this inspiring young artist, visit Art by Jacob Livengood.

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.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Cloud Prayer


I thought it was time to put up another Cloud Painting.  This lovely angel reminds me of a something DaVinci might have done if he were a cloud painter.

Sky art has become an integral part of my life.  I am rarely without my camera -- and with the amazing cloud formations I've caught over this past Winter and Spring, I probably have enough cloud photos to last a lifetime of painting.

Yet, I carry my camera around like a necklace, just in case I see that perfect cloud profile -- that funny puppy, that lovely stretch of an angel's wing.

The Cloud Painting above is one of my earlier pieces.


Above you see this beautiful angel as I first saw her praying in the clouds.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Beautiful - Sunday Scans


Here is my attempt at Art Nouveau, a style made famous by the artist Alphonse Mucha.  This watercolor painting is the size of a baseball card--these tiny pieces of artwork are called Artist Trading cards, otherwise known as an ATC, or ACEO card.

I love Art Nouveau--the style pleases my eyes.  So far, I have not found any kind of tutorial on how to draw in this style so I'm on my own.  If anyone out there has any tips on how to draw Art Nouveau, I would love to hear from you.  I have so much yet to learn!

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

Beautiful, an original piece of Artwork, can be purchased at my Etsy Shop BethLeda Artworx.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Kissed by Angels - Guest Heart Thursday

Ever been kissed by angels? This fellow certainly was! And such lovely angels they are. Yes, there are quite a few hearts hidden in this drawing--some are VERY small.

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


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #38

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, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including 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.

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 known Deann for quite some time--What a dear lady! My sister and I have adopted her into our family. Sissy Dea is a wonderful digital artist, who's lovely heart is reflected in her artwork. She has a special gift in bringing together various images and backgrounds to create uniquely amazing artwork.

Deann writes,
“My fantasy is this…World Peace and by this I mean peace in the world for everyone…I would like to be able to watch the news and not hear anything about bashing slashing, crashing or lying, crying, cheating or dying To have a whole day of rest from turmoil and terror world wide…maybe even a little love and understanding and maybe everyone would like it and it would continue on forever…but as I said this my fantasy.”

To see more of Sissy Dea's amazing digital art, visit The Whimsey Asylum
.

What an inspiration Carrie Joy is to me! This gifted eclectic artist dabbles in many mediums, with some fabulous results! I love her sense of humor and the way she views the world. Below you see an innovative idea for displaying artwork. You will love the story behind the creation below!

Carrie writes, "When our dog Finnbar was a puppy, he dug, bit and chewed until he made himself a perfect doorway in the lattice work of the deck; providing himself with a doorway which allowed him a wonderful romp around the neighborhood with Jay and I chasing in our flip flops thrown on over socks. This lattice was left over from the repairs so I made an art board out of it. I like to change out different pictures and this works perfectly...”

Happily you can buy her work from her Etsy Shop, Carrie Joy Shop. To read more about her interesting projects visit Carrie's Blog at Carrie Joy Art.


Georgiana Chitac is new to me. I discovered her quite by accident. I love the soft look of her artwork. There is something magical about this gifted artist's use of line and color. Her art flows and pleases the eye.

Of her work, Georgiana writes,
Art is the biggest love of my life, the one that will never die, or at least I hope it won't. I started drawing when I was ten and since then I never stopped. The very first thing I draw was a geranium, and I very well remember that study like it was yesterday. Now I'm enjoying myself illustrating different themes, from children books to commercial subjects."

To see more of Georgiana's amazing art, visit Hopes and Dreams and Fantasy.

When I found this wonderful piece by Anna Raff through Illustration Friday, I laughed outloud. There's something so darling about her artwork. It is magical to see such simplicity of line communicate whimsey so well. I can see why Anna is a well-known children's artist. Her work has appeared in books, newspapers, magazines and on television, and has been recognized by American Illustration, Print Magazine, the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators, and CMYK Magazine.

Of her blog, Ornithoblogical, she writes, From time to time, I post images to Illustration Friday, a website dedicated to the illustration community, where a weekly subject is posted to spur artists on to create images. This week, I’m very pleased to have one of my birds selected as the ‘Pick of the Week.’” I love Anna's description of her bird art blog--Welcome to a showcase of 365 birdies on my brain. Just reading that makes me laugh.

To see more of this artist's charming work visit Anna Raff Illustration. To read more about her artwork and perspective on things visit Anna's Blog at Anna Raff Illustration Blog.

Browing through the internet I found Lottie's amazing blog. This gifted artist from Norfolk, in the United Kingdom, is proficient in many different mediums. She describes herself as a retired lady of leisure, with more hobbies, than time, to do them all. I especially love her altered pieces. She is such a creative lady--and an inspiration to me.

Lottie writes, “The colours in real life are much more vibrant and contrasting - it makes me smile just looking at it.”

To see more of Lottie's delightful artwork, visit Lottie’s Artful Journey.

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.



Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day!


Happy Father's Day to all those wonderful Dads out there.  This Eagle is in honor of all Fathers, but in particular my own dear husband -- who's loving heart continues to touch the lives of his children.  I couldn't have asked for a better Dad for our children.


This Eagle is actually a tee-shirt I painted yesterday.  The painting covers most of the shirt.  All day long, my darling husband thought I was painting a tee-shirt for the winners of a contest we held not too long ago.  I had him spoofed.  I could tell he wanted it really badly.  I was going to wait to give it to him when the kids arrive this afternoon -- but he was so wistful...


I waited until the wee hours of the morning to sneak it upstairs to place it beside the bed where he could see it first thing.  I had the fun of watching his surprised face!  He even spluttered a bit -- my husband, speechless!  What a fun way to start the day.  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, HONEY!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Cady Rose - Guest Heart Thursday


This is the first watercolor I've attempted since I was in high school--and that was a VERY long time ago.  I have so much yet to learn, but I'm loving every moment I paint.

Of course there are hearts in this picture--not many, but they can be found!  

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



Tuesday, June 14, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #37

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, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including 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.

  For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight  
see the bottom of the page.
 
I hope you will join in the fun!



I found Lisa Adams and her delightful artwork on facebook through some of my art friends.  What a charming collection of artwork she has.  This gifted artist always makes me smile with the antics of her cat and mouse friends.  I saw an original of Lisa's work at a friend's home, it was exquisite.  The detail she puts into some of her tiny paintings is mind-boggling.

Lisa writes, "I am a self taught artist, specializing in animals, through small format art and ACEO's. I have studied the art and writings of numerous wildlife and nature artists for over 20 years, and continue to educate myself to this day. My work can be found in homes throughout the world, and I hope it brings joy or at least a chuckle to those who own it."

You can find more of Lisa's marvelous artwork at CreationArts, and facebook at CreationArts by Lisa Adams.  Happily, you can buy all kinds of wonderful artsy things through her Zazzle page at CreationArts.



It was love at first sight when I found Lindsey's Dinky Darlings.  Her whimsical sculptures of faeries and elves are so lovely.  I adore them.  How she is able to put so much personality and joy into these small beings is a mystery to me.  Lindsey has a delightful sense of humor which makes me laugh out loud sometimes.  Visit her website and you'll see what I mean!

Lindsay writes, "I start out with a lump of clay some wire and just let my created hands create ... no molds  so each in a one of a kind the only one like it in the whole world ... most all have a head, hands, and feet ( or shoes ) sculpted out of a mix of polymer clays then their head tilts their arms bend and legs move just about anyway you would like them to .... so fun to pose them, most will sit stand or lay down. They can sit in a chair or on a shelf ... but for those of us who believe, know you may want to keep your eye on them since they may not stay put !!!  Fairies are little stinkers you know, especially mine ... I know where all the missing socks, remotes, and  keys go ( the fairies took them ), so watch out when you invite one into your home.  Things might just come up missing ...now you can blame it on the fairies." 

To see more of this delightful artist's creations, visit Dinky Darlings.


One of my favorite places to visit as a kid, was Peterson's Rock Garden.  I have wonderful memories of this magical place.  There you can find miniature buildings, monuments, lagoons, and bridges, surrounded by lush gardens with lily ponds and little streams.  

Ramus Peterson built his rock garden with colorful Oregon rocks--agates, obsidian, petrified wood, malachite and jasper.  What an incredibly creative artist he was!  This wonderful artist was only 17 when he left Denmark in 1900.  Eventually he settled near Redmond, Oregon.  Over the years, he collected all kinds of colorful local rocks from an 85-mile radius of his home. Ramus started building with them in 1935.  At first, it was just a small rockery near his home.By the time he died in 1952, he left a legacy of artwork enfolding four acres of incredible beauty.

Ramus loved his new country.  In front of the Statue of liberty he built, rests a bronze plaque upon which he wrote, "Enjoy yourself: it's later than you think."

This wonderful rock garden is still open to this day.  It is a lovely place to visit when driving through Central Oregon.  There are more beautiful pictures of this wonderful place at The Peterson's Rock Garden.


Here is another talented artist who's humor delights my eyes.  I only recently discovered the artwork of Karen Vesk.  Her hilarious cats ride bikes, sometimes sport sunglasses and  have all kinds of zany adventures.
  
Karen writes of her website, "Welcome... Here you'll find some of the sauciest, cutest, silliest art around."  And it is true--you can't help but smile when you set eyes on Karen's artwork.  

To see more wonderful artwork and photography visit Sunshine Sketches.  For intriguing items emblazoned with her fabulous artwork visit Karen's Zazzle page at Sunshine Sketches.  If you'd like to keep up with her latest thoughts and projects visit her blog at Sunshine Critters.  


I adore the flower pastel above done by Peggy Gato.  This versatile artist dabbles in many mediums--even pastels!  I have a great admiration for anyone who can make something beautiful using pastels.  As you can see, that is exactly what Peggy has done!  What an amazing artist she is!

Peggy writes, "I love pastel ! I do a painting with the pastels and then go back and add color and details by using water and a brush. I shave the pastels I want to use with an exacto knife into a small palette. Then I dip a brush into water and mixed the "powder" to add more colors. It gives it a nice painterly look." 

To see more of Peggy's creative ventures, visit Peggy’s Mixed Up Art.

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.


Have a lovely week!  And Happy Birthday to me! 

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Painting Roses


Have you ever wondered how flowers get their colors?

The story I heard, from a lovely faery Painting Roses in my garden, begins as Spring peeks through the snow and rain.  Each morning, she tells me, just before dawn as the dew dries from the petals, young faeries come out to paint the flowers in every hue of the rainbow.  I hear painting petals can become quite difficult when it rains--that is why sometimes the colors of the flowers seem a bit washed out. 

So, now you know!    Hahaaa--I know, I have a GREAT imagination!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Snow Faery - Guest Heart Thursday

We are experiencing our first series of days in the 70's.  The weather is perfect.  Unlike most of the United States, here in Oregon our weather has been unseasonably cool.  On the news this morning, they were saying people are actually flying to our state to enjoy our cold weather.  I can't imagine!

This little Snow Faery, with her wings of gossamer sends snowy heart kisses to those who walk under sun baked skies longing for a cooling wind--even for a moment.

Yes, there are many hidden hearts--I'm not sure how many--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.


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #36

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, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including 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.

  For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight  
see the bottom of the page.
 
I hope you will join in the fun!


Artist Nik Helbig is new to me.  His unique style is reminiscent of the Old Masters.  This wonderful artist's sensitivity to warm and cold colors and his use of space is mesmerizing.  Something about his art touches me in a way I can't put into words.

Nik writes, “It’s been a dream come true, to finally have the resources to do what has been my passion all my life…Communicating through Art.”  

To see more of this amazing artist's work, visit Nik Helbig Art Blog, or visit his Facebook page at Ultimate Paintings.   


This wonderful young artist has a fabulous style all his own.  Born in Salem, Oregon, he is pursuing a career as an artist while attending Seattle Pacific University.  I don't know much about this young man--only to say, his work is extraordinary and it inspires this old lady to the core.

To see more of this up and coming artist, visit Evan Adams Art.  


I have followed Tammie Lee's blogs for some time.  Her heart for nature and the song she hears in the trees, forests, flowers of her surroundings fills her poetry and photography with an ethereal magic.  She is a lover of nature and a great inspiration to me personally.  

It is no surprise Tammie writes, "Capturing the beauty of our natural world with photography is a great passion for me..."

To see more of this delightfully sensitive photographer's work, visit Spirithelpers.  You can also view her lovely artwork at Beauty Flows.  Happily she also has a webstore where you can purchase her photos at Spirithelpers.  She remarks, "It is my attempt to capture a spirit that uplifts and ignites the majesty in our hearts."


I first became acquainted with Susan Schenk's amazing collages when I found her work on display in Oregon City, Oregon.  What an inspiring artist!  One her goals is to render realistic looking art, using unconventional materials--things most of us would recycle or throw into the garbage.  I love her definition of success, "to evoke a smile in the viewer who is compelled to look more closely at my pieces..."

Susan writes, "My art is an invitation to see beyond the apparent. From a distance, my collages appear to be paintings. Up close, they are complicated jumbles of disparate parts. These collages are similar to our own lives; appealing when viewed from afar but somewhat fractured when inspected more intimately..."

To find more of this unusual artist's work, visit Susan Schenk, Paper Collage.


I deeply admire Robert Bateman.  He is an amazing artist who's exquisite work leaves me breathless.  He has a heart for nature and animals who are on the brink of extinction.  His artwork reflects that great cause.

Mr. Bateman writes,  “I can’t conceive of anything being more varied and rich and handsome than the planet Earth.  And its crowning beauty is the natural world.  I want to soak it up, to understand as well as I can, and to absorb it…and then I’d like to put it together and express it in my painting.  This is the way I want to dedicate my life.”    

To see more of this artist's fascinating works of art, visit  Robert Bateman Art.   

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.


Monday, June 6, 2011

Twitterpated - Sunday Scans


I finally got around to coloring one of my Catfish ACEOs.  Isn't she cute?  It is obviously springtime and this small catfish is in love.  In real life, my tiny model was a noble fighter.  Born with significant birth defects, Riblet is still one of my favorite little cat friends. 

Al over at "Al's Photography Blog" is hosting  "Sunday Scans".  It is a place for all things scanned.  So pick up your old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, artwork, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!