FATuesday Artist Spotlight #46

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 fell in love with the bold color and perfect shading found in the paintings of Heather Foust.  Her artwork is full of whimsical surprises which inspire my own art.  She is not only a gifted artist, but is an engaging writer, too.  I love reading her thoughts about each of her pieces.  Combined, her artistic style and writing skills, make for a fabulous way to start the day!

Heather writes, "I am a wife, mother, grandmother,sister, friend,Mixed Media Artist. I finally found out that I can do and be anything I want to be. Well maybe I should say I found out what I want to be when I grow up. Yippey Yeh! Life is Grande!”

To see more of this inspiring artist's work visit Heather Foust.

Every painting by Michael Naples is food for the eye.  I have no idea how this amazing artist is able to paint one piece each day.  Each of his wonderful paintings has a power that is undeniable.  I loved going back to see how his style and skill continue to improve.  Michael's blog, art and sheer determination to continue doing the thing he loves.  I look forward to seeing more of this talented artist's work.

Michael writes, “I am a painter from the Chicago area. I started this blog in August 06 to get back in the groove of painting. I feel I have grown tremendously as an artist since then and still feel I grow with each painting I do.” 

To see more of Michael Naples' artwork, visit Daily Paintings.

I have a huge admiration for Australian artist Matteo Grilli, who's great love for nature can be seen in every brush stroke.  The journaling feel of some of his pieces often gives his paintings a special allure.  As a beginning watercolourist, I find great inspiration in this brilliant artist's exquisite work. 

Matteo writes of the painting above, "...I wanted to show a page from the 'Design Book', the sketchbook I use to plan and design what's in my mind before the actual painting. I developed this one from a few sketches and a couple of photos collected from a walk at Toohey Forest, South Brisbane. Although these birds, now a favorite of mine, are so colorful, in some conditions of light they can camouflage extremely well within their environment."

 To see more of this eclectic artist's work, visit Matteo Grilli Wildlife Art.  

Years ago, my family and I had the privilege of staying in the home of Margie and John Wall.  To our great surprise, there was a tiny faery house just outside the front door, which fascinated and captivated our imaginations.  Margie taught the kids how to make these amazing little fairy tree houses with their tiny furnishings.  My eldest was inspired to build miniature chairs and furniture out of stalks of dried grass.  Each of our kids built their own little habitats, which they still have.  If you get the chance, purchase your own copy of this charming book.

Margie writes, "A lot of the fun for you, in building a treehouse of your own, will be finding the materials."  My children spent HOURS looking for things they could use in their little treehouses.  They created some charming habitats--to watch a child's imagination at work, is truly a wonderful thing!  

To read more about Margie's delightful Treehouse Habitats, visit Margie Wall Treehouse Habitats.  

I have enjoyed Al's wonderful pictures for some time.  I love the way he captures emotion on film.  His work has a crisp edge to it which inspires me.  He is a gifted photographer who's work reflects his love of the world with unusual angles and artistic sensitivity. 

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 of this gifted photographer's work, visit Al’s Photography.  Al also hosts a wonderful meme--if you get a chance join us for Sunday Scans.

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.

Chief Joseph in the Clouds

I showed this cloud painting to a friend of mine awhile back.  I had thought this fellow looked a bit like George Washington.  But she thought, instead, that this man looked like an Indian Chief.  Of course, I  thought of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Dad recently told me we are related to the Nez Perce Indians.  I feel honored to know Native American blood runs in my veins.  I have always felt a connection to Chief Joseph.  He was a noble man who fought hard for his people in a time of great change and transition.

In most of the photos and drawings I found of Chief Joseph, there is a profound sadness in his eyes.  When I read his story and the story of the Nez Perce peoples I understand why such deep grief is reflected there.

Above you see him as I first saw him in the clouds.  He is smiling.  That idea makes my heart happy.

Star Dancer, ACEO, ATC

Malaya, my darling little niece and I did some watercolors together Thursday.  This star dancer is a girl I often draw.  I don't know why--she just keeps showing up.

Above you see my darling Malaya's watercolor called Sunset Outside My House.  Not too bad for a four-year-old!  It is so fun to teach her how to mix colors, spread them across the paper--we are both learning various brush techniques--which as you can see, in a four-year old's hand, can have some spectacular results!  I think this picture is breathtaking.

Star Dancer and Sunset Outside My House are both the size of baseball cards!

Forgiveness - Guest Heart Thursday

As children grow older and yearn to fly, great hurt can take place between parent and child.  Forgiveness between child and parent is incredibly important for growth in later life.  Bitterness can grow when forgiveness is not given, or received.   

I remember the day I realized my Mother was an extraordinarily interesting person.  It was an astonishing revelation how much she and I had in common.  She became someone I would seek out -- I loved hanging with her.  What a wonderful time in my life to live close enough to go walking with her every morning--how I cherish those memories.  She was (and still is) really fun!  I am so grateful for the friendship we have.

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 #45

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 Darlene Pringle for several years.  In fact, when we first got acquainted I won a print of the drawing you see above.  Her work hangs in my office where it fills my eyes every day.  What a privilege to share this genuinely beautiful lady’s life.  She is one of the most effervescent people I’ve had the honor to know! 

 

As you can see from the wonderful clay doll above, Darlene is a versitile artist.  She is a self taught mixed media artist who works with a huge array of artistic mediums.  This sweet woman is a musician who loves piano, theatre, antiques and floral gardening. She is also a writer/Contributor for Christian Spotlight, an International Movie Review site. 

Darlene writes, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me Lord.'"  

To see more of Darlene's fabulous work, visit her blog, A Dancing Mango, Where Magic of the the Past Lives.  

I met Robin years ago, at a lady's retreat where she was the speaker and we were the drama entertainment.  I received one of her books and have been a big fan ever since.  My teenage daughters loved her books as much as I did. 

It is no surprise Robin got her start as a writer when the teens at her church challenged her to write stories for them. This wonderful storyteller hadn’t thought much about being a writer, but took their request to heart and set an alarm for 3 a.m., three days a week. With two small children it was the only time she could find to write. After many rejections, Robin's book was sold and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Over four million copies of her 75 books have sold and can be found in a dozen translations all over the world.  It is a GREAT honor to know this wonderful artist.

Robin writes of her own dear daughter’s recent wedding, “Over the years I’ve written some dreamy romance moments for young couples but I could never write this. How do you describe the mesmerizing beauty of innocence? How do you catch so much happiness like fireflies in a jar and carry the glow with you always in your heart?  Sigh. So much happiness."   Having a Mom who's a writer can be really fun, I see! 

You can buy Robin’s books at Robin Jones Gunn Online Shop.  To peruse her fascinating newsletter, visit Robin’s Nest. 

I have followed Henny Netjes fascinating blog for several years now.  As you can see from the picture above, her photography is breathtaking.

She is also a wonderful artist.  Henny’s charmingly thoughtful artwork is extraordinary.  I believe she should be writing and illustrating children's books.

Henny writes,  “I draw and make pictures about sense and seemingly non-sense. about beauty around, yet in hurry life and all important else, forget to look & see. About God's glimpse shining through. Just around the corner in 'everyday-normal-life' hardly noticing, until looking back I see!.............. 'GIVE MY EYES WINGS'=IWINGS.'"  

To see more of this tremendously gifted artist’s photography and art, visit IWings.

I have known Becky Loyall through her blog for several years now.  She has been working on some altered books for her sweet granddaughters' upcoming birthdays.  It has been such a delight to follow the progress of the marvelous altered books she is crafting for her beloved grandbabies--a Faerie Dog Book and a Faerie Cat Book.  I have enjoyed watching each charming page as it is added to the whole!

Becky writes, “I am a Mixed Media Artist sharing my joy of the things that bring happiness into my life. Sometimes the things I like are a bit silly but I like to laugh and so I hope you will be able to laugh along with me…” 

To join in on the fun of Becky’s most recent projects, visit Whymsical Musings.  

Sorrow and Joy 

A fairy sits alone and cries,  

Tears streaming down from both her eyes.  

Why is her heart so very sad?  
What will make her soul turn glad? 
Seeing the one she loves and misses,

Covering that one with all her kisses;  
When she has her loved one near

And holds the one she loves so dear, 
Her eyes will sparkle and her smile return

When the one for whom her heart did yearn 
Shines on her like the sun above 
And wraps her in the warmth of sweet fairy love.
©2011 Randi Kuhne, My Fairy Poems. All rights reserved. 

Searching the internet for some of today’s talented poets, I found the whimsical faery poetry of Randi Kuhne.  Her word pictures inspire ideas for drawings in my mind--she uses words to paint beautiful pictures of faeries and their magical world.  Randi also loves photography and music and is working on a book of illustrated fairy poems.

Randi writes, “I've written poems since grade school and began to focus on fairies several years ago. I'm a lazy/workaholic affiliate marketer...Eventually I will illustrate some of my fairy poems and sell them online.”  She says of herself, “And there you have it, me in a nutshell.  Emphasis on nut.”  What a delightful lady!  I will be one of the first in line, to purchase her fairy poetry book when it comes available.

To read more of this lovely poet’s beautifully worded poetry, visit My Fairy Poems.  (Painting by artist Sophie Anderson)

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.

Her Secrets - Sunday Scans

Here is another doodle from my sketchbook.  I call this pencil sketch Her Secrets because of the mystery I see in this girl's face. I am sure there is a story here, waiting to be told.

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! 

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #44

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 Oona Patterson's amazing paper sculpture quite by accident.  I was instantly and forever mesmerized by the incredible detail in her sculpture.  There is a story to be read with the eyes, except not in the usual sense.  When you visit this extraordinary artist, you will see what I mean.  I felt SO inspired.

Ooona writes, “I am a paper artist who specializes in miniature sculptures. From books & other scraps I make detailed scenes that describe and illustrate stories & poems I’ve written. Heavily influenced by old fashioned children’s tales, my sculptures have been described as miniature magical worlds.”

To see more of this wonderful artist's exquisite paper sculpture visit Oona Patterson Sculpture.  

Having only recently been introduced to watercolour, I found the work of Tim Wootten to be inspiring almost beyond words.  The lovely pastel washes--the soft realism of his subjects smite the eyes with their beauty.  I like the way he writes his observations right into the painting.  This gives his work the personal feel of reading a journal.

Of his recent work, Tim writes, “The past few weeks have been spent working around the property but art-time has been spent trying to develop my work across a range of media. I find that switching approaches and spending a period of time exploring what different materials can offer to me and how I can best use their properties.”

To see more of this wonderful artist's work, visit Tim Wootton Wildlife Art.

In her college years, Karen Jurick dreamed of becoming an illustrator.  But life happened and instead she ended in business with her parents for a number of years.  When they were gone, she ran the business for nearly 32 years.  I admire this dear lady.  After neglecting her artwork for all that time, she stepped out to follow her dream and began to paint again.  The pure harmony of color and line in her paintings, as she captures people in their everyday lives, is breathtaking.

Karen writes, “After 15+ years of not doing any art, in 2004 I started painting. I sold enough on eBay to build a studio in my back yard - then began using oils for the first time.  That lead to selling more paintings on eBay - then a year later I entered work in a gallery. A year later, I entered into another gallery, then another. Now I’m in a comfortable place - doing larger works for those three galleries while I continue to paint small pieces that frequently auction on eBay.  I take my camera everywhere, paint from those photos - moments in time, people just doing their thing.”

To see more of this gifted painter's artwork, Original Paintings by Karen Jurick.  She also has a wonderful blog chronicling her adventures in art called A Painting Today.

I have fallen in love with Holly Loyd's unusual sculpture.  I have been so excited about her work.   An eclectic artist who's curiosity and talent ooze from every thing she does, she is an artist to watch.  The grace and creativity with which she endows each of her pieces is fantastic.

Holly writes, "I am experimenting with dipping random things in slip and firing them. "Slip dipping." The idea is that you dip the object (paper, fabric, cardboard...) into slip, let it dry, low fire it, and when its fired the dipped object should burn out, leaving a fragile ceramic shell. I am about to bisque my first test of dipped objects. (kinda nervous that I will end up with ceramic crumbs) eh we'll see how it goes. Cross your fingers!"

To see more of this creative artist's work, visit Holly Loyd Sculpture.

I found Anna on facebook and felt an instant connection with her.  She is so inspiring to me--and has given me some wonderful artistic advice!  Her wonderful artwork and generous heart are so precious and unique.  There is a wonderful gentleness which permeates her charming work.   When I look at her paintings they make my heart feel warm.  

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 happens, but I feel addicted to magic of painting and drawing, because it makes our life so emotional and colorful."  As a child, I remember dreaming my drawings could come to life.  This whimsical idea delights my heart.  I believe Anna is a kindred heart.

To see more of Anna's amazing artwork, visit Art By Anna.  She can also be found on facebook at Anna Usacheva. 

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.

Cady Butterfly - Sunday Scans

Here is another of my latest watercolours!  I loved painting with all the different colors, but it took a long time, as much of the time I had to let the paper dry between painting.  Took me quite awhile to finish this painting.  I think it is my favorite watercolour so far!  This delightful little girl, like a flower, surely would attract the most beautiful butterflies.

Have a lovely weekend!

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! 

Nasarah, Unicorn Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

This is Nasarah, the Unicorn.  This unicorn's special name comes from my sweet Niece, Malaya--who loves unicorns very much.  She says Nasarah's favorite thing to eat is apples.  She sleeps in the top of an apple tree.  She eats snowflakes in winter and skates on the ice.  But in summer the unicorn's favorite thing of all is to twirl!

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 #43

I apologize for missing last week's Artist Spotlight.  My computer died--how grateful I am to the two fellows who got it up and running again!  It's great to be back.  Have a lovely week, everyone.

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 became acquainted with the bronze sculpture of Austin Barton years ago.  We had the privilege of privately touring some of the museums and art galleries of Joseph, Oregon.  While there are many western artists to be found--none is more remarkable than the stunning grace and sheer personality Austin Barton catches in each of his bronze pieces.  I am proud to say, Mr. Barton is a native Oregonian--he grew up making a living breaking horses, working on farms and ranches.  As a young boy, Austin’s dream was to become an artist.  Indeed, this amazing artist's personal experience and great love of the old West is reflected in each of his exquisitely detailed sculptures.  

Of the sculpture above, Austin writes, “When working with horses, especially in the days of ole’, there were always surprises, both for the horse and rider. In his famed bronze “Attitude Adjustment”, a viewer must decide who is adjusting who.”

To see more of Austin Barton's wonderful sculpture, visit Bronze Sculpture by Austin Barton.  For a look at more incredible Western artists, visit Kelly's Gallery on Main.

I found Ted Blackman's artwork through Illustration Friday several months ago.  His cartoons hit my funny bone. His way of looking at the world is delightfully quirky and sometimes macabre, yet at the same hilariously funny.  He has a wonderfully unique way of looking at the world. He makes me laugh and inspires me to look at things in a different light altogether.

Mr. Blackman writes, “I work in the animation industry in Southern Calif as a development artist and art director, and have been fortunate to have worked on many high-profile shows during my long career, including development and art direction on the original "Batman Animated" series, and visual development on "The Incredibles", and "Cloudy with A Chance Of Meatballs". Currently I'm an art director at Warner Bros animation.”  

To see more of Ted's wacky artwork, visit Ted Blackman's Crotchety Comics.

Gay McKinnon is an inspiring artist.  She has the uncanny ability to express an entire story with a few simple, yet charming lines.  Gay has a multitude of stylings and is gifted in many art mediums.  This eclectic artist also makes the most delightful glass sculptures and sells original glasswork from her own studio.  

Gay writes, “I’m an artist based in Hobart, Tasmania. I run a small glass studio and am studying children's book illustration.” 

To see more of Gay's wonderfully diverse work, visit Silvergum Studio.  

I have a great love for classic cars and a deep admiration for those who take their time to work on them.  Restoring a beautiful old car, in my opinion, is art.  I was floored by the amount of work Frank "the Crank" put into this wonderful old Mercury.  Frank is a truly talented artist.

He writes, “I have been messing with cars and cameras since I was around 14. That's when I got my first car and my first camera - a 1961 Triumph Spitfire and a 35mm Argus. So you might say I have had my share of "hands-on" experience with both hobbies.” 

To check out Frank's fabulous work, visit Frank's Classic Car Blog at the Amber Light Garage.

I found Louise's charming work through Illustration Friday.  What a wonderful artist she is!  Her designs are smart and sharp.  In fact, this gifted artist patterns wonderful designs for tee shirts!  When I see her work, I am inspired.

Louise writes, “I am an illustrator, currently studying at the University of Cumbria. I love traditional art, especially that done with ink and lino printing. You know when I am bored because lots of stuff get posted on my blog.”

To see more of Louise's unusual illustrations, visit Louise Hubbard Illustration and Design.  Happily, you can purchase tee shirts with her wonderful designs, at her Threadless Tees shop, Louise Hubbard.
 

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.