Showing posts with label FAT Tuesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAT Tuesday. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #49

I apologize for my absence these past two weeks.  We have had a few family crisis to deal with, along with a really bad cold!  Have a lovely week, everyone and thank you for your patience.  - Beth

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 drama, 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. 

To join us for FATuesday, link up at the bottom of the page. 
I hope you will join in the fun. 


I have known Casi since she was a tiny girl.  An accomplished young artist in many mediums, Casi and her fellow artisans have been trained to create these exquisitely crafted glass earrings.  Designed by AnneMarie Hoffman, they come in a variety of pretty colors and are incredibly graceful and eye-catching.  When one holds a pair of these original creations in one's own hands, the warmth and beauty of the glass is indescribable.  There is a kind of lovely magic here which inspires me.

Casi and her fellow artists "..are dedicated to making this world a more beautiful place, one pair of earrings at a time. All of our raw glass is manufactured within a 15 mile radius of our studio and all of our jewelry is produced in our Portland studio by extremely skilled hands.

To see more of these unusual treasures, visit Glass Heart Studio  You can also find them on Facebook at Glass Heart Studio


I found Lillie Marie's blog quite by accident.  This gifted artisan creates unusual jewelry which reflects her great love for our Creator.  Her charming pieces fill both the eyes and the heart.  She inspires me to stretch beyond what I think I can do.  

Lillie thoughtfully writes, “I am so thankful that my body and mind are both able to do all the things required to do on Mondays,  I could be minus my eyesight, where I couldn't see my home that needs so much done or without proper use of my limbs, I could be an invalid, being unable to do anything without help,  There are so many women in the world whether sick and/or disabled mentally or physically that would love to be able to enjoy Mondays by having all these things to do.” 

To see more wonderful jewelry designs visit Lillie Marie Design Jewelry.  To find her blog, click Lillie Marie's Design Jewelry Blog.



Chuck Neighbors has been an inspiration to my husband and me for many years.  The first drama I saw him perform was powerful and changed my life forever.  This wonderful local actor has been a huge encouragement to us and to many other dramatists.  He has been generous with his time and advice.  His dramas are truly stunning and his acting is superb.

Chuck writes, Shakespeare knew the power of the play to capture a conscience and even after four hundred years, things haven’t changed much. Today, as it has been for centuries, it is the play, the movie, the story that entertains us, giving expression to our thoughts and feelings, and yes, capturing our conscience. Sometimes the story sends a message of hope and redemption to our troubled world–too often it does not.”

Happily, you can book one of Chuck's powerful dramatic productions by contacting him on Facebook at Master’s Image Productions.  More information can be gleaned at Chuck Neighbors Master's Image Productions.  


 I found Julia Ruffles through some of my artist friends on  Facebook.  What an incredible artist.  I am enamored with the detail in her work.  As a watercolourist she is inspiring.  Her love for animals bursts through her work--shines through the speaking eyes of her wild animal friends.  The only word I could use to describe this talented artist's work is fabulous.  

Julia reflectively writes, “The painting process requires a great deal of patience, with countless watercolour marks built up using many differing colours and brushstrokes...Watercolour as a medium (for painting) has a great strength yet subtle vulnerability that allows the delicacy of life to be portrayed...”

To see more wildlife art by this wonderful artist visit Wildlife Watercolour and Graphite Artwork by Julia Ruffles.  You can also contact her on Facebook at Julia RufflesWildlife Art.


I have always loved tatting.  For those of you have never heard of it, tatting is an ancient way of making intricate lace using knots and shuttles.  I was delighted to find Pamela Quevedo's daintily tatted fashion items -- What an uncommon art form!  When I found her beautifully unique creations, I felt inspired to get back into tatting again.  Thank you Pamela!

Pamela writes, “My goal with my tatting is to not only to make it wearable, but interesting & fashion forward. I am inspired by everything from vintage patterns to haute couture. My style leans toward the dark, gothic, steampunk and Neo Victorian…”

To see more of these rare, delicate beauties, visit Totus Mel Tats. Happily, you can also purchase these amazing creations as well!

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.



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #48

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.  
Link up at the bottom of the page. 
I hope you will join in the fun. 



I only recently discovered Joel Haas, through a quote from one of our FATuesday's featured artists.  Joel's sculpture is delightfully inspiring.  He infuses each of his unusual pieces with vivid personality.  One expects these whimsical  metal sculptures to turn and wink when no one is watching. 

 Joel writes, “I make whimsical animals for the garden. Most pieces are welded and forged together from scrap steel parts and painted with rust-resistant primer. The final colors are applied with sign-painters' lacquers which won't fade in sunlight.  Some people have asked me if there is any serious or deep meaning to my work. I say, ‘I hope not. There're already enough serious and deep meanings in the world to keep thousands of art critics busy.’  I just make stuff that transports me to a happier place where I can hum and whistle.  Art can do that.”

You can see more of this wonderful artist's work when you visit Joel Haas Sculpture.  


The extraordinary art of Sergei Shillabeer fills my eyes to the brim.  His inspiring use of color and light seem almost supernatural.  There is a transcendent, translucent glow to each of his paintings.  Born in 1946 in Binghamton, New York, Sergei received his early art training in Chicago and during the late 1950's in Los Angeles.  His paintings and sculpture have been exhibited in the Netherlands, Mexico, and Japan.  It is no surprise he has exhibited in conjunction with the United Nations and was exhibited solo at the National Academy of Arts and Sciences!

Sergei writes, My training came primarily by staring and staring at the masters at museums every chance I could get. I have a fondness for Monet and especially Manet and an absolute love for Sargent and Jouquin Sorolla…”    

To see more of this gifted artist's work, visit his art page at Bull Dog Studio.  You can also find him on facebook at Sergei Shillabeer Art.  


I found the enchanting clay art of Abby Moore on Facebook.  Her charming work is so inspiring.  Because of this artist's creative work, I have felt the urge to dig my fingers into polymers again.  As you can see, Abby's Christmas ornaments are gorgeous.  Some of her fascinating artwork looks as though she's quilted her designs from cloth--only it is clay. 

Abby writes, “I’ve been sculpting since I was a little child. Of course back then, I only played with play-doh. Thank goodness I found polymer clay for a history project when I was 11 years old. I’ve been claying ever since and would be lost with out it. It is such a wonderful experience every time I sculpt something new with polymer clay! That’s why I love it so much.”

To see more fabulous clay pieces, visit Abby's Polymer Clay.  You can also find her on facebook at Abby's Art.



The exquisite artwork of Danny Hahbohm speeds right past the eye gate into one's very soul.  When I visit his webpage I come away refreshed.  His artwork is truly inspired and inspiring.  He paints light as though he has already visited heaven, if that were possible.  His artwork speaks truth without saying one word.

Danny writes, “…I have a place I call my God room.  It’s just a back porch that overlooks God’s domain, which for me is a small pond and a section of the woods joining with some condos and a pool.  It is just some place where I get to be with God alone.  Just He and I as we talk and share our thoughts together…”

To see more of this gifted artist's extraordinary work, visit The Inspired Art of Danny Hahlbohm


I found the photography of Kannus-Maoo quite by accident.  Her macro work is incredible--a poetic dance between camera and subject.  I love to take pictures of tiny things--her pictures inspire me to greater heights.

Kannus-Maoo writes, "I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it." 

To see more of this exciting photographer's work, visit Kannus-Maoo. 

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.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #47

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.  
See the bottom of the page.  
I hope you will join in the fun!
The artwork of Stephen Bennett is extraordinary.  When I first saw his wonderful portraits, I gasped.  His use of colors is so creative and inspiring.  His subjects touched me to the soul--there's something almost mystical about his art--something which captures the imagination and fills one's eyes to the brim with tears.  At least that is how his work affects me personally.

Stephen writes, "I am a portrait painter because of my passion for the world's people. For the last 20 years I have explored over 30 countries worldwide, seeking out indigenous and traditional people to paint.  My mission is to use my portraits to preserve and celebrate the cultures I encounter. I would like to invite you on a fascinating journey to experience the diversity of our world through my colorful paintings."

To view more of this extraordinary artist's portraits, visit Steve Bennett Portrait Painter.  Happily, you can also purchase Giclee prints at Stephen Bennett, Art.com.


My darling sister Clytie first introduced me to Prospero, of Serendipitous Garden.  His wonderfully imaginative, digitally enhanced photos are eye-catchingly beautiful.  The haunting loveliness of his art, coupled with the profound nature of the words he chooses to accompany each photo, always causes me to stop and ponder.  Sissy and I have adopted Propero as our own dear brother--which gives us much license to tease the daylights out of him.  (grin)

On a more serious side, from one of his most recent blog entries, Prospero writes, "Words like conscience, tenderness, and autumn light have already disappeared.” A profound thought, indeed.

To see more of Porspero's fabulous photos, visit Serendipitous Garden, Mirror, mirror,on the wall...


I first found Jeanne Klaver, an artist from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania,  through her blog.  Her photography -- especially the set of photos (the first of them seen above) chronicling bird against scary snake  -- was gripping.  I hope the birdie did get away!


Then I found Jeanne's art blog, full of wonderful sketches and imaginative drawings.  I loved the caption she has in the header of her blog.  "The essential element is imagination."  This is the essence of Jeanne's inspiring work.

She quotes Joel Hass, "I just make stuff that transports me to a happier place where I can hum and whistle.  Art can do that."  That is the sweet place Jeanne's art takes us!

To see more of Jeanne's fascinating photography visit Daily Reflections from Atwater Pond.  To see more of her imaginative artwork visit Atwater Pond -- Where Art Matters.



I found Adrian Mills through one of my favorite artists, Valerie Greeley.  The simplicity of line and vividness of color are absorbing.  His inspiring work not only appeals to children, but to adults.  That is quite an accomplishment for any artist.  Adrian is presently working on a picture book.  I am excited to see what this talented artist has in store for us. 

Adrian writes,  “I am a freelance artist and children's book illustrator currently based in the South East…  My work primarily consists of pen and ink drawings with a vibrant mix of colour.  I enjoy creating characters and aim for my work to be contemporary, quirky and fun.”   

To see more of this artist's charming, yet wacky work, visit Adrian Mills Illustration. 
 

I found Jane Gray  quite by accident.  This wonderful writer, photographer and artist, from Bronteland, Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, has inspired me to try my hand at writing again.  I was so intrigued by the storyline she shares.  But not only that--her charming photography and incredible artwork add a riveting note.  Set in the Yorkshire moors and marble mountains of Tuscany, her "time-slip" novel tells of the love between a young painter and a sculptor who are neighbors, but who actually live half a century apart.

Jane writes,  "I have been a folk singer, a fashion designer in London, run a gallery and coffee shop in the lovely Yorkshire Dales, written newspaper articles and magazine features, short stories, songs, poetry and even greetings cards...  The Time Sculptor’s Secret is my first novel.” 

To see more of Jane's art and photography, as well as to read excerpts from her intriguing novel, visit The time Sculpture’s Secret

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.


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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 PhotographyAl 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.



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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.