Heart Tangle -Guest Heart Thursday

I haven't done one of these for years--I seem to remember doing something similar to this type of drawing, when I was in high school--bored and doodling in class!  Nowadays, they are called Zen tangles. My sweet Niece Victoria does them--and I am in awe of her work.   

For my birthday, she drew the beautiful piece you see above!  I am SO honored. ...and inspired!--the Heart Tangle is the result.  Thank you, Victoria!  You are so wonderfully talented, and I love you!

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 #60

Note:  I apologize for being gone for so long.  Just after Christmas, my external hard drive suffered a fall and would not work.  I still don't know if years of photography can be rescued.  Though I didn't lose everything -- I had some things backed up -- I was grief-stricken.  I admit that I lost heart for awhile.  But I'm back!  This week's featured artists have been particularly inspiring to my heart.

I created Featured Art Tuesday Artist Spotlight, a showcase of inspiring Artists, as a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, cooking, 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 that creativity. 

To join us for FATuesday, 
link up at the bottom of the page. 

I only recently found Sherry Dole’s art and was immeasurably charmed.  I was so inspired by her eclectic use of color and the graceful, playful faces of her subjects.  What lovely artwork. I imagine it would be a wonderous, fanciful journey to view the world through Sherry’s eyes!  I look forward to getting better acquainted with this gifted artist.

Sherry writes, “I absolutely Looooove animals and nature so I donate a portion of my sales to various animal shelters and welfare groups.  I have two gorgeous dogs, a Pit Bull who I adopted as a Hurricane Katrina survivor and a sort of red Golden Retriever who was adopted from a local shelter. I have four cats, all rescues, who frequently model for me., altho not always willingly.”

To see more of Sherry’s eye-filling art, visit Sherry Dole. You can also find her work through Artist Websites, at Sherry Dole Fine Artist.  Sherry can also be found on facebook at Sherry Dole and happily, you can purchase Sherry's art from her Etsy Shop at Sherry Dole Art.

Not only is Emille an incredibly talented artist, but she is a wonderful photographer and writer.  I have enjoyed her blog immensely.  Her photos and insights are inspiring, humorous and thoughtful.  She is a lovely inspiration.

 Emille writes, “After a busy life as a therapist, I love the simplified one of an artist. Working in oil, pastel, and watercolor. Always open to new experiments. Life is full of new opportunities.”

To see more of this skillful artist’s work, visit Artistique.

Having lost our own little Bootz a year ago, I was deeply touched by the artwork of Crystal Shannon.  The animals she draws almost seem to move.  She has captured the personality of these beloved pets in a way which seems almost magical.  I am so moved and inspired by this amazing artist. 

Crystal writes, “For over 25 years I have been a student of art.  And I will always be a student as I am continually learning and polishing my skills as an artist.  I have always been inspired by the beauty of nature and wildlife.  I have always really loved animals, and that is another inspiration of mine, and why I love doing pet portraits so much.”

To see more of this astonishing artist's work visit her at Crystal Shannon. 

I have been a follower of Photings for several years.  It seems whenever something tremendous happens in my life--happy or sad--this artist ministers to my soul.  Thank you, Friend--you have filled my eyes and my heart.

This shy and sensitive artist only says, “Photings are jottings on photos.”  Thank you dear Magic Eye, for sharing with us!

To see more of this thoughtful artist's work, visit Photings.

Carolyn’s blog has the most wonderful photography.  Her pictures have an enchanting magic about them.  She has an unusual way of framing each of her subjects which holds the eye.  I also enjoyed reading her accompanying comments.  Her writing is both humorous and thoughtful. 

Carolyn writes,  “I live in a cabin in the forests of Pennsylvania. I write about what I see and do in the natural world around me. I've been a hawkwatcher for more than 20 years, a birder for longer than that, and a crayfish-catcher since I was a polywog.”

To see more of this artist’s awe-inspiring work, visit Carolyn H., at Round Top Ruminations.  

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you want to share.

* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.

* 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 back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #58

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, cooking, 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. 

Because of the holiday and our travels through the end of the month, I will be featuring only one artist on FATuesday until the new year.  Then it's back to the usual!

This week’s featured artist is Drusilla Kehl.  What a surprise to receive this unusual beautifully painted Christmas card in the mail.  When I opened the envelope, I laughed.  Then, looking at my husband’s face as HE looked at the card, I giggled some more.

I love domesticated rats.  The nicest rat I ever knew was Mr. BW, a rat who came to live with us one summer after spending an entire year with the third grade.  He lived to a ripe old age.  He was a dear little fellow.  I will always miss him.  When you visit Drusilla and view her art, you will guess she also loves rats!  .

This gifted artist's whimsical nature shows in the exquisite painting above.

Drusilla loves all animals.  Her drawings them are beautifully crafted and a delight to the eyes.

I adore Drusilla's pet portraits.  As you can see by her gorgeous portrait of Napoleon the Cat, her brush captures the very essence and personality of her furry subjects.

You can find more of Drusilla's artwork at The Illustrated Rat.  She can also be found on facebook at Drusilla Kehl.  Happily, you can purchase items illustrated with her work at her Zazzle Shop, Drusilla and through The Illustrated Rat Store.

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you want to share.

* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.

* 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 back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #57

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, cooking, 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 have been so inspired by Georgina Bedwell’s creativity--her artwork always puts a smile on my face.  What a surprise to open an unexpected package to find two charming ornaments, personally made for me by this gifted artist.  The first is of our dear little Bootz, who went to heaven too early, the second is of Toez--the kitten who now rules our home.  I am privileged to know this inspiring artist as my Friend.

Georgina writes, “I am perhaps best known for Midnight and Sunshine, who are cat characters I create just for the fun of it. Their true to life feline antics seem to delight cat lovers from all over the world.”

You can find Georgina's precious artwork on Facebook at Critter Corner.  Happily, you can purchase her artwork there, as well as special ordering ornaments with your own special furred friends on them.   You can find more of her art on her blog at Art by Georgina Bedwell.  She also has an Etsy shop at Georgina’s Art.   

This wonderful writer/illustrator caught my fancy the first time I laid eyes upon her loveable characters.  Judy Grupp's whimsical nature clearly shines through her paintbrush.  Personality and emotion flow through the characters she draws, capturing the heart and eyes.

Of her newest book on grief, Judy writes, “Since my audience will be older kids this time in addition to the younger ones, and their families, they've asked me to dress the animals in the attire and accessories relevant to kids today.  This goofy giraffe is my first attempt. I think he is goofylishish - maybe too goofy for this type of book. Anytime you try to dress an animal, it's going to get silly. Maybe the story won't have a giraffe!”

To see more of this talented artist’s captivating artwork visit Judy Grupp Studio.  

I was astonished when a lovely print from Paula Kuitenbrouwer arrived yesterday, in my mailbox.  The delicate tracery of flower and birds delighted my soul.  To actually hold one of her pieces in my hands is a wonderful feeling.  I am SO inspired.

Paula made me laugh when she wrote, “Artist’s Confusion…oops, I mean, Concentration:  How many times have you, dearest fellow artist, dipped your pencil in your coffee mug?  Or your brush in your tea mug?  Or your spoon in your water paint?  Did you ever notice your brown water-paint smells like coffee?  Ever drank your water paint?”  I can SO relate! 

To see more of this gifted artist’s charming work, visit Mindful Drawing.

I was introduced to Judith Glover by my talented friend Valerie Greeley.  Judith's delightful sketches and paintings of plants weave across the page like a delicate song.  Her love for plants and gardens clearly permeates every stroke of her pen and brush.  She is not only an artist, but loves to garden.  She actually designed a medal-winning garden for the Chelsea Flower Show and won the BBC 'People's Award' for the Best Small City Garden!  Her garden has featured in many magazines including Gardens Illustrated and Home and Gardens.  Her winsome designs have been used extensively for greeting cards, fabric, ceramics, stationery, dated products and tinware and you can find her work on ecards for just about every occasion.

Judith journals, “As I write, autumn is showing its true colours and snatched days in the garden have been a joy. A gloriously mild October has lulled me into a false sense of security but it can’t be too long before first frosts arrive to snap at the heels of the unprepared gardener…”  

You can find this artist's exquisite work at Judith Glover Designs. If you love gardening as much as I do, you will want to read her fascinating Garden Diary.   You can also find her on Facebook at Judith Glover Designs.  

Amber Day is one of the most creative artists I’ve met.  She not only writes, but she creates incredible original hats and makes astoundingly beautiful jewelry from silver flatware.  Her Onyx Cat dolls are charming, as are the ACEO’s she creates of that rascally cat’s adventures.  She is a wonderfully talented artist in every art medium she puts hear hand to.  This generous lady took  time from her busy day to come to my home to teach me how to watercolor.  I am SO blessed to have Amber as my dear Friend.

Amber writes, “I've been drawing since before I can remember. My parents tell me my first big art project was the pink elephants I drew all over their classic '65 mustang. The car was freshly painted and I used a crayola crayon, I was 3yrs old. Dad said he had a hard time being mad at me 'cause the elephants looked so good'. The car was repainted and I don't remember if I was punished or not. If I was, it didn't stop me drawing!”  

You can find this amazingly eclectic artist on Facebook at  Amber Day.  Her blog, at Amber Day, is a wonderful read.  Happily, you can purchase her artwork online in several places:  Her Etsy shop Animae Girl, Zazzle at Animae Girl and from her Ebay shop, Artistic Adventures in Cyber Space. 

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you want to share.

* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.

* 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 back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #55

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, cooking, 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 found Sunny Carvalho’s amazing art through my sweet Friend Tammie Lee.  I fell in love with Sunny's art at my first glance.  Her artwork reflects a whimsical heart--the sculpture she creates has a grace and life all its own.  I am so inspired by Sunny’s use of color and pattern.  Her artwork moves--it twinkles!

Sunny writes, “Who, me? I guess I'd say I am a painter of Pretty Girls (and sometimes, Ugly Girls!) and maker of things! I have a need to create that I just can't contain. I do something different every day. I paint, sculpt original dolls, make all sorts of fun things and teach at Artfest in Port Townsend, WA”    

You can see more of this artist's sparkling art at Sparkle and Spin the art of Sunny Carvalho.  

Kylie Fowler is new to me.  I love her thoughtful use of color in this portrait of her “Mum.”  This fabulous artist loves to explore various styles.  Her art  reflects a deep fascination with life and a love for variety.  She inspires me to try new things.

Kylie writes, “…I love any artwork that contains eyes. The eyes are generally the most important part of each of my artworks. As they say, 'The eyes are the windows to the soul'. I also enjoy sewing and producing mixed media artwork, so hopefully in the future I will produce more mixed media works of art. I am a creatologist. A person who loves to create.”  

You can find more of Kylie's fascinating art at the Blissful Pumpkin.  Happily, you can also purchase her whimsical collages, paintings, portraits, caricatures, art prints and other such wonderful stuff at her Etsy Store, the Blissful Pumpkin.

Becca, a talented artist, photographer and musician from Las Vegas, loves to create beautiful mixed media collages using vintage ephemera.  She also likes to sew and is an avid antique hunter.  She is a wonderful photographer and the good friend of two dearly loved orange kitty cats.  I love the way Becca views her world and the way she shares it with us.  She says the Great Pacific Northwest is one of her favorite places--she's one of us, even if she doesn't actually live here--I can tell.  (grin)

Becca writes, ”I am a wife, crazy cat lady, hobby photographer and a self taught mixed-media artist…Music is also a big part of my life.  I play classical piano, acoustic guitar and sing.”  What an incredibly gifted lady Becca is!   I have the feeling she could play music along with the wind in the trees.

  

To see more of this wonderful artist's eclectic work, visit Patina Moon 

Paula Kuitenbrouwer’s delicate artwork is also new to me.  I love the gentle tracery of flower, bird and butterfly wing--there is a magical quality to this artist’s work which satisfies something in my eyes.  I love to look--to see through this artist’s eyes.  When I view Paula's beautiful drawings, I feel inspired to reproduce what I see in my own little garden.

Paula writes, “To me art is about creating beauty. I enjoy the process of creating beauty. There is so much to learn about it and how to achieve it. I like to find beautiful compositions with harmonious shapes and colours. If I make a drawing or painting that brings pleasure to the eye, harmony to the mind or peace to the heart, I feel happy. Apart from being intrigued by beautiful compositions, drawing helps me to escape the stressful concept of time. When I draw sometimes time is substituted for timelessness. Waking up from such mindful moments I notice my drawing surprisingly shows progress, although I was all the time absorbed in the here and now.” 

 To see more of Paula's lovely artwork, visit Mindful Drawing. Happily, you can also buy her work at her Etsy shop, Mindful Drawing.

Nancy Lefco's eloquent work is creatively satisfying to the soul.  I feel inspired to try my hand at collage art when I view her artwork.  I especially love her journaling pieces.  Indeed, she does tell a story--Her artwork leaves you wondering about the plotline, wanting to see more.

Nancy writes, “Collage…that wonderful form of art where we take seemingly unrelated materials and combine them in fabulous ways.  Pictures, text, tickets, game pieces, ribbon, scraps of fabric and bits of paper…come together and tell a story, that alone, they could never tell.  It is the storytelling element in collage that speaks to my heart and keeps me creating…”

To see more of this artist's beautifully reflective artwork, visit Mixed Media Collage Art by Nancy. 

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you want to share.

* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.

* 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 back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #54

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, cooking, 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. 

 

Helen Wheeler Shaw is new to me.  This fascinating artist has a unique way of viewing her world.  Her abstract pieces are just amazing.  She is a free-spirited New Zealander from Texas, happily painting at her studio in the Texas hill country.  Helen finds inspiration outside her own front window--the beautiful birds who inhabit her three-acre nature sanctuary.  Her work reflects her great love for all animals and the earth.

Helen writes, "My ' Helen essence' shines brightest when I am creating, or when I am surrounded by nature.  These two things are essential for my fulfillment and growth on this life journey.  Nature inspires, delights, enchants and sustains me…”

To see more of this wonderful artist's work, visit her art website, Helen Wheeler Shaw Bird and Botanical Art.  You can also follow her adventures in art on her blog, The Willow's Nest.  

Andrea Pratt's artwork is so inspiring.  I love the detail she puts into her pieces.  Each drawing has hidden patterns and meanings.  Her charming artwork intrigues me--I want to look and look--and keep on looking.

Andrea writes, “Art, for me, is about creating meaning and order from an unruly and constantly moving herd of ideas. Oil and acrylic paint, coloured pencils and my camera all feature prominently in my toybox. I am drawn to both natural and built environments (and their intersection), primitive symbolism and patterns, bones, crows, canoes and houses. Being lucky enough to live where I do, the inspiration for most of my paintings and drawings is rooted in the natural world, but I like to combine imagery in unexpected ways.”

To see more of this intriguing artist's beautiful work, visit Coloring Outside the Lines.

Darlene is self taught artist who loves to create using a variety of mediums including oils, watercolor, acrylics, porcleain clay, paperclay, papermache, and glass medium. I find her eclectic use of mixed media art and papermache extremely inspiring.  She is not only a gifted artist, but is a wonderful person with one of the biggest, most loving hearts I’ve ever known.  I am privileged to call Darlene my Friend.

Darlene writes, “I am a mixed media artist who is a believer in following your hearts dreams and wishes. My background experience includes in oils, watercolors, stained glass, glass fusion, porcelain dolls, polymer clay dolls, and currently Mixed media and paper art. I enjoy creating art to make for all occasions…”

You can see more of this talented artist's charming artwork at A Dancing Mango.  Happily, you can also buy her artwork from her Etsy Shop, A Dancing Mango -Where the magic of the past lives.   

I am inspired by Michael Shapcott's use of highly detailed graphite underdrawings, which he treats so they won't smudge--then paints with colorful washes in oil and acrylic paints.  In addition to his paintings, this Connecticut artist creates art videos which track the process of his paintings and highlight his unusual style.  He credits his education for basic technical experience.  However, he believes it was only after breaking with many of the traditional methods he was taught, that he developed the confidence, unique voice and style he has today.

Michael writes, "I have learned that you must above all else believe in yourself and your worth and be brave enough to live the life you choose. Being a full-time artist is about doing what you love every day, expressing yourself, touching others lives with your art, and making a unique mark on the world – but it is not for the lighthearted. Our lives depend on it. This is how we earn our living, how we spend most of our time and energy, what we pour our deepest passions into, how our face is shown to our loved ones and to the world. We don’t just want to succeed. We have to.  I do this because I love it and what I aspire for is to reach out and touch viewers of my work, making sure that those who see my paintings see something that enriches their experience."

 You can find more of this incredible artist's amazing art on his blog at Michael Shapcott. You can also find an additional array of this artist's work in his DA art gallery at Michael Shapcott.  

I fell in love with the bright colors and whimsical detail of Terri Kahrs lovely artwork.  There is something about her art, which inspires the child in my heart to dance.  Terri's joyful artwork inspires me to experiment with color and patterns.  

Terri writes, “For a short time I entertained the idea of being either a butterfly or a beautiful, mystical Unicorn. But all along, thoughts of being a dog were always strong…”  

To see more of Terri's happy artwork, visit Pringle Hill Studio. 

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you want to share.

* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.

* 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 back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #53

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, cooking, 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. 

The wonderful doodle art of Aimee Myers Dolich makes me laugh.  Sometimes, her presentation of poignant thoughtful words fills my eyes with tears.  I LOVE how Aimee sees her world and brings it into mine.

Aimee writes of her newest adventure,  “After five years in a quirky little college town in Kansas, life is now taking me to the east coast. I hope you'll join me on my new adventure as I learn how to navigate urban mania once again. who knows what we'll find?”  I wish you all the best in your new digs, Aimee!

To follow the adventures of this wonderfully creative artist, visit Artsyville.  Happily, once she's all settled in on the East Coast, you will be able to purchase her artwork from her Etsy Shop, Artsyville.  You can also find Aimee on Facebook at Artsyville.

I have only recently become acquainted with the wonderfully detailed artwork of Ester Wilson.  Her use of patterns, color and shading boggle the mind.  She's inspired me with her spectacular use of detail and simplicity.  I love the fact she likes to draw to classical music.  Music tells a story and Ester becomes the storyteller.

Ester writes, “I’ve been drawing since age two, and have always felt the need to continue making images. I feel in my core that there is nothing more important than creating. I think that strong feeling has always been there with me, and so I decided to give it full attention and see how deep I can go with it; how much I can learn about myself through art.”

To see more of this amazing artist's work, visit Daily Drawings.  

The work of Cathy Holtom is stunning.  Her use of colors is so inspiring to me.  I love the tones she chooses for each of extraordinary pieces.  Each of her drawings evokes a feeling almost like a song.

Cathy writes, ”My art is an expression of an emotion about a time or place.  I start with a sketch, a photograph or just a passing glance of something that remains in my mind.  I work predominately with coloured pencils but I also like to use other mediums such as watercolour and oil depending on the mood or effect I want to create.”  

You can find more of Cathy's lovely pieces on her blog, Down a Dusty Lane. 

I was having a bad day the moment I found Ernie D'Elia's hilarious illustrations.  His capacity for expressing fun in his artwork just fills my eyes.  I was inspired by his Animals on the Go series--which includes an Elephant in an Elevator and the above Shark in Shopping Cart.  What great fun.  Thank you for making me smile, Ernie.

Ernie writes, “…I use acrylic paint on illustration board. Occasionally I throw in some ball point pen, and a colored pencil or two, but mostly good old fashioned paint!”  

To see more of this gifted artist's work, visit Ernie D'Elia Illustration.  You can also find him on Facebook at Ernie D'Elia Illustration.

I found Elizabeth Rose Stanton through Illustration Friday.  What a wonderful artist!  Her sense of humor makes me grin.  I love the simplicity of line she uses to project an idea onto paper.  She inspires me to see the fun in life.  I enjoy this gifted artist's view of the world.

Elizabeth writes,  “I spend most of the time wandering around my right brain, bumping in to things that go bump in the night.”

To see more of Elizabeth's fabulous artwork, visit Pens Paper Studio.

If you would like to take part in FATuesday Artist Spotlight:

*Blog the art you want to share.

* Don't forget to leave your link on Linky tools on this page.

* 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 back to FATuesday in your blog entry.

FATuesday Artist Spotlight #52

My darling Sissy Clytie pointed out that, at 52 weeks, FATuesday Artist  Spotlight is exactly one year old.  A HUGE thank you to all the incredibly amazing artists who have inspired me this past year.  I am the person who is honored to feature YOU. 

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, cooking, 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 first became acquainted with Anna Vanover through recommendations from some of my art friends.  What an incredible artist!  Her work is realistic, yet beautifully whimsical.  Anna's charming artwork inspires me.  I love the amazing amounts of personality she puts into her subjects!  Her humor is wonderful!

Anna writes, “I create when I am happy - I am happy when I create.  Perhaps this sums up who I am as a person.  Those who know me well might say that more often than not you can find me with a paint brush in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, and one or more furry friends within arm’s reach.  These are the times that I am the most content.”  Ah, I can SO relate!

You can find her wonderful artwork at  Anna Vanover Studio. You can also find her work on Facebook, at The Art of Anna Vanover.

I have never seen bottle lamps like these.  When I found them, I was amazed and inspired by their sheer beauty and creativity of the artist, Songbird.  Each of her pieces is uniquely gorgeous.  She collects the bottles from a local town pub, then cleans and strips them of labels.  She drills a small hole near the bottom, then uses tissue paper or crepe, to decorate the bottles. These wonderful lamps have a lovely glow which cannot be achieved with traditional lighting.  I have never seen anything like them before!

Songbird writes, “I started making bottle lamps at the urging of my husband. I really did not want to take the time and effort needed, but after the first bottle was made and I could see how unique and pretty it was, I have not stopped making them. I believe that I need to be a good steward of this beautiful country in which I am privileged live, so keeping glass out of the landfills makes sense to me.”

To see more of these unusually lovely lamps, visit Songbird's Bottle Lamps.  Happily you can purchase these lamps through her Shop! 

I was perusing Etsy and found these amazing masks.  They are created by a husband and wife team, Tom and Jill Banwell.  Made of lightweight  leather, some of these pieces are delicately lovely--like something I would draw.  Others are simply fun--adding whimsical ears, or noses to the face of the wearer.  I was SO inspired by the artistry I saw.  It is interesting to note that the beautiful mask pictured above was worn by Lois Lane in Smallville!

Tom writes, “My wife Jill and I live in Penn Valley, California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a rural area and we have my studio under the house. I get to enjoy watching the deer and other wildlife traipse by the window, which provides a relaxing atmosphere in which to be creative.” 

You can view these incredibly fanciful pieces of art Tom Banwell Designs.  Happily, you can also purchase these extraordinary masks from their shop.
 

I had the wonderful experience of meeting this talented lady recently in Spokane Valley, Washington.  Sitting in her gorgeous living room with it's stone fireplace--walls complete with tapestries, richly appointed wall hangings and gorgeous artwork, I felt SO privileged.  It was like I was in a castle. 

Susan is one of the most creative people I've ever met.  She works with home schooled children and their parents, producing filmed classes for homeschoolers on subjects, such as integrating art into history and how to write a mystery story!  She has a huge closet of marvelous costumes and her creativity, when putting together sets and props for her classes, is boundless.  I was so impressed with her interesting ideas and happy enthusiasm.  Susan is not only a talented writer, fabulous teacher and extraordinarily talented artist, she is thoughtful and kind--a truly beautiful person both inside and out. 
 

Susan writes, “…my classes are very animated, and I often wear costumes, yes, even when I teach writing! I try to make everything come alive! You will notice that my articles pack in a lot of ideas, because I know how precious your time is.”  

To see the amazing variety of classes she has to offer, visit Susan Evans, Homeschool Resources.  Happily, her audio and video workshops and a myriad of wonderful ideas are available on her website, too! 

At first glance, I thought the photographer above, Lori Grimmett, was standing in a snow bank!  Amazing--that is actually sea foam.   I was touched and inspired by her enchanting photography.  The grace, beauty and magnificence of her work is unparalleled.  A photographer once said God created moments just as he was ready to click the shutter.  Lori's photography has that kind of supernatural quality about it.  I want to see the world that way, too. 

Lori’s goal is to “…encourage her viewers to see God in all of creation, to view the world in surprising and magnificent ways they never expected, and to pass that inspiration on to others.”  She has succeeded!

To see more of this gifted photographer's work, visit Lori Grimmett Photography.

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