FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #19

This week, in honor of Bootz The Cat, I am featuring artists who love cats and who's drawings have touched my heart.

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes every type of medium, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  
I hope you will join in the fun!
  

Stephanie Manchipp’s work is new to me. This wonderful artist trained at Reigate School of Art and Design, and is a well-known artist whose work has been sought after by a variety of international publishers.  

Stephanie uses a variety of mediums to create her imaginative pieces, including watercolour, oils, acrylic, pastels and oil pastels.  My favorites are her exquisite cats.  It is not surprising to discover she is a Member and Vice Chairman of the Society Of Feline Artists!  She is a member of the prestigious Society of Industrial Artists and Designers, S.I.A.D., and sometimes exhibits her work along with her gifted husband, artist Ben Manchipp.

To see more of Stephanie’s lovely artwork, visit her gallery at Manchipp.com.

I have featured the art of Sandrine Curtiss on FAT Tuesday before--and I love her description of herself as a self-taught artist who, inspired by the talent of her older sister, started drawing portraits with graphite pencils.  I have actually had the awesome privilege of getting to know this incredibly talented artist.  Her artwork is not only truly amazing, but she is a lovely person.  Her drawings of cats especially touch my heart.

Not surprisingly, in the summer of 2002, Sandrine won a full scholarship for the Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Her beautifully drawn pieces are so realistic, they almost seem to move.  She understands the soul of her subjects.  Sandrine is a HUGE inspiration to me.  I could look at her artwork and never get tired of looking.   Happily anyone can purchase her collectible artwork on EBay! 

To see more of this precious artist's incredible work, visit Sandrine's Gallery.

I was delighted with artist Sue Sareen's cats.  The drawing above especially caught my attention.  Our Bootz sometimes slept in this exact position.  Though Sue paints across a wide variety of subject matter, she has a particular affinity with cats. She enjoys their independence, their sinuous grace and beauty of movement. Always in her paintings there is a strong sense of intimacy with the subject matter.

Sue has published a book on watercolour painting, produced two videos and frequently writes articles for the Leisure Painter, and The Artist magazines. She teaches regular classes and workshops on watercolour painting in her Nottingham studio and organizes painting weekends and holiday’s abroad.  That sounds like a LOT of fun.

See more of Sue Sareen's lovely work at Sareen Arts.

Dawn Russell's artwork is a delight to my heart.  A native Californian, this talented artist has a variety of styles and subjects.  She has been drawing since she could hold a pencil, and has wanted to be an artist since she can remember.

Her artwork can be found in collections around the world.  She has been a juried artist in several guilds and has won awards in international competitions since she was 10 years old!  Her artwork has been widely published in various magazines.  Dawn specializes in  pet portraiture, but that's not all, this wonderful artist also does cartooning, greeting card designs, trading cards, and more. She paints, sculpts, draws, and does something called pyrography. It is no surprise she also designs jewelry!

To see more of this eclectic artist's fabulous work, visit Dawn Russell Artwork and Photography.

Jackie Coote's cat drawings are filled with personality.  The painting above is especially special to me, because this kitty reminds me so much of our dear Bootz.  Jackie is a self-taught artist and a member of the Society of Creative Arts of Newtown and the Putnam Arts Council of Brewster, NY.  She works mainly in watercolour, but has lately begun to get back into acrylics and oils.

Jackie painted while in high school and became interested in painting again after she raised her family. Although Jackie's work as an artist varies in style and subject matter, she is frequently inspired by her own five cats (Frank, Dennis, Eddie, Lily and Donald), as well as the furry companions of her friends and family. 

To see more of Jackie's wonderful drawings, visit her gallery at Feline Artists.

I have the lovely privilege of knowing this artist personally.  She is my dear Friend.  Amber Day is a self-taught artist, who's beautifully detailed watercolors are exceptional.  Though she paints a variety of subjects, her cat drawings are especially cool.  There is a whimsical quality to her work which greatly inspires me.  You can find Amber's collectible artwork for sale on Ebay under animaegirl! I own a few pieces of her work, including the tiger above, so I feel especially blessed!

You can see more of Amber's charming artwork at Doodles by Amber.

Here is another of my favorite artists, Lynn Risor.  She is an inspiration to me.  I especially love her cats.  I have no idea how she is able to create the beautiful paintings she does--but I am grateful to God for her presence in this world.  Lynn also does incredible murals, as well as animals painted on rocks which look so real they almost seem to move.  She is a brilliantly gifted artist and I am honored to call her Friend.

To see more of Lynn's charming artwork, visit her blog and art gallery at L. Risor.

 If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

Bootz The Cat - Goodbye Dear Girl

Friday morning our darling Bootz fell ill and was gone in a matter of hours.  My husband and I are still a little shell shocked.

A visit to the vet revealed Bootz The Cat had a collapsed lung and an enlarged heart, with only hours left to live.  Bootz did not show any symptoms of discomfort, until just a few hours before she died.  We  miss her with all our hearts.

We are grateful to have had her in our home for the short time she lived here.  This is a sketch of our dear Bootz--I will be doing a full pen and ink based on this graphite sketch, then a colored version. 

Bootz The Cat rests peacefully beneath the bird bath--I am sure she must be delighted.  Though she was an indoor cat, one of her chief delights, besides my husband and myself--was to watch birds through the office window.

Yehaw! Eagles and Snarling Lions

These are ACEO cards which I made for my Sissy Clytie, Niece Victoria, Mum and Dad.  You will have to guess which went to whom.  (grin)

I will be away from my desk next week, so will not be able to put up FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, however, I'll be back the following week, so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Love at First Sight - Guest Heart Thursday

No hidden hearts today!  They are in plain sight.  As you can see, these two are in love.  This ACEO was inspired by Bootz the Cat.   In real life, as I type these words, Bootz is lounging across the corner of my desk, her head resting on the phone book like a pillow.  Bootz is a Ragdoll.  She isn't even full grown, yet sports a 14-inch tail.  Her body is 16-inches long.  Add those together, with her considerable muscle and girth--she's quite a girl!

Bootz the Cat fills our life and home with laughter.  How grateful we are for this loving little, er humongous roommate!

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #18

Some of you have asked about the Name "FAT Tuesday."  It is merely a clever acronym my sweet Sis and I came up with for Featured Art Tuesday! 

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes every type of medium, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  
I hope you will join in the fun!

J. Stephen Hunter is one of my favorite artists.  He is incredibly imaginative and creative, as you will see when you look at the various mediums he uses.  Not only does he paint light in a way I've never seen before, but he creates whimsical clocks, beautiful things out of leaves and is a gifted photographer.  I have met this gentle, brilliant teacher in person.  He has inspired my heart in every area of my own art.  

He writes, "…I love being an artist.  I know I am one because the voices in my head all come from my right brain! Creativity is my adrenaline so I'm continually doing new things and avoiding repetition. I hope I never get pigeon-holed into “this is what I do.”

To see more of J. Stephen Hunt's wonderful art, visit Right Brain Reader. 

I have the lovely privilege of knowing this artist personally.  Amber Day is a self-taught artist, who's beautifully detailed watercolors are exceptional.  She constantly surprises me with her imagination and wit.  She makes me laugh, yet there is often an interesting pathos to be found in her art.  There is a whimsical quality to her work which greatly inspires me.  You can find Amber's collectible artwork for sale on Ebay under animaegirl! I own a few pieces of her work, so I feel especially blessed!

Of herself, Amber simply writes, "I am a stay-at-home Mom, artist, and author.  I've been happily married for 12 years now (we are still on our honeymoon).  I'm a life long Oregonian and love the greenery and mountainous landscape of this state!"

You can see more of Amber's charming artwork at Doodles by Amber Day.

Bill Ross is new to me.  I LOVE his hilarious cartoons.  They make me laugh and his concepts are brilliant.  I hope to see more of this artist's inspiring work!  

Bill writes,  "I was... fortunate to make the brilliant decision to move to Nashville, Tennessee, the greatest city on the planet. I know, that's a debatable assessment of Nashville, but I really, really like it here. I'm convinced that if I could sing, play an instrument, or were good looking, I could be a country music star. Till then, I make my living drawin' funny pictures, and painting rectangular paintings."

To see more of Bill Ross's humorous artwork visit Bill Ross Draws.  

Melinda Lincoln-Napoletano is one of the most thoughtful, inspiring individuals I've had the pleasure of knowing.  Her eclectic pieces are a study in contrasts--her poetry is moving and her thoughts are profound.

She writes, "I still believe in magic and dreams and that I am the one in charge of creating my own reality. This is a very magical time of year and I absolutely refuse to let anyone destroy that for me. This next year will be a time of growth for me....of making dreams come true and accomplishing goals....of determination and hard work...of changes.....and to be honest...I am tired of waiting around for my life to sort of happen on its own....I gotta make whatever happen happen if I want it to....so look out 2011!"

To  be utterly inspired, visit Breathe.

I found Rosie Rowe in my search for inchys.  They are tiny detailed one-by-one inch drawings--Rosie's are exquisite!  However, once I'd lost myself in her blog, I found even more treasure.  She is a very creative lady.  One of my favorites is the piece I found above.  What a beauty!  And how very inspiring.   

Rosie writes, "...the more I write, the more occurs to me and I lose myself in the page. I don’t have time at the moment to set aside proper time for art journaling. I sit with a tray on my lap to support my French Kitty book, a glue stick, my printouts, scissors and a couple of clear tubs which hold my most used pens and pencils, my tin of Neocolour Brights II and a watercolor brush."

To see more of Rosie's fabulous work, visit Altered Art & Stuff.

If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

 

Amber Kitty

This was a Christmas gift for a dear friend of mine, Amber.  She is one of the sweetest people I know, and a wonderful artist as well.  You can see more of Amber's amazing artwork at Doodles by Amber Day.

You can also find Amber's collectible artwork for sale on Ebay under animaegirl!

Heart of Joy - Guest Heart Thursday

When I think of hearts I am more often feeling joy, rather than heart ache--though that is a real part of having a heart in the first place.  I am so grateful for joy.  For the beauty of friendship's smile.

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #17

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  

Valerie Greeley is an incredible illustrator and textile designer. As you can see by the piece above, her work is exquisitely detailed and absolutely lovely.  I am a longtime fan and am deeply inspired by this amazing artist who has a passion for pattern and creating books from start to finish--that includes illustration, decoration, printing and binding!  Since I've become acquainted with Valerie--I've made a few books from start to finish myself. 

Of the piece featured above Valerie writes, “I choose this new illustration to start off the year, I have brought the lemons, you will find hot water in the pot, now you need to add some honey, stir well with the spoon provided and help yourself to a piece of cake!"

To see more of Valerie's wonderful artwork visit Acornmoon.

  

 

I was fascinated by Rebeca Trevino's incredible box art.  I especially loved the one featured above.  She says she has been making boxes most of her life--even as a little girl.  Her description of herself as a child artist is charming.  Each box is beautifully crafted--each has a unique personality and message. 

Rebeca writes, ". . .   As each box emerges, it develops its own personality and strength.  At the heart of my work is the absolute need to recycle things, to rescue stuff that has been forgotten or thrown away.  In a sense the “stuff” gets reborn, it gains new meaning, a new career.  The materials I use seem to have a sadness to them.  I love taking unwanted items to create new images so people can see their own story. Each box is absolutely one of a kind.”

To see more of Rebeca's wonderful boxes visit Obtainium Art.

 

Patsy, a wonderfully creative collage and scrapbook artists lives in the Philippines.    I was totally fascinated and inspired by her journal--I've featured one of the pages above.  Each page is a study in fascination.  I absolutely LOVE her artwork and feel inspired to start a journal of my own, such as she has featured on her blog.

Patsy writes, “When I get home from work, I stay in my craft room and make collages, scrapbook layouts, ATCs, and think of ways to re-use things normal people would throw away."

To see more of Patsy's marvelous journal art, visit HeARTworks.

 

 

I was totally captivated by Samantha Marshall's twisted wire jewelry.  As you can see by the lovely necklace pictured above, her work is so intricate, it boggles the mind.  I want to sit and stare each piece--wondering how she was able to create such beautiful things.  She creates Artist Trading Cards.  Her tiny paintings are also quite wonderful.

Samantha writes, “I really love all sorts of art and at the moment I really enjoy making ATCs and jewellery. I am starting to get back into drawing as well, after 20 years of not doing any!!!  I love my job as a teacher and I am so lucky to be able to teach in many different areas in Western Australia. I am teaching in the far north-east of Western Australia at the moment and it's spectacular!!!!  I am so lucky to have a wonderful family-my daughters and my husband are a constant source of joy and inspiration.”

To see more of Samantha's intricately eclectic jewelry and artwork, visit Art Junket. 

 

 

Patricia Chapman's art  made me laugh--as you can see she has a tremendous sense of humor.  The piece above is called Power Hungry.  (grin)  Each of her one-of-a-kind pieces evoke strong emotions in me.  I was charmed.  I was amazed.  I was inspired.

Patricia writes, “I create assemblage and collage art using found objects and found images, text, and a large measure of humor. I draw my subject matter from life, love, and other impossible situations.”

To see more of Patricia's humorously creative artwork visit Assemblosity.

 

 If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

Springtime Winds - Guest Heart Thursday

I know winter has just begun, but the girl inside my heart longs for the breath of Springtime Winds.  Here in Oregon we have had, even for us web-footers, more than our share of rain so far.  In the event of a soggy winter without much hope for snow, I find myself already longing for spring with its fragrant flowers and green leaves.

Hence, I finished drawing this bit of Springtime just this morning.  With this bit of spring--my heart is happy again!  If you look closely you will find some hidden hearts--how many can YOU find?  Happy New Year everyone!

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #16

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  

This wonderful white on black drawing is by Jim Bumgarner, a new artist I've just recently discovered.  What amazing work he does. I felt so inspired by this drawing of John Lennon.  I think I'm going to have to give this technique a try! This drawing is a part of The Sketchbook Project.  I had never heard of this particular project, but it sounds like an interesting idea!

Jim writes, "I found "The Sketchbook Project" online and my vanity got the best of me. The project is one where participants enter their sketchbooks into the Brooklyn Library where they will be barcoded, scanned and entered into their permanent collection." 

To see more of this wonderful artist's work visit Sketches & Stuff.

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Chloe is the artist who made these beautiful colorful beads.  They are made of felt!  I was so fascinated with the idea of felt beads--this is something I must look into now.  This multi-talented artist has a wonderful blog featuring all the things she creates--including drawing and sewing!  What a creative lady she is!  I have thoroughly enjoyed this dear lady's blog.

Chloe writes, "I've been really keen on working with felt of late, and have been intrigued by the idea of creating 3D structures with it. I started off by experimenting with some felt beads today, not sure what I'll do with these, they'll either end up as jewelery or in a piece of work. They were great fun to do!"

To peruse this lovely art site visit Slightly Triangle.

Recently my talented and creative Sister Clytie created a set of ACEO cards depicting the 12 days of Christmas.  

The drawing above is my favorite of Clytie's eclectic and marvelous set of cards.  I love the dancing lady trees--they are so ethereal and lovely to my eyes.  My sweet Sister is one of my greatest inspirations.  She is one of the most beautiful, creative people I know.  Clytie is not only my sister (oh, lucky me!) but she is one of my very very best friends.  

Sissy writes, "Each work I show here is made from GENUINE graffiti, trash, recycled wallpaper, and found treasures...I have never felt like an artist before - until now."

To see more of Clytie's intriguing artwork, visit Random He'Art'work. 

I fell in love with Geninne's artwork and adore her relationship with her sewing machine.  I can relate!  This multi-media artist is well worth watching!  Her whimsical pieces are inspiring and make me smile.

Geninne writes, "Lola is my beautiful new Singer sewing machine…  I named her Lola because it's what I would've named a daughter if I had one ;)  My other machine died (R.I.P.) from a fall a few months ago…The machine cover I had made for it didn't fit Lola so I had to make her a new one :)  I dyed a yard of natural canvas into a military green color that I love mixing olive green, black & a little bit of brown store bought fabric dye.  I cut patchwork birds our of 100% wool felt and attached them using blanket stitch with my favorite stash of vintage crewel wool…"

To see more of this lovely artist's work, visit  Geninne's Art Blog.

Hazel is another artist new to me.  As you can see from the piece pictured above, she uses stamps and ordinary items to create beautiful things.  I felt so inspired visiting her web page!  Isn't this altered flower and book cute?!

Hazel writes, "The book was a bit fiddly to make, but worth it to me. The ends of the pages are cut from my book and sized to fit inside the matchbox cover. They were gilded so that they would blend in with the front of the book, which is solid with 'pretend' pages. There was a gap between the two stacks of end pages which was big enough to take the peg doll. Then I made a book cover as I would for a real book. It even opens!"

To see more wonderfully creative artwork by Hazel, visit But Is It Art?

 If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

Merry Christmas!

This is my rendition of the Ghost of Christmas Present, a profound character found in the story of Scrooge.  He is such a jolly fellow.  I adore the story and I have a copy of just about every movie made featuring Scrooge--with the exception of Mr. Magoo.

This drawing has no pen and ink lines--it was done entirely with Prismacolor pencils.  Of course, my Beloved posed for this piece--and every time I look into those clear blue eyes?  (sigh)  Well, my heart starts beating faster!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Christmas Holly Fairy - Guest Heart Thursday

This is one of those drawings I started not knowing what would end up on the page.  I laughed at the idea of a lovely lady surrounded by prickly holly--but then I realized since she's the Christmas Holly Fairy--they wouldn't prick her!  There are lots of hearts hidden in this drawing.  Can you find them? 

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #15

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

 (You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.)

Brenda Mousseau's artwork is charming and inspiring.  I love her watercolors--they're so whimsical and full of life.  I only recently became acquainted with this wonderful artist!

After she stopped painting for a time, she writes about her return as an artist, "...I stopped painting for a long time. I've decided to finish it. Mostly because I feel compelled to start painting again, because not painting makes me miserable"  I have been through this myself.  I deeply admire this precious woman's courage.  I am SO glad she began painting again.  

To see more of B. Mousseau lovely world of paintings visit Moussart!

Niki is also new to me.  Her latest project is a hand-made calendar.  Each picture is original and designed so it can be removed to frame!  Her work is whimsical and makes me smile. What a creative lady!  She has this calender up for SALE!

She writes of her fascinating blog, "Join me as I share the ups and downs of the creative life. I'll share my paintings, ideas, experiences as a full time artist and peeks into my other creative hobbies."

To see more of Niki's artwork visit The Vintage Artist.

Here is another artist--Lorrie Bennett from Fort Myers, Florida--who's artwork just boggles my mind.  This is an ACEO card--only 3.5x2.5 inches big--yet the detail is exquisite. I am a great admirer of hers.  This piece was especially inspiring. 

She writes, "I can't stop! I can't! It's crazy! I am officially an ACEO addict. I have really loved this form of art for quite a while now because it allows me to create just about anywhere! A few small supplies in my purse and when the moment allows...off to the world of creating..."

To see more of Lorrie's incredible artwork visit D.Zine After Hours.

Brenda's "Dollings" are SO adorable!  They have such a darlingness about them--I want to hug each and every one of these whimsical creations.  I especially loved the one pictured above.

She writes, "Little Dollings were born in the fall of 2006, at my kitchen table, overlooking my backyard garden. Three years and many dollings later, they now originate from "The Artsy Room", a space created especially for them."

To see more of Brenda's lovely dolls, visit Little Dollings.

I first became aware of James' amazing photography through my sister Clytie.  James hosts Weekend Reflections every week, along with some incredible photos, such as the one above.  This wonderful photographer is an inspiration to me and to photographers across the world.

James writes, "I'm an avid self taught photographer with a Canon T1i and a few lenses. I love learning and discovering through trial and error."

To see more of this talented photographer's work visit Newtown Area Photos.

Leaf Me Alone, Revisited

In honor of the last few leaves clinging to the branches of the black walnut tree outside my office window, I am re-posting this leaf draped faery girl--who, as you can see, doesn't want to be seen.

There are so many kinds of leaves! Several varieties last clear through winter. Some are spiked like the snippy fir. Others, such as cedar trees, spread their fronds like fragrant fingers into the air. There is an evergreen tree in our back yard, who's dark green leaves are flat, hard and shiny. They clack together in winter storms.

I like the bumps budding leaves make beneath the skin of Winter bare branches just before they unfurl in the warmth of springtime sunshine. I enjoy the tender spring green leaves of the aromatic honey trees growing along the river. I sing with the soft swishing music leaves make in summertime breezes. The colors of Fall always take my breath away, whether I am looking at them collectively covering the hillsides with gorgeous color, or closely admiring a single astonishingly colored leaf in my fingers.

Leaves are wonderful.

Forgive me, but I must say it. (grin) I can hardly "leaf" them alone....

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #14

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday, these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

 (You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.)

I only recently became acquainted this amazing artist through Dancing Mango.  Monica's artwork has a certain magic about it, which inspires me.  This graceful woman is a teacher, musician and artist, who at age 19 became Miss New Mexico!  This talented lady even has a music video!

She writes, "Because of the unique way I molded my self, I am always experimenting with new ways of creating and putting things together.  The magic of creativity fascinates me."  

To see more wonderful artistry in many different mediums, visit Monica Zuniga's Artwork!

I have been a big fan of Henny's wonderful photography and artwork for a long time now.  She sees the world in a way which inspires me.   Her recent set of intriguing photos capturing the movements of this small hawk fulled me with wonder.  You will also love her stunning photos of frozen dewdrops.

She writes, "I draw and make pictures about sense and seemingly non-sense. About beauty around, yet in hurrylife and all important else, forget to look and see. About God's glimpse shining through."

To see more of Henny's incredible artwork and photography visit iWings.

Once again I am featuring the profoundly lovely Photings.  There are often days I have needed the wisdom found in a Photing.  The words used by this artist are perfectly suited to the marvelous photography.  Magic Eye has a unique way of seeing the world which fascinates and inspires me. 

To see more of these beautifully crafted sayings, visit Photings.

Because of the unique quality of her artwork, I am featuring Megan a second time.  She is a Collage Artist!  To create her incredibly intricate works of art, she cuts tiny pieces of various colors from magazines and newspapers--then puts them together to create wonderful pieces such as the The Flamingo Dancers.

Now she has something new on the back burner.  Megan writes, "Recently I started watching quite a few animation video tutorials. I'm itching to get started on an animated collage. However, you can't always do everything at once, so I'll have to be patient and wait until I have some more free time to devote to a new project. For now, I'm off to work on a commission and a couple of illustrations."

To see more of Megan's fascinating artwork visit Megan at Megan Coyle - Collage Artist.

Milly is new to me.  I recently ran across her wonderful drawings and was promptly charmed--not only by her great giftedness in capturing nature--but by her wonderful stories and sense of humor.  Milly's exquisite drawings remind me of the art described by Gene Stratton Porter in her colorful books.  As you might imagine, the narrative behind this set of Milly's sketches is darling!  Be sure to visit her blog to hear the rest of the story!

She writes, "...Hope you like our pet house mouse. He is actually a Long Tailed Field mouse or Woodmouse. He is very cute, I might knit him a jumper for Christmas." 

For a smile and a giggle, and a look at Milly's sketchbook visit Drawings From Nature.

I'm All Ears - Guest Heart Thursday

I will be continuing FAT Tuesday next week.  I apologize for missing this week's featured artists--I had a medical crisis--but all is well now.  Thanks for your patience!

Can you find the two hearts in this drawing?  Inspired by great artists from the past, here is a surreal drawing of Elvis the Main Coon cat. He filled our house with his magnificent girth and gigantic personality.
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We will always and ever miss his sonorous song and funny kitty cat wit. He could say a million things with his eyes and a flip of his long whiskers. Here he is saying, "I love you. Got food?"

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