Dance of Hearts - Guest Heart Thursday

I was thinking about my sweet Sis Clytie last night, realized it was nearly Thursday and doodled this little Dance of Hearts.  I am fascinated with Art Nouveau--as you can see some of that style is incorporated here.

Of course I have hidden hearts all throughout the drawing!  How many can you find?

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 #50

This is my 50th FATuesday Artist Spotlight!  I'm so excited -- I can't believe we've actually hit the Fiftieth blog entry mark!  Thank you dear artists and friends for your support!  ~ 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, 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 hope you will join in the fun.

I've been acquainted with Lynn Risor's extraordinary artwork for over ten years now.  I first saw one of her charming rock paintings in Gig Harber, Washington.  I never forgot her name and always looked for her work.  I finally found her on DA, an online art page!  Lynn is not only an incredibly talented artist, but she is dear and sweet person in real life.  I am honored to call this incredible artist, my Friend.

Lynn writes of herself, "I am what I am! A child of God, daughter, sister, niece, mother, grand mother, friend, probably foe, sinner saved by grace, artist, and lover of life! I paint happy pictures often depicting furries, or feline, but prefer to remain separate from my art, to be seen as who I am - ME!"

To see more of Lynn's stunning artwork visit her on facebook at L. Risor Artist.  Her online gallery can be found at L. Risor.  Happily, she does work on commission and you can buy many of the pieces she shows online. 

I was so happy to find this wonderfully eclectic artist.  Hannah Redden's gracious artwork is lovely.  The way she sees her world and interacts with various mediums to create such unique pieces, inspires my soul. 

Hannah writes, "I'm working on a collection along the lines of 'Royal Oak' or something royalesque, I'm not quite sure of the exact name but I really like the theme.  I've been working with water colour and pen & ink, I recently got Photo Shop for my laptop so will soon be transferring my designs into screen images and repeat designs ready to be transferred into textile images.  I'm so excited!” 

To see more of Hanna's amazing artwork and read more about her fascinating adventures in the art world, visit Hannah Redden Print and Textile Artist.  

inhaling

autumn's soft breeze

she

became a new season

~ Tammie Lee

Isn't this lovely?  There is a soft beauty which flows from Tammie's graceful artwork which fills one's heart with wonder.  The words she writes to accompany her art and photography often touch my heart in a way I can't explain.
 

The way Tammie presents Montana's glorious mountains, rivers, flora and fauna is truly inspired.  She has a special gift to see her world in a way most people don't.  She is a dear friend and a great inspiration to me personally.

Tammie writes,  “Hello, my name is Tammie. I am a nature photographer and writer of poetry. I live in a wee cabin surrounded by woods, meadows and wildlife. Friends and family are dear to me. Days are filled with creative projects of many sorts.” 

To see more of this enchanting artist's work, visit Beauty Flows.  Her extraordinary photography can be found at Spirit Helpers.  Happily, you can also acquire Tammie's splendid photography through her Etsy shop, Montana Nature Photography. 

I am not sure how we first became acquainted, but I adore Karen!  Karen Xavier's pictured recipes are irresistible!   My mouth waters every time she posts one of them on her blog.  I am sure the fabulous aroma permeates the internet -- right onto my computer.  MMmmMmm!  But she is not only an extraordinary cook, she is also a marvelous photographer! 

I love to peruse her blog, which chronicles her life and adventures in South India.  As you can see by the photo above, she finds some fascinating subjects.

Karen writes, “I had a great childhood, grew up with twin brothers & a younger sister, (so you can imagine how a house with four kids is like) there was always the sound of things breaking, mom shouting, we kids fighting, laughing or crying... t'was chaos but it was a fun kinda chaos. Now all of us manage to get together once a year during the most wonderful season, Christmas. This is the month I live for... I also live for chocolates, ice cream, the rain, the ocean, the smell of something baking, music, memories, laughter, books, and a whole lot more.”  I enjoyed Karen's description of her growing up years!  I grew up in the same kind of wonderfully chaotic family. 

To check out Karen's scrumptious recipes and photography visit her blog, Contemplations and Ruminations.  To read more about her fascinating life in South India, visit Karen Xavier’s Photography, a Picture isWorth a Thousand Words…

Kelly Medford is new to me.  I was charmed and inspired by her astonishing oil paintings.  I have only done one oil in my life--now that I see Kelly's striking paintings, I feel like trying oils again.  Her style is so distinctive -- I love her use of color and the way she creates movement in her astonishing paintings.  

Of the painting above, Kelly writes, “I've started but never finished many a painting here of the same clump of cypress trees. In the past each time I started a painting here it either got too complicated trying to look up and deal with the drawing of all those branches, the light and shadow and then all that straggly Spanish moss hanging everywhere, so I never finished a painting here until today. This time I told myself  I was going to pick one tree and see it through. I got into painting this tree and wanted to see it through to the end.”

To see more of this remarkable artist's inspiring work, visit Adventures in Painting.  

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.

Faery in Rose - Guest Heart Thursday

Here she is, nestled in one of the last roses of Fall, before it's petals give way to frost and colorful leaves.  I would like to take a nap in that soft rose, too.  Yes, there are several hearts to be found in this picture--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!

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.

Music Nouveau - Guest Heart Thursday

My heart has been singing since Sissy came home from the hospital.  I doodled this "Art Nouveau" styled 2.5x2.5 inch ACEO/ATC to celebrate Clytie's homecoming and Guest Heart Thursday!  Such a wonderful lovely happy day!

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

Sissy Clytie is Home!

This is a commissioned piece I've been working on.  It is a picture of how I see Psalm 91.  These verses show us that The Creator's shadow overshadows our life's shadows.   I couldn't get the camera to do the graphite drawing justice--so when I'm done adding pen and ink, along with color, I'll put it up for you.

I am posting this drawing in celebration of my darling Sister Clytie's release from the hospital.

God was protecting her! As you were Praying for Clytie, the emergency room doctor got a bee in his bonnet.  Though the tests had come back with inconclusive results -- normal or just a tiny bit high, that wonderful doctor was convinced there was a blockage -- he would not give up looking.  Amazing, amazing!  He even asked for two-year old data in order to find the problem.  Because of this doctor's dogged persistence Sissy is going to be just fine.

Clytie had an angiogram yesterday morning, during which the actual blockage was discovered.  They cleared the vein, and put in a stent.  I spent yesterday afternoon with Clytie in the hospital and had the huge pleasure of picking her up and bringing her home this morning.

THANK YOU everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  I know there was an angel hanging over that doctor's shoulder, telling him to look further, when the tests said something completely different than the truth.

You can visit Clytie to welcome her home, at Random Hearts.  She tells me she can hardly wait to go walking!!!

Sissy Clytie Rushed to Hospital

I am letting everyone know that my sweet little sis Clytie was rushed to emergency this morning.  She was in tremendous pain.  This is the second time she's gone into emergency over the past few weeks.  Turns out what the doctors from local urgent care thought might be acid reflux disease--is in reality a blockage in her heart.   

I spoke with Sissy about an hour ago and she is feeling MUCH better.  She says they will be doing an angiogram tomorrow to find out where the blockage is.  After that, they are talking about putting a stent in.  Looks like she will be in the hospital for a few days until they figure out what's going on.

I would appreciate your prayers for Sissy's complete recovery.  She is heart of my heart--and the world would be a terribly dull place without her in it.  She's not only one of my own best friends, she is beloved to many people out there.

I will keep you updated here and on facebook.  Please drop by her blog and leave a note of encouragement for her.  You can visit her at Random Hearts.

Art Nouveau Roses - Guest Heart Thursday

 

Last night I was doodling--here are the results!  Three 3.5x2.5 inch ACEO/ATC cards.  The first was drawn with the idea of Guest Heart Thursday, the second two were just for fun.  After I add color to them, I'll put them up for sale in my Etsy shop! 

There is a hidden heart in one of these drawings--can you find it?

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

Springtime Awakening

Springtime in the forests of our childhood is beautiful.  There is a slow awakening, almost like the wintering forest has been sleeping and is stretching as it awakens -- springtime flowers, tender green leaves stealing over the sleepy forest.

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.

Pout - Guest Heart Thursday

I think these pouting lips look just like a heart.  This painting is an ACEO/ATC, the size of a baseball card.  Thinking of the beautiful face which inspired this painting, it isn't surprising her adorable pout brings hearts to mind. 

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 #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.

Orchid Faery - Pink Saturday

I once visited a greenhouse where rare orchids grew. That is where I met this little Orchid Faery, wearing these exotic blooms in her hair.  The orchids she wears are one of a kind, tended lovingly by a master gardener.

.

I started with a pencil sketch, which I inked in with various sized indelible ink Staedtler pens. After inking, I erased the pencil lines, then added vibrant color with my beloved Prismacolor pencils.

To make sure the outside edges remained crisp and clear, I re-inked some of the more prominent lines. This must be done with care, gently rolling the ink pen tips periodically, because bees wax from the Prismacolor pencils can clog the flow of the ink.

Since I can't bear to part with the original drawing, you can purchase a limited edition, signed, numbered print at my Etsy shop, BethLeda Artworx.

For more fabulous pink stuff, join Bev at How Sweet the Sound!

The Adventures of Toez, the Polydactyl Kitten - Guest Heart Thursday

Princess Twinkle Toez came to live with us about a month ago.  She has six toes on all but one paw.  She is what people sometimes refer to as a Mitten Cat, because her front paws look like mittens.  Her back paws look like her feet are on wrong, because the larger toe is on the outside of her foot--rather than the inside.

Below you see her with one of the toys she delights to bat across the floor.  Once she catches it, she often holds her prize between her hands--rather like a human!

Her feisty personality has inspired many small ACEO drawings.  She loves to play--often pouncing upon anything that moves--and sometimes it is all in her imagination.

Toez was sleeping in the window seat when I sketched this more realistic drawing of her.

After awhile she awoke with that quizzical look upon her whiskered face.  "What you doing?" she seems to say.  She would rather eat my pencil, you see--and why did I awaken her from her nap?  Well, she's just SO cute!  I'm sure as time proceeds there will be many more adventures from Toez, the Polydactyl Kitten

I will be putting these up for sale on Etsy after I add a little color!  

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