Beauty Flowing - Art Creations Friday

This is my first real submission for Art Creations Friday.  This challenge was fun--especially since I have been sick and have not been able to do much more than sit on the couch and veg.  I find when I am expressing myself artistically I forget I'm feeling miserable.  I love Art Nouveau!

This, of course, is a re-make (as if anyone could actually remake anything by Mucha) of one of my favorite artists in the world, Alphonse Mucha.

To see more wonderful creations in all kinds of artistic venues, visit Art Creations Friday!

Playing Hide and Seek - Guest Heart Thursday

This whimsical piece is for Guest Heart Thursday.  Once again, I've hidden a bunch of hearts--I haven't even counted them yet--can you tell me how many there are?

This was also part of an art challenge my Sisters Clytie and Deann encouraged me to take part in!  But I have been so ill I haven't been able to upload it until this morning--I think I'm probably too late to take part in the actual art challenge--There are some wonderful samplings of people's creativity at Art Creations Friday Challenge.

However, even though I'm late, I thought I'd share it here--enjoy!  These little elves are playing hide and seek.  I am pretty sure the fellas sitting on the toadstools know exactly where their playmate is hiding and are planning some kind of mischief.  Have a great day!

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 #9

I created FAT Tuesday to showcase inspiring artists and to provide a forum for Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of arts, 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.)  

This exquisite silver leaf necklace is an example of Angela's detailed artistry, which is inspired by the world around her.  This wonderful artist uses her talents to create the most amazing pieces.  She writes, "Nothing evokes a feeling of rejuvenation and inspiration for me like the cool crisp days of autumn. All of nature prepares itself for the coming of winter, and while some have the urge to bundle up and settle in, my instinct is to be out and exploring. I feel my most creative at this time of year. I come alive at the scent of newly fallen leaves, and I can't help but marvel at nature's ever constant changing canvas..." 

To see more of Angela's beautiful photography and artwork visit SoftNos Designs.

I believe art is not confined to an ability to draw.  There are a variety of artists in this world -- musicians, clothing designers, gardeners and cooks, to name a few!  I found Coralie Cederna Johnson through Pink Saturday -- what a lovely, generous woman she is!  Then I found her blog with fabulous old recipes from the fifties.  It is plain to see this dear lady is an artist -- Not in the conventional way -- but an artist just the same.  She writes, "As a lover of all things vintage, I write about our cottage home, inspirational decorating, vintage finds, thrifty buys, and old-time recipes. I have many additional interests such as reading, writing, blogging, arts and crafts, and quilting..."

To discover the joys of cooking with wonderful nearly forgotten recipes, visit Coralie at Charming Vintage Recipes.

Christina Cairns makes the most beautiful hand-made ornaments I've ever seen.  I happened upon her blog as I was looking for ideas for Christmas gifts.  I was struck by the grace and beauty of her artwork.  Happily, Christina has an Etsy Shop.  You can find that link on her blog.  She writes, "I am an artist, mother, and creator of things. Dreamer of dreams, singer of songs, believer in magic, lover of tall tales and true, and maker of the world's best ever Pan Forte."  She is someone I would love to meet someday!

To see this talented artist's work visit A Mermaid in The Attic.

Here is another artist I ran into through Facebook.  Robin Leath's artwork is stunning.  I was just blown away by her imagination and the beauty of her pieces.  Robin doesn't appear to have an actual blog featuring her work, but she does have an Etsy shop.  She writes, "My paintings are all original and one of a kind. I am a life long artist and for the most part, self taught."

To view Robin's amazing artwork visit Original Art by RR Leath.

This is one of my favorites--Love of Roses--by my precious sis Deann.  She is one of the best digital artists I've ever seen, not to mention her wonderfully creative pieces created with paint and canvas.  Deann's artwork is imaginative and whimsical with a bit of magic thrown in.  I am honored to call this dear lady my Friend and Sister.

To see more of Deann's marvelous artwork, visit The Whimsey Asylum.

Three Hearts - Guest Heart Thursday

This is a watercolor of a wind chime which hangs out on our front porch. It is one of the very few watercolors I have done in my life.
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The chimes have hung on the porch of every home we've lived in for a little over 20 years. Over the years they've reminded me to pray for the family of the dear one who gave them to me.
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There are poignant memories associated with these chimes. When I hear the music they play as they whisk around in the wind, it reminds me that God is in the business of the miraculous and that there is always hope.

For more wonderful 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 - #8

I created FAT Tuesday to showcase inspiring artists and to provide a forum for Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of arts, 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 blog 
(We artists need to encourage each other!)

*  Be sure to put 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 recently became acquainted with Sandrine Curtiss through Amber Day, another wonderful artist.  Sandrine is mostly a self-taught artist who, inspired by her older sister, started drawing portraits with graphite pencils.

Sandrine manages many mediums -- and her artwork, which comes in many sizes -- is exquisite.  She especially enjoys drawing color pencil animals in small formats, such as ACEO cards.  These cards are like tiny pieces of jewelry. This talented artist is an inspiration to me.

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

  Shuttered Screams House Shattered Dreams 

Waking in the memory
of a lovers voice
with
the sound of flawed violins,
echoing from the shore
 and
Eros hides
a broken arrow
until
she cries no more

(I cry no more).

 
I found Saraha's poetry quite by accident.  Her poems are especially lovely and deeply touching.  Above is an example of her wonderful wordsmithery.  She is a thoughtful individual who, for various reasons, sees the world differently than the rest of us.  She writes, "These words are not the beginning or end of my Soul, but my Soul's breath blows through every word."

To experience Saraha's unique world, visit Dancing With the Waves of the Sea.

I found Dani through my sister Clytie's heart blog.  I was amazed at how similar these two talented artists think.  They are so much alike, it is scary!  Dani's heart photography is incredible as you can see by this bell pepper heart!  Sissy told me once that hearts find Dani.  And it is true.   Dani writes, "As she (Clytie) says these hearts find me, so I felt like giving them a home. A lovely one."

To see some amazingly unusual hearts by Dani visit A Lovely Home for Hearts.

Terry Border's artwork is wonderful, unusual and a bit strange.  But perhaps that is the secret of it's charm.  He is also the author of Bent Objects, the Secret Life of Everyday Things, a wonderful book which can be purchased online.  His way of looking at our world is striking, funny and sometimes poignant. 

To see more of Terry Border's fascinating artwork, visit Bent Objects by Terry Border.

Mark Gibson is an outstanding photographer.  He is the photographer for The Dalles Daily News, located in Oregon's great Columbia Gorge.

His photography is incredible, his writing is thought provoking and interesting.  His points of view are fascinating.  I am very proud of my brother Mark.  He is a true artist--and an inspiration to me.

To see more of Mark's wonderful photography, visit An On-Going Voyage of Re-Discovery.

Costume Party - Guest Heart Thursday

I love mermaids--being a part of the Mermaid Artist group has been great fun for me.  Here's my latest.  As you can see these two are preparing for a Costume Party!  Both are quite demure.

I have hidden 17 or more hearts in this drawing--can you find them all?  I thought this would be perfect for today's Guest Heart Thursday!  Have fun--and be sure to let me know how many you found.

For more wonderful 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 #7

I created FAT Tuesday to showcase inspiring artists and to provide a forum for Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of arts, 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 blog 
(We artists need to encourage each other!)

*  Be sure to put a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.
(You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.) 

Sharon Griffes Tarr is a wonderful artist and teacher.  She freely shares her wealth of knowledge about art through her unique blog.  Her thoughts, ideas and newest paintings come fresh from her easel.  Sharon writes, "I have two studios that stimulate my creative nature. One has walls and the other has sky above and ground below. Each is unique in its own right and offers unexcelled creative stimulus."

Sharon has been a huge inspiration to me.  Being mostly self-taught I am always interested in learning more.  Sharon has a great deal to offer.  To see more of her amazing artwork visit Art Talk and Images.

Kathryn Kelton is a wonderful artist from Florida.  I only recently discovered her beautiful artwork.  She is a painter of angels, mermaids and fairies.  This turtle is one of her hand-painted wooden keepsake boxes.  She is very creative artist also putting her hand to fused glass pendants and sun catchers!  Kathryn says,  "I am dedicated to helping us all remember that we are never alone...the Angels are with us."

To see more of this eclectic artist's work, visit Newest Art at Angelself.

This is hardly room to describe all the things this artist/photographer/calligrapher/philosopher has accomplished in his life.  Abraham Lincoln, descendant of President Lincoln, is one of my greatest inspirations.  As you can see, his artwork is exquisite.  In addition, Mr. Lincoln's photography is extraordinary, his blog comments are thoughtful and sometimes revolutionary--but always interesting. 

For a taste of this amazing artist's thoughts and work visit Old Man Lincoln's Blog.

I found Stacey's blog about six months ago.  She is an amazing lady--She has a small boutique located in the heart of Antique Row in Kensington, MD.  What fascinated me about her blog is the way Stacey arranges and photographs her pieces.  She is an artist and doesn't even know it.  And like me, she loves antiques!  She writes,  "Just the mere word makes me giddy with excitement. I love to hunt for fabulous old pieces, and I thrive on finding a small vintage bauble or bit. Anything from Victorian buttons to mid-century rhinestones gives me joy~ Even if it’s chippy and/or broken, it can still find a place in both my shop and my heart."

To see Stacey's fabulous online shop, visit Flotsam and Jetsam.

 Joanne May's work is such an inspiration--I love the texture of her artwork, the beauty of her subjects.  Of course, the whimsical nature of her art delights my soul.  I knew exactly what she was feeling when she wrote, "The other night I could not sleep.  I was wide awake and full of energy.  I could hear the owl calling outside my bedroom window, he seemed to be encouraging me to stay awake.  Eventually I got up and made myself a warm drink, hoping I would feel sleepy, but instead I decided to pick up my sketchbook and draw until five in the morning."

To see more of Joanne's wonderful artwork visit, Joanne May Illustration.

Kitten Wings - ACEO

I have always loved the whimsical children's book series about cats with wings--Cat Wings.  I've always drawn cats with wings--along with horses, people, faeries and the like.  But there's something about the idea of cats with bird wings which intrigues me.

This tiny drawing is only 2.5 x 3.5 inches.  It is like a little piece of paper jewelry.  I love how the colors turned out on this one--The prismacolors blended perfectly that day!  Have a great weekend!

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #6

I created FAT Tuesday to showcase inspiring artists and to provide a forum for Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of arts, 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 blog 
(We artists need to encourage each other!)

*  Be sure to put a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.
(You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.) 

Valerie Greeley is an illustrator and textile designer.   I love the detail she puts into her artwork.  She has been such an inspiration to me.  She writes, "I have a passion for pattern and for creating books from start to finish including the illustration, decoration, printing and binding." Wow! And isn't this squirrel darling?  The story behind the artwork is fun, too.

Please visit Valerie to see her inspiring artwork, at AcornMoon.  

James Browne has been an inspiration to me for years.  James' whimsical artwork just fills my eyes.  The artist  writes, "The road for me has just begun and there is still much to paint. I may need a faery or two to help me hold my brush when I am old and grey but in the meantime I will let the paint flow and the imagination soar. I have a lifetime to paint, with a subject matter that is endless, with one goal in mind, and that is, to keep the child in all of us." 

To observe the fantastic world of this amazing artist, visit Everland!

I recently found Alison King on Illustration Friday--what a hoot!  Alison's artwork made me laugh and filled my eyes.  As you can see from this wonderfully humorous drawing, she has a very different way of looking at the world!

You can find her fabulous artwork at Alison King's Illustrations.

I saw this wonderful piece at my parent's home--My darling Sissy, who is one of my greatest inspirations, has done it again!  This is just perfect for the upcoming holiday!  Those are REAL spiderwebs, you know!  She writes, "I watched as the abandoned mega-church across the street became a magnet for taggers and graffiti artists. Many works of art were made on walls backed with drywall. Subsequent vandals kicked in these walls, leaving pieces of graffiti scattered around. I pick these up, remove the drywall backing, and turn them into art." Each piece Clytie shows on her blog is made from GENUINE graffiti, trash, recycled wallpaper, and found treasures.  My sweet sis writes, "I have never felt like an artist before - until now."

Please join  Clytie on her He'Art'ful journey to "become the artist she never thought she was."  (grin)  The truth is, I've always known an artist lived in her soul--she is one of my greatest inspirations.

You can find her wonderful artwork at He'Art'ful.

I love this artist's creative bent.  She is SO creative, as you can see from this beautifully crafted Christmas ornament she made from a small tin she bought from Walmart! What fun! 

You will be totally inspired when you visit Tales from an OC Cottage.

Sneaking a Peek, ACEO - Guest Heart Thursday

Here you see our Bootz napping next to a wall covered with hearts.  That birdie perched on her tail had better watch out!  She's sneaking a peek.  And is likely to pounce once she's all the way awake!

Bootz is our kitten with the extraordinarily long tail!  I created this cartoon, using her playful personality.

For more wonderful 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 #5

I'm sorry I'm a day late with the FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight!   Please feel free to join--the link will be open until next Monday evening.

I created FAT Tuesday to showcase inspiring artists and to provide a forum for Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of arts, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday, check out these 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 blog 
(We artists need to encourage each other!)

*  Be sure to put 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 found Al's wonderful photography blog some time ago.  This is one of his photos from many years ago.  A one time lecturer, writer on European Affairs and bus conductor, Alan Burnett now divides his time between walking the dog and a little harmless blogging.  I have been inspired by his gifted photography work, I know  you will be too!

To see more of Al's photography, visit Al's Daily Photo Blog.

I have followed Peggy for a year or so.  She is SO creative--and inspiring!  Peggy says, "I often use old family pictures in my pieces and feel good about giving them birth again. I love to laugh, am very sentimental, and cry more happy tears than sad ones."  She enjoys seeing all the new art of her artist Friends and says she learns something new every day.  She is an inspiration!

To see more of Peggy's creative artwork visit Peggy's Mixed Up Art.

I found Diane's blog through Illustration Friday.  Her work is whimsical and precious.  She says, "I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite."  This happy attitude is reflected in her artwork.  Diane is a brilliant, thoughtful artist who's work delights the eye and tickles the funnybone.

To see more of this lovely artist's work, visit Diane at Dudadaze!

Somewhere along the line,

the big zero of time was twisted

at the waist to become an eight.

An hourglass of days, slipping slow

from the top, then fast below the belt.

Is it providence, or a lemniscate of fate?

I like to think of myself as a verb

and not the object. Chop-chop!

I wait the hours. I empty my head of winter.

I am frightened by other people’s fears,

but not of the eight, not of the hourglass of days.

September 2010 by Tess Kincaid

The poetry of Tess Kincaid captures the imagination.  She is a talented writer who's unique viewpoint often causes one to ponder.  Her poetry is exquisite and poignant.

To read more from Tess, visit Life at Willow Manor.

This artist uses color, patterns and words in a way that delights my soul.  One of her greatest inspirations is her eldest daughter who was mostly silent until she was three.  This wonderful Artist/Mom writes, "Then poof - nearly overnight - she started dispensing crisp, neatly articulated sentences based on the speech pattern of a 90 year old and the grammar rules from another planet."  I find it wonderful that this artist  has been inspired by her own dear little girl and this charming artwork is the result.   

To see more incredibly funny and delightful artwork, as well as fun photography visit Artsyville.

Ivy

As I type, Bootz the cat is sprawling upon my desk, watching each keystroke I make with GREAT interest.  We shall see how far I get before she attacks my fingers, or the keyboard! 

This is another of the drawings I created on our trip to Spokane.  I used Prismacolor pencils to add these brilliant colors.  My problem was that I used a different brand of ink pens.  The colored pencils caused the ink to smear into her delicate peach complection.  My solution was to add ivy leaves onto her face to create a more surreal effect.

You won't believe this, but Bootz the cat is playing with the, er, mouse.  Tch tch tch--as I type these words, the mouse pointer icon is wildly swinging over the monitor screen!

Have a perfectly wonderful Monday!

Happy Daisies, ACEO

I have been down with the the mungus gungus for four days.  While I was ill, I created this little ACEO (2.5x3.5 inch) card.

There's just something about it, which delights my eyes--and makes me feel all better.

Have a GREAT Friday!

Love at First Sight - Guest Heart Thursday

I have done a set of 20 small cartoons featuring our funny new cat Boots.  She has a longer than normal tail, so I have made this a part of the cartoon.  Boots has now learned to open doors and cupboards.  She is VERY smart and gets into a lot of trouble.  She's filled our life with laughter. 

For more wonderful 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 #4

I created FAT Tuesday to showcase inspiring artists and to provide a forum for Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of arts, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday, check out these 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 blog 
(We artists need to encourage each other!)

*  Be sure to put a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.
(You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.) 

Becky's artwork is filled with whimsical beauty.  She is a Mixed Media Artist who shares her joy of the things which bring her happiness.  She writes, "Sometimes the things I like are a bit silly but I like to laugh and so I hope you will be able to laugh along with me."

To visit see more of Becky's wonderful artwork, visit her at Whymsical Musings!

I am in awe of Desiree's talent!  She dabbles in many mediums, one of which is painting.  As you can see from this piece her work is amazing.  Her quilts are also extraordinary.  This talented artist's imagination has no bounds.  She says, "I am on a creative journey, and I would love for you to join me. Multimedia entertainment! Who knows what I will be working on next!?"

Well, I for one can hardly wait to see!  To see more of Desiree's lovely work, visit The Clothesline!

I only recently discovered the inspiring work of Bleu Turrell.  His graphite illustrations are soft and detailed.  They take my breath away.  Bleu writes, "My creative focus has been art and illustration for a while. I like to play around and try new things."

To find his fabulous "experimental and personal works" visit Bleu at Daily Artwork by Bleu Turrell.

 Krista's artwork always makes me smile.  There is something about her sense of humor and the way she see life--and shares it with the rest of the world that delights my heart.  She says, "I love to paint anything that celebrates life and the God who made us."  Indeed, her artwork shouts with joy!

To see more of this sweet artist's work, visit Krista at Krista Hamrick Illustrations!

Paula is a writer of poems and deeply thoughtful words.  She photoshops her poetry into old postcards and vintage artwork.  There have been so many times she has put into words, that nebulous thing which my heart senses and feels, but cannot express.  Her heart is so tender, her thoughts so touching.

To find Paula please visit Tattered Gold.