Illustration Friday - Summer

Sharing this mixed media reworking of an older drawing for the sunny IllustrationFriday.com prompt, Summer.

Click the link above to visit the I.F. site & enjoy what everyone is sharing. Please feel free to post your summer-inspired creations; the challenge is open all week. If you do play along, pop by and let me know so that I can check it out.

Enter to win an original painting from Risa Tritabaugh - ends 8/12

 

Hello again. Where has the time gone? 

Is your summer flying by? Mine sure is. I almost can't believe it already time to announce a new Thursday Giveaway. (By the way, if you are looking for the 2 winners of Jacquelyn Berl's prints click here). 

The new prize has been generously donated by mixed media artist Risa Tritabaugh. Did you catch Risa's Studio Tour on this blog last Saturday? If not, go check it out. I'll wait for you....dum de dum...hmmm..mmmm..mmmm...

Risa in the studio

Now wasn't that fun? Great space, huh? Lucky for us Risa is back to share more of her art & thoughts. on creativity.... And she brought a new prize for the next random drawing!! On 8/12 one lucky winner will take home her original painting Among The Flowers. Giveaway & prize details are at the bottom of this post. 

For now, put your feet up & stay awhile. I've got AC and tall glasses of iced tea. So beat the heat and visit with Risa for a few minutes while I go scrounge up some cookies....

Time Flies by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: Four years ago I entered a new phase of my life. I was basically done raising my two children as a single parent. Young adults, my "children" were ready to branch out on their own. And after 20 years of being single, I was getting married...to a man that encouraged  me to pursue my art!

Risa's Studio

RT: My hubby and I rented an artist studio to share. For the first time in my life, I had a dedicated creative space–a space where I could make a mess and not have to put everything away after each work session! 

work in progress

RT: I started painting like crazy! I love going to my studio, putting on my music, and painting the day away. A lot of things have changed since I moved into that studio space–

RT: I’ve created lots of new works and have opened my studio to the public for several Art Crawls (open studio events). Currently I am participating in two art crawls each year, plus a monthly open studio event. I am also looking for opportunities to show my work at other venues.

Risa & her painting Force Of Nature featured on a magazine

RT: I am tackling new technology to promote my art--I have been writing a blog for several years now and love combining my love for writing and painting there. I opened an Etsy shop. I’m on Facebook and Twitter! I just created my own website, http://www.createdbyrisa.com !

RT: My hubby and I moved from our apartment into a nearby artist co-operative building. I have kept my Jax studio for painting and making messes, but also do some work in my new Tilsner space. We love living in the artist community of Lowertown St. Paul!

RT: Recently I was laid off from my job as a social worker and have decided to spend this summer painting. (Why not make lemonade out of lemons?!) Having the time to pursue my art full-time has allowed me to finish a lot of older pieces and start several new series.

works in progress

RT: I primarily work with acrylics on canvas, but have begun doing some mixed media work as well. My artwork explores many subject matters and themes, often drawing from my life experiences. Through my art I look at what is hard in life and what brings us beauty. I explore relationships and the forces that keep us going. I love using bold, intense colors (like those on my studio walls) and playing with texture. I hope my artwork reflects my passion and energy.

RT: My latest work has been focused more on the “what brings us beauty” part. My soul just needs that right now. I think the whole world needs that right now. 

works in progress

RT: When I found out that I might be laid off, I went into the studio and knew that I needed to paint hope. The Hope Garden series was born. I’ve started a new series that features more muted teals and purples, but also features flowers and birds. It is bringing me a sense of peace and calm in a world that feels a little crazy and uncertain.

Untitled by Risa Tritabaugh

 RT: I’m determined to continue making art and to share it with others. I turn 50 later this year–and that feels like a major milestone. I’ve reached that point in my life when it’s not too late to dream, but it is getting too late to put my dreams on hold. And I’ve decided to DREAM BIG.

Among The Flowers by Risa Tritabaugh

Risa, thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing your vibrant artwork! And thank you for donating your original painting, Among The Flowers to the next Thursday Giveaway on August 12th!

Dear Reader, thank you for visiting as well. If you have a moment, please leave Risa a comment & let her know what is on your mind. Your comment will also enter you in the random drawing for Among The Flowers, an acrylic painting on canvas This painting measures 8" x 10" and is signed by the artist.

To enter this random drawing, leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 8/12. The lucky winner will be selected using random.org. Prize ships free to winner. Please note this contest is open to USA addresses only.

Want to see more of Risa's studio and art? You can find her online:

Blog: http://www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com 
Website: http://www.createdbyrisa.com 
Etsy: http://www.createdbyrisa.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/createdbyrisa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/createdbyrisa

If you're in the St. Paul Minnesota area, and would like to attend one of the local gallery hops, drop Risa a note at any of the above locations. She'll let you know the next time her studio will be open to the public.

New Giveaway - Original Art "Inspiration" By DJ

Wow! It's Thursday already?

If you want to see who won T. Chipperfield's Spring Blossoms print click here.

Lucky us!!

Today's featured artist is the talented Dolores Jablonski of DJsArt on Etsy. She is also the generous sponsor of the new Thursday Giveaway prize. Prize details at the end of this post.

DJ has worked in a variety of mediums, from ceramics to oil paintings. Many of the pieces in her Etsy Shop are created from a vibrant mix of watercolors, ink and colored pencil. Her paintings, ACEOs and note cards have a gentle feel of an earlier, more innocent time. (Click on any of the images to be taken to her shop for more details. ) Now let me get out the way so she can tell you a bit more:

DJ: My name is Dolores Jablonski. I sign my art as DJ. My art is my own little discovered world of happiness, that I want to share with others. So what's wrong with sharing a little happiness?

Santa's Reindeer by DJ

DJ: Life can be fast paced, and stressful. I feel we can all use a little bit of peace. I enjoy painting the whimsical, a little bit of childhood, the beauty of nature and my imagination. It is an attempt to make you smile.

Incubation by DJ

DJ: I have been experimenting with art for most of my life. It all started when I was a wee little girl and with a crayon I drew something behind the bathroom door. Instead of getting into trouble, my Mom praised her future artist. This has led to many years of experimenting with different medias and taking art classes from time to time, to teaching myself new idea's.

Teddy Bear ACEO by DJ

DJ: For over 10 years I was a teddy bear artist, designing teddy bears for adult collectors. At the time it allowed me to stay home with my two small children. The teddy bears were represented by museums and are now the models for my notecards. With my children grown. I no longer make teddy bears, but my teddy bear paintings are inspired from my collectible bears.

DJ's affinity for nature and gardening is seen throughout her art. Check out this fun piece - I just love how the carrots are tumbling out of the frame.

Carrots by DJ

DJ: I have a variety of critters that like to cross my yard, raccoons, possums,squirrels and of course rabbits. Someone likes tomatoes besides my two labs and my husband. So polite of them to leave me the other half, they don't seem to understand that I'd like the whole tomato...please. I guess that's why I put this rabbit on my seed packet painting. I should have called this painting "WANTED" this is the little culprit, the thief to my few vegetables...

I first spotted one of my favorite DJ paintings, Doorway, on her blog DJsArt.blogspot.com. I also really like how it reflects her thoughts on art & blogging.

Doorway by DJ

DJ: I chose this painting for my for the first time ever doing a blog. I seemed to have dusted off the cobwebs of " artist solitude," to find a doorway I have not ever been willing to cross. The first door led me to my Etsy shop, to the VAST group and now this very uncertain landscape called blogging! Lion's and tiger's and bear's, OH MY... This is very uncertain ground for me, but I think it will be fun. I hope it will be fun- no, I know it will be.

Well, DJ, this feature sure has been a lot of fun - many thanks! I'm so glad you'll be back on Saturday to show us your wonderful studio. Readers, be sure to pop back here on 10/17. I'll admit I peeked already. Her studio is as bright and nature filled as her art. A wonderful cozy place to create. Click Here To Visit DJs Studio

Feeling lucky today?

DJ has donated her fabulous original mixed media piece, Inspirations, for the new prize.

Inspiration by DJ

This cheerful painting measures 4" x 9" and was created in watercolor, ink and colored pencils. It will be mounted in a mat that fits a 7" x 14" frame. (Winner gets to pick mat color - choices are black, dark green & sierra brown.) I absolutely love the colors & the message of this piece! Don't you? Just leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) on 10/22 and you will be entered in the random drawing. It is that easy.

Care to double down?

Then click through to DJ's blog where she is hosting a random drawing for my mixed media piece Trevi Letters. It is mounted in a white 8" x 10" mat. (This piece was created for Mixed Media Monday last month)

Trevi Letters

And a final note

I'm still accepting entries for next Thursday's 2nd random drawing - Yep, I've got a twofer here next week - Uprinting.com is giving away 1 custom printed vinyl banner to 1 lucky winner. CLICK HERE for details.

Thursday Giveaway #2 - Art by Dr. Laura Koniver

Hello again. What a great Thursday!

A New Day by Laura Koniver

There has been 1 winner of the craft supplies giveaway today. Plus 2 prizes have been generously donated for next Thursday's random drawing. There will be 1 winner each. For details on how to enter the Uprinting.com contest for prize #1, a customized rolled poster, click HERE.

The other prize I'll be giving away next week is a gorgeous glicee print by the talented artist, Laura Koniver, M.D. - One lucky winner gets to choose from the wonderful selection of prints in her etsy shop, Koniver. Entry details at end of this post.

Laura has a beautiful philosophy on art & life: "If I could draw it, I could learn it." She has kindly popped by today to share her other thoughts on creativity & art.

Path Filled With Sunshine by Laura Koniver

Laura: I have been drawing and sketching all my life. In elementary school I was sketching life around me. Years later in medical school I created posters of all the information I was expected to memorize, collages of viruses and bacterium,cellular structures, etc...

Driftwood by Laura Koniver

Laura: Working in the hospital, my patients pain and suffering left me filled with compassion yet unable to relax. I felt full of the inflow of the gorgeous healing energy of human life, yet had no valve to allow it to flow through me and outward again, back to the universe. One day I bought a huge canvas & acrylics. I started painting a lakeside landscape and and found a peace I had never felt before. Painting was it for me.

Evening Song by Laura Koniver

Laura: I have continued painting through years of medical practice & motherhood. I practice Reiki and use this energy flow to deepen my paintings, putting universal energy directly into my intention with each brush stroke, and directly onto the canvas. I paint each piece with the absolute, unwavering faith that health and healing is always available to all of us, no matter what our physical condition is.

Organic Branch Wall Art by Laura Koniver

Laura creates in a variety of mediums. I really love the organic feel to her pieces. Nature appears throughout her artwork. The striking lines of Laura's beautiful sculptures capture the eye. I then find myself lingering over the subtle hues and textures. Her centerpieces have even greater depth & meaning for the people who commission them.

Baby Shower Centerpiece by Laura Koniver

Laura: I create sculptures and centerpieces from recycled materials. What started out as a hobby has turned into a special event business, making decorative pieces for weddings & other celebrations. By recycling special vases, bottles, fabrics and papers into something unique, I am adding joy to a very special day. These centerpieces are permanent reminders of the unique events they represent, a one of a kind memento.

Special Event Centerpiece by Laura Koniver

Laura: It is my sincerest goal that my artwork brings health and joy to each person who welcomes it in to their home.

Love Is Everywhere by Laura Koniver

Thanks, Laura for sharing your thoughts today. And for donating one of your lovely prints for next Thursday's random drawing. The lucky winner gets to choose their favorite piece from the glicee print section of Laura's Etsy shop, Koniver.

To enter the random drawing for this prize, simply leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) on 9/24. It is that easy! This giveaway is open worldwide with free shipping. Please make sure your contact info is either in your profile or leave an email address.

To view more of Laura's art visit Koniver.etsy.com as well as at GardenPlum.com. You can also find her work at these Charleston, SC area locations:

Ladles in West Ashley and Kiawah Island
Eileens in Summerville
All is Well in Mount Pleasant
Primary Plus in North Charleston

If you're browsing the blog-o-sphere on Saturday, stop back here for a virtual tour of Laura's Studio & see where she makes her magic.

One day Laura got tired of having her art space hidden away & decided to give it a place of prominence. So she rearranged her house! What had been the main entry and dining area is now her wonderful art studio. Be sure to pop back here 9/19 for the photos and a "walk through" by Laura.

CLICK TO VISIT 9/19 STUDIO TOUR

Saturday Studio Tour #4 - Artist AJ of Storm One

Wilma's Sewing Room by AJ

Welcome to another Studio Saturday! This week we're off to Oakland, CA to visit with AJ of StormOne on Etsy. I really enjoyed browsing through the StormOne shop - there is an amazing variety of items on display. (Click on a product image to be taken to the shop.)

Hand Dyed A Line Tank Top by AJ

While the focus is on fabrics & colorful dyed items, you can also find some fabulous paintings and original ACEOs.

ACEOs by AJ

AJ's studio is great example of how big creativity can come out of a modest space.I'll step aside now & let AJ walk you through the studio:

Hand Dyed A Line Tank Top by AJ

AJ: My studio work space is small but cozy. In the north west corner I have two work tables and several in progress paintings on the wall.

AJ: Informed and influenced by my childhood memories as well as graphic design and architecture of the late 70's and 80's, my work incorporates images of my family and northern California landmarks from that era.

AJ: I tie dye, paint, draw and screen-print on these tables.

Hand Dyed Cotton Infant's Tshirt by AJ

AJ: Across from my tables I have all my favorite books and reference materials as well as my favorite cd's and dvd's.

AJ: I have plastic storage bins for my art supplies but I'm the type of artist who likes to have my paints,inks and pencils at an arm's length.

AJ: I'm more creative if I can see my tools. Sometimes just having them laid out inspires me.

AJ: I am excited by the intersection of different media and what happens at the edges of layered images. Influenced by the juxtaposition of graffiti and commercial signage, I paint and draw text as well as symbols from popular culture. My work is a funnel by which the highs and the lows of my life, the distant familial past and current family relationships can be safely explored and relayed in such a way as to spark a dialogue of their greater universal themes.

Barak Obama painting by AJ

Thanks for giving us a behind the scenes tour, AJ - Keep that inspiration coming!

You can see more of AJ’s art & clothing at StormOne.etsy.com. Also, be sure to check out the Electric Storm blog. It is filled with work in progress photos and explanations. I really enjoyed looking through the steps taken to create some very cool pieces, like this custom messenger bag!

Custom Messenger Bag by AJ

Thanks to those of you who showed up today “to take the tour”. This was the 4^th stop in a new blog series I am trying out - so far I’m having lots of fun with it! Each Saturday will feature a different artist and studio space. Some are grand & fancy, others are more modest. Amazing creativity thrives in these spaces regardless of size! I hope you will continue to join me on Saturdays as I visit with more artists to see where the magic happens.

Studio Tour Saturday - Pam Carriker

Ooh. We are sooo lucky!

Bounty, art print by Pam Carriker

The talented artist & wonderful soul, Pam Carriker has invited us into her studio today.

Nature, Original Mixed Media Portrait by Pam Carriker

"Inspired by the latest issue of Where Women Create," Pam decided to redo her art room. She wanted to give the studio a facelift using mostly items she already had.

After cleaning out her space, she refreshed her studio with a gallon of paint. Around the door she added her motto "Art At The Speed Of Life". This was the title of Pam's 1st published article. Getting published "was a defining moment in my art life and describes to a 'T' my creative state of being. It is how I live."

If you read any of the Stampington & Co. magazines (Somerset Studio, Somerset Art Journaling, Somerset Apprentice, Stampers' Sampler, etc) or Cloth Paper Scissors you may recognize Pam. She's had many art pieces & articles published in the last 2 years. CLICK HERE for a list of past & upcoming publications featuring her work.

Pam moved her work table to the middle of the room to open up the space. She painted the striped trim because "This added touch of black worked in the same way I use it on a journal page, tying together the hints of black around the room, giving it visual flow. "

The only item she purchased for the room is this cute upholstered chair. Here she has created a relaxing space for art journaling. Check out the curtain rod on the wall - what a fun way to display art!


This paper organizer is probably my favorite feature. Such a fabulous way to keep those colorful papers organized!

Many thanks to Pam for letting us tour her fabulous workspace. Click here to visit her blog; see more pictures of the "studio facelift" and read about the fun changes she's made.

To find out more about Pam, her beautiful artwork and upcoming classes (both live & online) please visit her website www.pamcarriker.com. She also has 2 shops on Etsy: PamCarriker for original art & The Bag Lady's Art for limited edition prints.

Beauty In Strength, Art Print with Mat by Pam Carriker

"This print is of an original that I created in honor of my step mother's fight against Breast Cancer. I will be making a limited quantity of numbered prints, the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Center for research." - Pam Carriker.

If you would like to purchase this print and donate to a good cause, just click on the image to be taken to her etsy shop.

That's it for today. I'm really enjoying this new blog series. It is so much fun to get a sneak peek into an artist's private world. Want to show off where you make your magic? If you would like to invite us into your creative space, please let me know. (My email is in my profile.) I have a variety of interesting studios lined up through mid-October. But the calendar is open that.

Last note: I'm hosting 2 different giveaways from the printing company DigitalRoom.com. There will be two winners per random drawing. Click to enter the giveaway for 250 CUSTOM GREETING CARDS (ends 9/3). Or click to enter giveaway for 500 CUSTOM BUSINESS CARDS (ends 9/10). Feel free to enter both drawings.

Illustrated Friday - Breezy

Red's Escape

This 12x12 mixed media on canvas is available in my etsy shop. Just click photo to go straight to details.
Thanks for popping by! Red's Escape was inspired by Illustration Friday. If you get a chance please go check out the other entries for Breezy