Christie Martinez Art

Is it a Giraffe?

2012-01-12T10:04:00.002-06:00

It's supposed to be a giraffe, but it could also pass for a cow or a piggy.

Triptychs

2012-01-06T15:28:00.000-06:00

Oil Painting, 1333
Italian
Unknown Artist

Triptychs have a long history, some of the first triptychs were Altar pieces made for churches and therefore illustate religious stories and events.

Now the triptych has evovled and is sometimes made up of a continuous image across three panels. Sometimes it is a series of three related images meant to hang on separate panels close together.

Purple Iris

2011-12-30T00:55:00.000-06:00

Image from: http://crazy-frankenstein.com/iris-flower-wallpapers.html

In Greek it means Rainbow

The Greek Goddess Iris was a messenger, the connection between Heaven and Earth.

Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide them in the their journey.

France's Fleur de Lys - The flower became associated with the French Monarchy before the Renaissance.

Japan-The flower is a means of expression for heroic deeds, the color blue sumbolizes a blue blood and the is used extensively in the Japanese Spring Festival

Watercolor Portraits

2011-12-27T09:32:00.003-06:00

Watercolor Portraits Process:

Photo Reference

Pencil line drawing

Underpaiting for darker areas

Adding details

Finish with Black Micron pen

Sign

Looking Forward to 2012

2011-12-26T08:26:00.003-06:00

I'm making three lists:

Things to Do Now

Things to Do Later

Done

I struggle with being inthe moment because I'm thinking about all the things I need to get done. I'm also thinking about money and the bill which takes away from the fun of whatever I'm doing. I need to somehow be more present and stop worrying about the other stuff that can wait. I hope these lists will help me realize what is important and needs my attention versus things that can wait. And ultimately everything will end up in the Done list.

Goals:
I want 2012 to be a year of growth for my art. I would like to teach a class. I would like to be a part of another group show. I would like to explore illustration and reach out to publishers.

Customer Thank You and Delivery

2011-12-22T13:39:00.000-06:00

I struggle with this everytime I'm making a delivery. What should I include as a small thank you? I usually include business cards and post card, but it seems like digital is the way to go so...

I've started emailing the customer a jpeg of their portrait so they can use it for cards, iron-ons, screensaver, desktop background on their computer and whatever they like. I hope they'll post to it their social media site and do a little free advertising me. I like this idea, but I could also possibly make more money if I send them a sample of their portrait looking awesome on a note card and then in turn selling them a package of 10.

Hmmm, something to think about in the new year. I hope to have lots of orders...

Fun Night Out

2011-12-21T22:45:00.001-06:00

Fun Night Out by artcd44 featuring a genuine leather jacket

Vince sequin tank top
$119 - barneys.com

Rick Owens genuine leather jacket
€1.735 - shopmrsh.com

High rise legging
249 DKK - nelly.com

Botkier leather tote handbag
$495 - botkier.com

Kenneth Jay Lane gold jewelry
€94 - pret-a-beaute.com

Holiday Party Ready

2011-12-21T22:14:00.002-06:00

My first love is Art but Clothes and accessories are a close second. I found this fun website Polyvore where you can create outfits, I have a new past time. Words With Friends will have to wait.

Holiday Party Ready by artcd44 featuring alexander mcqueen clutch

Dorothy Perkins pleated dress
$57 - dorothyperkins.com

Elie Saab high heels
$636 - boutique1.com

Nixon watch
$450 - net-a-porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs heart ring
$130 - net-a-porter.com

Bangle bracelet
£5 - peacocks.co.uk

BCBG Max Azria chain necklace
$128 - bcbg.com

Pet Portraits

2011-12-21T08:09:00.001-06:00

12x12 inches

Acrylic on canvas

2011

White animals are always so difficult for me. I usually start with an underpainting for the darks and then start building layers of more detail. I started with the eyes, for me the eyes are the most important feature so I do them first, that way if they don't look right I know the rest of the painting won't either and I can start over sooner rather than later.

These two pet portraits were done for a local Austinite, who wanted to shop local this year, which I would like to try for 2012 for all occasions, we'll see what happens. Thank you so much, it was a pleasure.

More Wreaths

2011-12-20T08:13:00.001-06:00

I think I'll have one on every door, I can't stop making these things. Luckily I had an order for two, so they already have a home.

Happy Holidays!

Another Wreath

2011-12-14T08:04:00.000-06:00

On sale in my Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/88585781/plum-wreath-with-light-blue-and-white

Holiday Bazaar Open House

2011-12-13T12:01:00.001-06:00

My best friend and I started doing craft fairs together two years ago. We have enjoyed the experiences, but were never super successful at the events. So this year we decided to do an Open House Bazaar and we invited other crafty and creative moms to join us. We turned a house into a store for a day, we served snacks and had a craft table for the kiddos.

It was a success! Here are some photos from our event, taken by Lindsey Thorne.

Summer Strotkamp - Graphic Designs & Crafts

Pamela Riemenschneider - Tie Dyed Fashions

Michelle Laviolette - www.zahavah.com

Wells Teague - Writer & Artist

Jennifer Thorne - All Natural Skin Care

Horse - Bel Air

2011-11-30T21:23:00.002-06:00

Bel
Watercolor on paper
8x10 inches

Holiday Wreath

2011-11-25T13:11:00.001-06:00

First wreath ever. It turned out pretty good, I learned a few things and the next one will be even better.

I wrapped a 12 inch straw form wreath with gray yarn, then made flowers and leaves out of felt and used a hot glue gun to attach.

The felt flowers:

Cut four different size circles
For the white flat flower I sewed a button in the middle to cover the thread.
For the navy petal flowers I used the same circle, but folded them and sewed together, thread was hidden.

Anyone have any tips please let me know.

My Adorable Son Mateo!

2011-11-23T14:53:00.005-06:00

At an upcoming Holiday Open House I'm thinking of doing on-the-spot portraits for customers. I will have a computer and printer set-up so they can go online and print a picture for me and then I'll create a simple watercolor or line drawing for them right there! I wanted to see how long the process took from start to finish so I picked this picture of my son, Mateo from last year. It took about 30 minutes. I was hoping I could create one in about 15 minutes so I'm going to try shaving off some time on my next one.

If you want one of these portraits (thinking I'll charge $15), send me a picture and I'll mail it to you.

This would be a cute Christmas card too. Hmmm.

Finished Commission Piece

2011-11-21T08:24:00.006-06:00

This is a photo of a house in Muleshoe, TX.

This is the painting I created, the picture was taken when the house and ground were covered in snow. I was difficult to make out some details. Interesting project, I hope they like it.

Hummingbirds are so Beautiful

2011-11-13T18:32:00.003-06:00

Available in my Etsy Store http://www.etsy.com/listing/86071036/original-watercolor-hummingbird

Some Botanical Inspiration

2011-11-09T20:53:00.000-06:00

Birds on Sale in Etsy Shop

2011-10-30T20:39:00.005-05:00

Visit my Etsy Shop and order a bird friend for your nightstand or window. They are a gorgeous iridescent blue that shines in the sun light. They would would also make a great gift, coming in there own gift box.

Owl

2011-10-27T13:05:00.004-05:00

Plan on making note cards, soon to be on sale in my Etsy Shop

Old Chevy Truck - In Progress

2011-10-19T13:19:00.000-05:00

This painting is for my husband, he's been wanting this for a while and I finally started it. I'm loving the meticulous detail to the truck, the grill and wheels are a big challenge for me. I know it's going to make a great addition my body of work and who knows, maybe I'll do more classic cars.

Commissions welcome! Pets, People, and now Cars!

New Clay Birds

2011-10-17T13:09:00.001-05:00

I started making these birds for the Fall Festivals I'm participating in. I will make them all different and in all sizes, they come in their own bird nest.

Materials:

FIMO Clay

New Favorite Thing

2011-10-16T09:42:00.000-05:00

Painting in Scrubs!

I worked as a Medical Assistant for a while and had quite the collection of scrubs when I left. I didn't know what to do with them, but I didn't get rid of them, I put them in the back of my closet and forgot about them until recently. I was looking for something to wear to my studio, I was going to be doing some painting and I wanted to be comfortable and so I pulled out my scrubs and I had the best painting sessionof my life!

They are comfortable, roomy and they have a ton of pockets for my eraser, towel, iPod, etc.

Making a Certificate of Autheticity

2011-10-15T11:58:00.000-05:00

Certificate of Authenticity are always a good thing to include with a piece of artwork. I usually include a COA and cleaning instructions with my artwork when I deliver it. I also give the customer a few business cards and a thank you note.

Include an image of the piece/artwork.
Print on Cardstock
Include the following information:

Start withthis line: This document certifies that the following is an original painting signed by the artist.

Title

Date of Creation

Materials

Size

Artist's Name

Signature

Website and Email

Winner of the Free Pet Portrait at my Apartment Complex

2011-09-15T09:41:00.002-05:00

Stephen the Dog

Etched Glass at the Harry Ransom Center

2011-09-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

Transparent Connection
107/68: Scene Conception for the film Rebecca

The atrium windows at the Harry Ransom Center are a beautiful sampling of images that represent some of the important collections within the center’s vast holdings. These glass etchings are a constant reminder of the transparency of connections among many of the archives. The David O. Selznick archive from the Film and Photography collection is the largest archive at the Harry Ransom Center. From this archive we have a glass etching in the North Atrium of a scene conception for the film Rebecca (1940), directed by Alfred Hitchcock who was under contract with Selznick at the time, and made two other movies including Spellbound (1945) and Notorious (1946).
Selznick’s career spanned over 50 years. He worked for monumental and groundbreaking studios, such as, MGM, Paramount, and RKO. Selznick also formed his own production companies, Selznick International Pictures in 1935, producing great films like Gone with the Wind (1939) and David O. Selznick Productions in 1940, and Vanguard Films in 1942. A Farewell to Arms (1957) was the last film that he produced personally.
This scene conception shows the sprawling estate of Manderley where the widower Maximilian de Winter lived with his first wife Rebecca. The film, based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, is about the lingering presence of the late Mrs. De Winter. There is a new lady of the house and she is not welcomed by the house staff, especially the housekeeper Ms. Danvers. This eerie and haunting story is a psychological examination of the characters. This film is no different from many other Hitchcock films in that the scenes were framed for maximum impact and suspense and the ending* contains a twist. David O. Selznick was responsible for bringing Alfred Hitchcock, a British director, to Hollywood. At the time Rebecca was being filmed Selznick was preoccupied by another movie, Gone with the Wind. The release of Rebecca was delayed, in fact, so that it would not compete with Gone with the Wind at the Academy Awards in 1939, where it won Best Picture. Rebecca won for Best Picture the following year, making Selznick a back to back winner. Spellbound another Selznick/Hitchcock film, was nominated for Best Picture in 1945.
The bulk of the material from David O. Selznick dates from the mid 1930’s to the mid-1950’s and includes items, such as, awards, call sheets, correspondence, music, props, prints and negatives of photographs, to name few. The culmination of these items makes it possible the follow the evolution of films like, Gone with the Wind and Duel in the Sun (1947). In addition to the David O. Selznick archive the Harry Ransom Center also houses the archives of John Hay “Jock” Whitney, a film financier, and Myron Selznick, brother and Hollywood agent, providing endless connections for cross referencing between archive materials.

*According to the Hollywood Production Code; the murder of a spouse could not go unpunished so the ending was reworked to make the death of Rebecca de Winter an accident.

Frida Kahlo Painting at The Harry Ransom Center

2011-07-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

Frida Kahlo (Mexican, 1907-1954)

Self-portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, 1940

Oil on canvas, 61.25 cm x 47 cm

Harry Ransom Center

This painting was created just after Frida's marriage to Diego Rivera ended. She was broken hearted and this painting is a significant piece in her body of work because of when she created it and the symbolism held within it. If you'll notice there are three injuries on her neck from the thorns, these represent the three major traumas in her life; her childhood, the accident, and her husband's infidelity.

There are also magical signs, the black cat, the frozen butterflies, the flying flowers, and the dead hummingbird. The hummingbird is actually a known amulet of Venus which was supposed to protect her from the madness of love.

Kahlo (1907-1954) taught herself how to paint after she was severely injured in a bus accident at the age of 18. For Kahlo, painting became an act of cathartic ritual, and her symbolic images portray a cycle of pain, death and rebirth.

Kahlo's affair in New York City with her friend, the Hungarian-born photographer Nickolas Muray (1892-1965), which ended in 1939, and her divorce from the artist Diego Rivera at the end of the year, left her heartbroken and lonely, but she produced some of her most powerful and compelling paintings and self-portraits during this time.

Muray purchased the self-portrait from Kahlo to help her during a difficult financial period. It is part of the Ransom Center's Nickolas Muray collection of more than 100 works of modern Mexican art, which was acquired by the Center in 1966. The collection also includes "Still Life with Parrott and Fruit" (1951) and the drawing "Diego y Yo" (1930) by Kahlo.

"Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's "Self-portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird" (1940) is back on view for a limited time at the Harry Ransom Center. The portrait, one of the Center’s most famous and frequently borrowed art works, will be on exhibit from July 6, 2011 through January 8, 2012.

Since 1990 the Kahlo painting has been on almost continuous loan, featured in exhibitions in more than 25 museums in the United States and around the world. The painting was most recently on view in exhibitions in Berlin, Germany; Vienna, Austria; and Madrid, Spain. It will next be on view in the three-venue exhibition "In Wonderland: The Surrealist Activities of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States," organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). LACMA hosts the exhibition from January 29, 2012 through May 6, 2012. It then travels to the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Quebec in Quebec City, Canada, from June 7 to September 3, 2012 and at the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City, Mexico, from September 27, 2012 through January 13, 2013." -From the Harry Ransom Center website. Visit the link for more, an interactive map and a documentary video.

Vintage Photo - Ice Cream Shop

2011-07-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

I found this picture among my dad's things. I just love the nostalgia, the quaintness and innocence in this photo. I will be turning this image into a painting one day.

I'm really good at starting painting, so I need to finish a couple first.

Work In Progress - Twin Birds

2011-07-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

I have been saving this bird image for the right project. I first showed you all this in 2010 here. Now I have the perfect plan for it, my very good friend just had twins and I am painting this for the girls' room.

Work In Progress: Tree

2011-07-18T19:35:00.003-05:00

I started by drawing the tree in pencil. Then I laid down a wet wash and added the blue and purple putting salt down in the wet paint to create a starry sky. I also did a wet wash in yellow and orange over the bulbs on the tree to give myself a base color to build on. After that dried I inked over the pencil lines.

Art History - Juan Antonio Roda

2011-07-16T08:00:00.004-05:00

Columbia in the 1970's was under the leadership of President Laureno Gómez. The Catholic Church imposed extreme censorship and restrictions on art and the media. As a result the artists of the region began to express this repression, it manifested itself in erotic images sometimes with religious and violent themes. Most of the artists were educated in Art History and therefore used famous works of art as jump-off points and references for their own unique art. One artist in particular was working at this time, Juan Antonio Roda, the etchings he created in the seventies are erotic, religious, and evoke the well-known Baroque artists, Carravaggio and Bernini.

Roda, born in Spain in 1921 was a remarkable draftsman, printmaker and painter. Major themes in his work were, time, pleasure and pain. Two series of etchings he created in the seventies demonstrate these themes very well. The first series entitled Delirio de las Monjas Muertas is dedicated to the deaths of nuns and how in fact they represent an end of one life and a beginning of another. The second series entitled "Amarraperros" is dedicated to captured dogs, deprived of attention and other basic needs.

The lights and darks are stark and the grey tones are scarce. In the Baroque style, objects emerge from a dark background. The figure, and the erotic nature of the subjects are aspects common to both series. They were shown together in New York City at the Noble Polans Gallery.

In colonial days it was customary to take a photograph of a deceased nun. Roda uses these photographs as inspiration for his series of Etchings entitled Delrio de las Monjas Muertas, delirium of the dead nuns. The nun, in life lived to serve and therefore did not experience all the pleasures in life. In death Roda depicts these nuns as beautiful, delicate, and erotic feminine creatures in eternal slumber. All the happiness and elation waiting for them in the afterlife is evident on their calm smirking faces. Their faces express a hint of ecstasy.

The Amarraperros series, meaning captured dogs, is a truly disturbing series of etchings depicting tired dogs, humans, ropes, and violence. The idea of time is evident in the series through the use of body language in the figures and the dogs. The idea of capturing and controlling a living creature speaks to the nature and state of Columbia at the time these etchings were created and also transcends time because the desire for power over others is universal and part of nature.

In conclusion, Roda's work is amazing and timeless. The imagery is beautiful, strong and at times shocking.

Images:

These are photos of copies from an exhibition catalog, so I apologize for the quality. There just isn't enough information about this artist, in English, on the internet, which is why I wanted to share the information I have.

Visit My Etsy Shop

2011-07-15T08:44:00.002-05:00

Christie Martinez Art on Etsy

Art Producing Playlist

2011-07-13T10:19:00.001-05:00

I love listening to music, especially in the car. Sometimes this music inspires me and I get a lot of ideas for paintings this way. These are a couple of songs that are influencing me recently.

The radio station here in Austin I listen to is KGSR, they play a good mix of old, new and classic music.

"I AND LOVE AND YOU" - THE AVETT BROTHERS

"LET THE LIGHT IN" - BOB SCHNEIDER

"WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN" - AMOS LEE

"YOU ARE A TOURIST" - DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

"PUMPED UP KICKS" - FOSTER THE PEOPLE

My Favorites on Etsy

2011-07-12T08:53:00.000-05:00

Sketchbook Project 2011

2011-07-08T16:30:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to my sketchbook online Christie's Sketchbook

Making a Commission Agreement

2011-07-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

Before I do a commission for someone I fill out a sheet with all the information for the project. My commission sheet has

Client Information-
client's name
address
phone number
email
*I want more than one way to contact my client. If I am shipping the art it's extremely important to have the address exactly right and you can double check it online at USPS.com

Type of commission (i.e. concept painting, portrait, or design work)

Reference material - Does it need to be returned? Watch out for copyrighted material.

Materials Needed and Cost - This is always different, make sure you know what you will need and how much it is going to cost before you give a quote. I sometimes ask for a deposit in this amount so I'm not out the materials cost if the client backs out.

Size - This is an important aspect for me since I use pre-stretched canvases. I usually get an idea of size then I have to tell the client what sizes are available. This may take some research on your part. Can you get it locally? How long will it take if you have to order it? Works on paper are similar, I try to feel out the client for how much they want to spend on framing.
*I never frame my works on paper, I rather the client find a framer in their area where they can pick out the frame, matting, and glass. These options start to add up and the time for framing can vary from a week to 4 weeks.

Price - Everyone has their own pricing system, but agree ahead of time how much this will cost and do not add to that total without consulting your client, nothing would be worse then for your client to have to pay more in the end because you decided to change materials or it took you longer than you thought it would. Allow yourself some wiggle room when you give a quote. Offer a payment plan if needed and then outline when you expect to be paid with dates and your accepted payment methods (check, cash, PayPal, etc.).

Shipping - Never include shipping in the price of the piece, cost of shipping can change based on fuel costs, always arrange for them to pay the shipping about a week before delivery, then follow through and ship the art on time and packed well.

Timeline - For large pieces that will take several months to complete I set up a timeline with multiple deadlines along the way so that there is a set of expectations already outlined and the client isn't contacting me randomly.

Deposit - Decide whether you will require a deposit, I usually ask for the cost of materials at a minimum.

What they get with the commission - Certificate of Authenticity, Instructions for Care, and Free Delivery within my hometown are a few of the things I give to all my commissions.

If possible get the client to sign the agreement, especially if it's a lot of money.

Hope this helps.

ExhibitionA.com Art Website

2011-07-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

I just read in Shape magazine about this website that offers unique limited edition art prints for collectors. You can purchase art at a reasonable price, and your friends won't have it too. As an artist I don't really like hanging my own art in my home. I would love to trade would other artists or find unique paintings or as an Art Historian I also like to find prints of my favorites for my own place.

The website is

It's a cool concept and thought I'd share this unique place with my art lover friends.

Giveaway Winner Announcement

2011-07-02T16:56:00.006-05:00

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment on my Giveaway post, I really appreciate the feedback. The winner is Kelsey! Stay tuned for more chances to win art, notebooks, cards or prints from me in the future. Or you can always visit my Etsy shop

Vintage Photo Progress

2011-07-01T12:53:00.002-05:00

Do you remember my father's Day post, well I started the painting this week. This is watercolor on watercolor canvas, not sure about the medium yet, thinking I should have done it in acrylic. I'm going to see it through, but may do the same painting in acrylic later. Anyone use the watercolor canvas on a regular basis? I could use any helpful hints you may have.

Seahorse Progress

2011-06-30T12:58:00.001-05:00

I'm still not sure about the face, he doesn't look like a friendly seahorse.

Giveaway!

2011-06-29T12:05:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be picking the winner of my giveaway on Friday. If you haven't commented on the post yet please go leave you comment for your chance to win a journal with my art on the cover.

Go Here to comment on the Giveaway Post

New Project

2011-06-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

Sketch

I'm doing a series of 8" x 8" watercolor paintings for a baby's room. She wants to do an ocean theme with white bedding and linens, light blue walls, and a pop of color in the art using red. I'm doing a seahorse to start.

Sketchbook Pages

2011-06-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

Starting a new sketchbook is always difficult for me. I feel like I have to get to know it. I put a few new sketches here...suggestions welcome.

I've always loved drawing and painting trees. I have been wanting to paint a tree where the leaves are birds and they have begun to take flight.

This one I imagine to be a huge Acrylic on canvas painting, with fiery reds and yellows.

Reading that Inspires

2011-06-20T12:58:00.002-05:00

Here are a few things I've collected over the years. My idea box is a place I go to when I want to make something but can't decide what to make. I write down quotes from books, tear out articles that spark an idea in me and I also write notes to myself that give me confidence and build my momentum.

The magazines I subscribe to give me a lot of inspiration, unless they are making me feel completely inadequate.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T15:31:00.003-05:00

I found this picture among my father's things, it's been almost 13 years since he passed and I'm still learning things about my dad. I love the woman in the window and I've been a fan of classic cars since I met my husband and he started teaching me about the history. I plan on doing a painting based on this photo. Look for it next month.

Happy Father's Day!

New painting - Hummingbird

2011-06-19T09:06:00.001-05:00

I finally finished this hummingbird piece I started in November. I love these birds and see them often from my balcony. This would make a great painting for a young girl's room or anywhere in the house. Prints will be available soon.

The Creative Process

2011-06-17T13:24:00.002-05:00

There is a great exhibit going on right now at the Harry Ransom Center until the end of July 2011. I am a docent at the Ransom Center (HRC) and have become very close to the material in the exhibit called Culture Unbound. You should know that the HRC is a humanities research library and museum and as such, the materials contained in the collection are available for the use by students, the public, and scholars. This is a unique and amazing place that facilitates and encourages research and learning. The quest for knowledge is never over.

The HRC is always busy actively acquiring the archives of writers and artists. These last ten years have been rich with the acquiring of such cultural iconoclasts as Norman Mailer, the Watergate journalists; Woodward and Bernstein, Robert DeNiro and David Foster Wallace. We rarely think of these impressive people as the young undiscovered and insecure artist as they started out as. As you go through the exhibit you will begin to realize how these people develop and create, how they plan and prep for a project. The creative process is shown in various ways, timelines, letters, journals, lists, articles, even entirely hand written drafts.

Some of the major areas of collecting are represented in this exhibit, Literature, Film, Photography and the Arts. There is an air of mystery and mysticism surrounding the creative process, this is an informative and unique way to explore the process.

If you are ever in Austin, Texas you should definitely put this on your list of must-see places. You can check the website for the current and future exhibits. Also, if you have a group coming you can schedule a tour with a docent, like me.

Scheduling the Business Stuff

2011-06-15T13:04:00.001-05:00

I was doing some reading about the business of making art.

Books I recommend:

Advanced Strategies in Marketing Art
I'd Rather Be in The Studio
Art/Work

Biggest lessons I learned:

Having a schedule is key to getting things done.
Being organized is important to maintaining sanity.
The mailing list is a chore just like washing dishes.

Giveaway!!

2011-06-13T12:13:00.002-05:00

I have been wanting to teach an Art class to adults for years. I have found an art school that is accepting class ideas and if mine is selected I get to teach the class. My degree is in Art History so naturally I want to incorporate an element of Art History into my class.

My proposal is this, if you were to read the following class title and short description which class would you (pay money to) take? Make your choice and comment now, I will select a random winner to receive a Journal featuring my artwork, of course.

Choices:

Art with Cultural Relevance: Using current events we will create a culturally relevant piece of art. After seeing examples of this from Art History you will pick a topic to depict. Keeping in mind that we want to create buzz and discussion about your cause, the art will also need to be technically polished and beautiful. As a class we will discover our voice with art. All mediums and skill levels welcome.

Creating a triptych: One painting is great but three is more fun in this case. This class will look at examples from Art History, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages to making triptyphs, as well as the impact and possible motivation to make these elaborate works of art. Everyone will create three acrylic on canvas paintings meant to be hung together as one piece of art.

Googling Fun

2011-06-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

I Googled seahorse and this came up.

Weekend Oh Weekend

2011-06-11T14:26:00.003-05:00

Today my practical side and my creative side are at war. So much so, that I am now rendered immobile and totally exhausted by the thoughts of things I need to do and want to do. I have hope though.

My goals for the day include sketching for a commission I have taken on. I'm really excited about this project too. It's for a baby's room, but it's going to be sophisticated and bold.

My other goal is to write an email to my apartment complex and try to score some free advertising with their newsletter. They do a Pet of the Month contest and so I thought I could offer my pet portrait services to the next winner.

So, weekend, you are here, now let's enjoy our time together. How do you divide the practical and necessary with what your soul and heart want. I need a better system.

Upcoming Show

2011-04-12T17:00:00.003-05:00

I was just selected to show two pieces in a group show entitled "Relationships" with the Austin Contemporary Painters' League.

The Show
East End Flats
May 7th - 28th

More details to come...

New Pet Portrait

2010-12-22T20:29:00.002-06:00

Sketchbook Project

2010-11-20T16:39:00.004-06:00

Work in Progress

2010-11-13T12:15:00.002-06:00

Etsy Shop Up and Running

2010-11-07T22:00:00.002-06:00

Pet Portraits

2010-11-06T21:02:00.003-05:00

I would love to start a business of making pet portraits. I love animals and think other people love their pets too. I hope this holiday season I can start and sustain a pet portrait business. If you know anyone that loves their pet a whole lot, let them know about me. Thanks.

Perfect Ratio

2010-11-01T14:06:00.005-05:00

The perfect ratio in art is consider to be, 1:1.16. The Pyramids of Giza and the Venus de Milo are two examples of this superior ratio.

Photo from poetryresoucepage.com

Photo from trekearth.com

The Ladies

2010-10-31T13:14:00.002-05:00

Sleeping Pretty

New Painting

2010-10-29T14:28:00.001-05:00

P-Tree Dish

Silhouettes

2010-10-23T23:01:00.008-05:00

Silhouettes were the portraiture for the thrifty, it cost less than having a painting done of yourself.

The portraitist would set his subject up behind glass and use a backlight to reveal the silhouette or profile, which he or she would then trace. This was then transferred to black paper which was cut out and then mounted on white paper. A silhouette was the cheapest way to record someone's appearance, also the profile deviates less with age, weight, and illness. Figures were represented on coins in the Roman era in this way. Nowadays they are used for traffic signs and other signage meant to be read quickly.

I like the idea of a silhouette, it's attractive, mysterious, and leaves the rest to the imagination. I started a series of silhouettes and plan to do more. These are the first three.

I do pet portraits for families and friends, and I'm thinking of adding this to the services I provide, especially since I've seen it in the Pottery Barn catalog, it must be turning trendy again.

Just Signed Up!

2010-10-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

One Birdie, One

2010-10-15T17:58:00.000-05:00

Owls Sketches

2010-10-15T17:57:00.003-05:00

Brick Oven Art

2010-10-14T06:34:00.005-05:00

LAST DAYS to see my art at The Brick Oven. The art will be coming down Oct. 31st. Please go by and check it out, and have some yummy food too!

12 x 12 Paintings, The Flower Series

2010-10-06T23:02:00.003-05:00

Aspire
On Sale at The Brick Oven on 38th Street, Austin, TX

Learning To Take Pictures

2010-09-29T17:08:00.001-05:00

12 x 12 Paintings, The Flower Series

2010-09-26T21:32:00.002-05:00

BLOC II

Bird Series

2010-09-22T23:14:00.005-05:00

I'm starting a series of five watercolor paintings. These are the first two planned paintings. Check back for the progress.

Portraits of the Ladies

2010-09-22T23:10:00.004-05:00

This is Jannell.

Portraits of the Ladies

2010-09-22T20:17:00.002-05:00

This is Lady Fall.

Art History is...

2010-09-21T20:21:00.003-05:00

An artwork, although created in the past, it continues to exist in the present and viewers can see and interpret the work in the light of their own experiences keeping the original meaning and circumstance in mind. Artists and Architects can reinforce or challenge values and practices through the objects they create. As students of art and art history we must look at and discuss art and architecture in order to better understand the social, historical and cultural influences they had then and now.

Free Souvenirs

2010-07-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

A fun idea to make a souvenir instead of spending a small fortune in the gift shop is to collect rocks, shells, or leaves on a nature walk during your next outing and put them in a jar, then let the kids decorate the jar.

Naming Art

2010-07-03T15:06:00.006-05:00

I have so much trouble when it comes to naming completed artwork. I would resort to the dominant color in the painting or being obvious and boring. I wish I had a process for figuring out what to call my paintings. Well, I started thinking, what if I started with a title and then painted.

My first painting will be titled "Wings of a Dream"

Toy Portraits

2010-07-03T15:00:00.003-05:00

Toy portraits are whimsical and playful. I love these as decoration for the kids' rooms or as an art project for a rainy day when they can't go outside and play. You could make a scavenger hunt out of it with a list of items to get a picture of. Then upload them to the computer and print them as is, or use the color adjust feature in your photo editing program to give it a modern, Andy Warhol-esque look. These are some examples from my son's toy box.

Have fun!!!

Frame Your Postcards

2009-01-16T10:36:00.006-06:00

Framed art can be really expensive. You can get collections of postcard reproductions by your favorite artist in museums or stationary and book stores or what I like to do is collect some over time. When I travel I always buy postcards, in the museums they often have reproductions of the artworks in the museum, I always pick up my favorites.

Take your postcards and frame them in some inexpensive frames from Target, Big Lots or Garden Ridge. I prefer to use all the same kind of frame, but if you want to mix it up that's your choice. I also like to group them close together and make a bigger art piece out of them. This is a great way to commemorate your travels and it makes a great conversation piece.

Take a Vacation without Leaving the House

2008-07-07T10:28:00.001-05:00

Take a Vacation without Leaving the House

Sometimes you just need to get away, and taking a vacation is a great way to decompress and re-energize yourself. The budget doesn’t always allow the much needed getaway every time you need one though. I suggest taking a vacation in your own home; it’s cheaper and can be just as much fun.

First you have to decide where you want to go…

Once you decide on a destination, you’ll theme the whole day or evening accordingly, planning food, décor, activities, etc.

Japan
Sushi, Eat sitting on pillows on the floor, use chopsticks, and watch and Japanese movie.

Miami
Plan a latin menu and turn on the Salsa music.

These are simple ideas for a destination date night that will get your juices flowing creatively and romantically. Be as simple or as daring as you want, but most importantly have some fun.

Art Related Quotes

2008-07-02T14:28:00.001-05:00

Artsy Quotes

“Art is a lie that makes us realize truth” – Picasso

“Every act of creation is first an act of destruction” – Picasso

“Are we to paint what’s on the face, what’s inside the face or what’s behind it?” – Picasso

“I prefer to see with closed eyes” – Josef Albers

Cleaning Artwork

2008-07-01T11:33:00.001-05:00

Techniques for Cleaning Acrylic Paintings

As with any surface around the home, office, or especially, in a public place, paintings become a depository for airborne dust. They can also get touched occasionally, either inadvertently or purposefully, and may become dirty as a result of frequent touching.

Cleaning of paintings by professionals in fine art conservation is the best approach to maximize longevity. They employ a tiered approach to cleaning that starts with the least intervention possible and progressively becomes more aggressive as needed. However you can do your part to keep your artwork from becoming damaged due to dirt and grime.

Recommendations
Vacuum or mop these areas, rather than sweeping, to minimize airborne dusts.

Minimize exposure of acrylics to elevated temperature, especially in combination with dusty or humid conditions. Such areas may be near hot air inlets, in direct sunlight or attics.

Minimize frequency of direct contact, such as dusting of unprotected acrylic surfaces. Instead, use compressed air.

Seek out professional services as appropriate for the piece and conditions. By virtue of training, experience, tools and techniques, the risk of damage to the painting will be much less if it is cleaned by a reputable professional in the field of fine art conservation.

Home Staging Tips

2008-06-30T07:55:00.001-05:00

A few tips when you are staging your home, for sale or for company.

Walls
Keep paint neutral. Use flat paint, and chose light colors, and paint the baseboards an accent color or white. If you have wallpaper, get rid of it and paint.

Windows and Window Treatments
Not every window needs a treatment. Sometimes leaving the windows plain is more beautiful than covering it up with big heavy curtains or cheap looking blinds. As long as the window doesn’t look out to a hideous eye sore, than the, “less is more” rule applies here.
On the other hand if you require privacy and/or need to cover up the view, then I suggest using light colors, even sheer curtains. This accomplishes two things; the privacy issue as well as still letting in light and making the room seem airy and open. Blinds are a good thing when they are high quality and not discolored from years of neglect.

Family Photos
I know it a hard thing to think about, but the only people that really want to see pictures of you, your family and friends are you, your family and friends. By all means keep a few treasured pictures out but if you want people to look at your house and not the picture of you and your significant other on your honeymoon than put them in a safe place and don’t unpack them until after you close on the house. Family photos can be so distracting that when the person leaves they remember what your baby looks like in a bathtub but nothing about the house.

Focal Points
Rooms need a purpose, preferably their intended one (i.e. a dining room is not an art studio, even though at my house it is). To help focus a room and find it’s purpose, first find a focal point. The focal point in a living room is usually the TV, but this isn’t what I had in mind. A fireplace, a wall of beautiful windows, a large piece of furniture can even work, such as an amoire. Find the focal point and arrange your furniture and decor to accentuate the nicest part of the room. If something doesn’t fit anymore, get rid of it.

Closets
Make sure you can see the back of the closet. If you’re looking at the floor of the closet make sure you can see the back corner. And don’t forget to vacuum.

Countertops
Keep the countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms clean and clear off. Put the blender, toaster, coffeepot, and cookie jars away folks. Keep the dirty dishes under control, before you leave the house make sure the dishes are either in the dishwasher or put away neatly in the cabinets, you know they’re going to look in every cabinet and drawer. The potential buyer is looking for space, so make sure nothing is going to fall on their head when they open a door. Same goes for the bathroom, no toothbrush holders people. Keep it tidy. If it too plain for you, organic accessories, such as flowers or fruit (fruit in the kitchen of course) then that would be great, it’ll add some elegance and warmth to the space.

Kids Rooms
This is rough, they like their fun décor and you can’t take that away from them. My only advice here would be to look at the room, if there is anything that a potential buyer would see as “too much hassle to remove/change,” then try and remedy that on your own. For example, a lot of times I see those wallpaper borders in kids’ rooms, while they are really cute, they’re also a big turn-off to people who don’t have kids.

Quickies
No Mirrors above the fireplace, because really what is it reflecting?

Clean everything really well, ceilings, ceiling fans, baseboards, windows, blinds, the garage, doors, stairs, etc.

Invest in some Glade Plug-ins, or bake something right before you leave and you know there is going to be an open house.

Buy a new welcome mat.

Get rid of clutter.

If you know people will be looking at your house, leave the lights and AC on.

Have fresh, modern, current, in style decor. If your decor looks outdated and old fashioned, people will think your house is also out of date and old.