JAPAN DISASTER SPECIAL : Foamy The Squirrel

My entry for the Stephen Colbert Portrait Challenge!

I have entered a piece to the Stephen Colbert Portrait Challenge. Really fun! I have also built a Squidoo lens on it. Image below is my piece and you can get to my lens by clicking on the image or the link above!

Work In Progress...

A few more snaps of my newest painting in progress today....she will be completed soon now! :)

Lighthouse on the Beach aceo

I decided to try a new support for this aceo, a dark green mat board.  I named it Lighthouse On the Beach and it was created with Prismacolor colored pencil.  It is listed in my etsy shop if you are interested, and it's only $15.
I created Lighthouse On the Beach aceo for my DAWG TEAM March Quest, Oceans/Beaches, stop in and 'like' us and if you create artwork, come and join our group.  We are a group of women who love doing art and love the Lord.
Be sure to enter  our DAWG TEAM aceo giveaway just click on that link and it will take you to our DAWG blog. The giveaway goes until the end of March, so be sure you spread the word.

Also take a look at the ACEO Online Magazine.  We'd love it if you'd 'like' us, and if you are an artist please think about joining our group too.  Right now there are 57 members and growing.  This is our Blog 
We also have a group on the Ellen Degeneres ning site I'm the moderator on this site, and would love it if you joined us there too.

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This past weekend I was looking around YouTube on colored pencil tutorials, I am always wanting to learn as much as I possibly can.  I came across this young artist named Jacqueline Pettie, and she's a wonderful colored pencil artist.  She even has her own YouTube Cannel.  I am very impressed by her talent and dedication to her artwork.  This little lady is going places, that's for sure.

Well, that's it for now.
Have a great day,
Brenda

New Painting: Byzantine Blues

Byzantine Blues - Lynda Lehmann c 2011

"Byzantine Blues" is one of my recent series of small paintings, just 11 x 14 inches.  It's one of those paintings whose name seemed to arise out of the ether as I finished it.  While my title does not really fit the definition of Byzantine, I still like it for this work.  Since it's my painting, I guess I can call it whatever I wish!  One of the added joys of making art is the freedom to associate ones image with words and name it thus. That is, to see an image in your own unique way.  
The viewer too, is called upon to see whatever he or she wishes, and that is the freedom that is inherent in the ambiguity and mystery of abstract art.  Although the bottom line is that titles are not at all necessary to the visual experience, especially of abstraction, and may even detract from the viewer's freedom to see it in his or her own way.
Dictionary.com defines "Byzantine" as follows:
4. Fine Arts . pertaining to or designating the style of the fine or decorative arts developed and elaborated in the Byzantine Empire and its provinces: characterized chiefly by an ecclesiastically prescribed iconography, highly formal structure, severe confinement of pictorial space to a shallow depth, and the use of rich, often sumptuous color.

You can see that this painting does not resemble the "ecclesiastically prescribed iconography," of Byzantine Art at all, although the confinement of pictorial space to a shallow depth and the use of rich color, may apply.

You can read more about the Byzantine Empire at Wiki.  
Although I appreciate the beautifully rendered realism of masters such as Da Vinci or John Singer Sargent, my preferred style of painting is abstract.  What is your favorite style, when it comes to making or appreciating art?
All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary site at http://www.lyndalehmann.com/gallery if you would like to see my acrylic paintings and more of my photography and digital art. 

Rose Bird by Diane Clancy

Rose Birds, Digital © Diane Clancy

Please visit my Etsy Shop to purchase Rose Bird or other vibrant colorful paintings. Many are available in different sizes. I want to inspire and uplift you! Thank you ~ Diane Clancy

Blog: dianeclancy.com/blog
Facebook Artist Page: DianeClancyArt
Twitter: dianeclancy
Website: dianeclancy.com

Little Book of Tags ...

I am delighted to be offering for sale this lovely fabric art concertina style book, made from heaps of yummy fabrics .
It is filled with a selection of five (5) darling little tags, all handmade textile art ,stamped with words such as care,love,always...plus faces and pretty embroidered designs. The whole thing folds up concertina style and slips into a case made from vintage fabric.Every surface is embellished lavishly,inside and out!
Nothing to stop you, of course, using the folding booklet to keep your own special keepsakes in and taking out the tags to embellish your journals,art, or even special gifts.
Each tag is layered intricately and many of my own hand dyed fabrics are used too. Each is finished with stunning colourful yarns,ribbons and fibers. Tags measure an average of about 2" long.
This book,closed, measures ( approximately ) 4" x 3",( not including all the trails of lace and fiber embellishments) and ( approx) 2" or so thick.
A really delightful collection of truly unique art tags!
Currently available for sale CLICK HERE!!

Serendipity is Nature's Generosity

Lamb's Ears - Image c Lynda Lehmann

I've been wanting to get back to painting, because painting is my first love.  I had promised myself that my next post would be about pigment instead of pixels.  But nature intervened and threw me a curve.  
I had all but given up on finding anything pixel-worthy on my walk today, when I stumbled upon these dried "Lamb's Ears" plants (as a friend of mine calls them).  They are just slightly wilted from the cold, which has been intense for a December on Long Island.  But their light gray-green color was outstanding against the auburn of dried, fallen leaves.
It's sometimes hard to find subjects to shoot on suburban streets, unless one comes across a wooded area or something at the very edge of the street. In order to respect people's privacy, or should I say their feelings about privacy, I never point my camera towards a house.  That's why I so enjoy getting out of the neighborhood to the larger outdoor spaces with my camera.  Not only is there usually more to shoot, but I feel free to point my camera in any direction.
Nature came through again today, with a subject that I feel holds a good deal of beauty and mystery.  I've seen this cluster of plants in the same location before, but today the light was right and the colors just popped! Whenever I take in a scene or object of beauty, I feel rich. So today held a tiny bit of serendipity for me.
I hope you found beauty and a touch of serendipity in your day, as well!    
Reposted from Peripheral Vision blog.  All images and text  are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission (email is okay) by the author/artist, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary art site at http://www.lehmann.myexpose.com/gallery if you would like to see my paintings and more of my photography and digital art!

A Great Big Thank You to Marlena's Designer Scarves

A few posts back, I showed you two of my designs that are available at Designer Scarves by Marlena. Since that time, I've ordered and received one to keep for myself, and I want to share my excitement with you.

I not only want to show you my new product, but I want to take the opportunity to thank Marlena and Robbie again, for not only inviting me aboard, but for producing a gorgeous product.
You can see by my photos how lush and soft the silk is, how vivid and pure the color, and how beautifully it drapes and folds!  I'm totally thrilled with it and can't wait to order more in the future.  
When Marlena first contacted me, I was busy with a lot of projects and obligations, and I felt the pressure of getting some images together for her.  But I'm so glad I did it!  I love her array of "fine silk art-scarves in limited editions."  Not just because my designs are among them but because they make a beautiful accessory for adding color and warmth to a dreary, gray day. And they make gorgeous keepsake and holiday gifts, as well!
What you see in this post are a few of my own photos of one of my scarf designs.  I wanted to show you how it looks flat, and the sheen and gracefulness that it retains when it's folded.
I wish Marlena and Robby all the luck with their shawl and scarf products!  You can check out their catalog here:  My Gallery at Designer Scarves by Marlena

Re-posted from Peripheral Vision blog.  All images and text are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission (email is okay) by the author/artist, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary art site at http://www.lehmann.myexpose.com/gallery if you would like to see my paintings and more of my photography and digital art!

"Magic Lamp" Silk Scarf Designs

I'm excited to report that my "Magic Lamp" images will be among the designs made from my digital paintings, that will become available in the coming weeks for purchase at Designer Scarves by Marlena!

Many thanks to Marlena and Bob Burger for inviting me to add my designs to their catalog of fine wearable silk art!  I love color, so I can't wait to purchase one for myself and wear it.  I'll post the link when my designs go online, so you can see them and give me your opinion.  

These damp, gloomy autumn days can sure use some color, especially after the foliage has turned brown and no longer creates its seasonal magic! 

All images and text are copyrighted material originating from "Peripheral Vision" blog and may be used only with written permission by the author/artist, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary art site www.lehmann.myexpose.com/ if you would like to see my paintings and more of my photography and digital art.

Art Doll 'GIGGLE'

GIGGLE  is one of my new art dolls recently completed using hand painted fabrics,inks,paints and stitch.
Face is hand painted with permanent pigments and her body and wigs are lusciously padded.
Hangs approx 38cm (15") - metal hanging hoop is already attached to the back for easy display!

I love these, they are such a delight to create-I'm already brimming with further ideas for future characters!
'Giggle' and some of her friends are available for sale and will be at exhibition during Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week, for exposedART on Events Square, Falmouth on Wednesday 11th August. More details to follow soon!

Protecting Robin

Yesterday I spent some time in my studio, and this is what came out of it. I call it Protecting Robin. It is a 5x7 inch acrylic painting on canvas panel. If you are interested it can be found in my Etsy Shop. Hope you like it.

Blessings,
Brenda Thour

The Metaphysics of Cloth

The Metaphysics of Cloth - c Lynda Lehmann

This 9" x 12" watercolor reflects my fascination with finding beauty in the transient and accidental, such as the folds of a towel or laundry dropped on the floor, and resonates with my general love of texture and topography. I see texture as the most universal and ever-present level of form. This is one of my older paintings.

I have long been wanting to re-visit the idea of a series like this: many different, flowing and graceful configurations of cloth. I'm finding it really difficult to work towards all my goals, but I know that I'm fortunate to have a number of compelling creative interests (even if they drive me crazy!)

I haven't posted in more that two weeks, because we've been very busy with home-building and renovating projects, as we are each summer. And our daughter is getting married next week, so that is a real sea-change life event. I'm fighting the inclination to feel "very old!" I'm joyous for her, but also feeling a bit melancholy. Where have the years gone?

I hope you are all well, not feeling too uncomfortable with this summer heat, and finding time to pursue your passions. I hope to return to blogging more regularly in August. See you soon!

All images and text are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission by the author/artist, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary art site www.lyndalehmann.com if you would like to see my paintings and more of my photography and digital art.

Up Above My Head No.1

Up Above My Head No. 1

is painted on 5"x7" Montval 140# watercolor paper

using professional paint.

Click here to purchase

Summer Nights

Big MOON Light

With the moon this big, no street lights are necessary! "Big MOON Light" reminds me of summer nights when I was a kid. Running around playing hide and seek with friends by moonlight.
This little watercolor was created with Daniel Smith and M Graham watercolors and pen on 140# Fabriano CP watercolor paper.
This original watercolor painting measures 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.

INCONSISTENT

Currently FOR SALE HERE
'INCONSISTENT' is a mixed media work. It is the regulation ACEO size 2.5" x 3.5" and is presented on ultra-smooth white card. This design is an original pen and ink drawing with artist fine-line pen and professional artists' pencils and plenty of TLC!
This piece has also been sprayed with a light fixative for protection and longevity.

What are ACEOs???? ACEO is the acronym for "Art Cards Editions and Originals". An ACEO is a small piece of art that can be defined by it's convenient 2.5 x 3.5 inch size. (Standard trading card size) ACEOs are VERY different from trading cards however, because they are CREATED and traded or sold by artists. All my ACEOs are absolute ORIGINAL pieces of art! (Some artists choose to sell prints of their work -'editions' ) ACEOs are created in any medium available in the art world. Artists are creating them in ALL kinds of styles and varieties. There are no rules limiting the artist, outside of the size dimensions. ACEOs can be framed, propped, used as bookmarks,grouped together in larger frames......use YOUR imagination! Trading Card notebooks, sleeves and holders can all be used to display them. BECOME A COLLECTOR YOUR SELF OR BEGIN A COLLECTION AS A SPECIAL GIFT FOR A FRIEND TODAY-THE VARIETIES ARE ENDLESS!

Calla Lily

Digitally edited photo of a lily, made the background less obtrusive and added HDR effect. Now for sale at REDBUBBLE

Sedona Life Styles Magazine features Jan & Jim

The recent cover story features the Bike & Bean couple. You may have met Jim, Jan & their dogs in your travels through the bike shop, or tattoo studio.

The article highlights their active life style of mountain biking, the bike shop, Jan's art at the bike shop & tattoo work.

This magazine will be available for a year pick it up & check it out!

A Ballet of Blossoms

Peachy Petals - Lynda Lehmann c 2009

Watch the petals of irises sway, billow and gently gesture in the breeze. It's like watching a ballet: the dance of sweet spring air over translucent sheaths of brilliant color, orchestrated interplay of air, color, and light....

Irises may be my favorite flower, for their intricate, sculptural forms, whose graceful spatial relationships flourish in 3-D. I think they're much more interesting than tulips, for example, whose colors are just as beautiful but whose petals form a more symmetric and predictable, cup-like structure. As with the process when I paint, I enjoy variety and a few surprises!

The closer I move with my eye or my view through the camera, the more I see of the fantastic architecture of the flower kingdom.

What's your favorite flower?

This article is re-posted from "Peripheral Vision" at www.innersights.blogspot.com.

Yellow Iris I

Continuing with my Iris series, this one is also available for sale on REDBUBBLE.