Speaking With A Voice Both Soft and Strong

King of the Garden (ACEO) - $5.00
A print of a watercolor, pen and ink original measures 2 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 inches; the same size as baseball trading cards. The paper is acid free, lignin free, and 100% cotton.

Glory2727 is an art-based business run by a painter Gloria Wilson who resides in Holly Hill, Florida. Using watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, pen and ink, and a variety of other sealants and varnishes, she tailors her artwork to that which she is embellishing, be it a piece of watercolor paper, a glass, or a bar of soap.

This artist has an excellent command of her medium, blending and shading to achieve lifelike effects in her flowers and animals. Using a variety of styles such as impressionism, as in this painting, Bird of Paradise (note cards), a tropical and dramatic flower endemic to Florida, her work speaks loudly without being too deliberate, not to detract from the spntaneity of the moment. Created using gestured lines, and light versus dark on the same brush; reminiscent of techniques used in wood painting and Japanese brush painting, one can feel the warmth generated as well as the movement of each leaf and petal as it curves tenderly and shines in the sunlight, its parameters more defined by color gradient than by definitive boundaries.

Bird of Paradise Note card Set of 8 - $10.00
These cards measure 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 wide and fits into an invitational size envelope. The 8 cards and 8 envelopes are enclosed in a clear plastic box. All work done at home by the artist including the printing.

Others are rendered focusing more on fine details, accentuating line and crisp contrast to bring out the soft and dreamy watercolors inside.

This card set; called Two Butterflies shows exquisite depth and richness utilizing both lighting and darkness to give one a feeling of vibrancy.

Two Butterflies set of 8 - $12.00
These prints of original paintings are 5 1/4" x 4 1/4 ". The box comes with 8 cards (4 of each) butterfly image along with envelopes.

If you are more the type who buys things you can use, why not buy something with a little bit of art on it in the process. These are not like the dime-a-dozen commercially painted shakers you find in Rich's department store housewares department, but instead original and one-of-a-kind;

Pick a Pair - $8.00
Grapes painted with acrylics on a salt and pepper shaker

Salt and Peppers - $8.00
Gerber Daisies painted with acrylics on a salt and pepper shaker

If you would like to see more of what Gloria has available, go to her shop on Etsy;
http://Glory2727.etsy.com

and read her blog to learn more about the artist and her activities;
http://frommybrush.blogspot.com

Living With Intensity!

Baltimore Aquarium - $300
Original, One of a Kind, Watercolor/Mixed Media on Heavy Watercolor Paper Artwork Size 11x14 Presentation: Beautiful Gallery Frame (Black with White Double Mat)

Pamela Miller of allyon67 has a very soft, dreamy style in watercolor, mixed-media, pen, and acrylics. Her subjects include cityscapes, and other landscapes, animals, still-life, fantasy, and a few abstracts. Some of her works are symbolic of significant life events.

“My art reflects my beliefs in love, warmth, generosity, loyalty, and honesty. I’m inspired by science, fantasy, martial arts, architecture, and nature (especially water)”, says the artist in her own words. She admits to feeling emotion deeply and uses her medium to communicate her many moods from peaceful, to flamboyant, to stormy and angry. The core message that comes through is one of fondness; of all living things, of beauty even in the architecture, an intention of working for the greater good.

There is a gentle, loving quality to a lot of the animals and people depicted in her work such as these two horses below, one nuzzling the other for a kiss;

Gimme Some Sugar Baby - $125.00
Watercolor on Heavy Watercolor Paper Presentation: Double Mat Brings Size to 16x20


Hearts and Kitty (#2) - $49.99
Original, One of a Kind Watercolor Mixed Media on Heavy Watercolor Paper Artwork Size: 4 x 6 (SFA) Presented in a Silver Floating Frame


Rainbow Rover - $15.99
2.5x3.5 * Original Watercolor, Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper * * Signed by Artist, Pamela Miller * Protective Plastic Jacket**COA and Artist Bio Included

In the painting below, Shy, it appears the girl on the left is hiding behind her long hair and her more outgoing friend. Painted in black and white the artist’s utilization of line illustrates the wish to blend invisibly into the background. There is a little bit of a ghost-like feel to it, as though the girl is observing while trying not to be observed, herself.

Shy- $100
Watercolor on Heavy Watercolor Paper Artwork Size: 18x 24


Pamela has received formal art training and other education at the Maryland Institute of Art-Summer School,
Howard Community College-Liberal Arts,
and Capital College-Computer Engineering

Most of the artwork she creates comes with a certificate of authenticity.
This is one online shop you should definitely take a serious look at if you are seeking some powerful art for the walls of your home or office!

To see more of Pamela’s work, go to:
http://allyon67.etsy.com

Read up on the artist and her activities on her blog:
http://pmillerabstractart.blogspot.com

Art As Universal Language

Nera Blums Sterling Silver Earrings - $22.50
Flower post earrings, 1 cm - .5 inch wide with black oxidized stamen

Catherine Marche of Kalicat Designs has am extensive background in graphic arts and graduated from the University of Orléans (FRANCE) in 1990 in Mathematics and Physics, Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, Conservatoire National de Musique, from 1990-91 the University of Vermillion (USA), graduated in Computer Sciences and Music, 98-2000 Central St Martins College of Art and Design, Etching - Photoshop and web design.

In the year 2000 she went on to study at Putney School of Arts, Screenprinting, then in 2001 at Artichoke Studios - Lithography, Bankside Gallery – Linocut, in 2003 learned Book Illustration at the Chelsea School of Arts, then learned Adobe Illustrator in 2003, and studied Fashion Illustration at the London College of Fashion in 2005.

She worked for 10 years as an IT consultant, and then went on to become a Fashion Illustrator, putting to work a lot of the skills she had previously learned.

Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, in 1967, then growing up in several countries, Catherine learned to speak several languages. She often changed schools as often as 3 times a year. Her ability to adapt to many different environments came in handy later in life.

"I grew up in several countries as my Dad was in the airforce.
I went to kindergarten in Germany, then Primary school in Germany, Africa and back to France. I love the fact it made me bilingual and have a real easiness learning new foreign languages. I also speak English, Spanish, a bit of Dutch and Creole and am learning Japanese. I stil have a love of travelling and discovering new cultures. I studied in the USA and noe live in London UK."

Catherine has a love of colors, feels she may be influenced by Die Brucke artists like Otto Mueller. "I also love Dali, Picasso and am crazy for Nikki de St Phalle and Louise Bourgois, "she remarks. "I have also collected a few African artefacts and sculptures made of wood which are a delight to my senses."

Her parents were very permissive and went further than most to nurture the artistic qualities in their child. "As a child, my parents "gave me" free expression on my walls, which still have some murals to these days and my brothers and I also had a few notebooks where we could write and draw everything we wanted. My parents always encouraged all artistic expression and allowed me to learn music. I have a degree in music and still paint, illustrated, play the pianio, and the saxophone."

In addition to having worked as an IT consultant she has worked as an interpreter, a model, a translator, a math teacher, a private tutor, an arts teacher at various times during her life.

Now she doesn't exhibit as much as she used to since her children have been born but in addition to making jewelry she currently paints, does Fashion design, and designs wedding invitations.

Some of her work is still on display in a museum in Tayali (Zambia).

She sites among the disadvantages of being a jewelry artist in the UK; the cost of living being so high there making it hard to compete with US prices, and the advantages being that she lives in a hub of creative people and that people there have very eclectic tastes in art.

"I really like The Penland book of Jewelry which showcases unusual jewelry and techniques.Visits to the Victoria and Albert Museum and estate auctions are also very inspirational."

She recommends to other artists to make what they feel like making and not necessarily what they think will sell or what others do.

If you look at her catherinemarche.com site gallery http://www.catherinemarche.com/gallery.html you will see just how varied her work is and how many ways she’s been able to put it to use! Her drawing/painting styles range from a whimsical, stylized gesture drawing impressionistic style,

Lola plumes rouges - Price: £220 - US$ 350
inks on paper

to quite classic, formal paintings and drawings of nudes

Naomi
Crayon on Paper
Size: 20 x 30 cm.


Sleeping Beauty - Price: $ 450.00 - £300
Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: 20" x 28"

and portaits of people that are hightly realistic;

Nour
Oil on Canvas
24" x 18",
commission
Private collection


La Lectrice - The reader - £450 - $670 - 680€
Huile sur bois - Oil on wood
53 x 60 cms - 21" x 24"

Catherine has had a number of corporate clients for her illustrations, and her work has been in private museum collections in France, UK, USA, West Indies, Netherlands, and Spain, and represented in galleries in France, and in the US (Pennsylvania, and Florida).

Her work has appeared in magazines, on TV, and she has retained high-profile clients such as L’Oreal.

Her jewelry includes anything from simple beaded designs to traditional precision metal fabrication.

"I've Always been crazy for jewelry, always will be" says Catherine. "I had about 60 pairs of earrings as a teenager, which was when I started making my own jewels. I have designed and commissioned several pieces in sterling silver, 18K gold, and platinum, including my engagement ring and wedding ring. Becoming a jeweller was just a normal extension of my artistic expression. (Catherine is going 3D)." It is quite interesting that so many jewelry artists started out in 2 dimensional art and feel compelled to translate their work into 3-D form although they may continue drawing and painting or alternate between both artforms. I have heard this from a number of people and I myself have always felt a need to have things be 3-dimensional. There is a sense of completeness you just don't quite get from a flat canvas or paper.

Catherine once was looking through a fashion magazine after one of her children was born and her husband asked her what she'd like as a present to celebrate the birth. She came across the picture of a gorgeous emerald-cut Rubellite ring by the exclusive Boucheron Jewellers. Not having any idea how much it cost, her husband took her over there, they got it out of the vault and when it came time to pay for it the clerk informed them it would be $440,000. Her husband looked as though he might faint any minute, and she told the man showing it to them that this was "a bit over" their "budget," returning the ring to it's secure fortress behind thick steel doors.

Some of her nicest pieces are these that I have included here.

These Blum Blum earrings are her best-sellers.

Blum Blum sterling silver Stud Earrings - $32.00
Solid sterling handcrafted pair of earrings delivered with sterling silver earposts, in an organza pouch.

This ring has an anticlastic look, with a substantial width, and subtly textured surface; graceful but with a very nice weightiness.

Large Sterling Silver Ring - $49.50
Adjustable, formed ring with hammered finish (one size fits all)

This bracelet on the other-hand makes use of its wispiness and contrasting negative space to capitalize on its lightness. With just one ring in 18 Karat gold amongst the sterling silver loops, its delicate understatement is what makes this piece work.

Loopy - 18K gold and Sterling Silver Bracelet - $495
Solid 18K yellow gold and Sterling Silver BraceletEach loopy link has been forged and fabricated by hand. Bracelet measures approx. 7”.

This piece with round Jade beads spilling in a bunch from the center of a large-link sterling chain, fittingly named Green Peas Delight really is delightful! The beads seem to cascade from it like a lively waterfall.

Green Peas Delight Jade and sterling Silver Bracelet - $50.00
Sterling silver chain with 7 jade beads resembling peas, approx length 7", or 19 cm.

Surprisingly, Catherine says that her most successful venue has been on Etsy, then shows and Open Studios second and third.

Look for more of her work at VIX Emporium in Philadelphia.

Techniques she would like to learn are Pave' , Repousse, and Chasing.

When asked what her plans are to present her work to holiday shoppers she said, "I have already done 1 Christmas market, did an open studio today, and will do another one next week; http://www.hiddenartlondon.co.uk/events/open-studios/fairs/hidden-art-members-at-hothouse

Her plans long-term for her business are to create new collections, be commissioned by fashion houses to design their collections, and she would like her jewelry to be liked by many, and to adorn many more.

For more beautiful work available, or to place a custom order, go to:
http://kalicat.etsy.com
and
http://www.catherinemarche.com

and in the UK: http://www.tuggle.co.uk/index.php?cPath=210_237&osCsid=40722d1de3c1240bbc9a00d0b1938b4b
and in Europe: http://www.dawanda.com/

To learn more about the artist, read her blog: http://kalicatdesigns.blogspot.com

and her reviews on other artists:
http://honeyandsweets.blogspot.com/

Painting the Human Condition

Paulette Insall didn’t begin painting until just a year ago, but she envisioned herself doing so for many years before she could muster the courage to try it. When she did, what came out yielded rich, colorful, and soulful pieces of art that are reminiscent of Picasso.


Most of her mixed-media paintings are of individual stylized women, rendered through a range of methods including acrylics, watercolor, pencil, stamping, and collage.

Although each is different they all have an underlying wistfulness, sadness, or sense of loss about them. Paulette wants other women going through difficulties in their lives to know they are not alone. Her art acts as a therapeutic timeline and is a vehicle for her to connect with others.

One of her paintings Time Flies… Hold On has the caption “Her heart ached for it so”. Behind a young girl is a stained glass window, and in her hand, a pocket watch. What is particularly interesting about this painting is that the hand is not attached to an arm but instead seems to be disembodied. This could symbolize a feeling of not having control and a longing for something that never seems to come. The other highly significant items in the painting are two wings attached to her shoulders, but disproportionately small in comparison to the girl. She looks angelic but at the same time unable to use these wings to take her where she wants to go. It’s as if she’s a fledgling bird not quite able to fly yet, but developing in that direction.


The painting Listen is about listening to your heart and to God, and believing in yourself despite naysayers who would discount your dreams. The artist describes how people in her life have been questioning the path she’s chosen and opening the door to self-doubt.


Follow shows a girl with long flowing hair, dots in a wavy line going through her head, and a butterfly which seems to symbolize freedom to follow her dreams. All of these parts are flowing in the same direction and the girl’s eyes seem to be following them, but she looks as of she might cry. To the left are three windows which appear to be distractions away from her art.


Waking Dream is about resolution of past pain and self-discovery. You can see that this particular face isn't as sad as the others and the mood seems much lighter. Even the girl's hair seems to be springy as though she has gotten some life back into her, awakening to contentment and peace. Butterflies are fluttering around her in an almost nurturing way.

Most of her prints sell for $17.00-$20.00,
very reasonably-priced for such beautiful work!

The artist also has videos of her in the process of painting on YouTube; http://www.youtube.com/pinsall

To see more of her current work she has available, go to her Etsy store:
http://pauletteinsall.etsy.com

and to learn more about the artist read her blogs:
http://www.pauletteinsall.com/blog
http://web.mac.com/pauletteinsall
http://web.mac.com/pauletteinsall/Paulette_Insall/Artist_Features/Artist_Features.html