Lately - Bigger is Better

 

 

I made a decision a few weeks ago, that going forward, my work is going to be BIG. Why? Because it's more satisfying for me. I actually created this 60 x 60 painting in a day and it came together so easily.  Now the only issue is transporting the work.....

60 x 60 mixed media abstract painting, 2014

NEW WORK USING RINEKWALL DESIGNER WALLPAPER

 

I am thrilled to announce my new mixed media abstract series featuring Rinekwall wallpaper. Over the course of the next three months I will be creating large artworks using various Rinekwall designs, and I could not be more excited. The collaboration has truly expanded the course of my work and its been fun to explore a new medium to express myself.

 

I was searching for some new inspiration and naturally gravitated to Rinekwall after looking at their collection one afternoon. It seemed like a natural fit to collaborate with other creatives who too love beauty and good design. I am so impressed by their integrity, and innovation. I've posted one of my more recent works below, but stay tuned for more to come.

 

 

Pieces are finished with a high gloss varnish for a more polished look.

 



This painting is layered with Rinekwall "Bed of Nails" wallpaper, thick contruction paper, varnish, pencil, charcoal, and house paint.

 

 

Check out Rinekwall and all their amazing designs here

RED BABY !!

 

I'm currently painting a series of "surf panels" --basically surf boards that have been shaped into canvas-like squares-- and its been a total blast. I've been limiting my color palate and focusing more about shape and movement in my work...

 This picture was taken before the piece was glassed,  so I'm looking forward to seeing how it comes out.

DAX Gallery Benefiting Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation Newport Beach held a art opening entitled “WASTE-LESS” -- an art show and fundraiser, hosted by DAX Gallery. The goal was to raise funds and awareness for Surfrider’s Rise Above Plastics Program. Rise Above Plastics aims to help reduce the use of plastics in our communities. Their main focus is to reduce pollution by decreasing single use plastics by advocating for policies such as the ban on single use plastic bags in major retail stores. Worldwide, nearly 2 million single-use plastic bags are used each minute. Plastic bags are usually reported as the second most common type of ocean litter, after cigarette butts.

 During the event, reusable tote bags were provided along with local artwork and raffle tickets for items donated by companies sponsoring the event. The group of artists showcasing, work in all different areas of art, ranging from nature photography, painting, sculpture and mixed media. These artists use a multitude of found, reused, recycled, and refurbished items to create beautiful pieces of art, while keeping the materials out of landfills. All sold pieces during the event donated 50% of its proceeds to Rise Above Plastics, with the other 50% of proceeds going to the artist. It was fun to support artists and a great cause.

My Brother Colton and I.

 

 

 

 

Lately - 9.2.14

"The Possibilities Are Endless", 40 x 40, 2014

 

 

Abstract painting on surfboard

Jenny Andrews-Anderson

It's no secret that I love color. So when I accidentally stumbled across Jenny Andrews-Anderson while I was on Pinterest, I quickly became a fan. I googled her to find many more of her amazing  images and I am delighted that I can share her colorful pieces. Her paintings could make any space seem alive.  I just love, love, love her work. Enjoy.

 

 

Currently Loving All Things Pink

Wishful thinking, and the time change this weekend has instantly put me in Spring mode. Winter what? I'm currently inspired by all things pink. This explains why everything I've been pinning on Pinterest has a variation of the color in it somewhere. Here are a few things I'm wanting/loving/lusting for:

How fun is this abstract piece by Jennifer Mercede? It's called "Slow Down Aries"



I love this charming (PINK) bird inspired bridal shower cake

Light pink sunsets remind me of summer ...

Can't wait for peony season! Pink peonies might be every girls favorite flower.

I want Rach Parcell's pink 3.1 Phillip Lim satchel, and pink Valentino flats

Essies hot pink nail color is perfect for a spring/summer mani/pedi

 

Color palate inspiration 

 

Needing these pink vans! So fun !

Raspberry sorbet YUM!

 I was so attracted to this sweet oil painting by Erin Gregory

 

Pink Ray-Bans. Classic.

Coffee With Mac Chapel

 

 

It has been a long time since I've posted anything to this blog... I feel like my brain is a computer with 20 tabs open at all times... so running at 50 percent, and in so many directions, has made me unproductive in all aspects of my live.. but I had a moment and wanted to talk about my dear friend Mac.

I have this belief that interesting people do interesting things. And since my blog is dedicated to artists and images that I find well....interesting.... I wanted to post about my friend Mac Chapel- an incredible friend, brother, and painter.

I actually met Mac on my birthday a year or two back. Long story short -- I was in the car with my older brother driving towards my parents house in Laguna Beach, when Mac texted him to stop by for a beer. I was convinced to come along and when I arrived Mac handed me a cold Corona and gave me the biggest bear hug. Hours (and several drinks later) we bonded over a game of horseshoes and were sharing our artwork images over our phones. Mac and I had an instant bond, and I think he's crazy talented. The real deal.

Mac paints portraits. To me; that's gutsy. We got together for coffee and he further told me that his art reflects his fascination with people in general. That "everyone has a story to tell", and his whole goal is to capture them on canvas, so that their eyes look like "they have a soul in them"...

Chapel told me he starts a project only when he feels inspired.  Even though it doesn't happen all the time.... when he decides to paint it can be for hours. Usually his portraits are created within a day or two. He mixes oil paint on the canvas itself and keeps at it until he feels its the right time to stop. He sent me a few pictures of his work and I posted them below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why NYC Artist Jamison Ernest Is Giving Diamonds to Strangers

New York artist Jamison Ernest made the surprise announcement that he would be extending his gallery show an additional week so that he could give a gift to seven lucky visitors: $77,777 worth of diamonds. Starting on Saturday, he'll hide a single 177-faceted stone each day in a candlelit maze. "I hope a man who wants to get engaged but can't afford a diamond finds one," he tells Yahoo! Shine, "or a person who doesn't have enough money to get their family food and gifts for the holidays." He adds, "A lot of people have been beaten down so badly by life but just need a little bit of hope to believe in themselves again." The diamonds were purchased with proceeds from sales of his work so far, and he had no idea until a couple of weeks ago whether he could pull off adding the jewels or if last night would be his closing party.

Ernest knows from experience what it means to be given a second chance. Six months ago, he had a vision but no money to create his work. He launched a Kickstarter campaign for $2,500, which ballooned into about $65,000 of donations. Another campaign brought the total to over $120,000. He poured the money into creating his paintings and sculptures and building out the raw space for his exhibition, Bouncing Cars, which opened on Nov. 8 in a former meatpacking warehouse.
"The meaning of the work is open to the viewers, but my personal take on it is that life is not about the dead ends we hit, but our ability to see past them and overcome them," Ernest says. The show was inspired by a shocking event that could have been tragic but instead provided an extraordinary message of redemption. Fifteen years ago, he was driving on the Belt Parkway near his home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NYC, when the car in front of him began to swerve out of control. It smashed into a guardrail and flipped through the air, ejecting the couple inside. He pulled over to help, and, miraculously, both the man and woman were still alive. After an ambulance arrived, he never saw them again, but the vision of the near-catastrophe has haunted him ever since.
About 5,000 people have attended the show so far, and the valuable jewels are sure to attract many more. Only seven people will be allowed into the maze at a time, for seven minutes. Ernest uses the number seven because, as he explains, the number is the foundation for many systems, "seven phases of man's life, according to Shakespeare, seven days of the week, seven vertebrae [in the neck]." Inside the maze, which also contains seven passages, visitors will encounter messages to persevere, such as "In the Dark Is When Our Visions Become Clear." Ernest says he hopes people will exit the maze and reenter the light with a renewed sense of possibility. Bouncing Cars will be open every day but Thanksgiving until Nov. 30 at the Ambassador Gallery at 450 West 14th St. in New York City.

To see Ernest's work here is his website :
http://www.jamisonernestart.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painting Pumpkins

If you have been on Pinterest lately, or have been browsing Instagram....painting pumpkins has taken over carving pumpkins. Maybe because you don't have the gooey mess, or because painting seems like more fun... but I was able to get together with some friends over the past week to decorate our own Halloween gourds.  And let me tell you - painting a pumpkin isn't as easy as you might think. Even though my decoration didn't come out exactly as planned, I had so much fun! It's more about appreciating the time we girls can carve out for each other these days :)

 Pinterest-inspired painted Pumpkins 

 

 

 

 

Reality of decorating pumpkins (its messy)  - *Thanks Sabrina Chazen for this action shot, and placing a glitter spider on my shoulder

My finished pumpkin, sitting near my front door *HAPPY HALLOWEEN*

Palm Springs Modern Retro Homes Collaboration

I was delighted when I was approached by Palm Springs Modern Retro Homes to provide artwork for a recent property that they were renovating. They were looking for fresh, new, and colorful artwork to tie together the finishing touches of the "60's" décor. I knew that a few of my abstact pieces would work well when they were describing the project. And I have to say, I am so thrilled with the final results! So I posted a few pictures below.

 

 

 

Design Crush : Sara Berrenson

I will admit, there are certain people that I like to keep "tabs" on. Whether they are artists, fashion bloggers, or stylish friends...I follow them on Pinterest and Instagram to take note of what they are up to.  One artist/blogger/creator I like to watch is Sara Berrenson. Let me just start by saying, she is someone that you need to know.

 

 I met Sara years ago while we were both living in the South Bay. She was a designer at Mattel and right away I knew this girl had major talent. Over the years I have watched her design, and grow her empire as she launched her personal website; showcasing her dreamy wallpaper and flowery fabrics that would enliven any space. Sara delightfully knows the balance of pattern, color, and classic (vintage) prints. I have fallen in love with her cheerful works and her creations never fail to impress me. I am hoping to nab a few of her fabrics to make throw pillows for my bedroom. Samples of her work are below. They are A-MAZE-ZING!

 

 

To see more of her work, go to her website: saraberrenson.com 

*images via www.saraberrenson.com