Eye Candy Part 2 Series

 

 

Eye Candy Part 2 series #1 - acrylic & color pencil on canvas, 18 x 18, 2015.

 

 

Eye Candy Part 2 series #2  - acrylic & color pencil on canvas, 18 x 18, 2015.

2015! Here. We. Go.

I never make New Year's Resolutions... but this year I'm turning 30!?! As my Facebook newsfeed has slowly morphed from college party pics to wedding and baby photos... I guess I'm not the 18 year old I think I am. And since I have the ability to work remotely for my job, I've made a mental note that I want to TRAVEL to as many places as possible in 2015. I even made a list... but as I started writing down lists upon lists of things I want to accomplish...the thoughts kept flowing from my pen to the paper and I wanted to share... Here we go:

 

* Go to Spain, France, South Africa, Australia, and Thailand because you always wanted to.

 

* Before you status update, Tweet, Tumble or Instagram, pause and say to yourself, “is it entirely necessary that I share this morsel of thought with my entire social network?” and if the answer is not, “yes, I absolutely must,” then step away from the Internet.

 

 * Find a way to save approximately 300 dollars and spend it on a flight to see a friend or family member who lives far away (Barto I'm coming for ya).

* Drink More water, because sipping coffee all day can not be good for me.

 

 * Call someone on the phone at least once a week, and speak to him or her for at least ten minutes.

 

* Try a food that I don’t like but have never actually tried, unless it’s beef cheek (sorry Colton - no way)

 

* Tell someone who I love that I love them on a more regular basis.

 

* Back up my entire online life (particularly my painting images) onto an external hard drive.

 

 * Do something I love everyday - painting, being with my friends and family, running with my dog... and cross it out on a calendar... then connect the X's.

 

 *Fail more often, because if I'm not failing, I'm not taking chances.

 

*Set more goals. The sky is the limit

 

2014 was awesome, so 2015 lets make it a good one!  

 

December 2014

 

 

New Work - Abstract Surf Panel

ABSTRACT PROCESS

Every artist has a process when they create work.  I've been taught different techniques in art school, but I always revert back to the way I've always created art since I was a little kid. Rarely do I create thumbnails sketches or have an idea of what I'm going to do. I simply start out by getting all my paints on a surface so I can see them... and one by one I'll apply color to the canvas. I play around with some color combinations and feel it out.  Intuitively I look to see where color, and paint stokes are needed and I take breaks to keep my mind clear. As I go back to the work I find a natural time to stop and the piece is completed.

I took pictures of the last abstract painting I did so you can see how a painting comes together. I never know how a finished artwork will turn out, but I guess that's the magic of it all.

 I started out with brown and quickly added blue paint to the canvas.

 

  In addition to paint, I used black charcoal to create lines and shape.

 

  I added some green (one of my favorite colors)

 

 Applying bright blue gave the piece a "lighter" feel.

 

 Now more shapes were introduced the painting.

 

 I liked the idea of having a "pop" of red to create more interest.

 This photo was taken after a few hours of reapplying paint in a circle-like pattern.

 

The finished piece !!!

Inspiration : Miranda Skoczek

 

 

I'm quite enamored with the work of Melbourne artist Miranda Skoczek at the moment. Her mixed media pieces (especially those with a layering of textiles) are so so fun. I love her use of color and shapes in her paintings and I think these would be fun to hang in any open space.

 

 

You can see more of her work HERE.

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.