Photos by Allison Ostertag.

Allison Ostertag

I know, I know shame on me I should have had this posted 5 hours ago. Well migraines are an unpredictable force and happen when they want to but I'm a little better, enough to post this now.

We're gonna spice visual arts up with some photos by Allison Ostertag.

One of Allison's influences is Williams Eggleston, especially his earlier colored work. She says his odd photography reminds her of an alien photographing our planet for the first time.

Allison was expose to photography in the 3rd grade when she was given a camera and went around school taken photos. That untrained, wide-eye approach is still with her today though she has had training and has a degree in photography as well as taught a few classes herself. One of the things that I do like about photography is it odd way of showing the world your missing and I don't think it's entirely because we're not paying attention but I don't really know.

A Philly native, she has lived in western New York, southern Utah and New Orleans. She enjoys the outdoors and grasps at any chance to be out and travel. Her explorer soul feed her like of wandering, and that can lead her down alleys looking for overlooked, new things. Allison loves the local building with their mixture of color and texture. This is one of the main reason I love her work. It's always interesting the odd colors that co-inside in our world.

Allison would love to travel to the west coast and photography in the national parks there or maybe see the Channel Islands. How about both but not at the same time! You can always help her go on that trip by stopping by here.

This is a problem child. I really don't know what to do about the top of the picture. I either cut it down which I don't think is gonna work. Or I fill it in with more black but that might bog the picture down. Humph... all these decisions!

I think black is the way to go just not as heavy, damn that was hard!

Later tonight I'll post today's Etsy visual artist, it's a photographer. Then I'll have to do only one a week until I find a job so I'm not so stressed out.

Dia de los Muertos!!

These are the sketches that I've done so far for my Day of the Dead study.

I was inspired by two things 1) my "Disco is Dead" charcoal drawing (which is to the right) and 2) walking through a Mexican store that was filled with Catrina dolls. Catrina is usually used as a slang word for the dead but a Mexican friend told me that in the old language Catrina was used for women of status. Which would probably explain why Catrina dolls are mostly woman and are dressed in finer clothing.

Storage!

So I ran out of places to store my art supplies, this became even more difficult when my dog broken one of my plastic pencil boxes that I had gotten a long time ago. Man that dog just breaths and something breaks. So I needed to replace that and get extras for my paints, but I didn't want to replace it with more plastic. My husband suggested cigar boxes and he told me to go into Stag, which is right up the street from our home. I finally went and man was that fun. The lady who runs the store took me to the back of the store were they stack the old boxes. She told me to get whichever ones I wanted and that they were $2 for each. I ended up getting 9 boxes and she only charged me $5, what a deal. Now I have something esthetically nice and useful to boot.

Artwork by Elizabeth Bauman.

Elizabeth Bauman

Alright, I have a nasty little cold and can't think clearly. But I'll shoulder through and hopeful give Elizabeth's artwork the awesome feature it deserves. I had something planed out last night but Etsy was down for maintenance and stupid me I didn't write any of it down, so we'll see what comes out of my cold clouded head this morning.

Is it odd that every time I look at Elizabeth's work I think of the movie The Orphanage? Not that I find her work scary, only a little eerie in a child like primitive way. Mostly it's that her work centers around old vintage photographs that she finds disregarded and left behind, like an orphaned child. She then begins to bring them into the present and breaths new hope and life back into them, but with her own more modern twist.

She says she inspired by early American portrait painters, especially untrained ones. Taking from their very naive and raw style. She prefers to paint on wood in either acrylic or oil and occasionally some mixed media on paper. As for the rest of her work she takes from around her home, you'll see a lot of birds and flowers amongst all those vintage portraits.

You can see all the pictures displayed and more by going here. You can also read her blog here.

Mental u-turn

I've decided that the skirt needed to be redone on my painting. This is what it looks like now!

Yes, I think I like it better. What do you think?

My day off!

Today was my day off, yeah for me! I feel I was slightly productive today.

I've wanted to mat my own artwork for my Etsy store, as well as buy some canvas. The problem is that the art stores in town are on the other side of town. I usually can get paint and other things at my local hobby stores. Unfortunately, they are still limited on certain things I need. Like I don't mind pre-stretched canvas but I prefer to do it myself. On top of that I had a funny moment at the local Hobby Lobby.

Hobby Lobby was having a 50% off mat board sale. I'd wanted to mat my own work to save money so I didn't need to raise the prices on my artwork, so I couldn't not go and buy a few boards to start with. After choosing 5 mat boards I went in search of mounting tape. Finally, I just decided to ask the people over at the custom framing section because they use mounting tape all the time. After waiting while an older woman got her husbands military metals framed another more impatient woman interrupted and they guy called someone else out. I don't know why people can't be just a little patient, but whatever! Another man comes out and I ask him what kind off tape they use to mat artwork and he tells me: "We use acid-free tape." Well I certainly hope that's what they use, don't you love people you have to pry information out of. So I asked if they sold said tape here to which he replied: "No we just use it not sell it." Maybe I'm the only person that finds this dumb but maybe they have had enough people decide to just pay extra for Hobby Lobby to do it, all because they don't sell the acid-free tape so people can mat their own work. Well I'm made of more stubborn materials than that.

This is where information on the Internet comes in because I wanted to know what to ask for. Several sites recommended archival quality, acid-free, hinging tape. I was now on mission. I figured sense I needed canvas as well I'd see if the art stores sold the tape I needed. Awesome for me they did, even though I had been up all night and was half asleep so I couldn't answer the guys questions, I still found it!

They also had the yupo watercolor paper which I've been looking for and only found online.

See I was awfully productive. Now, I just need to mat my work!

Etsy Visual Artist Gallery

For those who want to see more Etsy visual artists featured checkout the Etsy Fine Art Gallery blog. This week my own bio and mini is featured, but who knows what next week will hold. Leave comments, subscribe and tell your art loving friends about it.

Artwork by Ashley Dietrich.

Ashley Dietrich

Ashley enjoys painting but hopes to return to drawing soon.

Her paint of choice is acrylic because she says it allows her to incorporate "watercolor and oil techniques by experimenting with various acrylic mediums." Also, the dry time gives her an advantage when working in layers.

As for her influences, Ashley, says her earliest interest came from the ancient world, largely the Egyptians. She also says:

"Also, I have always particularly enjoyed the delicate details of Mucha, the moodiness of Modigliani, as well as Lichtenstein's clean lines and bold colors."

When looking at her art it's easy to find those small details that follow her influences, a bold line there and a delicate curl.

I think I'll call her sassy momma! No... how about sassy Ashley. No... well you all are no fun at all.

Although, Ashley, has received 2 BFAs (which shows, because unlike myself she has a grasp of the art world, history and jargon) she still holds to the title of "self-taught". For her those that are "born with it", display something extra to their work. As for herself she has been painting since the age of 15 and engaged in something art oriented sense the beginning of her memories. She originally went to college to study genetics/pre-med, she ended up using her scholarship for art. Lately, she's become "enamored" with the textures of abstract but can't let go of her figurative work and always has, at least, one in the works. She has this to say about her figurative works:

"My figurative style has always been naturally linear, and was labeled "illustrative" in school - but has evolved away from that largely due to the influence of my abstract work. My depictions of women are typically pensive and withdrawn, but often bold ( this admittedly mirrors my own personality). They represent strength and fragility, coexisting within the same person, and my figures ( particularly the nudes) are often represented as archetypal images rather than individuals."

Ashley happily shared the news that hubby and her bought their first home, enabling her to her own studio work space. She has turned her passion into her career and hopefully a very successful one. She does offer commission work, you can get more information on that and her other work here.

I've been naughty.

Well I've been naughty and ignored my poor little blog for the last few days. Tsk tsk! Lucky for you I have a cheeky little artist to give you tonight. So definitely check back later tonight or very early tomorrow morning (which could be the case when I'm posting that late).

As for me I've signed up for Design Style Guide, the best place to buy handmade home decor. Of course, my account is still pending and knowing me I filled something out wrong and will be denied.

Artwork by Mary Lundberg.

Mary Lundberg

Strange but interesting, my dreams this morning included Mary's work. I don't remember the particulars of the dreams but I woke up with a huh! Unfortunately, this did not give me any intriguing ideas on what to write. So I guess it's a good thing her art will take you on it's own ride.

Mary Lundberg currently lives and works from Des Moines, Iowa. She finds her inspiration from things that could and should exist in the physical realm.

Of course, she's not crazy. She doesn't do drugs, though on her Myspace she says that she doesn't need them thanks to the fumes from the paints. Ah, paint fumes what would we do without you?

Her recent work is done by mixing her traditional medium of oil paint or ebony pencil with digital. She's also working on some performance/installation/video, but that's on the low, keep up by checking her website.

Her quirky, sassy personality only add to the work which I'm told is really her dogs doing but she takes all the credit.

If you want to give her artwork a home you can purchase her work here. Of course, if all her work sells online she might miss the free cheese at gallery openings.

Moral dilemma!

I know today I was suppose to post another artist from Etsy but this week as been a nightmare. I'm so busy that I haven't had time to paint. I pass by my paint on my way out the door and get sad at it's incompleteness (is that a work? well it should be).

But now I have a dilemma. I have refused to sign up for Myspace or Facebook for so long that it's become almost a matter of principal with me. But now I've run out of places to sign up for and put my name out there to promote my Etsy shop. Maybe I'll hold off longer.

First I need to take pictures of my other work and get it on the web. Stupid sun hasn't been out for almost the whole week and the two days it was I was either sleeping because I worked at night or busy running around town. So no pictures, but cross your fingers for me I'm off the next three days.

Tomorrow, I'll post another Etsy artist. This one is for all those who love surrealism!

Artwork by Meranda Turbak.

Meranda Turbak

I have to admit that, at first, I thought that Etsy only sold illustrations and prints. It took a few seconds for my brain to tell me that original art could be sold, too. Well, duh!

Meranda's was one of the first original shops I came across. I love the eerie, dark, sensualness of her work. It takes the grimy aspects of our world, twisting them into something beautiful. She favors the mixed media of acrylic and pen. Most of her shop is filled with originals, though she does sell prints as well.

When asked about her inspiration she directed me to her profile, which I couldn't write any better:

"I know many artists who sit and agonize over an idea before getting their hands dirty....I am not one of those artists. Sure, I have ideas about what would make an interesting painting...but who can remember? I even have some ideas that I consider good enough to write down....but I find those little scraps of napkin wadded up at the bottom of my purse only to unravel and discover that what was once a noble cause is now just a lame glimpse of a thought provoked by wine and boredom. So, when I feel like painting I paint. I just dig up some old picture I took in like an orphan as I passed the thrift store window just because the frame was pretty...or ugly. Sometimes I put a primer over the old picture. Sometimes I just start throwing colors at it. Either way, I just dig in! Eventually, the paint cooperates with the surface long enough to grow some kind of form I can recognize as interesting. I pursue this growth until I'm either bored, confused, or tired. When I come back to my work with fresh eyes I see things more clearly...hopefully....okay, maybe only about half the time. Anyway, if I like the direction I will start to add detail, maybe with pen or some color, until a story emerges. Initially, I follow the story that is given. Somewhere along the line (not sure exactly where) I take over and make the story fit visually. Or maybe the story controls the visual...it goes back and forth. I guess what I am trying to say is that I allow my subconscious to take over....maybe because I don't want the responsibility...definitely because it keeps things interesting."

I love that she just jumps right into her work because that is something that I had great difficulty doing in the beginning and every now and then I still have to fight the urge to be so... anal, for lack of a better term.

You can visit Meranda here.

Of course, I will feature another Etsy artist this weekend.
I know it's difficult to sift through the art section on Etsy but we all appreciate your support - spread the word (or any other catchy marketing phrase that works for you).

Sketches

Here is some sketches of a picture that I'm redoing.

This is the original, it was done in pastels and color pencils.

I will eventually paint this on canvas with acrylics.

A new toy!

Yeah, that's right I'm putting this in my art blog. Why? Well because it was purchased for my art. Now I can give my friend his camera back as well as take better macro pictures. This is very important for good Etsy photos, because you need your pictures to showcase your work.

Here's my little beaut, she's a FujiFilm Finepix J10:

I was lucky this camera was under $100, but that doesn't mean that every digital camera is created equally. You need to know what is important and what you need your camera to do. I needed my camera to take very good macro pictures, for the price I was paying, so I played with every camera. To do this you need to know how to operate those features that you need (the Internet is full all this info). It is possible to purchase a good digital camera for under $100 but don't settle for just any sale either.

Also, something I learned and that should be kept in mind - people touch these cameras. Not only touch, but beat up. I went to four stores and at two the FujiFilm that your looking at worked beautifully and at the other two they were pretty messed up. This does affect how the camera takes any tester pictures. All the same reasons you don't want to purchase the floor model - they only give you 10% off and it's usually hanging on it's last leg. DON'T PURCHASE FLOOR MODELS.

Artwork by Andrea Metcalf.

I won't name any offenders but it always breaks my heart when I go into a craft or furniture store and watch people drop a hefty amount of money on a mass-produced piece of art. Especially, when I know that for the same price or sometimes cheaper they can get an unique one of kind piece, which in my opinion is much more priceless.

It is possible to fill your homes will original art and these are some of the artist that will sell it to you:

Andrea Metcalf

Andrea Metcalf lives and works out of upstate, NY. Her love for art is showcased in her use in of the multi media primitive, folk art genre. Andrea's derives inspiration from yo-yo quilts, antique penny rugs and needlework. Though these are her inspirations she definitely puts her own funky twist by working in antique aspects to give her work a very vintage feel. Her work would look good in any country style home or be good to give your home a very comfy feel.

Andrea loves to refer to her art as 'grubby-prim' and only sales originals. She began to sale on Ebay and did that for 5 years giving her experience in on-line sales. Lately, she has opted for the more community based feeling of Etsy. Her most recent endeavor has involved trying to help visual artist get some notice and exposure on Etsy. She's made it her personal mission to bring awareness that good fine art can be purchased on Etsy even if it's difficult to find. Her work can be seen and purchased here.

Twice a week I will feature a hand picked Etsy artist because I believe, as well, that every ones home deserves to be a backdrop of themselves and original art is the perfect way to do that. There is so much out there but we need to find it. Happy hunting!

Back to basics

One thing about art. It's not like riding a bike, it's not something you can just stop doing for years and then pick back up whenever you want.

I've sketched over the years but that wasn't enough to keep my artistic brain in sharp. I found this out while trying to redo a picture that I had drawn in high school (it's a simple fairy sitting on someones hand). Hands used to be so easy to draw, but my years of slothfulness have taken their toll.

So it's crunch time. I need to run the art worlds equivalent of stairs and get my brain back into shape. Do you think my brain has those difficult love handles?

For those of you that took art in college and those that just went to college for art you'll recognize these little beauties. For those that don't have a clue, I'm here to tell you that no matter how odd the exercises seem they are something you want in your arsenal.

I was lucky to find both on youtube:

Comments or other methods are welcome and, of course, needed - thank you!

Update

Here's an update on the February painting.

I just might finish this month's goal. Wouldn't that be a shocker!

Haunted past and a chance to win...

Ever seen something and wonder how it's done? I do it all the time. In fact I just did it yesterday.

While sharing blogs with etsy visual artists I came across Jamie Ribisi-Braley. I have never seen or heard of the technique encaustic. Have you? Well la-ti-da if you have, for the rest of us here's a few of my favorites:

This lovely piece can be purchased here.

This little beauty can be seen here.

Like what you see then you need to head over to Jamie Ribisi-Braley blog for a chance to win her tutorial on 'Painting with Wax, an introduction to encaustic painting".

Good luck to all who enter!

February

For February I'm gonna try to focus on my unfinished work and any redoes that I have laying around everywhere.

One of my larger works for this month is something that I started in high school and played around with in college but never finished. Here's the background:

Other things include a redo of a fairy sitting on someones hand, a fantasy picture that I drew in high school that my husband wanted me to redo.

For now I'm gonna keep my list small in case of any hang ups that I run into. Translated that means I'm gonna procrastinate.

Wish me luck!

One month at a time...

Sense this was art related I'm moving part of my new year resolution over.

Simple - try to complete at least one painting/picture a month. Of course, more if I have the time.

January:

I wanted to do my sirens but I really don't think they would have looked good in anything other than oils (maybe I'll get some unique inspiration later). Unfortunately, my oil colors are limited in range. So this one got put on the shelf titled "to finish later". Okay, I set it on the floor next to it because that shelf is full.

Don't you judge me!

Here's the sketch from my original blog -

My aunt commented and asked if I was going to follow the original mythology (which they were birds in )or if I was going to play with the modern mermaid myths. I made up my own story to go with them. Their structure steams from a squid which has a very sharp beak under it's tentacle's that it eats with.

Don't look under these girls skirts you might not live!

Cigars, cigerettes, Etsy...

Etsy lady's and gentleman, not to be confused with Ebay.

I jumped off some famous cliff somewhere and have taken a chance with selling my artwork.

For all things handmade try out Esty, and being that my artwork was made by my very own hands I thought it was a perfect match.

Here's one of those intro videos for all that are confused still -

Oh and if you click here you can go to my shop.

Things are gonna be interesting so enjoy the ride.

All my art related blogging will be updated and moved over from my original blog to this snazzy new blog. Isn't it pretty? No... it's okay we can all pretend.