abstract art

The Art Lover and the Self-Expressing Artist

by Deborah E on March 28, 2012

The following is an article by Deborah E, ScatNStyle.com, published on Dangerous Lee.

Deborah E is a smooth and sultry summer night on Bourbon Street… Classy with a dash of sass… Proof that the jazz greats have not been sacrificed to processed pop. ladyD.info. For more information, including other blogs, visit her main site at deborah.info.

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Tracie Koziura : Artist & Philanthropist

by Deborah E on November 16, 2011

Ms. Koziura is not only an exceptional artist, but she is also an exceptional person. She inspires me in the way that she uses art to help charities. Her portraits, one of which is shown in this article, are sold and a portion of the proceeds are given to the charities favored by the subject of the portrait.

It is no small secret that I am in search of charities which I can assist through my music, that I started my own "5 Hugs A Day" campaign, as a result, and I have always said that music and art are cousins in the same family, drawing from the same core of who we are, expressed through our art, be it visual, music, or another art. Learning more about Ms. Koziura shows me that there are others like me who are drawn to the same desire to use their art in a manner that not only is expression of the art, but also helping people.

Ok, I have been gushing about what a wonderful person Ms. Koziura is, but, have you looked at her art? Read with me, and learn more about the woman behind the art, the woman behind the philanthropy.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I have always loved being creative and my favorite subject at school was art. When I look back, most of the jobs I had have been creative in some form or another - from hairdressing through knitwear designer, cross-stitch designer to graphic designer and web designer. If I can use my imagination I am like a kid in a candy store! However, painting is something I have only recently discovered and is a direct result of my lifelong love and passion for wolves.

After decorating in early 2008, I thought it would be nice to have some paintings of wolves to put up around the house so I went on-line to see what I could find. I came across the work of UK Wildlife Artist, Vic Bearcroft and as soon as I saw his paintings I thought, "If I could paint, that's how I would love my pictures to look!" As I read more I discovered he used pastels on velour. I had never held a pastel before in my life but, as it was more like drawing than painting, I was suddenly keen to try. Paul, my partner, bought me my first set of pastels and paper in May that year (an early birthday present) and now we have wolf paintings all over the house - I just cannot imagine life without my pastels now!

What was your first art creation?
The first thing I remember creating was a set of three miniature Daleks, a daddy Dalek, a mummy Dalek and a baby Dalek, when I was about 7. I made them at school for my Mum as a Christmas gift and she still has them to this day! Why Daleks? Well, that year, we had been to the cinema to watch Dr. Who and the Daleks, with Peter Cushing, and the Daleks absolutely terrified me! I suspect creating the miniatures was my way of trying to overcome my fear of them. I still believe in the healing power of art!

What was your first memorable art piece?
I think I was about 12 or 13 at the time. It was a Sunday afternoon and I was at the table in the lounge trying really hard to do my History homework. As an ADDer, I was always far more interested and focused when being creative than having to study the more academic subjects! As I struggled with my attention to the 'job at hand,' I began doodling and, after noticing my Mum had fallen asleep, the doodle grew into a portrait of her snoozing away in the chair!

Now, let's face it, few people look 'good' sat in a chair fast asleep and, although it really did look like my Mum, I didn't think anyone would like it because it wasn't particularly flattering. I have to say, "Kudos to my Mum!" because when she awoke and saw it she said it was brilliant (aren't Mums wonderful!) and suggested I take it to school to show my art teacher, Mr. Draper. I was resistant at first saying he would think it was rubbish but my Mum kept insisting I should let him see it and not try and guess what he might think. So, I eventually packed it into my satchel ready for my favorite Monday morning class - 2 hours of Art!

It took me all lesson to finally get the courage to show Mr. Draper my drawing. I honestly didn't think it was any good. Imagine my surprise (and delight) when he said he would like to add it to the current art exhibition in the school library! I remember him saying how well I had captured 'a moment in time' and that he was particularly impressed with the honesty of my drawing! I was amazed. I remember thinking, “If I'd known that might happen I would've used better paper!” I had drawn it on a sheet of my feint ruled A4 History pad! However, I learned TWO very valuable lessons that day: 1) art is not always about beauty and 2) never assume what another person may think or be thinking!

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Tracie Koziura, Artist Extraordinaire."
Wow...this is a tough one! I would LOVE to be able to paint all day, every day, but, at the moment, I am still working so am restricted to evenings and weekends. I do need to be 'in the mood' to create and the mood always escapes me when I have other things that must be done. I like to have all the necessary tasks out of the way so when I begin a project, I can really lose myself in it until it's completed. I get frustrated if I have to stop to sort out the washing or cook a meal!

I have submitted a couple of works to online contests, one of which was the Get Dusty Juried Challenge through the Pastel Guild of Europe back in October 2009 which I won with one of my wolf paintings, Winter Watch. The other online contest was with The Artist In You where I won "Artist of The Year 2011" with another of my wolf paintings, Silent Witness.

What do you do with your art?
At first, I was painting to decorate my home but after a while we ran out of wall space! I then created several pieces as gifts for friends and family but I didn't want to stop painting so I started to think about selling. As Paul and I have our own web development business, it seemed logical to create my own website in order to sell pieces. I also looked into creating limited edition prints of my works to sell those online, too, and now originals and prints are available through my website, Tracie Koziura Art

I also wanted to find a way to use my art to help make a difference somewhere and in January 2011, I joined a group of amazing people with a mission to do just that through art. The Artist In You! has a very strong following of over 21,000 people on Facebook who love the arts and support the project. One of the sister projects is the Art4Good Foundation which recently launched a brand new website selling a huge variety of Original Art and Limited Edition Prints in order to raise funds for a number of global causes and charities and support projects planned for in-school and interactive art programs for students. I am thrilled to be part of such an incredible project and also delighted that the Art4Good Foundation has selected several of my Limited Edition Prints as part of their Rising Stars Collection (http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/tracie-koziura/), allowing people all over the world to be able to buy my work.

It would be impossible to give all the details of what The Artist In You is about here but I have a couple of links for the website that gives all the details of the mission and how it began which I would love to share:

The Mission: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/our-mission/

The Back Story: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/the-back-story/

Building a Global Community: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/building-a-global-community/

Silent Star (Clara Bow) Star of the silent film era, Clara Bow personified the "Roaring Twenties", becoming world famous as the 'IT' girl from the film of the same name. This painting now belongs to my number 1 fan - my son, Jamie! Soft pastels on velour 12.5" x 9.5"

What are your plans in the future?
At the moment, I have a corner of our lounge area for being creative in but, as I have now accumulated so much equipment, Paul is going to build me my very own art studio so I can have everything to hand and make as much mess as I want without worrying about the carpet! I always wondered what I would do when I finally retired and now I can't wait to retire because I know exactly what I will be doing!

As for current projects, right now I am working on a small wolf piece to use for our Christmas cards - something I have done each year since I first began painting in 2008.

I am also planning a 'larger than usual' painting of Taz, our beautiful GSD/Rottie cross who left us for Rainbow Bridge just over 3 weeks ago (October 21st). Everything is ready to begin except me...but I'm getting there. Taz was such a huge part of our lives for almost 15 years (we work from home so he has been with us 24/7 all his life) and the void he has left is immense. We are both still very raw but, as I said, I have always believed in the healing power of art and I do believe this project will be very cathartic – that it will help both of us through these really tough days. This will be a very special and personal work – something I would not be doing if I hadn't discovered my beloved pastels when I did. It almost feels like it was my destiny to start painting when I did so I would be able to create something special that we will treasure forever - something as special as Taz was.

In Ms. Koziura's own words, from her blog, "I guess it was inevitable in today's technological climate that more and more artists and art lovers would begin using the Internet to both showcase and discover new art and talent - the music and movie industries are already making excellent use of what is available so why not the visual arts, too?"
Connecting with Tracie Koziura.
Blog :	blog.traciekoziura.com
FB Page :	facebook.com/TracieKoziuraArt
FB Profile :	facebook.com/traciekoziura
Twitter :	twitter.com/Rebelwolf

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

Deborah E

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Jo-Ann Dziubek-MacDonald : Resonating Realism

by Deborah E on November 9, 2011

Ms. Dziubek-MacDonald says it best, in her own words, when she says, "painting with watercolor and mixed media is [her] passion." You can certainly see this in her artwork. The painting of the sunflowers reminds me of the sunflowers I used to watch as a child, fields of them. This fine art is painted so wonderfully that I feel as if I can reach out and touch the sunflowers and feel the wind blow through the flower in my hand. Ms. Dziubek-MacDonald has done such a good job of interpreting what is around her and in her, and sharing that with us. Please learn, with me, a little bit about this wonderful woman.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
Like many artists, I was born with crayons in my hand. I loved to draw, sketch, and color but paint was the ultimate! My aunt was an artist who painted in oils, and when I was about 10, she gave me a whole load of paint. I got away from art during my college years but came back to it in my 20s. That's when I began playing with watercolors. I haven't stopped since!

What was your first art creation?
My first art creation that I remember? Wow, tough one! I am sure it was coloured with crayons, though. I can remember being about 8 or 9 years old and creating an entire book of animals with marker. It was bright and colourful and I was so proud :)

jo-anndziubek-macdonald_pierscape2011003

What was your first memorable art piece?
My first memorable art piece would have to be a poster I made in school of Kermit the frog. It was painted on this huge piece of paper and was captioned "It's not so bad being green." When I really felt like an artist though, years later, was when I created a painting of yellow irises with watercolor. It was just one of those paintings that just seemed to flow on to the paper. The largest part of the painting was done in 30 minutes, and it looked fantastic...and I realized , hey, I can do this!

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Jo-Ann Dziubek-MacDonald, Artist Extraordinaire."
My day starts with getting the kids off to school. I check my email, cup of tea in hand and by 10 o'clock, I am in my studio. I do work part time, so although I love to paint daily, I am doing a bit of a balancing act. I usually set asid 3-4 days a week to paint.

What do you do with your art?
I have an Etsy shop where I sell my art and I also sell prints of my work on Fine Art America. I have had solo and two person shows in the past and I also participate in local group shows.

Ms. Dziubek-MacDonald says it best, in her own words, when she says that "painting with watercolor and mixed media is [her] passion." You can certainly see this in her artwork. The painting of the sunflowers reminds me of the sunflowers I used to watch as a child, fields of them. This fine art is painted so wonderfully that I feel as if I can reach out and touch the sunflowers and feel the wind blow through the flower in my hand. Ms. Dziubek-MacDonald has done such a good job of interpreting what is around her and in her, and sharing that with us. Please learn, with me, a little bit about this wonderful woman.

What are your plans in the future?
I am very proud to say that in the Spring of 2012, I am to be the featured artist at Pierscape, a local, annual group show that just keeps getting bigger and better every year. It is very exciting to be chosen as the Featured Artist. Much of my family was born and raised in the Pier, where the show is being held and I hope to showcase some of my Polish heritage there. I am always developing my artwork, hoping to take it to the next level. I love including collage and creating mixed media works. I will be painting more, creating more.

In Ms. Dziubek-MacDonald's own words, from her blog, "Painting with watercolor and mixed media is my passion. I find that creating art lets me express myself and just let go and enjoy life."
Connecting with Jo-Ann Dziubek-MacDonald.
Artist Website :	jdmstudios.com
Etsy :	etsy.com/shop/jdmstudios
Blog :	jdmstudios.blogspot.com
FB Page :	facebook.com/jdmstudios
Twitter :	twitter.com/jdmstudios
Fine Art America :	fineartamerica.com/profiles/joann-dziubekmacdonald.html

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

Deborah E

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Heather Haymart : Inspirational Indulgences

by Deborah E on October 19, 2011

I am always amazed, when I view visual art, at how beautiful art truly is. It has been in recent years that my love affair with abstract art has grown. I suppose, if I liken it to my own art form (music), it is easier for me to understand. For, to me, music is like breathing and it is a continual flow of art. Ms. Haymart's art is nothing short of stimulating, and for me, as a musician, very inspiring. I imagine that many artists desire to go pick up their paintbrush and find the canvas when viewing art that moves them. I crave the feel of the keys beneath my fingers and the exhilarating sense that only the exhaling of music provides.

Thank you, Ms. Haymart, for this inspiration, today!

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
Creating art for me started when I was a child, because I would watch my mom create anything and everything. My favorite thing to do was to copy art from the front of greeting cards as soon as I could get my sticky little hands on them. This was my first realization that I could really draw. In addition to getting my fine art degree, I taught high school art after college which led me to painting murals for a short while, until I finally settled into my true passion; creating abstract paintings with texture. I really haven’t looked back ever since.

What was your first art creation?
My first art creation was….I honestly can’t remember. I have memories of coloring and drawing from an early age, but I don’t remember what I made. That is pretty indicative of my creative process now. I am more interested in creation than the end product most of the time, because that is what is most enjoyable for me.

What was your first memorable art piece?
My most memorable piece of art is the second abstract painting I ever made. I was creating it in my basement studio nicknamed “the dungeon.” I was completely overwhelmed by being a wife, homemaker, mural painter, and mother to a 3 year old and a 9 month old. I felt like there was no way I was ever going to overcome all of these obstacles (cute as they were).

When I was finished with the painting, I realized that the design that emerged from the paint was a very vague image of myself trying to read a book with many activities, voices and things floating all around me. I even created a new word for the title of the painting. It was called Obstaconcentration. I never sold it. It is still in my living room, because it was the first painting I made that gave me goose-bumps. I never want to forget that amazing feeling. It is when I realized that when I give myself over to creation, the paint and process will lead the way. This is why I can never stop creating. I am addicted to that feeling and the experience that comes with it.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Heather Haymart, Artist Extraordinaire."
Right now, I have been dropping off my 7th grader at school most days and heading to studio. I love it, because it is peaceful and I have time to myself to be with my paintings. This is the closest to a dedicated schedule that I have ever been. It usually requires coffee and music or a good podcast to listen to.

What do you do with your art?
I sell my work in a multitude of ways; online, in galleries, and at art fairs. I currently own my own gallery called Wood Icing. My mom is my partner. She is the creator of Wood Icing (the texture product) so that is the name of our gallery. We naturally came together to have this business because I use Wood Icing in my paintings for texture. I was the first artist to ever try this product and now artists all over the country are using it. Crazy thought, huh? Anyway, our gallery has a unique business model that enables very talented local artists to exhibit/sell their work, and we have a studio/classroom where we offer a variety of classes and this is also where my studio is located. Running a gallery is hard work, but I love it. I am learning so much and I get to work with super artists every day, and my mom, whom I adore. It keeps me inspired and social; something easy to let go of when you are hiding away in a studio all by yourself all of the time. Besides, there is really nothing cooler than being able to finish a painting and hang it on the wall in a gallery all in the same day!

"I choose to work as an abstract artist because I love the idea of deciphering what a person is saying when they use color and texture as a language. It is such a great feeling when someone can “read” what I am expressing in my painting based on intuition and instinct." - Heather Haymart

What are your plans in the future?
Sell my paintings so I can keep making more paintings!

In Ms. Haymart's own words, from her website, "I choose to work as an abstract artist because I love the idea of deciphering what a person is saying when they use color and texture as a language. It is such a great feeling when someone can “read” what I am expressing in my painting based on intuition and instinct."
Connecting with Heather Haymart.
Artist Website :	www.heatherhaymart.com
Etsy :	etsy.com/shop/heatherhaymart
Blog :	heatherhaymart.blogspot.com
Gallery :	chesterfield.woodicing.com
FB Page :	facebook.com/heatherhaymartfineartfanpage
FB Page :	facebook.com/Wood.Icing
Twitter :	twitter.com/heatherhaymart