color

Larry Oskin : Beauty Savant

by Deborah E on April 11, 2012



larryoskin_giraffe-11x14 In learning about Mr. Oskin, and his art, I am fascinated by how he has studied art, and different aspects of art, and has grown in his art (including fine art photography), as a result of this study of creativity. And, yet, he is not limited by mere knowledge of the craft, but is able to express himself and interpret and seek out the beauty around him and present it to us, in his own brand of expression of art.

Come, let's learn about Mr. Larry Oskin, and his art...



When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?

I always loved art, "coloring," drawing, and painting. I actually wanted to become an artist from a very young age. With the encouragement of family and mentorship from my second grade art teacher, I had my first one-man show when I was only seven years old in the hallways of the George Washington Elementary School in Kenmore, New York. I always excelled in my creative art and writing classes. I studied drawing, painting, and design in junior and senior high school, where I was able to major in commercial art. I pursued as many extracurricular art courses as possible through high school, during college, and after graduating from college. I was often recognized as the lead artist at school and community events. My artwork was often shown at local shopping malls and art galleries. From a young child throughout college, my artwork was often published in the local newspapers.



What was your first art creation?

I always loved coloring in kids' coloring books and on blank sketch pads. With encouragement, crayons, papers and coloring books from my mother, I feverishly started my own first art creations. I even faked being sick at times, knowing my rewards would be new crayons, coloring books and art supplies. With childhood birthday and holiday presents came oil paints, canvas, brushes and pencils which started me on a long path of portrait and landscape oil paintings.



larryoskin_sitting-9-24x3 What was your first memorable art piece?

My first major memorable art piece was a large tempera painting of a cityscape that I created in 9th grade. This piece won first place honors with numerous community art show prizes. My second major art creation was when, with the approval of my high school art teacher, I tore down a huge linen window shade to frame and make a large painting canvas – bigger than anything that was available in the art stores. This became my first notable non-objective abstract expressionism study, which really led me to begin to study color and field theory throughout high school and college.

I studied realism, objective abstract expressionism, non-objective abstract expressionism, commercial and fine art photography as well as color and field theories. I created endless oil paintings at a young age, moved on to a series of tempera, oil and acrylic paintings in high school and college. I then worked very hard at, studying fine art ceramics, abstract sculpture, commercial graphic design, serigraphy, drawing, and fine art photography, while maintaining a very similar "style," look, feel, and image to all of my works since the early college years.



Please describe "A Day in the Life of Larry Oskin, Artist Extraordinaire."

Today, I remain endlessly inspired to create new fine art photography and artwork. I carry around a camera whenever possible, especially on weekends, vacations, and special business trips … always looking to capture something new and exciting. I am not a coffee drinker, yet I wake up by 5:30 AM to begin my daily work by about 6 AM each day. I regularly set up studio and location photography session with models, since I love to celebrate the beauty of women, landscapes, flowers, animals, and life. I do love to watch sunrises and sunsets – as two of my most favorite things! I also hold down a full-time career position as president of my own marketing, advertising, and PR agency, which specializes in the beauty, salon, spa and medical industries. So, as a daily work practice and in any free time, I strive to find beautiful objects, people, cities and sights to inspire my new artistic creations. I dedicate full days and weeks to special projects – whether photographing spring flowers, animals, or beautiful women in glamorous poses. I truly do remain extremely inspired to help women look and feel better about themselves through my artwork.



What do you do with your art?

I have recently launched Art Beautique as a virtual art gallery. I share my artwork at art galleries and special events, where I have been honored as the "featured artist." I currently sell my artwork through community art galleries and at special charitable events. I have donated plenty of artwork to help raise money for worthy causes. I give away more artwork than I sell, since I sincerely love the pleasure and rewards of having others enjoy my artwork.




In learning about Mr. Oskin, and his art, I am fascinated by how he has studied art, and different aspects of art, and has grown in his art (including fine art photography), as a result of this study of creativity. And, yet, he is not limited by mere knowledge of the craft, but is able to express himself and interpret and seek out the beauty around him and present it to us, in his own brand of expression of art.


What are your plans in the future?

I am always very inspired by beauty! I have plans to shoot a few new series celebrating music, glamour, romance and spa couples this year and next year. I will be the featured artist at two Fairfax Virginia Art Galleries in May this year. I will participate in monthly art exhibits and special events sponsored by the Fairfax Art League as well as several other Washington DC area art leagues. I will exhibit my works again in Hawai'i in January 2013. I hope to someday be represented by an art agent as well as to have my artwork sold in national art gallery chains and on cruise ships. I am now making myself available to create customized artwork for homes and businesses. I will photograph you, your facility, your special services and models while turning each photography session into original frameable artwork to decorate your walls.

The newest Art Beautique Images Collections celebrate the beauty of women, flowers, cityscapes, salon and beautycare services. Through a special photo impressionism technique, Art Beautique images actually look like impressionistic paintings, using bright, bold and vivid colors. My Art Beautique work is very stylized. I believe that professional fine art photography remains one of our best artistic forms of creative media and visual expression. Through the fine art of photography, we are able to share what we can see, sense and feel, yet not touch! With photography, we can share the instant of a beautiful sunrise, sunset and cloud, which may only otherwise be a mere quick memory. With fine art photography, we are able to enjoy the memory of smiles, happiness, sorrow, love, warmth, friendship, beauty and spirit as well as to remember the unique joy we may have experienced from a complete array of emotions. A picture may only be worth 1000 words, while little else will compare when you are able to capture any special moment in time!



larryoskin_larry-oskin-photograph-2-lr-31kb In Mr. Oskin's own words, from his main, "My Art Beautique artwork is very stylized. I believe that photography remains one of our best artistic forms of creative media and visual expression. Through the fine art of photography, we are able to share what we can see, sense and feel, yet not touch! "
Connecting with Larry Oskin.
Artist Website :www.ArtBeautique.com
Gallery :larry-oskin.artistwebsites.com/galleries.html
FB Page :facebook.com/ArtBeautique

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 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.

Facebook Twitter Google+ Flickr YouTube 


Read the full article...

10018463_s

Looking sophisticated is the perfect way to look different to your next party. If you don’t have the right clothes to look more sophisticated, then you will just look like your ordinary self. There are certain dresses and clothes that look best for looking this way, but it can still be tough to find out what the right clothes are. Below, I will outline just a few of the ways to get you wearing a dress that is sophisticated and different. Of course, it can be hard to buy the most expensive items, and that is why you really need to consider the tips below, as they will help cut the overall costs down.

How to Dress With Sophistication Without Spending Too Much

Minimalistic Pieces

It is important to get plenty of dresses that don’t have too much pieces showing. Usually we can focus too much on getting dresses that add too many pieces, but the only thing that this does is add a lot of immaturity in your clothing. The dress should have very few pieces, as that can help a lot with adding the mature look of sophistication without doing too much work. Remember, too much can be quite bad, so try to take your time when finding a nice and clear looking dress.

Basic Tones Are a Great Picture

Looking for a nice dress that is clean and basic, along with a very basic tone is a great idea. Basic tones are important to look for because they are never going to be out of style. The basic trends are always going to look no matter how fashionable other trends become. As long as your dress has even the slightest of class, it surely is going to stand out compared to those other people who wear overly done clothing. Usually the basic ones aren’t even that expensive, so this is a very good thing to consider.

10699631_s

Dresses With The Right Length

If you pay very close attention to your dress, make sure that it does not become too long by reaching the floor. It should only reach a maximum of past your knees. These dresses are wonderful and look quite different, and you will find the investment to be very worth it once the dress isn’t too long. These dresses add a lot of beauty to your overall look, and you will find a shorter elegant dress to be great to wear.

Casual Fabric

The design of the dress should not only be casual and elegant, but so should the fabric itself. The fabric should be a bit casual, and even though it is a bit casual, you will find that the casuality is going to help in making you look good. That dress of yours needs to be very casual with the right fabric that is casual as well.

Jeans With Skirt

This style has grown to become quite popular among young teens, but it is nice because it works well for adults as well. Just make sure that the jeans are nicely worn with a matching skirt that goes well with the overall dress.

The Overall Look

Everything from the jewelry to the shoes, all of them come together to build that older and more professional look. Too much bling is not recommended at all, especially if you want to create the strong and beautiful look. Basically, the jewelry shouldn’t be over done, and the entire set should go well with the dress. Make sure that your shoes are nicely crafted as well. A different color of shoes is fine, but matching the shoes with your entire dress is even better. Try to match everything, but don’t overdo it either.

Look sophisticated is all about delivering a whole new look. Many people tend to wear too much and try to achieve too much, but that doesn’t really help. Make sure that your entire dress fits well and is designed good too. Matching is the key to making the casual sophisticated style work. Even if you wear casual clothes, if you don’t match the shoes and the jewelry, it won’t look as good as you thought.

Amy Stuart is a fashion designer, fashion shopping consultant and writer for her favorite magazines and publications on the web. She writes about everything from food to “vakarkleitas”, fashion to family and spends most her free time on the beach with her husband and 3 kids.


Read the full article...

Consuelo Okdie : Tantalizing Textures

by Deborah E on March 21, 2012



consuelookdie_web-princess

There is so much more to Ms. Consuelo Okdie and her art than what could possibly be articulated here. She is gifted in painting (and creating her own paints), as well as the sculpting and the combination of both. That's why I called this "Tantalizing Textures," because the color and the design and the art pull me in wanting more!

Come, let's get to know Ms. Okdie, in her own words...



When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?

I honestly don't ever remember making a 'formal decision' to become an artist. I started drawing when I was about six years old and somehow it was just understood that that's what I'd be. I really believe I was born this way.



What was your first art creation?

The first art creation I can remember is making horses out of tin cans (for the bodies) and paper (for the head, legs, and tail). My Dad would make saddles for them using leather from old shoes.



consuelookdie_welcome-to-florida-aka-fred What was your first memorable art piece?

My first memorable piece was an oil painting of a cat done on a canvas board. I had entered it in a elementary school art show and someone actually bought it!

Descriptions of Ms. Okdie's work shown on this page

"Princess" is one of my dog portraits. It is done on 9"x12" high quality Bristol Board using high end markers made specifically for artists.

"Welcome to Florida aka Fred" was done completely with white polymer clay on an 8"x10" gallery-wrapped canvas. Colors were done using custom made paint, alcohol inks, and mica powders. This is my signature piece.

"Tribute" was made entirely out of polymer clay over a wire armature wrapped with aluminum foil. The horse itself is elaborately decorated using many different Skinner blends and over 100 different Swarovski crystals.



Please describe "A Day in the Life of Consuelo Okdie, Artist Extraordinaire."

I am definitely NOT a morning person. It takes a couple of cups of coffee just to get my heart started! I usually straighten up around the house, play with my cats and run errands, which takes until lunch time. Then, I start creating. (The only exception is when I have a deadline and then I'll start working in the morning.) I draw, paint, and/or sculpt every day. I have to - my art is as much a process of my existence as breathing is.



What do you do with your art?

I do a lot of different things with my art. I have an Etsy shop where I sell some of my work. I tend to get a lot of commissions for my dog portraits as well as custom Christmas ornaments (made from polymer clay). I am also a cartoonist and have been working on new cartoons that relate to the pc world for a new polymer art magazine. However, what I get the most satisfaction from is donating art for fundraisers supporting animal rescue/adoption and art education.




"Currently I am working on expanding the selection available in my Etsy shop. At the moment I'm working on a line of pendants which will use my pet portraits as transfers onto polymer clay. I'm really excited about how they are turning out and can't wait until I can start listing them. My big plan for the future is to be able to find an artist agent/rep and get some of my work licensed."


What are your plans in the future?

Currently I am working on expanding the selection available in my Etsy shop. At the moment I'm working on a line of pendants which will use my pet portraits as transfers onto polymer clay. I'm really excited about how they are turning out and can't wait until I can start listing them. My big plan for the future is to be able to find an artist agent/rep and get some of my work licensed.



consuelookdie_web-tribute-007 In Ms. Okdie's own words, from her Facebook, "My polymer clay work has been featured in several craft publications including PolymerCAFE and Bead&Button. I've been a featured artist on HGTV, the DIY Network and PBS..."
Connecting with Consuelo Okdie.
Etsy :etsy.com/shop/consuelookdie
FB Page :facebook.com/pages/Consuelo-Okdie-Art/145463689006
FB Profile :facebook.com/consuelookdie
LinkedIn :linkedin.com/pub/consuelo-okdie/7/73b/a17

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 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.

Facebook Twitter Google+ Flickr YouTube 


Read the full article...

Sheree Rasmussen : Abstract Expressionist

by Deborah E on March 14, 2012



shereerasmussen_untitled1

I absolutely love color (are you tired of reading that, yet? lol). And, Ms. Rasmussen's art delivers well on that! She has also enlightened me in the area of textile art and I am recalling even art works recovered in antiquities...

Ms. Rasmussen shares a bit of her philosophy, as well, and I love her reference to the undiscovered artistry of women who have the blessed role of housewife. Read with me, in Ms. Rasmussen's own words..

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?

I grew up in an artistic family. My decision to become a visual artist happened gradually. First I wanted to be a dancer and studied with Boris Volkoff, a great Russian ballet teacher who had arrived in Toronto straight from the Bolshoi Ballet. Then I got into "handicrafts" like weaving, sewing, knitting. It wasn't until much later that I realized that these "women's crafts" were actual serious art forms and that there were many great women artists out there disguised as housewives. (I'm talking in the 50s, when I was born). My mother dressed me in fabulous outfits, and I remember being completely dazzled by a purple dress she made with a bright orange insert. I think that kick-started my love of intense color.

I've travelled extensively, and seeing how colour is used in various cultures definitely expanded my visual language.



What was your first art creation?

My first art creations were complex school projects. They were reat works of design and attention to detail.



shereerasmussen_sound-party What was your first memorable art piece?

My first memorable art piece was a hippie/folk embroidery that I started working on while travelling with a Buddhist spiritual group in Europe in the 70s. I was going to give it to the "Guru" when it was done (it took months to complete), but then met my future husband and gave it to him instead!



Please describe "A Day in the Life of Sheree Rasmussen, Artist Extraordinaire."

I tend to do my work in the winter. (In the summer I run a garden design business, and grow my own organic veggies.) I spend weeks on end pretty well locked in my studio for 12-14 hour days. I work best that way, in spurts of intense concentration. And, yes, I start my day with a cup of coffee looking out our windows onto a beautiful view.

I sometimes respond to online "calls for entry," if they sound really interesting.



What do you do with your art?

I do sell my art through my website, and have had solo and group shows in various galleries. We also have a gallery at our place in rural Ontario, which is open in the summer, and also during the weekend of October 13 and 14th, when we host an arts festival, devoted to integrating art into the landscape.




My first memorable art piece was a hippie/folk embroidery that I started working on while travelling with a Buddhist spiritual group in Europe in the 70s. I was going to give it to the "Guru" when it was done (it took months to complete), but then met my future husband and gave it to him instead!


What are your plans in the future?

My plans for the future are to keep developing as an artist. I'm being featured in a book about my work, by a New York curator, Sandra Sider. It is called, "The Studio Quilt, No. 7" and will be available on Amazon by mid March. I'm also doing a show at Propeller Gallery in Toronto, in June 2012.

I feel fortunate to be part of a new wave. Textiles are finally re-entering the fine art mainstream, after having gone through various stages, even in my life time. First considered just women's work, then rising into fashion with the hippies in the 60s, and experimental fibre artists of the 70s to 90s, and now, with the discovery of works of abstract artistic genius such as the "Women of Gees Bend," textiles are showing up in art galleries around the globe.



shereerasmussen_15festivaloflightshereerasmussen In Ms. Rasmussen's own words, from her main, "I grew up in Toronto. She has traveled extensively, living in rural Denmark for 10 years, and presently lives in Toronto and Northumberland County, Ontario. "
Connecting with Sheree Rasmussen.
Artist Website :www.shereerasmussen.com
Gallery :www.insideandoutgardens.ca
FB Page :facebook.com/pages/Sheree-Rasmussen-Textile-Artist/337094142996214
Twitter :twitter.com/ShereeRasmussen

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 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.

Facebook Twitter Google+ Flickr YouTube 


Read the full article...

Barbara Schreiber : Inspirational Greetings

by Deborah E on February 22, 2012



bcut Ms. Schreiber is a delightful person (love her sense of humor and wonderment!), as well as a delightful artist. As with many artists, it was hard to choose which pieces to show in this interview! She excels in so many areas, that you cannot label her with just one. But then, as creative creatures, that is one of the aspects that makes us what we are.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?

I guess I started when I was 1 1/2 years old. My mother had this gorgeous red nail varnish filled in a nice bottle that came with such a cute little brush. My parents' antique wardrobe was used as canvas.



What was your first art creation?

In the beginning, as far back as I can remember, I have always drawn. First with pencils, then charcoal. Then came oil paints, acrylic paints, painting on silk, pastels, watercolor paints. Now it's mixed-media. I did pottery in between.



1aasign What was your first memorable art piece?

I never entered art shows, and I did not always like art in school. That's not because I don't like art -I just love it and am addicted to it - but because my teachers all seemed to like precise perspective drawing. That's just not my case, that kind of tight drawing makes me nervous. I do admire the work of other artists who can do precise drawing, though.

I sold my first drawing when I was 15 years old. I had developed a quite nice technique. I would draw with a pencil first (in this case it was a drawing of a pigeon with outspread wings), drip candle wax over the lines, burn a special kind of newspaper, and rub the ashes over the wax. Then I would scrape away some of the wax. Just like a scratch board, but different.

It looked pretty neat and interesting!



Please describe "A Day in the Life of Barbara Schreiber, Artist Extraordinaire."

I don't like getting up early, but I do. I'm a single mother and automatically get up when the kids get ready for school. At the moment I am recovering from chemo treatments so I take things very slowly. Since I have not yet gotten all of my energies back, I only teach one day a week. I also used to teach watercolor painting and mixed-media. I will start those classes again next year. I certainly do need that cup of coffee in the morning. Then it's off to the computer or I paint/draw.

I'm always in the mood to create. If I'm not in the mood to create, I surf the web and check designs, colors, styles, to get my inspiration going.

I do not respond to on-line contests.

My main problem is that I would love to do everything. I want to do serious fine art, and whimsical art, and just plain illustrations, and graphic designs, and I love making greeting cards, and selling them on-line. I like using traditional mediums and/or digital means. I had to give up pottery, because I did not have enough time to do the other things.

My household chores and all the other stuff all sort of fit in around art and creating. I'm not house proud but from time to time the kids and I get into the "let's tidy up and clean the apartment" mode.



What do you do with your art?

I used to sell my original paintings, but don't anymore.

I now paint, draw, illustrate and mainly make greeting cards, which I sell online at Greeting Card Universe. I'm also on Zazzle, but hardly have anything in my store there. My zazzle store really needs a revamp and a more modern/fresh look - something I plan on doing next year.

I would like to open up a shop on Etsy, but sort of balk at the idea of printing and shipping items myself.




I'm crazy about life, art - in every form and style - god and my two kids - not necessarily in that order!


What are your plans in the future?

I plan on writing/illustrating a second book, a third book... or more. Just love it! For 2012 I have planned several mixed-media classes. And of course, I want to make lots and lots of nice cards. I do intend to do more illustrations and more whimsical things.

My problem is, that I'm not a very organized person. I want to do too many things and don't have the time to do everything. I want to improve my technical skills, painting with traditional mediums, but I also want to learn more about Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and make my own brushes.



aaaprofule4 In Ms. Schreiber's own words, from her greetingcarduniverse, "I am addicted to everything that has to do with art - especially watercolor and mixed media. I'm crazy about life, art - in every form and style - god and my two kids - not necessarily in that order!"
Connecting with Barbara Schreiber.
Artist Website :www.greetingcarduniverse.com/barbaraswatercolorscardstore
Blog :etoilesandfernweh.blogspot.com/
Blog :www.barbara-schreiber.com
Gallery :shop.kawohl.de/products/00/130068

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 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.

Facebook Twitter Google+ Flickr YouTube 


Read the full article...