watercolor

Sheryl Brown : Healing Art

by Deborah E on January 4, 2012

I think you all know that I love color. I mean I really, really love color. I love all kinds of color, whether it is bright colors, earth tone colors, or pastel colors. I am particularly drawn to the way that Sheryl Brown uses the pastel colors in her abstract fine art masterpieces. There is a real healing effect that Ms. Brown's art has on the soul. Oh, she is not alone in this talent, but her gift with the use of color has touched my soul and I'm sure that it will touch yours, as well. Come, let's take a peek into the world of Sheryl Brown, in her own words...

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
When I was in grade 2, age 7, I remember having drawn some flames with a simple pencil sketch (and did I color them? I'm not sure..!), and thinking it came out so lifelike that "I must be an artist..!" I've always been in love with color.

What was your first art creation?
One of my earliest memories of decorating with paint was taking the pot of leftover paint in the garage and using a stick to apply it to my tricycle. I had to have been age 5 or younger then. I was already a color collector - I would pick the colored glass out of the stucco on the house. I also scratched my name into the TV. LOL!

When I was about 6, I took it upon myself to add some color to a story book I had, using some new water color paints I had just received.

My first oil painting (done in high school) is very simplistic and resides somewhere in the garage. My first oil painting of note was painted right after high school. It's called, "Two Lonesome Trees," and was painted from a calendar picture of a snowy sunrise. It's available on my website. Click Here to view the painting.

My first piece of art to be professionally, digitally scanned, and reproduced as a giclee reproduction, was in 2008 and is named "Cloud Dance," a 16x20" acrylic on canvas. I now have 77 images available, ranging in size from 4x4 to 24x36, on paper or canvas.

What was your first memorable art piece?
In grade 1, I seem to recall there was a particular kitchen drawer reserved for my art and writing papers that came home from school.

In my early high school years, three different teachers in three different years, used my art. In one case it was for a school newsletter and in the other two cases, a poster.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Sheryl Brown, Artist Extraordinaire."
My process is greatly facilitated by a block of time with no appointments, better a whole day, with lots of natural light, usually when I'm at home. I wouldn't mind if this worked out daily, but it can be some days in a row, or days separated by weeks. I randomly sit down with paints and start playing around. Sometimes, I squeeze paint directly from the tube to the canvas. Sometimes, I paint with fine lines, dabbing the paint straight from the tube onto my paintbrush.

Sometimes a few specific colors draw my attention. For example, a previous painting presents itself with a new twist, or I just have an idea. Very often, the idea I start with is just a catalyst, and what I end up with is far down another path than I started. A few times, my intention materialized close to how I imagined it. (Eg, "Cloud Dance," "Chakra Dance," "Chakra Mountain," "Ring of Light") I am truly very random abstract, but ironically, I am at my most concrete when I have a paintbrush and tubes of paint in my hands. I often finish an 8x10" or several in a sitting. Some of the larger ones will spread out over months.

The last couple of years I have participated in several of our local art walks, where businesses offer to host an artist for the evening.

I did respond to one online contest a year or so ago. The prize was a trip to NYC with use of art studios and some media connections.

What do you do with your art?
My own art is plastered all over my walls. Every now and then, I take a new batch of paintings to my professional giclee print maker to have them professionally digitally scanned, ready to be reproduced as Fine Art Giclees, either on Fine Art paper, or on canvas. I have added notecard sized format to the collection, which makes it very affordable. My Fine Art Giclee reproductions are easy to order from my website online, or folks can email or call me if they need some direction.

What are your plans in the future?
I am getting very serious about getting my art into more formats, like silk scarves, T-shirts, gift bags and tissue paper.. the sky's the limit..!

My current project is to finalize the touch-ups and naming of about 50 new paintings in order to get them ready for scanning.. I'm being a bit slowed down by the winter sun's short course ;D

One of these days I will be able to build a customized art studio and gallery..!

In Ms. Brown's own words, from her Facebook, "[I have] been painting since age 6 when [I] received [my] first set of paints for being brave at the eye doctor's - I well remember this!! The black and white illustrations in one of my story books needed a little... well, color! And I've been at it ever since, but especially in the last 10 years or so."
Connecting with Sheryl Brown.
Artist Website :	www.SherylBrownArt.com
Blog :	www.sherylbrownart.com/blog/
FB Page :	facebook.com/SherylBrownArt
FB Page :	facebook.com/ChangeArtistCoaching
FB Profile :	facebook.com/SherylBrown
Twitter :	twitter.com/SunraySheryl
LinkedIn :	linkedin.com/profile/view?id=23002925

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

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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Ms. Brigitte : Encouraging Others

by Deborah E on November 23, 2011

Ms. Brigitte, in her own words, is inspired by what she sees and experiences in her world, as well as her experience on the internet. But, she, herself is inspiring, in her growth beyond her comfort zone, as she puts it, and her desire to move forward in spite of any obstacles in her life.

She brings happiness to those who have commissioned her to create portraits of their beloved pets, and she brings encouragement to those of us who are beneficiaries of her inspiration.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I don't want to call myself "an artist." There was no actual moment that I made that decision. I paint and draw as a hobby, and for a few years now, I have been accepting commissions and payment enough to cover my expenses for the used materials. Most commissions are animal portraits that I do in pastel. I feel honored that people like my animal portraits and want me to draw their beloved pets to remember them. I get that happy feeling when someone says, "It is really like I remember him. You've captured his essence so well" when I deliver the finished piece. It makes me glad that I can use my talent to make others happy. I wish that one day I could make my living with the drawings and paintings, but I have to be realistic.

What was your first art creation?
I have been drawing since I was a kid and I loved creating things, like hand puppets, stuffed animals or simple jewelry. I even got excited when I was gift-wrapping matchboxes. What?! "Gift-wrapping matchboxes?" I know, it had absolutely no purpose, but I liked wrapping matchboxes (and other small things) in colorful paper and decorating it like it was going to be a luxurious gift.

When I got older I turned my creative mind to cross-stitching. I made sooo many of them. A few big pieces are hanging on the wall at my parents-in-law.

After this, I got ill. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and I couldn't do the cross-stitch anymore. My hands were not able to do it. I kept all the materials, patterns, and designs. Sometimes I peek into that box and wish I could work for hours again on a beautiful cross-stitch design.

After the cross-stitching, I turned back to drawing. And drawing led to painting (watercolor). That's what I am still doing now.

What was your first memorable art piece?
I can remember a drawing I made from my left hand, in graphite. I was really proud of it. I was about 12 when I drew it. If I were to see it now, I would see what is wrong with the drawing (wrong proportions i.e.). I don't know what happened to it or where it is now… should ask my mother.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Ms. Brigitte, Artist Extraordinaire."
I have a job, so I have to get up, get dressed, take a quick breakfast and go to work. Only in the evenings and in the weekends do I have time – but first the usual household things need to be done – and after that, I have time to create. Since my health is not optimal (the bad auto immune system that caused my RA also led to Sjögren's Syndrome and celiacs disease), I do have time in the evenings/weekends, but I am not always in the mood. Mostly I am too tired – and then nothing creative comes out of my hands.

There are several projects on my desk: a portrait in pastel; a watercolor piece; some illustrations or digital work. There is always a project I am in the mood to work on. Sometimes I see fun online contests and want to participate, but I never get anything finished in time. So I stopped fooling myself and I am just happy with my projects.

What do you do with your art?
The pieces I create on commission are leaving my place as soon as they are finished. I always make a digital copy for my archive and portfolio. The other pieces stay here. I have donated some art for auctions to raise money for good causes. At the moment, one is open to raise money for a cat shelter!

I only have an online gallery (www.atelierbrigitte.nl). I designed and built that site myself. I share smaller projects and "Work-in-Progress" pieces on my blog: atelierbrigitte.blogspot.com.

She brings happiness to those who have commissioned her to create portraits of their beloved pets, and she brings encouragement to those of us who are beneficiaries of her inspiration.

What are your plans in the future?
I don't really have "big" plans for the future. I just "go with the flow." I really enjoy what I am doing and because of all the things I see on the internet and the people I meet on the internet. This inspires me to try new things.

A year ago I would not have believed it if I was told that I would be going to a zoo and sketching animals. But this year, I went with some fellow artists and I did it! And I loved it – getting out of my comfort zone. I tried my first animal portrait in watercolor! Not a great success, but it was another step out of my comfort zone.

In Ms. Brigitte's own words, from her blog, "Drawing, painting, creating - it has become a passion that gave me the strength to go on and it gives me a feeling I still can mean and achieve something in life. I hope you enjoy my blog and I would love if you'd leave me a comment."
Connecting with Ms. Brigitte.
Artist Website :	atelierbrigitte.nl
Blog :	atelierbrigitte.blogspot.com
FB Page :	facebook.com/atelier.brigitte

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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ET : Doodle Delectation

by Deborah E on October 5, 2011

The doodles can't help but entertain you and start you craving more. To say that ET is talented is an understatement! Please view these charming works of art and learn about ET, as you read the interview below.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
My dad was a policeman with a passion in Art. He has always encouraged me to draw and paint since I was a kid. All I remember back then was that when I grow up, I must use my skill and talent to earn a decent living some day. And so, I did… and still do.

What was your first art creation?
I think I painted a lot of things on so many papers when I was introduced to a modest watercolor set. I especially loved painting faces. From there, I moved to some walls, too, which didn’t make my parents very happy because each time we moved to another house, Dad had to repaint it.

What was your first memorable art piece?
When I was about 12 yrs old, a friend of mine gave me a photo of a deer that seemed to be in pain with a bleeding knee, hiding under a tree with some wild bushes around it. The picture really tugged my heart I so I painted it in watercolor. My parents seemed very proud when they saw it. The next day, it was framed up and hung in the living room for everyone to see. That was officially my first framed art work and certainly a memorable one!

Please describe "A Day in the Life of ET, Artist Extraordinaire."
I would love to have a routine of getting up early in the morning and having a cup of coffee and pondering what I should paint next. However, being a freelance graphic designer and an artist sometimes throws me everywhere. As a freelancer, I work on a project basis and timelines. As an artist, sometimes I work on my own ideas but at other times, I have to focus on some commission works as well. So, it depends. Most of the time, I need to work according to prioritization, but I try to make a habit of sketching something or anything that crosses my mind or eyes… every single day.

What do you do with your art?
Usually, I sell my original paintings through group art exhibitions that I participate in from time to time around Malaysia and overseas as I'm a member of the Malaysian Watercolor Society (MWS) and the International Women Artists (INWAC).

I have a site at yartstik.wordpress.com which focuses on my fine art, displaying my past and current works online. I also take commissions for portraits, figures, and flower paintings.

My other online gallery, doodledsgn.blogspot.com, displays more of my passion for doodles, caricatures, fun crafts, drawings, and illustrations. I take commissions for caricatures, too, of course.

The doodles can't help but entertain you and start you craving more. To say that ET is talented is an understatement!

What are your plans in the future?
As many could see if they go to my site, I haven’t really widened my art services and products globally, just yet. I mean, I don’t even have an etsy shop like many artists online. It’s embarrassing, really (hehe). That's why I was caught by surprise when the lovely and talented Ms. Lady D has offered me the chance to be featured in her established site (thank u thank u thank u dear Lady D!!!). <--- Thank you, ET! --->

So yes, I do have plans to open my own etsy shop or other online shops in the near future and hope to share my art works with people from all over the virtual world who may be interested in purchasing or ordering.

My current projects involve more watercolor works as I want to paint more flower paintings series (yes, I'm sort of into flowers, right now). Besides that, I’m planning to create more hand drawn greeting cards for sale and find my signature style in illustrations.

In Ms. ET's own words, from her blog, "A Creative Blog by a Full-time Artist & Freelance Graphic Designer. Just call me- ET :). "
Connecting with > ET.
Artist Website :	yartstik.wordpress.com
Blog :	doodledsgn.blogspot.com
FB Page :	facebook.com/pages/BazaarET/113529482011843

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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Marcia Beckett : Watercolor Delight

by Deborah E on August 17, 2011

Marcia Beckett : Red Configuration on Canvas

I was drawn to Marcia Beckett's beautiful works of watercolor art. I remember trying watercolors when I was a child and ending up with a kaleidoscope of wet color on my wrinkled paper. Ms. Beckett's beautiful interpretations and expressions, with this medium, portray such a flowing feel, that she makes it look almost easy. Being a huge fan of color, I am definitely a fan of her artistic creations. I had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Beckett for today's column. Please read with me and learn about the woman behind the art.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I have always loved art as a child. In high school I enjoyed it as well, but I didn't have any self-confidence in my abilities. I never considered it as a career option until I took a general studies course in art during college. At the end of the course, the teacher wrote me a note encouraging me to pursue art as a major. I owe it to her as the reason I chose the field. I decided to become an elementary art teacher to combine my desire to work with kids and to make art.

What was your first art creation?
As a child, my first art creations were collages and drawings in books. I remember a small book with flowers in it that my grandma gave me. I drew all over the pages, added stickers and other cutouts.

What was your first memorable art piece?
My first memorable piece of art was in college where I was making a realistic painting of the hallway. I took a break from painting, and walked into the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom, I overheard some older art students mocking the painting I was making. It made me so angry and hurt, that I walked out of the bathroom and completely changed the painting. I turned the hallway into an ominous and expressive picture. Instead of painting in realistic colors, I used red paint for marks on the wall, which kind of resembled blood. After it was finished, I was very pleased with the result and entered it into a local juried art show. It won 2nd place for the painting category. I know some of those girls who mocked it were at the show, so it gave me a nice sense of satisfaction.

What do you do with your art?
Right now, I am building up a body of work and developing my style. I have always painted and drawn, but this past year I have really become more immersed in my art making. I show my art on my blog: http://marciabeckett.blogspot.com. I will be showing a couple of artworks in a coffee shop gallery in Chicago this fall. I also enjoy giving my art as gifts.

Ms. Beckett's beautiful interpretations and expressions, with this medium, portray such a flowing feel, that she makes it look almost easy.

What are your plans in the future?
My current projects include painting vivid and bright watercolor "doodle" paintings, inspired by nature, fruit and flowers. I also do a lot of art journaling and have been submitting them for publications. Within the next year, I am going to create an online shop for prints and greeting cards and I would like to begin selling at arts and craft fairs. I'm not looking to make tons of money, but it would be nice to earn a little extra in order to sustain my art hobby!

In Ms. Beckett's own words, from her blog, "I am a K-6 art teacher in Madison, WI. I am a new mom and I try to do some creative things in my spare time. This blog is about my personal art experiments."
Connecting with Marcia Beckett.
Blog :	vividlayers.blogspot.com
Blog :	marciabeckett.blogspot.com