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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

In the words of Consuelo Okdie, from her (former) Facebook Page, "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 Profile :	facebook.com/consuelookdie
	LinkedIn :	linkedin.com/pub/consuelo-okdie/7/73b/a17