Abstract Art Daily Artsy Mixed Media

Astronomical Manifestations: Monica Petty Aiello

Posted on September 6, 2012

Our first full day in Glacier, while Mr. Forager & I were on our big camping trip this summer, we did a 15 mile hike.  The longest I’d ever hiked before was around 7.5 miles.  And I need new hiking boots.  This combo equalled some pretty painful, ugly blisters on both my little pinkie toes.  I love hiking, but I’m not a huge fan of anything that causes me physical pain.  Mr. Forager was appropriately contrite and to make it up to me, a few days later let me drown my pain in pizza, huckleberry ice cream and a little artsiness in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It was there that I discovered some of the most striking work I’ve seen in a while– the work of mixed media artist Monica Petty Aiello. [ Warning: Online images do not do this work justice!  The richness of the colors and texture can really only be appreciated in person! 😉 ]

TheTwins at Babbar’s Edge, acrylic, ink, fiber and paper on panel, 72×48

Upon first view, I was drawn to Aiello’s work for the way it reminded me of the beauty of the geological wonders we’d just begin to explore in Yellowstone.  These were familiar, yet most excitingly foreign.

Many Faces of Prometheus 3, acrylic, ink, fiber and paper on panel, 32×32

Many Faces of Prometheus 2, acrylic, ink, fiber and paper on panel, 32×32

The pieces are “actually topographical landscapes of the planets and moons within our solar system”.  Not what you were expecting?  Me either!  Once I heard that, I could see it, but I also see other possible inspirations– such as fossils, lichen, microbiological imagery, geodes, underwater life.. the list goes on.  It’s the ambiguity of these that is much of their appeal.  We’re looking at a glimpse into another world, but which one?

Many Faces of Pele, acrylic, ink and fiber on panel, 28×28

To see more of Monica Petty Aiello’s work, please visit her website and the website of Diehl Gallery.  What do you see in these?

All images are via the Diehl Gallery website.

Art to Inspiration Paintings Photography

Art to Inspiration: Lani Trock

Posted on September 5, 2012

Last month, I was an Art to Inspiration delinquent.  The monthly post just had to fall off my huge to-do list before we went on our big camping trip.  But this month, I’m back with a vengeance!  Our inspiration artwork for September, Blue Moon by photographer Lani Trock, is the perfect inspiration for the transition into the autumnal months.

Hello Moon by Lani Trock

As is my usual motis operandi, I’ve put together a little  gallery inspired by this month’s work.  Trock’s photo brings to mind camping and playing under the stars during an Indian summer, so I’m calling this little collection Night Moves.  Check it out below!

Dance Floor by Jeremy Mangan, acrylic on panel, 18×24

Gypsum by Lia Halloran

Waiting by Barbara Kacicek, oil on linen, 8×8

They Sacrificed Everything to the Stars by Amanda Blake

Jeremy Mangan | Lia Halloran | Barbara Kacicek | Amanda Blake 

To see more from each artist, check out their websites, linked above.

You can find more information on Art to Inspiration here and if you would like to participate in the next Art to Inspiration, just fill out this form! Follow me and all the other Art to Inspiration bloggers on Twitter by subscribing here.  Let the inspiring begin! 

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Exhibitions Paintings

Action Figuration: Betsy Cain

Posted on September 5, 2012

When I took figure drawing in college, I recall my professor telling us that once we mastered drawing the figure realistically, that’s when the real fun begins.  For once you understand the hollows and bumps of the human figure, you can then abstract your representation to your heart’s content.  Savannah artist Betsy Cain’s work energetically fuses the figure with the abstract in gorgeous layers of color.

Red Yellow Love Melt, oil on canvas, 60×80

Like the work of other abstract expressionists, Cain’s work appears to be purely non-representational, but often you can detect a figure coming through the energetic fever of the canvas.

Neural Nude, oil on canvas, 54×72

Nature of Not Knowing, oil on canvas, 60×60

Each work consists of layer upon layer of colorful, expressive strokes which may end in a purely abstract composition yet each gives us a glimpse into the artist’s connection between her mind, the paint and the canvas.

Nerve Flower, oil on canvas, 60×60

To see more of Betsy Cain’s work, please visit her website.  If you happen to be reading from North Florida, you can check out Betsy Cain’s solo exhibition, Selections at Florida Mining in Jacksonville, opening this Friday, September 7th!

Artsy on Escape Into Life Photography

Artsy on Escape Into Life: Karen Knorr

Posted on September 4, 2012

I find there is such a mystical, magical quality to the culture of India.  Such a juxtaposition of riches and poverty, exuberance and isolation.  The India Song series of photographer Karen Knorr explores the roles of power in Indian society and I find them both visually stunning and intellectually striking.  See more of Karen’s work on my Artist Watch over on Escape Into Life today!

The Sound of Rain, Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Karen Knorr on Escape Into Life

Daily Artsy Paintings Sculpture

Sculptures of Earthly Delights: Laura Moriarty

Posted on September 4, 2012

Most of the time, we never seem to think about what is happening beneath our feet.  When we visited Yellowstone this summer, we couldn’t help but be confronted by the reality of what is going on beneath the earth’s surface.  The countless hot springs, geysers and mudpots reminded us that our planet is on fire underneath us.  New York artist Laura Moriarty‘s unique sculptural paintings are her own interpretations of what is happening beneath our terrain.

Natural Bridge, encaustic on panel, 11x14x6.5

Volcanic Bomb, detail

Her layers of liquid color mimic the stratifications in the earth’s core, flowing in and around each other like lava.

Time Suck, detail, encaustic on panel, 10x10x5.75

Steep Inclination, encaustic on panel, 16x16x8

You can watch Laura’s amazing process in the video The Way Paintings Go here.  See more of her work on her website, including beautiful monotypes created as a by-product of her sculptural paintings.

All images are via the artist’s website.

Daily Artsy Figurative Paintings

This Lovely Life: Janet Hill

Posted on September 3, 2012

I love artwork that transports me into a different world.  The paintings of Ontario artist Janet Hill  gives us a peek at a sweet and beautiful life, where all is loveliness and cheerful color.

Goldfinch

Her figures, lovely and graceful, entrance and enchant, her palette of sepias punctuated with bright, saturated color takes us back in time like faded photographs.

Giraffes

General Custard

Hers is a world that feels like that magical afternoon hour.. you know the one.. when the sunlight is just the right shade, streaming through the window and giving everything in its path a magical glow.  A world that is accessibly glamorous, where even the most mundane task is done with delicious joie de vivre!

Entanglement

Seriously, doesn’t her work just make you smile?  See more of it on her website and in her Etsy shop– lots of beautiful, affordable prints to be found!  Perfect for girlie girls, big and small.

Featured image is Lady and the Lobster.  All images are via the artist’s website.

Artsy Forager Featured Artist

Say Hello to our New Facebook Featured Artist!

Posted on September 1, 2012

Happy September, Artsies!  I’m so excited to bring you this month’s new Facebook Featured Artist.  Not only is she one of my favorite artists EVER, but one of my favorite people in the world.  Be sure to head on over to the Artsy Forager Facebook page to see the beautiful new cover image by Florida artist Christina Foard!

Flow by Christina Foard, oil and acrylic on canvas, 96×66

Stay tuned throughout the month of September for more from the fabulous Ms. Foard!

Artsy On the Road

HELP! Artsy Needs to Find a Home!

Posted on August 31, 2012

Hiya Artsies!  Most of you know, my hubby is a medical professional who works as a “traveler”– he takes contract assignments all over the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast.  We are finally getting to use his California license and will be headed to Joshua Tree, CA in October!  We’re super excited to finally spend some time in Cali, be near friends in San Diego and I can’t wait to explore all the artsiness of SoCal!

With each new place we go, I spend hours perusing the internet, looking for furnished rentals, when I’d much rather be searching for fantastic artists to share with you!  So far, we aren’t having much luck in Joshua Tree– there are lots of rental options, but few are very budget friendly! 😉

Peach Sky + Modern Home + Pool by Paul Davies, acrylic on canvas, 122x153cm

So I’m asking, begging, pleading ( dramatic, much? ).. if you have any connections in the Joshua Tree area or know of anyone who may have a home  in or near there for rent, please let me know!

Also, I’m taking suggestions for galleries to visit in the San Diego, Los Angeles and Palm Springs/Hi-Desert areas.  Hit me with whatcha got.

Image via the artist’s website.

Design Design Foraging

Friday Finds: Anthropologically Studious

Posted on August 31, 2012

There is something about this time of year that makes me long to go back to school.  OK, maybe not.  But I do look longingly at the school supplies on display everywhere, wishing I had a reason to buy a Trapper Keeper and some brand new #2 pencils!  Not only do I love Anthropologie for their use & promotion of work by artists I love like Sarah Ashley Longshore and Dolan Geiman, but they also have a beautiful collection of studious accessories perfect for any artsy.  Here are a few of my favorites–

Pinwheel Push Pins

Madurodam Colored Pencils

Dip-Dye iPad Case

Watercolor Postcards

Clothbound Ikat Journal

Pinwheel Push Pins | Madurodam Colored Pencils | Dip-Dye iPad Case | Watercolor Postcards | Clothbound Ikat Journal  

What about you, Artsies? What are your favorite school supplies to splurge on? 😉

All images are via the Anthropologie website.  All opinions are my own, this is not a post sponsored in any way by Anthropologie or its affiliates.

Abstract Art Fashion Jewelry Wear the Artsy

Wear the Artsy: Painted Jewels

Posted on August 30, 2012

Artsiness isn’t just about the art we create or appreciate.  It is the way we live, the way we treat others, how we carry ourselves.  Over the course of the last year, I’ve read so much regarding how the way we chose to clothe ourselves says so much about who we are or who we are trying to be.  I’m a firm believer in artsy self-expression in any form!  In this new feature, Wear the Artsy, we’ll pair a piece of artwork with a piece of clothing or accessory that captures the spirit of the art.

art | jewelry

In today’s pairing, our inspiration piece is this gorgeous, colorful abstract by artist Dura Hana AKA D.U.R.A.  What better way to wear those beautiful jeweltones than with that cheery Tom Binns Riri Painted Swarovski Cuff?

Do you have suggestions for a piece of art to be featured on Wear the Artsy?  Comment below and let’s see how we can wear our favorites!