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  • Vintage Vignettes: Anna Magruder

    Vintage Vignettes: Anna Magruder

    There’s something you should know about me, Artsies.  I grew up completely immersed in the styles of past eras.  My dad loves “classic Chevy’s“, that’s 1955, ’56 & ’57 Chevrolets, for those not in the know, and a lot of our family time revolved around my parents’ involvement in a local classic car club.  The adults I grew up around reveled in the cars, clothes and music of the past.  So I kind of automatically have love for anything with a retro-ish vibe.  Enter Anna Magruder’s artwork.

    Amphibious, oil on canvas, 16×16

    This Portland artist looks back at the people and images of the past, re-imagining their lives and stories.  These re-imaginings have a dreamlike quality to them, like old photos you’ve found in the family photo box, yet know one knows who they are or the stories behind them.

    Book Of Poems, oil on canvas, 16×16

    Her muted color palette further reinforces the vintage feel of her work, so that they read almost like the faded Kodachrome images of the past.

    Cheer, oil on canvas, 12×12
    Big Wheel, oil on canvas, 16×12

    To see more of Anna Magruder’s work, please visit her website.

    Featured image is Observer ( Mediator ), oil on canvas, 16×16.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Show-ing Off

    Artsy Dwelling: Show-ing Off

    As promised, here’s our 2nd Christina Baker feature of the day.  The fabulous Mrs. Baker has four (!) pieces of artwork featured in the Nashville Southern Living Showcase Home.  So I thought it would be fun to give you a peek at her work in this beautifully designed space.

    Commissioned work for master bedroom, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, acrylic on canvas, 48×48
    Master bedroom, Lazy Day, acrylic on canvas, 30×40
    Master Bedroom Inspiration Board, Southern Living Showcase Home
  • Art Powered By Passion, Coffee and Big Talent: Christina Baker

    Art Powered By Passion, Coffee and Big Talent: Christina Baker

    I have a confession to make, Artsies.  I have been remiss.  Since the beginning of Artsy Forager, I’ve had Christina Baker listed as a Pick of the Crop artist, and save for a few mentions in Friday Faves and The Artsy Home, I have yet to feature her!  Shame, shame, shame!!  So to make it up to the lovely and always supportive, Christina, today you’re getting a two-fer!!  One now and watch for a special The Artsy Home feature later.

    Baker_The House My Heart Built

    This self-taught artist’s work is ever-evolving and intuitive.  One of my favorite games to play with Christina’s abstract work is “What Do You See?”.  In every piece, there is something that is familiar, yet fresh.  In one instance, I may think I see a representation of one thing, but then I go back, take a second look and see something completely different.

    Baker_Lost and Found

    Her use of color and light creates soft, yet powerful imagery, the kind of work that translates easily between contemporary and more traditional aesthetics.

    Baker_Frozen Blueberries

    Baker_Moondrops

    I hope you loved Christina’s work as much as I obviously do.  To see more, please visit her website!  In Nashville, her work can be seen at York & Friends and at the Southern Living Showcase Home until November 6th ( more on that later!! ).  For Atlanta folks, check her out at Gregg Irby Fine Art.

    All images via the artist’s website.

  • Miniature Manifestations: Laurel Bustamante

    Miniature Manifestations: Laurel Bustamante

    Birds have a long history of symbolism in art.  Their meanings through the years have been as varied as their colors.   Oregon artist Laurel Bustamante has taken the symbolism a step further, creating imaginary birds that represent what it may feel like to be a bird.

    The Pearlfisher #2, gouache and acrylic on clayboard, 5×7

    But these are not expressionistic paintings in that typically wild, emotive kind of way.  Instead, they are thoughtful studies of mystery and coquettishness of small birds.

    Nigthbird in Pompeii, acrylic and gouache on panel, 8×10

    These diminutive paintings have an old world, ancient quality to them, but feel modern in their isolated composition.

    Bluebird, acrylic and gouache on panel, 8×10
    Nocturne in Brazil, acrylic and gouache on panel, 8×10

    You can find more of Laurel Bustamante’s work on her ArtSlant profile ( I was unable to locate a website for her ), or on the websites of a number of galleries in which her work is featured:  Augen Gallery, Davis & Cline, Lora Schlesinger and REM Gallery just to name a few.  Flit like a little bird and visit them all!

    Featured image is Nightwatch #1, gouache and acrylic on clayboard, 5×7, via REM Gallery.

  • Friday Faves: Think Pink

    Friday Faves: Think Pink

    In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this Friday Faves round up is dedicated to the color pink.  Pink is the color of femininity, yes, but it is also becoming a symbol of positivity and the power to overcome.  This month and always, Artsy Forager encourages you to Think Pink– breast cancer is a threat to us all, but what an encouragement it is to see so many women ( and men ) winning their battle!  I hope you’ll consider making a donation or linking to The Pink Fund on your blog of Facebook page, look for the link at the bottom of the post.

    Rabbit Girl by Denise Nestor, acrylic on canvas, 20×30
    Lilly by Michelle Armas, acrylic on canvas, 18×18
    Monet’s Dahlia, acrylic on canvas, 36×30
    Torn Dress by M.A. Tateishi, mixed media and resin on board, 36×48
    Mariposa by Sarah Ashley Longshore

    To see more of today’s featured artists’ work, please visit their websites:

    1.  Denise Nestor

    2.  Michelle Armas

    3.  Lisa Ernst

    4.  M.A. Tateishi

    5.  Sarah Ashley Longacre 

    Don’t forget to check out The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid to women and men who are in active treatment for and recovery from breast cancer.  Getting well shouldn’t mean financial ruin.

  • Abstracted Ambiguity: John Dempcy

    Abstracted Ambiguity: John Dempcy

    Georges Braque said,  “There is only one valuable thing in art. The thing you can’t explain”.  The best of abstract art is, in my opinion, work that is so ambiguous that trying to explain it is kind of pointless.  There are so many “things” it could be, could represent, that trying to nail it down just seems futile.  The work of Seattle artist John Dempcy strikes me as just that sort of work.

    Mingling Fates, acrylic on panel, 36×36

    His caleidoscopic-like imagery brings to mind microscopic organisms..

    Inner Fictions, acrylic on panel, 40×30

    .. or sea life..

    Sea Nettles, acrylic on panel, 40×30

    .. or the wonders of the universe..

    Quantum Leap, acrylic on panel, 30×30

    .. or whatever you would like to see.

    Renewal, acrylic on panel, 36×36

    If you’re intrigued by John Demcy’s work, as I am, please visit his website.  I first saw his work at Augen Gallery in Portland, but you’ll find a list of galleries all over the US in which his work is featured.  There’s bound to be one in your path!

    Featured image is Deepwater, acrylic on panel, 48×36.  All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Milk And Honey Landscapes: Raquel Edwards

    Milk And Honey Landscapes: Raquel Edwards

    One of the things that really drew my hubby and I to the Pacific Northwest is the dynamic, breathtaking landscape.  For a photographer to be able to truly capture not only the natural beauty here, but the atmospheric mystery found in this place is no small thing.  Today’s artist, photographer Raquel Edwards‘ landscape imagery not only catches the physical elements of a place, but the magical feeling one might get being there.

    Pacific Pine
    Channel Markers
    Waterfall
    Sea Stack

    Want to see more of Raquel Edwards’ work?  Please visit her website— make sure you check out her encaustic photography, too and her still lifes– tons of gorgeousness!  She’ll be showing in November at the Annie Meyer Artwork Gallery in Portland.

    Featured image is Alders On Kachemak Bay.  All images are via the artist’s website.  

  • Bare Naked Portraits: Lu Cong

    Bare Naked Portraits: Lu Cong

    Remember when I said that I have a wish list of portrait artists?  Well, modern portrait artist Lu Cong has been at the top of the heap for quite a while.  He infuses his portraits with a soft glow that is at once ethereal and alien.

    Tabitha #9, oil on panel, 36×40

    His soft palette creates a peaceful atmosphere, juxtaposed with the slightly off-putting direct gaze of the subject.  The result is a stunning image of not just the portrait sitter, but of a momentary glimpse into their emotional world.

    A Song At Dusk, oil on panel, 30×30

    Eyes wide and lips slightly parted, there is an intense vulnerability captured in these images.  Not merely paintings of physical features, but souls laid bare.

    Corbin #2, oil on panel, 32×28
    My Name is Tabitha, oil on panel, 36×48

    To see more of Lu Cong’s haunting portrait paintings, please visit his website and Facebook page.  ( Don’t forget to follow Artsy Forager, too, while you’re at it! )

    Featured image is A Moment With Liza, oil on panel, 24×18.  All images are via the artist’s website.

  • America The Surreal: Deborah Martin

    America The Surreal: Deborah Martin

    America is often a strange place and seems to just keep getting stranger.  Los Angeles artist Deborah Martin captures the sad desolation found across our country  in her poignant paintings.

    Aces and Spades, oil on canvas, 36×36
    Slab City Chairs, oil on canvas, 36×36

    Her use of a limited, pastel neutral palette softens the sometimes oddly grim reality of many lives in America.

    Keep Out, oil on canvas, 36×36

    Yet somehow, these aren’t dark, depressing images of life in one of the richest countries in the world.  They don’t feel critical or satirical, but rather reverent and dreamy.

    Fifty-two, oil on canvas, 36×36

    To see more of Deborah’s work, please visit her website.  If you are in the Los Angeles area, she is currently showing at The Red Arrow Gallery in Joshua Tree, CA.  I have a feeling these paintings are even more intriguing in person!

    Featured image is Yellow Camper, oil on canvas, 36×36.  All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Friday Faves: Falling For Fall

    Friday Faves: Falling For Fall

    Said it before, I’ll say it again.  Fall is my favorite season.  The cool, crisp air, the golden light, the colors, the comfort food, I love it all!  For the very first time, this Florida girl is experiencing a real Fall.  With boot weather and incredible changing leaves, I’m so excited, I can barely stand it.  While in this autumnal frame of mind, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite Fall-inspired art…

    Trees and Light by Debbie Martin, 40×40
    Tree View #7 by Kristi Taylor, acrylic on canvas 18×24
    Penelope Dullaghan
    Nine Full Moon Maples by Mary Chomenko Hinckley, pigment print on archival german paper, 21×21

    Please visit these artists’ websites to see more of their work– some Fall-ish, some not.  I’m hoping George & I might see some real Fall color this weekend here in Southern Oregon.  What about you?  Any autumnal activities on tap?

    1.  Debbie Martin

    2.  Kristi Taylor

    3.  Penelope Dullaghan

    4.  Mary Chomenko Hinckley