Daily Artsy Paintings

Make Way For Pamela’s Parade: Pamela Durga Robinson

Posted on October 10, 2011

Everyone loves a parade, don’t they?  Well, I certainly do.  And Seattle artist Pamela Durga Robinson’s Parade series brilliantly captures the spirits of the parts that make the whole.

Drill Team Captain, oil on canvas, 36x36

She choses to isolate the individual players– band members, clowns, audience– so that we can focus in on them and their experience.

Seasoned Critics, oil on canvas, 12x12

Her figures are so human.. these are your parents, children, friends, the people you see at the supermarket on Sunday.  She uses negative space to give importance to figures that otherwise might just be faces lost in the crowd.  And her brightly colored backgrounds recall the upbeat cheeriness of a parade and provide an interesting juxtaposition against the sometimes sullen faces.

Flutes All In A Row, oil on canvas, 12x12

Drill Team Wannabes, oil on canvas, 12x12

To see more of Pamela’s parade of characters, be sure to check out her website.  You can also see her work in person ( and enjoy some yummy goodies ) at Fresh Flours on Phinney Ave in Seattle.

Featured image is Anticipation, oil on canvas, 36×12.  All images are courtesy of the artist’s website.

Daily Artsy Paintings Sculpture

Deconstructing Beauty: Christina Chalmers

Posted on October 6, 2011

As you probably noticed during the recent artsyF A S H I O N Week, I have a keen interest in the gray areas where art and fashion collide.  What we wear and it’s design is such an integrated part of our culture and psyche that it is no surprise that clothes influence art and vice versa.

A Magical Life, steel mesh, plaster, oil and mixed media, 56x30x30

Often in art, clothing is used as a symbol, as a vehicle for deeper thought.  This is especially true in the work of New Mexico artist Christina Chalmers.  Her sculptures and mixed media pieces are, in her own words, contemplations on the “cloaking and revealing of the inner self”.

Acquaintance of Kelp Forests, kelp, driftwood, vintage silk and lace, 56x41x41

Through her use of organic and weathered found materials, we see an interconnectedness with who we truly are and the self we are projecting out to the world via our appearance.

The Fleeting Things of Time No. 4, mixed media, copper and oil on panel, 60x48

Sea Dress II, kelp, shells and steel mesh, 34x25x9

In her sculptures especially, I see this connection between the deconstructed, feminine garments and the found and organic materials that is incredibly intriguing.  The texture and patina of the materials are such a striking juxtaposition between the ladylike flowing shape– powerful in their vulnerability.  Just like us as women.

What do you think of these?  Do you see what I’m seeing or have a different perspective to share?

To see more of Christina Chalmers’ work, visit her page on the Selby Fleetwood Gallery website.  If you’re in Santa Fe, you can see her work in person at the gallery.  It will definitely be on my list when I finally get to Santa Fe!

Featured image is I am the Root, the Wind and the Bird ( detail ) by Christina Chalmers, mixed media on panel.

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Paintings

Harvesting Nature’s Bounty: Ryan Coleman

Posted on October 5, 2011

Cooler weather has finally made its way to Southern Oregon.  Which brings with it my favorite season, autumn.  There is something about the quality of light in the Fall that makes everything seem to glow like candlelight.  Atlanta artist Ryan Coleman is no doubt aware of the effects of autumnal light.  His abstract paintings sing in tune with the loveliness of this transitional season.

Nature's Tempest, oil on canvas, 48x48

Taking his inspiration from the nature around him, Ryan uses expressive brushwork and subtle shifts in color to achieve his soft abstractions of the bountiful beauty found within the landscape.

Untitled, oil on canvas, 48x48

Glorious color bursts forth from the canvas, just as autumn leaves provide a last triumphant explosion of hues before grey winter sets in.

oil on canvas

oil on canvas

These paintings make me feel like I’ve just taken a walk through the autumn woods.  Hope to experience the real thing this weekend!  To see more of Ryan Coleman’s work, please visit his website and Facebook page.  If you’re in the Atlanta area, his work can be viewed at Pryor Fine Art.

Featured image is Celebration, oil on canvas, 40×30.  All images are courtesy of the artist’s website.

Daily Artsy Mixed Media Photography

Visual Tales of Allegory and Absurdity: Jamie Baldridge

Posted on October 4, 2011

The fantastical work of Jamie Baldridge weaves for the viewer visually complex stories that engage the mind and entrance the spirit.

Phrases From A Broken Language

Baldridge, a professor of photography at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, creates his fantastical works by utilizing not only photography, but also digital manipulation and collage.  The resulting images are full of depth, texture and an extraordinary sense of light.

The Socrates Safe Co.

His Vermeerish palette lends the eccentric images an old-worldly feel and their dark sensibilities recall the iconography and symbolism of the Victorians.  Yet there is something inherently modern about them– perhaps it is the subtly infused humor or the fashiony bent to some of the work.

A Confluence of Extraordinary Ideas

A Pair of Gnostics Burdened On A Platform

There are stories at work here, some obvious, others more subversive, but all entirely up to the viewer to complete.  Baldridge has opened up the book to a random middle page and it is up to us to find the beginning and end.

To see more of Jamie Baldridge’s fascinating work, please visit his website.  I first saw his work this weekend at the Thomas Lee Gallery in Ashland, OR, so if you’re anywhere near the area, you could do the same.  ( Note to the Thomas Lee gallerist:  Immediately going into the archival paper, framing and pricing of an intriguing work of art is NOT the way to sell it.  Just sayin’. )

Artsy About Town Installations

Artsy Around Town: Art Along The Rogue

Posted on October 3, 2011

I love and appreciate any community that embraces its artsiness.  Even more, I adore a place that reaches out to bring art into the lives of children who may not otherwise experience it.  This weekend, our little temporary hometown of Grants Pass, OR had it’s annual Art Along The Rogue festival, featuring an entire street filled with chalk-artists and lots of opportunities for the kiddies to get their hands all colorful and chalky!

Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR

Forty local and regional artists came together to create temporary 8’x8′ chalk-on-pavement masterpieces and visitors could pay $5 for chalk and a 2’x2′ square of their very own.  There were also free art activities for kids at the Grants Pass Museum of Art.  It brought a huge smile to my face to walk by and see kids painting and drawing!

Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR

Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR

Internationally known street artist Tracy Lee Stum’s 16’x50′ scenic was the featured work of the festival.

Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR

Folks were lined up for a peek at this painting, that came to life in 3-D when viewed through a special glass window.  Lots of artsy goodness in Grants Pass this weekend, along with a music festival and Beer Walk.  But someone’s wife forgot about the Beer Walk until it was too late to buy tickets.  Not mentioning any names.

How about you, Artsies?  Anyone attend any shows or festivals this weekend?

Daily Artsy Design Foraging Mixed Media Paintings

Friday Faves: Where The Wild Things Are

Posted on September 30, 2011

One of the many things George & I love about the Pacific Northwest is the wildlife.  In the 4 months we’ve been here, we’ve seen bear, elk, hoary marmots, sea lions, elephant seals, eagles, chipmunks and more deer than I can count.  This area of the country still feels incredibly wild and untamed.  So this week, I’m sharing all the wild artwork I’m, well, wild about lately.

The Beast by Shira Glezerman, oil on treated wood, 35.43x55.12

Untitled Stag With Chandelier by Miranda Skoczek, enamel and oil on canvas, 43.31x47.24

Sweaters by Jennifer Davis, acrylic, charcoal & graphite on panel, 12x16

Sheep Chaperone by Vicki Sawyer, acrylic on canvas, 14x11

Have a great weekend, Artsies!  Be sure to check out each of these artists’ websites for more beastly artwork!

1.  Shira Glezerman 

2.  Miranda Skoczek 

3.  Jennifer Davis 

4.  Vicki Sawyer 

Featured image is Climber by Annada Hypes.  All images are courtesy of artist websites.

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Mixed Media

Paper Moon Dreams: Leigh Wells

Posted on September 29, 2011

When I hear the word “collage”, I think back to 2nd grade arts & crafts, safety scissors and Elmer’s Glue.  Of course, my little artsy heart was dreaming of creating beautiful art, not the actual result of magazine cut-outs wrinkled from using way too much glue.  The collage work of Leigh Wells is the stuff my paper moon dreams are made of.

Untitled, collage and mixed media on paper, 9.5x12.75

Simple shapes and soft, earthly colors create striking silhouettes that invite you in to explore their mystery.

Untitled, collage and mixed media on paper, 9.5x12.75

The organic shapes seem to morph in and out of each other, creating forms that are both familiar and alien.

Untitled, collage and mixed media on paper, 9.5x12.75

Part Magritte, part Ernst, part O’Keeffe… All Leigh Wells and all beautifully elegant and engaging.

Untitled, collage and mixed media on paper, 9.5x12.75

To see more of Leigh’s work, please visit her website.  Hmm.. I’m inspired.  Think I just might dust off my scissors and glue.

All images are courtesy of the artist’s website.

Daily Artsy Figurative

Assimilating Identities: Amy Sherald

Posted on September 28, 2011

When I first saw Amy Sherald’s paintings, I immediately loved them for their bold, graphic quality and quirkiness.  But it wasn’t until I took a closer look that I realized that these were more than just eccentric portraits.

The Rabbit in the Hat

 

Sherald chooses to paint the skin tones of her African American figures, not their normal beautiful brown tones, but dull grays.  In doing so, she uses her choice of paint color to comment on the push for African Americans to “fit in” with white society.

 

They Call Me Redbone But I’d Rather Be Strawberry Shortcake

 

Having been one of only a few African Americans in a predominately white private school in the South, Sherald draws ( literally ) on her experience of trying to maintain her racial identity while feeling the need to put on certain white characteristics in order to be socially accepted among her peers.  This “performance” aspect is depicted in her work but the appearance of characters, costumes, masks, etc.

 

It Made Sense… Mostly In Her Mind

 

Miss Everything (Unsupressed Deliverance)

 

You can see in these works, a sense of the frustration and futility of denying your true self to fit in.  How often do we pick up our own mask or put on our own costume, when we are afraid of being rejected for who we truly are?

Check out Amy Sherald’s website for more images of her work and be sure to read her insightful artist statement.

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Daily Artsy Insert the [ Artsy ]

Insert [ the Artsy ]

Posted on September 27, 2011

Artwork has the power to facilitate change.  Most importantly, in our minds, spirits and hearts.  But today, we’re going stay in the more shallow end of the pool.  🙂  Let’s have some art + design fun and  take a look at a beautifully designed room and see how just changing up the artwork can transform the way the room feels.

For our first go ’round, we’ll start with a fairly classic, neutral room:

Look #1:  In keeping with the classic, slightly beachy style of the room, we’ll add an oceanscape by Tennessee artist Christina Baker.

The shift from mirror to artwork, in this case, is subtle, but what an impact!  Makes for a much more interesting room, yes?  Even the pup seems more pleased!

Look #2:  Though the space is gorgeous, it could use a well-placed pop of color!  So let’s see what a Michelle Armas abstract does for it..

The lovely colors and lively brushstrokes really bring the space into a shinier, happier territory, don’t they?

Look #3:  The best way to help elevate a traditional room into something with a bit more personality?  A graphic and quirky piece by Sarah Ashley Longshore from her Audrey Hepburn series.

This look works because what’s more classic than Audrey Hepburn?  That’s right, nothing.  So her iconic image keeps with the traditional vibe, but the bright colors and pop-style of the painting add a punch of the unexpected.

Hope you enjoyed our little peek at how varying styles of art can change a room’s personality!  What’s your home’s art-style?  Do you change things up or keep your favorites up ’round the clock?

Be on the lookout for future installments of this new Artsy Forager feature, [ Insert Art Here ]!

Featured room image via House of Turquoise, architect James Cullion and interior designer Eileen Marcuvitz, photographed by Robert Benson.