Normally, when graced with a 3-day weekend, Mr. F and I might take the opportunity to get out of town, maybe do a little camping. But after a week of not feeling super great, we both decided that another low-key weekend was what we needed. We did manage to squeeze in a nice little hike at Mt. Rainier in between all our chillin’ out.
I know I said back to adventuring next weekend.. but this time I really mean it! Fall is my favorite time of year and I intend to enjoy it to the fullest. Hope you had a wonderful restful weekend, Artsies and are ready to conquer the world this week!
Images by Artsy Forager. See more of This Artsy Life on Instagram.
Water is one of those resources we tend to take for granted until we find ourselves without it. During the six months we spent in the California desert, Mr. F and I discovered just how essential its presence was to our psyches and overall happiness. Not only does it nourish us physically, but something about this liquid nurtures our souls. Boston artist Anne Neely explores the importance of waters seen and unseen in her Mopang series.
Turlach-Turlough, oil on linen, 72×60Pond Park, oil on linen, 36×44
The series is named after the Mopang Aquifer in Maine which was saved after an attempt to establish an ash dump near it. The artist plunges depths, showing off water’s sparkles and light in her use of color, shape and line.
Riverside, oil on linen, 32×24
We are lucky enough to have a beautiful little man-made stream and waterfall running through the backyard of our current rental. Just a few minutes gazing into the clear waters and listening to the splashing instantly calms me. The mere presence of water reminds us of our most basic needs and we relax in its cool calming being.
Off Island, oil on linen, 32×24Waterlines, oil on linen, 14×11
If you would like to see more of Anne Neely‘s work, please visit her website.
I know today is a holiday for most folks here in the US, so you’ve probably out picnicking, enjoying your last bit of summer beach time or barbecuing with the fam. But I just couldn’t wait to share with you our new Featured Artist for September! I am an enormous fan of this artist’s work. Seriously, I fall more in love with the work of Susan Hall every time I see it.
Wing, oil on panel, 35×40
Every painting transports me to such a calm and peaceful place– it’s like a visual dip into a cool spring on a hot day. Each figure, whether human or animal, seems lit from within and the canvases radiate with serenity.
Devotion, oil on panel, 43×51Morning Light, oil on panel, 35×40
And I’m sure you’ve noticed her use of texture– each piece has subtle textural patterns overlaying the composition, lending to the ethereal, gossamer-like quality.
Listen, oil on panel, 43×48Harmony, oil on panel, 43×51
Owning one of Susan’s pieces would be like having your own personal serenity portal. Just a few moments’ gazing and my stress levels plummet!
Let’s face it. We’re a tech obsessed society! Most of us get a little antsy when we aren’t tethered to our tablet, smartphone or laptop. These gadgets have become ubiquitous parts of our lives, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t give them our own artsy spin! I found a few favorite artsy iPhone cases over on Society6..
Gallery walls have been all the rage for a couple of years now. They are a fantastic way to showcase your art collection and so easy to change up! But sometimes, you want your art wall to make a bolder statement– why not make the wall itself the artsy focal point? Whether you paint your masterpiece directly on the wall’s surface, apply an artsy wallpaper, or a mural sized decal, there will be no shortage of artsiness on those walls! Here are just a few of my own faves from around the web–
Think I love the simplicity of the pink geometric design and the blue watercolor best. What do you think? Have you ever treated your walls as a truly blank canvas?
PS– Need help finding art for your walls? Check out the new services I’m offering! Click on Forager For Hire in the tool bar for more info!
Sometimes, all it takes is just a little somethin’ somethin’ to take an ordinary image and transform it into something unexpected. UK artist Guy Catling has found that adding some well placed color and pattern can lead to some pretty spectacular imagery.
Black and white vintage photographs are beautiful, but add in brightly colored faces and floral patterned mountains and they take on a whole new modern life. Bright shots of geometric shapes in these scenic photos mimic the lines of the photographs simply yet beautifully.
The patterns added to this trio of well dressed men adds not only a bit of pizazz, but with the Victorian-floral and Native American inspired patterns these guys are sporting, the story behind the image has possibly changed. Ah the power of color and pattern!
Want to see more work by this talented artist? Check out Guy Catling‘s website here.
Lately I’ve been working on a little something and am so excited to finally share the news with you! After lots of thinking, planning, debating and fingernail biting, I’m doing it, I’m..
I’m excited to announce that Artsy Forager will now be offering a range of services specific to creative folk! Curious? Click the image below for more information!
One of my favorite things about social media is being able to watch an artist blossom and discover their voice. Maybe you recognize the name of today’s artist, perhaps better known as the founder and editor of the amazing design blog, DesignMilk, artist-blogger-poet(!), Jaime Derringer.
Composition #5, acrylic and pencil on heavy canvas paper, 12×16Why Can’t I Be You?, mixed media on wood panel, 8×8
I wasn’t aware of the scope of Jaime’s artistic talent until she began posting her A Shape A Day project on Instagram. Immediately, I was like, “Hold the phone! She’s an artist, too??” The short answer? Yes.
Untitled, ink, marker and watercolor on watercolor paper, 9×12Smoke Monster, ink, marker and acrylic on heavy canvas paper, 16×12
For Jaime, her work is an exploration and escape. Perusing her work, you can see the progression, the playing with style, medium and composition that marks each creative expedition.
Jellyfish, ink on paper, 25×19
With each journey, the artist is discovering her own uncharted territory and finding new paths. Personally, I’m enjoying being along for the ride.
While the world tweets about Miley’s twerking, understandably, I’ve seen lots of folks online upset that the antics of a 20-something spoiled starlet are making bigger headlines than little things like wars and children dying. Admittedly, I love my guilty pleasures as much as the next gal, but find myself wondering, how do we draw more attention to real, impactful events happening around the world? Leave it to an artist to figure it out. Irish photographer Richard Mosse brings the civil war in the DR Congo to life using bright pink tones to colorfully engage the viewer into the country’s story.
Men of Good Fortune, North Kivu, Eastern Congo, 2011Growing Up in Public, North Kivu, Eastern Congo 2011
Mosse’s use of an ifrared Aerochrome dia-film gives his photographs their striking hot pink hue. That sugary, Victoria’s Secret hue belies the tragic story behind these photos, one of decades long conflict, government corruption, and innocence lost.
Even Better Than the Real Thing, North Kivu, Eastern Congo, 2011Ruby Tuesday, North Kivu, Eastern Congo, 2011
The photographer takes documentary war photography and imbues it with a strange sense of playfulness. The Pop Art pinks are surely what will draw our attention, but it is the faces there and the stories behind them that will keep it.
Sticky Fingers, North Kivu, Eastern Congo 2011La Vie En Rose, North Kivu, Eastern Congo, 2010
You guys. It has been soooo long. So very long since we had a weekend like this one! Nowhere to be, no one to meet, no chores needing to be checked off. Absolutely no pressure to do anything. After the craziness of the last few months, it was just what we needed. Best thing about a do nothing weekend? The way it frees your mind to observe, to rest, to think. Oh and there were divine cinnamon rolls and the worst Chinese food ever.
[ horseshoes– Mr. F is really good, I am really not ]
[ sunday drive along hood canal ]
[ looking up ]
Weekends like this almost make me want to spend every weekend this way. But we have hikes to take, places to go and people to see! More adventures next weekend, promise!
![This Artsy Life: Weekend 35 [ Artsy Say Relax, Part Deux ]](https://artsyforager.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Relax-collage.jpg)
![This Artsy Life: Weekend 34 [Artsy Say Relax]](https://artsyforager.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_1280.jpg)
