artsy forager

Tag: abstract art

  • Harnessed Energy: Guus Kemp

    Harnessed Energy: Guus Kemp

    This Fall, the leaves in Oregon have been full of riotous color, bursting forth in celebration of the last days of sunshine and warmth.  But to find happy energy in the long, grey days of winter, one only need look as far as Dutch painter Guus Kemp’s work.

    Just Beautiful, oil on canvas, 36×48

    Thick bursts of glossy paint almost leap of the canvas, like fireworks in the sky.  This is an artist using the properties of paint– its colors, texture and sheen to bring joy to the viewer.  The works elicit emotion, excitement and energy.

    Red Man, oil on canvas, 48×60

    A Dutch-born artist, now a resident of Houston, Kemp began working with oils in 2008, opening up a whole new means of expression.  According to the artist, “My paintings are a reflection of who I am . . . an extrovert who takes life by the horns!”

    Female Tornado, oil on canvas, 48×60

    Indeed, these large scale, intensely hued works are no shrinking violets.  These are pieces that demand your attention.  And once they get it, you can’t help but be happy and energized.

    Riot of Parrots, oil on canvas, 48×60

    To be enlivened by more of Guus’s work, please take a peek at his website.  Thank you to Gallery Orange for introducing me to this artist, if you’re in New Orleans, be sure to check them out!

    Featured image is Carpe Diem, oil on canvas, 48×48.  All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Friday Faves: Technologically Speaking

    Friday Faves: Technologically Speaking

    Technology is taking over ya’ll.  Almost every aspect of our lives is touched by technology in one way or another.  The art world is no different.  For today’s round-up, take a look at a few artists embracing the digital revolution:

    Andy Gilmore
    Mark Wilson
    Carole Boyd ( all done in Microsoft Paint! )
    Jason Fort

    Now have some hi-tech fun and check out these artists’ websites!

    1.  Andy Gilmore 

    2.  Mark Wilson 

    3.  Carole Boyd 

    4.  Jason Fort 

    Featured image is by Mark Wilson.  All images are via the artists’ websites.

  • Inherent Abstractions of the Natural World: Haley Farthing

    Inherent Abstractions of the Natural World: Haley Farthing

    The moment I walked through the doors of Davis & Cline in Ashland, I fell hard for the work of Haley Farthing.  Immediately, they drew me in, I had to take a closer look.  What exactly was I seeing?  Her palette is so subtle, the shapes so fluid, these are works that are best examined at close range.

    Pulse, pastel and ink on wood, 48×24

    For Haley, “abstraction and ambiguity of a subject is much more powerful when it is a part of it’s inherent nature”.  She takes organic subjects, such as driftwood, plants, etc and magnifies the view, creating a perspective that highlights their intrinsic abstraction.

    Constant, pastel on wood, 24×12

    Her limited, neutral palette allows the texture and pattern of these natural materials to be showcased and celebrated.  Mere leaves appear to be angel’s wings or folds of rich satin flowing from the bodies of ancient Greeks.  She constructs her work in such a way that these organic forms take on classical compositions.  While allowing the grain of the wood surface to show through reminds us that these are earthly manifestations, their beauty inherent in their creation.

    Untitled, pastel and ink on wood, 9×12
    Growth, pastel and ink on wood, 48×24

    Please take the time to check out more of Haley Farthing’s work on her website.  Her Out of the Woods show can be seen at Davis & Cline until November 26th.  It is a beautiful, inspiring show– I highly recommend checking it out if you’re in Southern Oregon.

    Featured image is Nestle, pastel and ink on wood, 60×24.  All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Ravage and Repair: Nava Lubelski

    Ravage and Repair: Nava Lubelski

    There is something so poetic about the restoration of an object that has been destroyed.  A beauty in the scars, a rejuvenation in the renewal.  It is this juxtaposition that Asheville, NC artist Nava Lubelski seeks to explore in her work.  Seeking to “explore the contradictions between the impulse to destroy and the compulsion to mend,”  she first destroys in order to resurrect.

    Sweet Chewy, thread on stained canvas, 12×12

    Her initial damages to the surface, through ripping, cutting, spilling of paint/stain are then painstakingly “repaired” by hand-stitching embroidery over and around the holes.

    The Sum of Parts, thread on stained canvas, 12×12

    Just as when people’s souls, minds, bodies are wounded, the healing process is slow and not always complete, so are the stitched “repairs” in Nava’s work.  The initial destruction has been stopped, but the material can never fully be restored.  What she leaves us with instead, is a new surface, still showing signs of mutilation yet renewed.

    003, thread on stained canvas, 24×24
    Like Those Monsters, thread on stained canvas, 12×12

    To see more of Nava Lubelski’s work, please visit her website.  She is currently showing in NYC, Asheville, Shelbourne, VT and Sydney, Australia.

    Featured image is A Story About Frogs, thread on stained muslin, 26×20.  All images are via the artist’s website.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Harvesting Nature’s Bounty: Ryan Coleman

    Harvesting Nature’s Bounty: Ryan Coleman

    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, 48×48

    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, 48×48

    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.

  • Paper Moon Dreams: Leigh Wells

    Paper Moon Dreams: Leigh Wells

    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, 9.5×12.75

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

    Untitled, collage and mixed media on paper, 9.5×12.75

    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, 9.5×12.75

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

    Untitled, collage and mixed media on paper, 9.5×12.75

    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.

  • Insert [ the Artsy ]

    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.