Colorful Way

I'm just back from a really quick trip to San Antonio. Weather was gray and chilly yesterday. My knees were acting up and I could barely walk. Not good for doing touristy stuff. Ah, the joys of having joints grow old! Luckily eating doesn't take lubricated joints. So I had fun anyway. When I returned I found this link to an artist, Ryan Schneider, who my son went to school with. His work is a wonderful antidote for the lack of sunshine. Love his colors!

So click here and enjoy a bright day with him

Sharing

Yesterday I shared 2 blogs that I absolutely love. (There's that word again. Do you think I'm overusing it?) A friend sent me the link for a new website she had found and thought I might like and find useful. As I continue to work on setting up a group of like-minded artistisans and crafters to inspire me and help me grow my creative business, I am constantly reading stories of people who are successful looking for hints that fit me. I think this new website is a good one. It is called "Smart, Creative Women". Doesn't that say a mouthful in 3 short words? Founded by Monica Lee, an illustrator and fabric designer, she wants to crafters and artists. Her mission is to "inspire, learn, grow." So she is interviewing artists with strong creative businesses. She hopes to capture the "determination, daring and spark" that makes them successful. I look forward to learning from this incredible series. Her first interview is with Cori Dantini - funny and smart.

Tonight is the follow-up meeting for the beginning group of supportive crafters. I'm excited. There is a lot of work ahead, but I hope there is enough enthusiasm to make the tedious fun. I'd like to see a name come out tonight and also some sense of structure and immediate goals. Wishing us luck and good discussion.

Don't forget if you want another dose of me - www.facebook.com/annarellagirl

Encouragement

Artist, fellow blogger, Judy Grupp recently posted about rejection. She put out one of her "babies, a manuscript, and had gotten a rejection letter. It happens to almost all creative people sometime in their ccareer and it hurts.

Several of her followers wrote notes of encouragement to her. That is the beauty of blogging. You can put your pain out there and some one is always there to return with a hug, warm words and inspiration to pick yourself up, remove the smarting barbs and try, try again.

Thanks for all my fellow bloggers and artists who keep me going. Stop by Judy Grupp's blog and enjoy her wise words and the supportive comments of her readers.

This Little Piggy...

Off to market again. Last day of the First Baptist Christmas Spectacular from 9-3. Having fun seeing old and new customers or as I prefer to think of them, friends. Also meeting some new vendors.

Sneak a peek at Julie Yost of Count It All Joy. She crochets these incredible scarves. Wearable art, truly. Or as she proudly proclaims, "...this ain't your Granny's crochet." She has a website you can visit or a facebook page.

Tomorrow back to "normal" whatever that is. Butler will be so happy! See you then.

Weather & Noise @ the Renegade Craft Fair

Here's another artist I found at Austin's Renegade Craft Fair a few weeks back. Weather & Noise. Printmaker, Christine Sharp-Crowe, creates homewares in her kitchen/studio in Tulsa, OK. Her look is clean and sophisticated. Her aesthetic is environmentally sensitive. She states she wants to make the world around her a prettier place.

I fell in love with a linen tea towel printed with "read more books." Since my sister is a retired librarian, this made a perfect little "thinking of you" gift. And she tells me she loves it!!! Now I wish I had bought one for myself.

Check out Christine's website, http://www.weatherandnoise.net/ or her etsy shop.
I know, no pictures, but you'll just have to wander around her website to see her wonderful prints.

Recent Sightings

Several weeks ago the Renegade Craft Fair made its spring stop in Austin. A friend and I went and spent several hours looking at all the vendors. Once we worked our way through many tee shirts and lots of jewelers, we did see some very clever and beautiful work.

Paloma's Nest is an Austin business I've known about for several years but had't seen their lovely bowls and tiles recently. This is the ring bearer bowl. Small, organically shaped and then personalized. No longer does a bride have to use a frilly, lacy pillow to hold the rings, but they can be presented simply and beautifully in this shallow bowl. Afterwards it can be used to hold earrings or rings overnight. What a lovely keepsake to have to remind a woman of this most important day in her life. (Wouldn't it make a great bridesmaid gift also?)

The artist is Caroline Colon Vasquez. Her concept is simply beautiful and beautifully simple. Using porcelaine, clay and wood each item is hand formed and hand stamped. The tiles below look lovely on a cord as a necklace or tied to a package. Words of praise or encouragement for a friend or family member.

Stop by the website, http://www.palomasnest.com/ and look at all the items. I'm drawn in by the eggs and ornaments. What do you like?

Check out the link to Caroline's blog on my sidebar. Its a great way to keep up with new products and follow her to a show near you.

Christopher St Leger

Most of you know how much I like Christopher St Leger's watercolors. They are so vibrant, robust and vital. His palettes are complex. His subject matter is not the traditional for watercolors. Rather it is urban and gritty. Well, he is now offering glicee prints to allow everyone to have access to his art regardless of income level. Thanks, Chris. What a great idea!

Swing by his website to see his latest work and get info on his prints. It will brighten your day!

A Sunday Thought

anyack (lower bridge mine) by Tyson Skross 2010

If we, citizens,do not support our artists, then we sacrifice our

imagination on the altar of crude reality and we end up believing

in nothing and having worthless dreams.

Yann Martel

(Author's Note) Life of Pi

Take some time to enjoy some art. It feeds our souls, makes our lives brighter and lightens the tedium of daily life. I love living with original art. Do you? Can't afford contemporary art? (Although with the number of prints and photos out there, we all can afford a piece or 2 or more.) Visit a museum or gallery. Happy Sunday!!!

That Summer Feeling

On this the first day of summer, it seems appropriate to invite all of you to the new exhibit at the Davis Gallery in Austin for a group show which includes 2 of my favorite artists, Laurel Daniel and Christopher St Leger.


Beach Day by Laurel Daniel


One of my favorite landscape artists, Laurel Daniel is noted for capturing the mood of place with her use of light. I am always drawn in to her pieces like the one above because it is so tranquil with the hanging towels but speaks to the fun in the sun had before. As with many artists she tells a whole story in this one scene. I'm transported to my favorite tropical isle and memories of beach fun. Ahhh...Summer dreams!

pontiac by Christopher St Leger

Christopher St Leger is an extraordinary watercolorist. Look at the vitality and movement in his portrait of a skateboarder. He takes what is traditionally a gentle, often insipid, medium and uses it with vigor. His vibrant color palettes add life in his scenes of the streets. A brilliant artist!!!!

So don't miss the chance to see the exhibit, That Summer Feeling, which runs until August 28. And visit Laurel Daniel and Christopeher St Leger at their websites. A feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul.

Good News

Back in November, I mentioned that someone I loved had received good news but I wasn't allowed to talk about it yet. Well here goes two months later. Tyson Skross, painter and son extraordinaire, received a fellowship from the Efroymson Family Fund. Five artists from Indiand and Ohio were chosen. It is a big deal to be so recognized plus the money awarded allows for them to advance their careers.

This is a look at Tyson's expanded studio space that some of his funds financed. Looking good! With this space he is able to explore more of his castings like the one below.

His Dad and I are so proud of him. Glad that all that model building when he was growing up has paid off. He is so talented!!!

Follow this link to see more of his work.http://www.tysonskross.com/New_work.html.

Read more about the Efroymson Family Fund on Ty's blog. http://tysonskross.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091202-130302

And some more good news. Nikki is improving and has her sights on going home soon. She is spunky!!!

Everyone have a good weekend. I'll be at the Exchange this evening for First Friday with some of my new Annarella Girl clothes. Drop by and say hi!

Art Thoughts

Last week I posted a notice about the Georgetown Artworks Juried Show which opened on Friday. If you haven't visited it yet, you must go. Its amazing to see the many talented artists live and work in Texas. There are 85 pieces by 43 artists spread throughout downtown at the Georgetown Public Library (closed from Oct 5-9), Framer's Gallery. Cianfrani's Coffee Shop amd Dog-eared Books. And while you're strolling from venue to venue enjoy the banners hanging over head. Designed by 55 artists as part of a project called Happy Trails. Experience the art and banners through the month of October.

A juried show, like the Art Hop, brings a variety of art and artists to the public. If you've followed this blog, you know I love art and don't understand how anyone can live without it. In my home the walls are filled with art. Daily it brings me pleasure and uplifts my spirit. My wish is that every child, adult and family would have a home filled with beauty, inspiration, humor and thought - all the things that art brings to my home.

Art Hop is a good way to start or continue building a home art collection. Most pieces are for sale. Part of the proceeds goes to the artist. (Remember they must eat and have shelter, too.) Part goes to venues to help cover their overhead. Part goes to Georgetown Artworks to benefit their programs. These are very good causes. So buying a work not only makes you feel good but does good.

Don't forget that this is a good chance to buy a special gift for the ones you love. You can start a collection for a child or grandchild. Raise them with art. Put it in their rooms. They will never forget this gift. Give it as a birthday gift, a wedding gift, a baby shower gift or an anniversary gift. Art is a forever gift of love. At the Art Hop you can find works at all prices, so go and pick out something!!

Here are a few of the pieces in my home that feed my spirit daily. (Many pieces ar framed under glass and don't photograph easily so I can't share them.) I like a variety of styles and subjects. On different days, in different moods I find different works talk to me. I hope they inspire you to purchase art in this month of the arts.

Daily Serving

A new web site (new to me) about art for art lovers is the Daily Serving. Its mission is to be a "central site where art lovers can find resources and keep up with the happenings within the Contemporary Arts." Always looking for beauty and interesting art I'm intrigued by the daily spotlight. They feature a piece of contemporary art with a bit of information about the artist.

Today they posted this painting by Tyson Skross. (You all know I love him and his work.) I had to take a peek at any site smart enough to feature his work. And I fell in love with the site. Not enough time to delve into the archives, but I enjoyed the artists that they have featured recently. I added this site to my favorites so I can visit it often. Definitely a good place to feed my spirit!!!

Art in Georgetown

October is the month of the arts in Texas. In the last decade downtown Georgetown has celebrated it in many ways. This year Georgetown Art Works is back with their annual juried art show, Art Hop.

Spread around town in several venues this year along with 2D works and photography, printmaking has been included. The show opens this Friday, October 2, with a reception at the library where award winners will be announced. Come out anytime all month to enjoy this show featuring some of the finest regional artists.

While downtown to enjoy the exhibits notice the banners around town. The banner project called all artists to design a banner for the month around the theme of Happy Trails. You can vote on your favorite. Go to the Visitors Center, the library or the Williamson County Museum for a list and map of the banners. Take your kids or grandkids around town so they can choose the ones they like.

Coming October 17-18 is the Art in the Square art fair. Over 100 artists gather to display and sell their works. This is a great time to meet and talk to some of the finest festival artists of our time.

Lets make this a success so the artists want to come back year after year.

So lots going on downtown Georgetown. Visit, bring friends, eat, shop . Have a fun month of the arts. Buy art. All the pieces in the juried show are available. Support artists and those groups who promote art. As a community we must be concerned not only with our physical needs such as food, shelter etc; but we must feed our spirit. We keep our spirit healthy and vital by surrounding ourselves with art.

A Feast for Your Eyes

A pause from the business of sewing....a recess from the business of creating....a look at art refreshes my soul. I invite you to feast your eye on these artists; your soul will be fed.

All these artists are drawing inspiration from history, present and future. Their palettes and scenes are a blend of simple and complex. Enjoy their works on the surface or delve into meanings. The paintings will bring you pleasure at whatever level you want to experience.


Dan Zinno has a new series titled Unearthed. Color-saturated surfaces are broken with decorative designs; the robust and the dainty side by side.

Go to Zinno's website, www.zinno.net to see the whole series and read what he has to say about his process.

Tracy Helgeson was brought to my attention by Dan Zinno. I love her blocky shapes and bright colors. It all looks so simple until you sink into the colors and realize how many variations there are.

In her words she says that she tries to simplify her landscapes without losing the personality. Go to her website, www.tracyhelgeson.com, to learn more about her and her work.

Tyson Skross has posted his new work from his Berlin exhibit. He is doing some small sculptures which are intriquing. The paintings implode with color and content as he explores the relationship of history with the modern life.

Go to his website, www.tysonskross.com, to experience his latest works.

Allyson Smith also refers to history for her works. As a figurative artist her history is personal yet universal. She allows, even encourages, the viewer to apply his/her own story to the paintings.

I love the optimistic energy that flows from her lines and colors. Check out her web site, www.allysonlsmith.com.

My spirit is revived through my enjoyment of the paintings from these 4 talented artists. My soul is fed. I hope you will get the same pleasure as you look at the websites. Give your eyes a feast.

Don't forget the SALE at my etsy store, www.annarellagirl.etsy.com. It runs until Monday, Aug.24.

Artist Paula Rose

On the trip to the Wilmington Flower Market I stopped in Fredricksburg, VA and visited with two of my favorite artists, I talked about Joan Gardner two days ago. Today I want to tell you about Paula Rose and direct you to her website, http://www.prosegallery.com/.

Paula has a unique way of manipulating her oils so that her layers are very thin and frequently the canvas is left exposed in places.

Another of her trademarks is the flat perspective which lends an ethereal quality.All in all her pieces have a feel of physical lightness as if they could float off the walls. I love them!

Visit her website or if near Fredricksburg stop into her gallery, meet her white cat and chat with this interesting artist.

Interesting...

I hope you all are reading Tyson's blog. He is finding some interesting images and artists to share.

He's also giving us a sneak peek at his work for the Berlin show this summer. It is very interesting. I see aspects of his former style and subjects, but he is evolving into more abstract forms and a more complex palette.

Don't you love it! Check in to get more information on his exhibit and see another piece.

Home after a long trip

Finally home. Although I always enjoy a road trip, I love how good my own bed feels when I get home.

The Flower Market was a successful show. I met so many nice people, got to reconnect with some good friends, lots of family time and I almost sold out. My remaining stock is being posted on my etsy site. Stop by over next several days as I get it all on. Plus as I create new dresses and skirts, I'll be adding them.

I spent some time with one of our family artists, Joan Mastin Gardner, in Fredericksburg, VA. She was one of the first artists we featured at Annarella. What a treat to see her and her beautiful home which is full of her art and the art of others. A feast for the eyes.

She is always a little irreverent and ironic. I wish she had a website so I could share more of her pieces with you.

Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging

Tyson Skross has become a blogger. He's posted 2. Take a trip over to see him. Ty's blog.

While you're surfing the internet, take a trip on Allyson Smith's website. Its been updated to include all her current work.

I'm starting my driving trip to Wilmington, Delaware, for the Wilmington Flower Market, May 7,8,9. We're taking our time and stopping to see some family on the way. I'm not sure what internet access I'll have while away, but we'll be back by May 15.

Annarella Home Design Studio is moving to the Atrium at 800 S Austin Ave. Pamela will continue to work with her existing and new clients. Email her for info annarellahome@yahoo.com

Have a great May Day. Make sure to smell the roses.

A Mighty Fine Show

Just returned in the wee hours this morning from a trip to Bloomington, Indiana to view the thesis show of Master's Candidate, Allyson Smith. (My lovely daughter-in-law who makes me very proud.)

Bloomington is a very picturesque town and the campus of Indiana University is pretty with lots of trees, green grass and rolling hills. The weather was perfect on Friday and Saturday. We enjoyed just spending time together, viewing some good and very interesting art and eating some great meals.

Allyson has always been fascinated with the figure. These paintings are very boisterous and vibrant. She is moving from a cool blue palette to a warm rosy one.

During her gallery talk she spoke of her joy in the act of painting, and her exuberance can easily be seen in the easy flow of brushstrokes and lines.I especially like the following three for their intimate view of she and her husband, Tyson Skross. Different aspects of a relationship echoed in the light to dark palettes, distinctive parts to a merged single, upside down to right side up. Thoughtful and thought-provoking view of a couple which is universal. This was my favorite. I am always partial to mixed media so the three dimensional aspect with the painted wood slats is so pleasing to my eye. Allyson says that this was her most recemt piece for this exhibit. It looks to me like this could be the first piece of a whole new, or at least a continuation of, a series. How exciting to anticipate where her view of people and relationships will take us next.

Catching Up Part 2

Tyson Skross has added some new work to his website.

Although still working in landscapes the mix of abstract and realism is striking. Here we see a striking contrast, perhaps conflict, between soft shapes and stark colors. There is so much to absorb that we see more each time we look. Is it a cityscape? Are we on mountains looking down? Is he playing with us? Perhaps daring us to look at the world from a different angle?again realism is playing off against the abstract. Are the craggy mountains in the cube or are they seen through a rip in the universe?More mountains. here he plays with the perspective. The distant is clear but we question just what is the foreground. Bright in the far and dark in the near. We could be going under the earth or into some ruins. Our eye is unsettled by the pull of light and dark, foreground and background. And it seems to be very purposeful. What do you think?

I'm having fun returning over and over to this new work. Questioning myself and my perceptions. Tyson is pushing me to expand my eyes. I think I can hear him softly chuckling as I try to make sense out of his sensibilities.

Check out the rest of his new works and how it compares to his previous pieces. Read his new statement which is in the "words" section of his website and talks about these new pieces. Let me know what you think.