Celebrating The First Friday Artwalk

Lots of vibrant art happening on the First Friday of the month and it's a good time to highlight these artists of the Etsy community. I like the feel and combination of modern art and traditional art together. I think different genres can enhance each other like a good conversation...

Update links to fashion and jewelry treasuries:

Fantasy Garden Art Walk
Black White and A Little Cherry on Top

Southwest Memories

The Southwest Memories treasury was triggered by this wonderful photograph my friend sent me. You can see in the photo nature is in charge and beautiful. After thinking about past adventures in Arizona and Utah I decided to put this treasury together:



The southwest landscape is majestic and the artists and artisans capture that beauty plus the traditions in jewelry and leather. The paintings have a beautiful weight and power. I also enjoy the abstract paintings non-traditional expression that captures the southwest….

Nature in the desert, mountains, or sea seems to ground me and that’s a wonderful feeling. I feel grateful to live in a place where nature is close. Most of the artists in the treasury are either part of the Finding Fine Art Team or Native American Forum on Etsy.

Original Landscape Desert Painting

Traveling the Arizona Highway

I know as an artist I should have a camera and sketchbook at
the ready but sometimes I do the best I can with the tools I have…. While rolling down the highway toward Wickenburg, Arizona I saw this set of shapes in the landscape. We stopped for a brief time and I jotted this scene on a paper napkin. (What can I say but I love "In and Out Burgers” and I save the napkins.) After a trip I usually have a couple of “napkin sketches.”

So although I applaud plein aire painters, that day I was not ready to absorb the desert heat. A brief sketch with a strong idea can be better for my art work than a reference photo with too many details. In a way reference photos can be a hindrance if I become absorbed in the details of the scene and forget about the spirit of the painting I wished to capture….

Etsy Updates and A Snippet of Favorite Treasuries in the month of June:

Original Art Treasuries curated by the artists of Etsy:
Summer art for everyone by Ruthsartwork
Fine Art Every Which Way No Matter How You Slice It! by CJsArtShop
"If you see her, say Hello by Bob Dylan" by ArtbyTrudi

Vibrant and fun summer treasuries:
Textured Bliss Studio by jcstrong

Awesome summer arts and crafts for anyone by Ruthsartwork

Original Pen and Ink Paintings

I enjoy pen and ink paintings, I created a treasury of this expressive medium... The strokes of these art works are expressive and beautiful.

Do You Paint What You Dream?

I think the above collection of work has many artist's dreams. I know of artists that have journals by their bed side and write down insights and inspirations after sleeping. It's a great concept and tool. I keep more of a folder of inspiration and ideas...

"Your Art Work Doesn't Have to Match"

Prior to curating this treasury I remembered an art history teacher saying “art does not have to match.” The focus should be on the beauty and honesty of the art work and how it makes you feel.

The collection is made up of realistic art, abstract paintings, non-representational art, collage, beautiful jewelry, accessories and a delicately beautiful cowl. The thread that holds them together is they can all stand alone as interesting and beautiful work.

I suppose that's something I have to remember and strive for in my own work. Thanks for letting me share now I'm off to paint...

Nature's Sea Colors Treasury by JC Strong

I've walked the shore and found sea glass tumbled by the ocean. The blues and greens are beautiful. While curating this treasury I thought of those beautiful colors in the sea.

Art Inspired by Birds and Raptors

I'm a member of a variety art teams on Etsy and I often post Etsy Art Treasuries and assume everyone knows what I'm discussing. A friend of mine asked me, what is a treasury? The following is a little information regarding treasuries and my motivation.

An Etsy Treasury is a "member-curated shopping gallery comprised of lists of items. Lists contain 16 items. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or whatever they like...."

My treasuries are usually a mix of my favorite art works of fellow team members and new artists. (Click the links on the above treasury and you'll see details regarding each artwork)

I approach a treasury as a creative process. I focus on a theme, find images that are creative, and then mix different genres of art to create a cohesive theme.... Hopefully this mix gels and will highlight the artist and promote the arts.

A Virtual Art Walk

An Artful Heart is my virtual art walk this morning. This art treasury has some of my favorite Art Team members represented: Finding Fine Art Team, AWE Team (First Friday Art walk on Etsy) and Vast Team (Visual Arts Street Team). If you click the link above you'll find more details..

Local Art News:
I have a special place in my heart for small format art. When you love to paint and space is limited it's a great way to go...

Anyway, I heard about a Small Format Show at the San Clemente Art Gallery and it was fun. All the paintings are under 8" X 10" and are less than $300.00. The volunteers were warm and friendly and San Clemente is a great place to visit.

Art Treasury "Need Color in 2011?"

The beginning of the New Year is a great time to highlight artists. This gallery/treasury "Need Color in 2011?" has a variety of color, texture, and mediums.

I think many people feel original art or fine art photography is beyond their price range. Those special affordable art treasures are still available and the energy of original art is special. Every artist has a visual story to tell and I think these artists represented have a lot to say ...