"Find It"

When it comes to beautiful art and accessories,you just have to "find it, love it, and buy it. These finds are some of my favorites....

Art Magnet Gallery

This is my admiration for small format art in one of its many formats, plus its fun. I thought that large blank canvas called the refrigerator need some color...

Fine Art Treasury in Red

This is a vibrant treasury but best of all some of the selections are donating to the Japan earthquake relief...

Art, Recovery and Healing

I appreciate different styles, mediums, and subject matter in art. At times I’m drawn to the execution of the work and other times the emotion. Earlier today I posted the following regarding trauma survivors and art:

“I do want to applaud the survivors of crime and victimization. It always amazes me, what the human spirit can withstand and continue with a productive life way beyond a trauma. Perhaps that is the reason I enjoy arts and crafts it has that personal bright light. It has the spirit that makes the world spin.”

My general feeling regarding art is it has an ability to be a cathartic vehicle for healing. I appreciate survivors of catastrophic illness, drug addiction and abuse that channel their experiences. The emotions in the work are sometimes raw but authentic and they come out on the other side with the help of their artistic exploration. I’m not a doctor but if creating art helps a person heal, it's a good thing.

I’m not a member of the following web sites but they look interesting and explore art and recovery:
Survivors Art Foundation
Alcoholic Outsider Artist Blog
Healing Through Creativity
Sober Artists

Etsy News, Updates and New Treasuries:
JFoxStudio created Fine Art for A Friday treasury. This treasury has an eclectic mix of fine art.

Ruthsartwork created Mauve and Green Winter Cheer Up
It's a lovely mix of fashion, accessories, and art.

JewelrybyNala created Bring a Smile treasury. It has fun and interesting fashion accessories, jewelry, and art.

Original Painting Impressionistic Landscape Lagoon River by JC Strong

This painting is my creative memory of Xel-Ha near Cancun, Mexico. A few years ago I went to this area and Xel-Ha is a "natural aquarium." It's a beautiful place where a river meets the ocean. It's one of the first places I learned how to snorkel. It was a fun time and place.... I'm no pro. I just had a big mask fins and splashed around and enjoyed the wonderful scenery.

Etsy Highlights:
I found a wonderful shop Talbertart. This artist is a "contemporary realist" and has some beautiful cityscape's and figure work in his shop. You'll see a lush painterly quality in his work.

Treasuries:A Burst of Life II and A Burst of Life I celebrate fashion and creativity. It adds excitement to your life and surroundings.

What if Matisse had a blog?

I’ve just finished a small format painting. It’s raining again so I sit at my keyboard and I wonder.

If artists from the past had the opportunity to author, a blog would they discuss the joy, struggles, inspiration or the everyday details of creating art? I thought of so many artists from the Renaissance to cartoon animators I’d love to know about in their own words. I know art history books outline their lives but new technology would be interesting in the artist's hands. . .

Do you think Matisse would discuss his motivation for his figure ink studies, oil paintings and then in his later years paper gouache cutouts? Andy Warhol, I hope would tell us in his own words why Campbell’s Soup. I would love to know when and why Jackson Pollack dropped, dribbled, poured his first “action painting.” I’d like to ask creators/designers of Bugs Bunny, Tex Avery and Bob Clampett how did you select that little guys look, attitude, and voice (Mel Blanc) and the famous line “What’s Up Doc.” That would be fun . . .

Finally, artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo could share their personal struggles and the artists and collectors around the world/blogosphere would reach out and share their story.

Shop and Treasury Updates:

My latest painting "Three Tree Island" is in my Etsy Shop.

New Treasury's:

Big surprise this little treasury made the first page of the treasury list.

A Sunny Forcast with a Touch of Purple by JC Strong Gallery it highlights contributors to the First Friday Art Walk (ffaw) and the AWE Team.

Range Thread Fellows by HandmadeHelp is a wonderful selection of fine art in a variety of mediums and styles.

"Made in USA and Proud of It" by MysticSilks is a joyful variety of art, jewelry, and home decor.

Etsy Treasury Tool and Treasury Updates

Hello folks I’ve noticed the wide gap between the text and photos of my last post on October 18th. I made the photos with a treasury generator. Since I often discuss other artists and their work I thought you’d like a glimpse of their paintings and jewelry first hand. (The photos of the"Day of the Dead" artwork below are great.)

Although, my first attempt had a few kinks. The kinks are all on my part. I think the tool is worth exploring. My next attempt with the generator and html language will go a little smoother.

Right now I’ll go back to entering updates/news in my regular way. I think it's helpful to see other artists and artisans selections and creativity:

New Treasury's:

Fine Art Collection by Squier is a wonderful selection of original art and prints in different styles and mediums (contemporary, realism, folk, impressionistic etc)

Night Traveler! by Masibill is a lovely collection of art, fashion, and jewelery.

In the Eve of the Beholder by Craftsbykash is soothing collection of art, jewelery and accessories.

Finishing an Impressionist Painting

The painting process for this work continued today.

The shadows in the street became a little more subtle, and I strengthened the color of the orange walls. Now, I think I'll stop and consider this work finished.

Shop Updates and Highlights:
"Girlie pinks for you a girlfriend or daughter..." by ArtdeJoie a nice Etsy collection of jewelry, fashion, and art in pink.

Original Painting Acrylic Impressionist Red Floral

It’s fun walking around San Juan Capistrano, California. The town has a California Mission, antique shops, and the Los Rios Historic District.

Los Rios Street is a combination of cottages, quaint restaurants, colorful people and adobe structures. The street is filled with beauty, history, and charm... The floral subjects of my latest painting called to me. It’s nice when something warm and joyful pops up on a sunny walk. Click details for more information...

Etsy Updates:
These Etsy Shop owners selected my watercolor and ink paintings for their Etsy Treasury. You'll also see other fine artists, artisans, and vintage selections within their treasury. It's fun take a peek. Just click the headings...

Auntjancan Treasury:
A selection of fine art.

Baruchslulaby Treasury:
If you are looking for the color blue this is the place.

MaresFabrics Treasury:
It's a lovely combination of art, craft, photos, vintage, jewelry, and fun.