Out and About – Student Art Inspires

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. – Edgar Degas

Last night I had the honor of judging local student artwork for a juried art competition that is near and dear to my heart.  You’ve heard me mention my beloved art teacher Sue Hand.  She is the mastermind behind the locally famed Rosetti art exhibit and puts as much passion into curating this show as any of her stunning watercolor paintings.  Each year I am brought in along with respected teachers and designers to accomplish the nearly impossible task of judging student works.  I know first hand the time and grueling passion that goes into creating art; it is a very personal and intense experience.  Submitting your work for scrutiny in a competition only magnifies those feelings.  BRAVO to everyone who entered their work.  Myself and all the judges were blown away by the level of talent, keen eyes and creative pursuits evident at every turn in the gallery.

A few of my favorites include this piece titled “Chinatown”.  Innovative composition, an inventive color palette and a refined use of brushstroke and glazing produced a look that caught everyone’s attention.

From left Red Rockingboat, the Doorway,  a Trompe l’oeil masterpiece and Snowscene in oil.  It is one thing to work from a photo, because as artists we all do this at one time or another.  Capturing the intense sunlight and the joy it ensues or bringing to life a scene that peeks hauntingly into the interior of a barn takes skill yes, but also passion.  Passion in every brushstoke, dedication in each delicate glaze of paint, patience with each shadow and highlight created are the mix of elements that make good work epic and apt artists, iconic.

Thanks for following along…I hope you are inspired by these young artists as much as I am.

Jocelyn P.

A Real Momental Wedding – Elizabeth and Isaac May 30, 2010 Part II

Part I of Elizabeth and Isaac’s wedding focused on the glorious location and fickle weather that led to some gorgeous lighting for their day.  Today’s post is all about the painted paper goodies we created and the flowers…of course!  Elizabeth is no doubt a flower type of girl and our classic Big Bloom peony caught her eye from day one.  Making an appearance first on the invitation, the peony was painted again and again on each table number.

The couple’s Rottweiler puppy found himself lounging playfully on each favor tag.  The sweet little illustration infused a lot of personality but in a subtle way.  How about those dahlias?  Creating one of a kind pieces like guestbooks is always a treat.  It forces us to find the best materials and implement new ways of painting…here we took a basic linen album and treated it like a blank canvas, literally.  Inside each page was adorned with our signature Vintage Lacy pattern.

Apple Blossoms Floral Designs crafted these sweet arrangements…from the layered petals of each Dahlia to sprigs of Green Hydrangea, Queen Anne’s Lace and Heather all I want to do is paint!

A huge thank you to Elizabeth and Isaac for welcoming us into the details of their event.  It was a joy to infuse your loving personalities into design with paper and paint!

Jaime Z.

I experimented with a new pattern layer.  Loving how the dots and painted effect pop on the gunmetal shimmer stock!

I combined the lush pink peony with our sketched chandelier all painted with sheer shimmer inks!

Decor and Peonies

Kristin M.

The studio is buzzing over this sample! Gorgeous!

Linsey M.

Showing the invitation with feather just to give you an idea of the concept!

Deana M.

I used a shimmery green and tan border combination to keep the look rich, yet neutral!