Guest post – Nick and Aleah of Valley & Co. ask What Inspires You?

Inspirations – New Collection Preview!

We are in full swing here at the studio with orders shipping daily, new projects on the horizon and of course new collections underway.  Here is a quick peek at some of the new pieces we’ve been working on.  This week Shane and Ian from Shane East Photography have been capturing all new images for us to launch officially in April!  Enjoy!

Royal watercolor swirls…

Whimsical dahlias and dots…

Sculptural blooms…

My Story is Art – What I learned from Casey

Image Courtesy of Bob O’Connor

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you stood up in public and just started to dance or sing? Have you ever held back your true thoughts because you feared a negative response? Have you ever NOT done something your heart told you to?   I say stop it and so does Casey.  I’ll admit…I watch American Idol and yes, love every minute of it, this season especially because of one stand-up-bass-playing-free spirit that makes me cry every time I watch.  Casey Abrams.   This guy takes the stage with no fear, very little care of judgement and makes a point to fascinate with his voice.  He uses his voice fearlessly to carve out his own very unique space in this world.  Sweet high-pitched sqeaks and low growls flood in between a gorgeous, velvety vibrato.  On stage he is in his moment that we are lucky to witness.

Casey got me to thinking.  How am I carving out my lovely space in this world.  Am I doing it with hesitancy, fear or laziness?  Am I comitting to each moment I put brush to paper.  I am I being fearless when I suggest a color, or expressive line?

I want to be more like Casey and make art like he sings.  I want to make art that no one expects but delight in when they experience.

How about you?

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.

Inspirations – A Joyful Shot from Erron Ocampo

While browsing through the gorgeous shots sent over by Denise, a client from earlier this year, I stumbled upon this shot.   Of course I will be featuring the full wedding here soon with all its lovely detail and stationery included but first I had to single out this particular image.  The saturated color and dancing light captured seems to fade dreamily when compared to the sheer look of joy on Denise’s face.  Sunlight seems to be a necessary component in the color palette for the day.  The sun in this shot seems to literally transform each shade of green and pink.

Erron Ocampo is a master of capturing nuance of color, environment and emotion as evidienced by a quick look through the recent posts on his blog.  Go ahead…dive in.

Inspirations – A Wedding Day Pillowfight

Last week I was introduced to the work of Mike Larson Inc. I have been drooling ever since.  Next week I will be sharing a Real Momental Wedding featuring his work but until then this shot will have to do!  Whether artfully staged by the photographer or impromptu this is a shot to treasure and one that should make the mantel for sure!   Want to see more from this wedding?

Photographers, have a fun shot to share;one that captures a hidden moment or a stunning moment of color?  Get in touch kristyrice@momentaldesigns.com

Inspirations – A Sailboat E-Session

You all know how much I respect my photographer friends, right?  There is something so pure and magical about the ability to stop time, essentially crystallize an emotion and that is what I feel is at the heart of a powerful photograph.  I found this image here and simply could not stop looking.

I want to be on that boat, with the wind whipping around me, just with my hubby of course.  We’ll let Christine keep Tim all to herself!

Thank you to Daniel Lanton for always surprising me!

Have an artful image you would like me to share here?  Photographers, get in touch kristyrice@momentaldesigns.com