Riding in the Stars, is a representation of my unknown paths in life. A "faint" lit lantern is the only light to show what is in my path. The glow of the moon only casts behind her, indicating the clarity of the past. I painted the shadows on her face to conceal her thoughts, like I would myself. The horse is seen alert and knowing the journey ahead. Sometimes the mysteries of life are only learned by what's held in the past.
Airbrush/pencil/ink/sketchbook pro
I've been taking a break from my children's book. I have good news though. After years of being friends with a girl from childhood, she has came back into my life again. Her poetry is beautiful. And, I am so proud of her for having them published. It would be so special to have her write poems for my paintings. This is a possible outcome. It would also be a very special bonding experience.
Our childhood took place in our old neighborhood. She lived at the top of our road. We ran around our yards, caught fireflies, swam in my grandmother's pool, and caught frogs. There were plenty of croaking green, slimy, tree frogs and sometimes toads.
The highlight of our week was seeing tiny frog eggs hatch into tadpoles. It was so amazing to watch little lives transition into something bigger. After a week or so when the tadpoles developed eggs, we counted how many survived. We knew when their legs grew, it was time to look in the tree's for frogs.
At night we would grab flashlights and shine them under tree limbs, up in the branches, and near the water. Once we saw the flash in their big golden eyes, they would JUMP! We both laughed, and hopped in excitement as if we were frog's ourselves. Frogs have a big significance in our childhood and it would be nice to share that with children who are growing up like we did.
"Raven Night" painted with airbrush, pen, in Sketchbook pro. I've been doing a lot of night paintings. I am enjoying the shadows, contrasts and glow. It's been good practice. Soothing and melodic music has been inspiring me. Katatonia "The Fall of Hearts" has been on repeat, since it has come out a week ago. Of course the cover is of a raven, which just furthers my inspiration.
The crazy trend of candy skulls, has had people wanting me to paint and design different things. Shoes are what I've been working on for the past two years. When I say "working" on them, I seriously mean tediously taking a lot of time perfecting their details. A magnifying glass would really help me out! Unfortunately, I am just now learning the hard way.
The sugar skulls concept designs are so exciting. I absolutely love coming up with new details, and idea's to put together. Following the shoe's measurements are a different story. I have to visually "shrink" my art to fit each tight area. For example, around the laces on tennis shoes, or around the curves on high heels. Imagining very detailed images, and having to readjust their positioning is tricky!
Each color is a blend into an entirely different shade. When I work with markers and acrylics, I am down to a limited selection. So, what can I do? Well, slowly fade a thin layer into a thick layer. It's all I've got! But, hey... it works!
Anyway, my next ideas are Barbie heads, faces, paintings, backpacks, purses, and custom pieces. Sugar skulls are so fun, even though they take so much time to finish! Both of my pictures being shared are sold. Let me know if you want to order anything shonnanelson85@gmail.com
After my best friend died recently, he brought some insight on how art expresses our mind's. We talked four days before he died, and he was volunteering at a rehabilitation center - after he graduated from their program. He said I would absolutely love the art that was being created, and displayed there. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him or the art before he passed away.
But, Zach did inspire the thought of how important art is to our psychological well-being. He himself, wasn't a fine-artist. Although he encouraged me throughout my whole life, and gave me the confidence in "not" throwing away the pieces that I wasn't proud of. Which were honestly the pieces of art that were my deepest expressions. He saw that, and knew I felt vulnerable about sharing this with the world. Thank you Zach for nudging me through my insecurities, and helping me gain the confidence that it took for me to progress in being the artist I am today. There are other people that have helped me "love" myself. Yet, the time's he pushed me out of my comfort zones were during the most important phases in my life. He was always there.
His art was writing, and he enjoyed expressing himself with the written words, that otherwise he would've never spoken. I enjoyed our letters that were sent from a distance, throughout our lives. We both grew up and chose different paths, yet both of our expressions kept us close. It's heartwarming now, to look back and think of the encouragement we gave each other.
During everyday life, it's so easy to get caught up in the cycle. And, it becomes so easy to forget about the "little things" that keeps us going. That's what matters the most! Not the things we think are the most important - but, the things that go unnoticed or unseen. Don't forget what paints your soul, and who inspired you to do it. It's not about the big picture, it's about the details that it's made of.
While watching Netflix tonight, I stumbled on a documentary called "The Art of Forgery" about Wolfgang Beltracchi. While astonished by his masterful skill, I was absolutely disgusted by his lies. Every accomplishment that he ever received was built on deception. He claims that there are (over) hundreds of his fake art circulating around the market - worldwide. Sadly, with a boasting smile he claims there would be thousands of more, if he didn't get caught.
Wolfgang Beltracchi was found guilty and charged with forgery and corruption related to 14 works of art that sold for a combined $45m! On 27 October 2011, Wolfgang Beltracchi was sentenced to 6 years in jail. His wife Helene was sentenced to 4 years. Both were granted "open" prison sentences, as long as they held legitimate afternoon jobs. They also were allowed to work together, then report into jail afterwards. Isn't it amazing what MONEY can get?
He's out making millions (supposedly) off of his personal art. He doesn't deserve a dime, and it disgusts me knowing that people are still filling his pockets.
Personally, I've had my work stolen more than a few times, within my life. It's devastating. All of the time consuming hours - psychical, emotional, and mental... all to have stolen, from an imposter. It's absolutely gut wrenching. But, where does it end or how can it be stopped? The harsh reality is, it can't be.
Regardless of art, the basic concept is built on human principles. That's something that can only be changed if they want it to be. It's out of our hands. Some people have never developed a moral code to live by. Others learn their wrongdoings by being punished, after pushing their limits. In the worst case scenarios are, people who chose to never learn and enjoy the thrill of deception - while taking everyone down with them.
Well, Mr. Beltracchi I plan on watching you and your newest works, in hope to not see mine, or any other artist's hard work on your canvas! I am sure the rest of the world will be watching you the rest of your life. Which sadly, is something you enjoy.
Out with the old, in with the new. My poor old paint brushes have turned into sticks with splinters, because I've used them so much. I admit the reason I've hung on to them for so long is - because they're like old friends, that have been good to me. My brushes have seen everything that I've expressed. Every vulnerable secret, anger, sadness, or elated moment was in my hands. It's unfair to give credit to what I've constructed, with acknowledging the tools used with my skill. So, here's a blog giving a tribute to the brushes that I am going to set aside. (Notice I didn't say throw away), sorry just can't do it.
Anyway, today after browsing every brush in Hobby Lobby I decided on a couple packs, that particularly suited my taste. And, what do you know? The cheapest pack for $3 had every brush I needed. Before the high art elites, or art snobs judge - I had a pocket full of money and chose those specific packs based on quality not price. You think a classic name brand has the best brushes and paints, since you've become comfortable, while being happy with the results. I've done the same growing up - same as I have with the cheap brushes, although a lifelong lessons have taught me better.
What artists do not realize is the very (same) companies are manufacturing the (same) brushes. One is sold in a cheap pack, with different color painted stems or label stamps - the other high end brushes are outlined in gold leaf packs and have signatures of companies or other artists. It's a sneaky trick to trap artists, so we feel important. Also, their advertisements insure us that the quality is up to par and assures artists that we can paint as good as Rembrandt! Don't fall into the trap.
Is this the end to our Sunday, newspaper comics strips? I hope not. After so many years (since my childhood), I can remember flipping through all of the news pages, just to reach the best section. My eye's lit up like a light when I saw the newest stories, and enjoyed laughing at their cunning jokes. Slowly, the strips started disappearing - even Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbs, also Garfield were losing their beautiful vibrant ink. We went from a full page with a variety of comics, down to a one page corner, that was crammed with the few (black and white) popular strips. We're in the process of a technical revolution. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the newest advancements. Although, there are things in the art world that simply cannot be replaced - and, that's holding a fresh printed paper in your hands with the latest humour. The cartoonists work hard to share little hints of life's relations. I've always admired their imagination. There are plenty of times that I wish I could see through their eyes, during hard times. They haven't been given credit in the high art world. Which is political nonsense - in my opinion. Comic strips have just as much meaning as a Mona Lisa. The difference is, comics relate to us in a modern era. After watching a Netflix documentary, I realized how hard they're hanging on. The sports section is taking over, and advertisements are smothering what's left. We need to support our artist community - big or small. Contact your local newspaper and keep requesting comic sections. This is a tradition that shouldn't end.
First off, why is Natasha Khan so underrated? Her music is absolutely entrancing. There are very few songs that captivates my emotional response. But, Bat for Lashes does. My artwork has been greatly influenced by her music. I catch myself reflecting memories of her dreams. Her journal is an open book, full of stories and images. I wish she was an artist, and could convey her visualizations. Even abstract methods could flow gracefully on her canvas... if only. Although, her words are enough to take you places that you've never been - I'll continue to paint what I've interpreted.
