"The Hour of The Nightingale" oil on 18x24" canvas. (Inspired by the Trees of Eternity song) Sorry about the bit of glare in the corner. I took this picture before the paint dried. Anyway, I had this dream last week, about riding a bike under a purple moon with nightingale's singing their songs behind me. Everytime I passed a tree, I could see their wings flutter in the shadows. This is somewhat like I saw it. Once I reached the water and saw the reflection, I woke up. 🌠
This one was so awesome! I absolutely loved painting these beautiful kids. Thanks Anthony Collins for coming to me for the commission piece. You've got a great faimly. It's always a pleasure to paint them.
Thanks Erica Banegas Maldonado for coming to you about this piece. I enjoyed painting them. Sometimes friends are closer than blood, and I know how special your friend is to you. Hope she loves her surprise.
Mixed media, digital, custom painting, applied with acrylic, oils, and pen/ink. Brushes were personally designed for this piece 🖤
"Chopper" Rip (Sold) Mixed media; pen, acrylic, airbrush (tools) and digitally rendered. Took a little over 20 hours. I wanted to wait and share after giving it to them. There's nothing better than giving life to a furry companion. I hope they'll pass it on one day and enjoy it for years. For Donnie Thomas and his Wife.
"Into the Dawn" (Sold) mixed media digital rendering, with custom made brushes, oils, acrylics, and pen/ink. Thank you Heidi for giving me the inspiration to make this mythological painting for you. It was so nice exploring a different type of art that I'm not familiar with. I definitely plan on painting more symbolic creatures in the future! I'm so glad you like it. 🖤
This is Olya Prohorova's commission piece. They're such amazing musicians, and incredibly talented. I was SO happy to be able to paint such an amazing couple.
This was an early Valentine's Day, and Birthday gift to Brittney Jennings and Travis Jennings! I had a lot of fun painting this one. They're a great couple, with two little boys. I'm sure they'll live a long happy life together.
(Mixed media) Custom brushes; acrylic, pen/ink airbrush and digital. It's been an absolute pleasure to be able to bring back a memory of this special soul. This is the second time, that I was given this opportunity. We don't know what our futures hold for us, so enjoy every little moment. Alex is an example of how fast life passes us. After a long battle with cancer, he survived. Sadly, an infection grew in his lungs and he was unable to breath. Even though he's not here with his faimly and fiance (physically), he still lives in their memories.
Mixed media. This picture was a great memory that I got to capture. It's absolutely heartbreaking to paint such amazing people who've passed away so young! In their case Alex suffered from cancer, and beautiful Kristin never left his side. Words cannot express how meaningful this was, for me to be able to give a lasting moment that will be carried on throughout her life, now that he's gone. I can't imagine how much pain Kristin experienced throughout his fight. I feel like by being able to give this to her, I was able to connect with Alex on a personal level. I'm glad that I could convey life again through a soul that should never be forgotten.
"Desolate" painted in Sketchbook, with airbrush, pen, marker, and other custom brushes. Special thanks to my model Rebecca. Everyone is waiting for something.. someone... anything, really. I painted this delicately, to feel as though she was basking in the warm glow of the sun. She's was apprehensive, but has accepted peace in her solitude. It's not about giving up the wait. It's about patience. Whenever the time is right, she'll get what she's looking for. "Time can change us, but we can't change time."
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
"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
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.
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.
Old Navy is terrible, and their cheap products are as well. I've never been a fan, other than their flip flop clearance in the spring - which isn't worth buying anymore. Their Shirts discouraging artists, is really ignorant and demeaning. Especially to our youth! It took artists to design their cloths, buildings, and applied graphics to customize their signs. Before marking out "artist" as a real career, they should've thanked art for helping them achieve the success, that their company has gained throughout the years.
I've never followed a trendy store. Or really cared for t-shirts with slogans. This is garbage. If I limited my little one from "imaginative" success, then she would fall in line with any other paid establishment. Why not teach her to "create" her own opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship? The visualization of success has to come from someone.
Every December I pull out my snowy paintings, and recall all of the memories that I've had painting them. Most have been sold, or in private collections. Thankfully, I have pictures to always hang on to though. One year during Christmas, I had bundles of limited edition oil landscapes, printed and sold on cards. Sometimes I think of where they all ended up. EBay, MySpace, Work, Friends and Family helped me sell them. If I could count how many people to "thank" for encouraging my career, I would. But, there has been so many real fans who've stuck by me through everything.
A really special person that stood out to me was a friend named Jonathan, who personally sold packs to all of his friends, and people throughout Knoxville. There's absolutely nothing more gratifying than seeing a "spark" in an art fan's eyes. It drives my need to satisfy more viewers, and lovers who are trying to escape the stresses in our world. Anyway, after all of his hard work he only asked for "one" of my cards and a print of my Japanese Rose (Valentine Day Card) to hang on his wall. What a great memory.
Since I was 16, I've tried to keep seasonal prints of my paintings for decorations and gifts. Now that I am older with more responsibilities, I've taken on commissions for others who want specific requests. That's nice as well. But, I'll never forget to look back, and remember the moments that helped put these paintings together.
