Artist Spotlight - Monica Martin

 

Be sure to visit Monica's website (link below), then click on her blog to see her new studio!

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I'm a licensed mixed media artist. I started my business in 2011. I am a native Southern Californian. I did not go to college for art, but took art class all four years of high school. I went to college for merchandising/design in the fashion industry. I learned so much about color and textiles there, and feel like it often applies to my artwork now.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
My inspiration can come from most anything. A combination of colors, a quote, a feeling about something, or often, a simple flower. I paint flowers a lot.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I work in acrylics, pastels, and watercolors. My favorite is acrylic because of its vibrancy. It adds so much color to anything I work on. I've recently learned to apply acrylics and watercolors layered on top, and I am enjoying experimenting with that combination.

What are you working on now?
I am always working on new artwork. Whether it be for an upcoming show/event or just to add to my portfolio for licensing contracts. I have all of my licensed contracts listed on my website under Where to buy. Some are retail, while others are wholesale only.

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
I truly feel that "if you believe it, you can achieve it." I put my heart and soul into my business every day and am blessed to know that my artwork goes into my customers homes. It is an honor.

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
The sad part is, I am both! Especially since opening my studio in August. There is always something to do or work on. I would say I am a great night owl and very productive, but can also be spunky and ready to plan things out for my day.

What is your favorite food?
I would have to say my favorite food is shrimp. Sauteed, grilled, fried, any way is good.
For dessert, I'd say cheesecake.
As far as drink, I am a Diet Coke girl. Not Diet Pepsi. No coffee.

You can find Monica Martin/The Artsy Girl Studio
artsygirlstudio@gmail.com
www.theartsygirlstudio.com

Do you want to be spotlighted? Send me an email: anntroe@cox.net
THANKS for stopping by - make my day and follow this blog :-D

Artist Spotlight - Kathleen Tennant

Kathleen's art really has brightened my rainy Friday!

Click images for larger view

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I am completely self taught. In fact, I have never had an art class since Grade 7 when it was mandatory. Art was never something I was interested in. The process of creating art crept up on me and has been quite the beautiful surprise. Several years ago, I started making cards, scrapbook style, on my kitchen table. Shortly after, I was introduced to an art journaling book and put some of the techniques to work. The process was transforming and I found my passion. When paper meets ink and the paper crinkles and bumps and crackles happen I lose track of time and crave the finished piece. 

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Life inspires me. Sometimes it is people and conversations and other times it is music that sets the mood. Both spark creativity and ideas start forming.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I mash many mediums together. I classify myself as a mixed media artist. I have been known to use dried flowers, drywall tape, spray paint, inks and acrylics all in the same piece. 

What are you working on now?
These days I have been working on a few new designs for my greeting card line. I actually just signed my very first license agreement with a company in the UK and several of my designs have been licensed for greeting cards, stationary products and wall art. I am soo looking forward to those hitting stores and am hoping they will be well received. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to be able to share my art with parts of the world I have never even been to. Nothing makes me more happy than hearing how one of my creations has touched the heart of someone else. 

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
Art has changed my life in ways I could never properly express. I believe the torn edges of life are beautiful as with torn paper, the inner fray represents our inner beings - our thoughts, our dreams, our hurts. I truly believe everyone can create art and when we take away our own judgment or the judgment of others beautiful pieces are created. And, I totally believe the creative possibilities are endless.

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
I am a total early riser. I LOVE the peacefulness of mornings.  

What is your favorite food?
My favourite food is a hamburger more specifically a mushroom and cheddar burger - especially from a pub! YUM!!

You can find Kathleen: 

www.kathleentennant.com

art@kathleentennant.com

604 240-3117

www.kathleentennant.com/blog

THANK YOU for stopping by my blog!

Do you want to be spotlighted? Send me an email: anntroe@cox.net

Make my day and follow this blog :-D

Artist Spotlight - Danny Phillips

Be sure to check out BOTH of Danny's websites - links below

 

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I am a self-taught artist. I graduated college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After college, I  traveled around doing comedy improve, believe it or not. Then a few years later while living in Houston, I was overtaken by the Cy Twombly exhibit at the Menil Museum. I decided I wanted to do art right then. I took a couple of intro classes, but mostly I played around like all artists and did mostly abstract expressionism. It wasn’t until about 10 years later that I found my style. I had started a faux-finishing company and that really influenced my style. I was around reclaimed wood and textures all the time.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Anything that feels like vacation inspires me. Salt water definitely. Bright vibrant colors inspire me. Usually, I am on vacation and see something and it looks like an amazing moment that needs to be captured. I usually photograph it and then make it into a painting later. Or a lot of my ideas have come from friends who snap these shots.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I work only in mixed media in my personal art. With my company, I’ve worked with everything, which has come in handy. My favorite materials are recycled magazines and reclaimed wood. Those are my go-to’s. I try to use them in everything.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working mostly on commissions. I’m backed up with them. They are hard and take longer because you aren’t just creating something in your own mind, but trying to incorporate someone else's vision too. Of course, I’m always playing reggae music and doing my VW and beach scenes. These are where I’m in the zone as an artist. I let everything go and just feel good. I am in the middle of an ongoing series called “Good Vibes” that incorporates positive words into my pieces as well.

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
My art has become what I call “saturated memories.” When we make a memory, we recall it differently. Our minds take that experience and add to it. It over emphasizes the senses. Our expressions and passions towards those memories are what I’m trying to present as an artist. The sunsets in our memories are more glorious. The connection to our significant other is more romantic.  My paintings hopefully transport people to those saturated memories.

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
I’m a very early riser. When an idea comes to my mind, Bam, I wake up and can’t turn off my thoughts. I usually brew my favorite coffee and try to listen to the sounds of the day before I get going. I love working early in the morning because I feel like it’s just me and the universe.
    
What is your favorite food?
Lobsta. Pizza. Chicken Wings. And lots of lots of Coffee- all the time. And the occasional whiskey to combat my bad days.

You can find Danny: http://dannyphillipsart.weebly.com      www.inyourspaceart.com
 Agent: www.paintedplanetlicensing.com

Do you want to be spotlighted? Send me an email: anntroe@cox.net

THANKS for stopping by - make my day and follow this blog :-D