Time heals broken hearts. Mixed media 6 x 4.5 in. on Yupo ©2014 Sheila Delgado
Only three more days left in the challenge. I think the third week is always the longest. It is the “Wednesday” of the month. After that it is like the twitch of a witches nose. Here’s a ten point question – what was Samantha’s last name on Bewitched? (I had to Google it too.)
Blog Hop Alert
I’ve been invited by fellow artist Sea Dean to take part in a “Blog Hop”. This is a way for artists to find other artists with blogs that they may never have seen. I will introduce you to Sea, answer four specific questions about my work and then share the work of two artists whose work I admire. I also follow their blogs.
I started following Sea after seeing her work in Leslie Saeta’s painting challenge a year ago. She is the master of many mediums and her work ranges from traditional landscapes, to modern portraits and amazing miniatures. She is prolific in her output, something I am aspiring to do.
SEA DEAN – ARTIST
Sea Dean
I believe that all human beings have the ability to create awesome art but most lack the encouragement or opportunity to do so. Late in life, some take it up as a form of therapy and others to fulfill a lifelong dream. I fit into both those categories.
When I completed Art School I always intended to pursue a career in art and literature, but I had migrated to small town Canada, where there was little opportunity in my chosen field. I allowed life to get in the way, until a series of catastrophic events brought me back into alignment. Since then I’ve approached my art with the same passion and determination that I have applied to all my past achievements.
Crimson Circle © Sea Dean
Art is not easy; it takes a special type of courage to make it your profession, but I’m no stranger to that. For me, it is important, to keep growing as an artist, keep pushing the boundaries and discovering new techniques. And paramount to my experience is the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to others, which I do in my PAINT A MASTERPIECE classes and through my Facebook group GET YOUR ART OUT THERE.
If in my journey, I create something which brings joy to another human being, or if I help a person rediscover their passion, I have truly achieved.
FOUR ANSWERS FROM SHEILA
1. What am I currently working on?
I am currently participating in Leslie Saeta’s 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I am also completing work for submission to
“LOVE SAYINGS: wit & wisdom of romance, courtship, and marriage.” by Bradford G. Wheler. I recently completed 3 pattern and surface design courses, and I am in the process of learning Adobe Illustrator.
2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?
I trained as a graphic designer, and the computer is one of my favorite tools. I often use art that I have created by hand in my surface designs.
3. Why do I create what I do?
I am building a body of work, a portfolio with the intention of entering licensing. I have always painted, created, cut and pasted. It is the journey, the happy accidents and unexpected outcomes. It is the exploration, the unknown and undiscovered. It is the learning. Often times, I do not know how to do what it is I WANT to do. And the search for answers begins. That is something I try to pass on to others. If the desire is there, you can learn anything. It may be frustrating at times, but it is possible.
4. How does my creative process work?
Often times, a piece starts with color. Inspiration is everywhere. The view from a window, old movies, the curve of a sofa, a song that makes you want to dance. Color grabs me. I see a color combination, and I want to explore each hue, and how they affect the others.
My chosen Artists
KARIN NAYLOR
Karin Naylor
I met Karin through Leslie’s challenge as well. Such a blessing, the friendships that have grown from this shared experience! Her ability is amazing to me, considering that she is relatively new to painting.
In Karin’s words – I love to paint what inspires me, and brings a smile and joy to those around me. God’s creation is magnificent… each and every thing. His colors are absolutely astounding. To have the opportunity to brush colors on a canvas and bring it to life is truly a blessing that I never want to take lightly.
I began painting about four years ago after my youngest son graduated from high school. I’ve always loved art and through the many years of raising and homeschooling nine children, I enjoyed finding ways to create something beautiful from the inspiration of the world around me. I’ve dabbled in stained glass, fiber arts, watercolor, acrylics, and most recently oil painting.
McClure’s Beach © 2014 Karin Naylor
My life has been enhanced by what artists have captured that I would never otherwise have known. My son has taken incredible photographs in remote high mountains of the beauty and stillness that surrounded him – an awesome experience that many will never experience first hand. To be able to capture in art the joy of a moment in time, like a snowflake falling on an eyelash, is what draws me to paint.
I love living the simple life… gardening, raising chickens, laughing with my grandchildren, walking with my daughters, having deep discussions with my sons, holding my husband’s hand as we walk through life’s journey. Praising God for His salvation offered by the atoning blood of His son, Jesus. Jesus truly saved me from death – my life is an offering and these paintings are my praise offering of the talent that He has given me.
My art was featured on the cover of the Church Music Quarterly magazine for March 2014. http://www.knaylorpaintings.com/my-blog/cmq-magazine-cover
YEVGENIA WATTS
Poppies © Yevgenia Watts
I have long admired Yevgenia’s artwork. I met her and her family over a year ago, it was a fluke really. I would never have had the courage myself. I was on a road trip, and knew she had a show going on, but I did not have the address. I phoned home, and asked my mother to look it up for me. Well, being ever outgoing and ballsy – my mother called Yevgenia. Long story short, Yevgenia invited me to her house so that we could meet. WHAT?! I have wanted to feature Yevgenia on my blog since then. I hold her work the highest estimation. Right up there with the masters.
Yevgenia Watts was born and raised in the Ukraine and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 22. Although largely self-taught as a watercolor painter, she has studied art both in the Ukraine, following the classical European tradition, and in the United States. Upon arriving in the States, Yevgenia completed her B.A. degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley.
In 2009, while pregnant with her son, she decided to develop her career as an artist. Since then, she participated in several group exhibitions, had a solo exhibition, and her art has found a home in many private and public collections throughout the world. Yevgenia has also enjoyed the privilege of creating many custom works of art for her patrons and the thrill of sharing her passion for art with others through watercolor painting classes she teaches.
Yevgenia Watts
“My true passion is free-flowing, bold watercolor. I use large round brushes and a lot of paint and water. I welcome watercolor to be what it is – to run, to mix, to bloom, to drip, to splash – to play like a happy child! ” – Yevgenia Watts
I have enjoyed introducing you to these fine artists. They inspire me more than I am able to articulate, and their work brings me joy. I hope you will visit, Sea, Karin and Yevgenia at their websites. Treat yourself to the beauty that they create!
At the Hop
How we blog hopped … where possible, the first name links to the blog hop blog of that artist and the others are linked to the artist’s daily blogs. Hop around and see who you would like to follow.
Sheila Delgado introducing Yevgenia Watts and Karin Naylor
Sea Dean, Marion Hedger and Sheila Delgado
Nan Johnson introducing Sea Dean
Nancy Goldman introducing Nan Johnson, Leslie Redhead and Belinda del Pesco
Deborah Younglao introducing Nancy Goldman and Roxanne Lessa
Robin Samiljan introducing Deborah Younglao, Barbara Parker and Kathleen Krucoff
Alicia Forestal Boehm introducing Robin Samiljan, Ahavani Mullen and Maike van Wijk
Bridgette Gurzon Mills introducing Alicia Forestal Boehm, Angie McMonigal and Kari Hall
Supria Karmaka introducing Brigette Gurzon Mills and Leslie Sobel
Veronika Funk introducing Supria Karmaka, Jill Zaheer and Belinda Firman
Galia Alena introducing Veronika Funk, Laly Mille, Kate Thompson and Becky Cavender
