Inside The Studio

Ryan McGinness inside his studio.  Photo by Joe Fig

 INSIDE THE PAINTER'S STUDIO

I recently purchased and have been enthralled with Joe Fig's inspirational book "Inside the Painter's Studio" in which he explores the working life of 24 artist, from those already in history books to those on the cusp of discovery, with interviews and visual documentation of their studios. In the interviews the artists discuss everything from when they considered themselves a professional artist to their favorite painting tools, how they organize their studios, set a creative mood, select a title, have a motto they live by and even advice they would give a young artist just starting out.

WHERE THERE'S CREATIVITY, THERE'S A MESS

Inka Essenhigh Studio Floor.  Photo by Joe Fig

The one thing that really amazed me, probably because my studio is in the middle of my home and therefore needs to remain somewhat clean, are the layers of paint on walls, floors, tables and shoes within the documented studios.

A STUDIO WITH LIGHT AND SPACE

Mary Heilmann Studio.  Photo by Joe Fig

After reading many of the interviews and drooling over the artists large, light filled studio spaces, I felt the need to create my the art studio of my dreams.  In it there would be a huge sliding door with multiple windows that I could open on sunny days, walls filled with windows, plenty of art supplies, storage areas and light, farm tables and easels, student artists painting, music playing, coffee perking, and a big old clock for time management.

Photo by Joe Fig

Not to mention layers of paint and the ability to close that big ole door and walk away without spot shining everything before family, friends or guests arrive.  Do you dream of having your own creative space?  If so, what would you include?

Coastal Art for Beach Lovers

Longboard Surfer by MagicMarkingsArt

I knew the warm temperatures we experienced last week would not last for long, after all we are still in the winter season.  Yet, after being able to walk along the beach without a coat, scarf and gloves my winter weary soul longs for warmer days.  As I am sure everyone is in need of a little coastal warmth, here are a few beach finds to add a touch of summer to your body and home.  For any more information on the items listed, just click on their title or on the shop name.

COASTAL ART for your
KITCHEN AND BATH

Cast iron starfish by BeautifulDetailsByTheSeashore;  Full moon pottery shot glass by IslandGirlPottery;   Handmade Surf Soap by WaveofLife;  Seahorse Vinyl Decal by SeaLubbers

MORE
COASTAL HOME DECOR

Nautilus Bookends by SeashellCollection   Starfish tropical pillow by Beachsidestyle;   Vintage glass fishing float by Offthebeach;   Glass cabinet drawer pull by BeachyRustica

 COASTAL JEWELRY

Moss aquamarine and silver necklace by KahiliCreations;   Sea urchin ring by Shoresidechic;   White and Turquoise Seaglass necklace by Lunaseadesigns;  Genuine Seaglass Necklace by WestCoastSeaGlass

Wishing you a day filled with sunshine and peace.

Student Spotlight on Women who Art

This weeks spotlight shines once more on my ever faithful student, Mimi Boseman.  Mimi often shows up twice a week to work on her paintings and has acquired a prolific portfolio of fine art.  Much of her recent work has been paintings to be given as gifts.  The gifted works relate specifically to the intended recipient, and are therefore quite diverse in style. 

 SOMEDAY CAME

For this painting Mimi used an image of her friends boat as inspiration for her painting.  She graphed out the boat and quickly added background colors for the sky and water.

Close up of her drawn image and swirling water.

Adding detail to the boat.

Correcting the boats angles.

More detail work.

Mimi with the finished painting titled "Someday Came" ~ retitled "Boat without Driver".

MORNING LIGHT
Landscape painting

Using a limited color palette, Mimi recreates a postcard image from Matthews County, Va. 

Mimi and her gorgeous rendition of the fog covered lake.

CHALET AU SOLEIL
A friends home in Switzerland

After getting the architectural detail of her friends home in Switzerland drawn and painted in, Mimi works on the background scenery and on adding reflective color to the snow.

Mimi with her finished painting - looking like she belongs within her painted image.

PORTRAITS

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of Mimi painting a portrait of her grand-daughter playing in a pile of leaves.  But the finished painting is stunning and a true gift of love.

WEDDING PORTRAIT

For this painting Mimi used an engagement picture as inspiration for the newlyweds wedding gift.

Texture was added to the tree tops with a sponge and feather brush.  Mimi used many layers of color and line to create depth and detail in a field of grass and in the dogs fur.

Working on more detail and on blending the colors.

Mimi with another hand painted gift for her very lucky family.

Summer time thoughts

Ice cream mobile on the boardwalk signifies delicious thoughts of summertime

The weather outlook for today is sunny and in the mid 70's.  A delightful sign that spring is right around the corner - even if the temperature dips into the lower range before the weekend ends!  Time to start looking for that perfect summer swim suit.

Fun Retro Inspired Summer Swim Wear

Love this vintage inspired one piece by Pin Up Girl Clothing

Or this "What Katie Did" sailor bikini.  A reproduction of its ancestors which scandalized the world when they appeared in the 1940's

This suit by Fables by Barrie would make everyone stand up and salute.

With these images in mind, I wish you a fabulous weekend filled with outdoor activities and thoughts of warmer spring days.

A Surprise Birthday Painting Party

Table Setting for an artistic birthday party

A few weeks ago I hosted a surprise pottery painting party for the daughter of one of my Monday morning art ladies.  Her daughter is a young mom of two boys - a newborn and a three year old - and many of the invited guests are young mothers as well.  It was a special evening for these ladies, who rarely have time to get together, and a true surprise for the birthday girl.

The birthday girl (on right) and one of her best friends busy painting their special platters.

The birthday girl dives right into sketching her image while the other girls look on in amazement.

The discussions were lively and many very funny and touching stories were shared.

The girls and the party hostess pose for a picture.

Great big smiles are a true testament of a happy evening spent amongst friends and each artists delight in their handcrafted work.

Youth and Adult Art Classes

Just updated is my Magic Markings Art Studio Web Site with new art classes for youth and adults.  Back by popular demand are the Sunday afternoon art classes for ages 6 - 12 and the Wednesday evening "Ladies Nights Out" painting parties.  For more information, or to register for any of these classes or parties, please click here

Valentine Bridal Shower

This past weekend my sister and I threw a valentines bridal shower for our wonderful niece.  She is the first of mine and my siblings children to get married and needless to say, we are all very excited.  The wedding will take place in Las Vegas and we're all gambling on a long and happy marriage for her and her fiance. 

Bridal Cuisine

 Valentine Cupcakes

Brownies sprinkled with love.

Double Down Shrimp

Cheese and Grapes - Not too dicey but yummy indeed.

Friends and Family

 The brides grandmother, mother, and aunts

Her newest cousin

Two slightly older, and very cute, cousins

The maid of honor with her mother.

The bride with one of her future sisters-in-law.

A neighbor of the bride chats with the bride's brother's girlfriend.

A Bridal Toast

For the bride born on Saint Patrick's Day:

For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day. 

 The bride drinks to the toast while wearing her favorite color - magenta, or is that majestic?  (You had to be there!)

Handmade Gifts

Hand painted glasses as party favors.  Get the directions here

Wine Cooler or Flower Vase for the couple who are getting married in Vegas and staying at Circus, Circus.  How appropriately appropriate!

Love and Kisses and Valentine Wishes to the engaged couple as they plan their future together.  We Love You both.