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October Eves

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Fall is my favorite season of the year! Largely in part because it includes Halloween. I’ve often wondered why I look so forward to Halloween each year, and I’ve decided it’s because Halloween allows for everyone to be as creative and playful as they want. Understand that I don’t enjoy the scary and gory costumes or even the 10lbs of sugar that my children gather and try to consume over the course of one weekend, I enjoy the lighthearted, imaginative merry-making of the evening.

In light of one of my favorite holidays, I’ve rounded up some art that is both alluring and mysterious. These pieces were not created specifically for Halloween, making them a perfect addition to your walls year round.

artwork from Little Red Fox

There is a beautiful haunting quality to all of the pieces at Little Red Fox. The sketches are well balanced between intentional simplicity and complex emotions. I’ve been a fan of this art for years because of the consistency in the quality of work. You will find originals and prints as well as stickers, dolls, and cards.

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Mix It Up

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Please welcome the latest Try Handmade columnist, Susannah Rodgers! You may know her through her shop Art Nest (which we featured a few weeks ago), and we’re fortunate to have her and her new series Get On The Wall. She’s going to be treating us with 2D, frameable art for your walls. Check out her first column, and I know you’re going to be hungry for more. Welcome Susannah!

:: Erika

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My interest in mixed media art was sparked by mistake. Several years ago, a local artist gave me one of her watercolor paintings as a thank-you gift for hosting her first art exhibit. I proudly hung the painting in my home, and it was admired often by my family and me. One evening, I was walking through my home turning off lights, and something in the painting caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, I was shocked to discover that the artist had used a few strips of magazine images in a section of the artwork—it was a mixed media piece, not a strict painting as I had previously thought! I had my nose to the glass for a long while, examining all of the details I had been missing. My mistake was a happy one which resulted in a new-found fascination of mixed media art. This month’s get-on-the-wall pieces are beautiful examples of how delightful mixed media artwork can be.

Color Theory (13)

I think the Color Theory pieces by Esta Sketch are genius. [Read more…]

Sarah McNeil

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I’d like you to meet the art of Sarah McNeil! I would say her style is delicate with pinch of nostalgia. The soft colors and sturdy lines draw me in. Sarah’s sketches and paintings each produce a small friend to collect.

Have a furry friend that you would love to have captured in a painting? Sarah McNeil does that to! It’s special when an artist can combine their personal style & portrait work to create unique pieces. I’m sure it’s both challenging and rewarding.

Sarah writes this about herself:
“Sitting in my studio making pretty things and drinking tea and coffee at the same time.”

To me, that sounds simply lovely. I wish I could join her!

I just adore this sweet collection of art. You will find originals, prints and even some soft, knitted brooches (cutest little things ever). All available in her online shop, Sarah McNeil! She also maintains a blog entitled Everything for your viewing pleasure!

Wild Life

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These colorful prints from Wild Life make me extremely happy! I’m enjoying imagining each picture as a small preview of different rooms in a very tall and very posh apartment complex. Every time I browse these prints I find more to love. Such as the detailed texture of each wall, the proper placement of the animal figurines and the tiniest accessories…oh!

The artist has this to say about his artwork:

Now, where to begin? In my other life I’m a serious award-winning photographer, much given to brooding and brow-furrowing. That part of my life is known as “Bert.”

Then there’s the part of my life I spend hanging out with my little family, building sandcastles, jumping waves, and camping in the northern woods; the “Ernie” part if you will.

Wild Life Prints brings “Bert” and “Ernie” together for the first time, along with a host of amazing animals in their, um, natural habitats!

Oh, my name is Jeff and I love taking pictures of just about anything.

I think the marriage of Jeff’s ‘two sides’ is, simply, perfection!

I don’t know what else to say about this fantastic artist and his beautiful work. Except, maybe, that I want all of them. Now, please!

Snip, Snip – Cut paper art

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I am constantly intrigued by what cut paper artists can accomplish with scissors, papers, and glue. Each artist below has embraced a unique style on this art form which is sure to captivate your interest.

artwork by Roadside Projects

Jayme McGowan from Roadside Projects is setting a new standard for cut paper art. Her pieces are intricately concocted and expertly executed. Her subject matter spans generational interest and can be displayed in any room of your house. Prints and originals are available in her shop and don’t forget to visit her project blog.

artwork by Rural Pearl

I found the cut paper art at Rural Pearl to be modern and refreshing. The artist, Angie Pickman, has made this art form her own. I am drawn to the strong black and white pieces and appreciate her use of color. You will find prints and even some pendants made from her originals.

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