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Paola Zakimi

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I’m head over heels for this week’s artwork by Paola Zakimi. You know watercolors are my favorite painting medium but have I ever told you that when sketch lines show through in the work I simply melt into a puddle of happiness? I’m being a bit silly but seriously, isn’t the above piece fantastic? The yellow lifts my spirit and the humble use of fleshy pink on the girls face excites me to no end. For me, it’s all in the details.

I’m fond of this piece for several reasons. The entire painting is understated and free. The floating illustrations evoke a peaceful, dream-like emotion. Also, the little fox befriending the tree on the right is so sweet.

This bird must be the way to travel. Grab some friends and jump onto this feathered friend! Again, the details draw me in. The birds beak, string thin feet, spotted back and the girls hats with twigs and leaves all leave my eyes scurrying over each inch of this illustration. The textured background…don’t even get me started…there is so much to appreciate!

You will find not only the featured artwork in Paola’s shop but also some amazing art dolls. Prints and originals are available!

Amber Alexander

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Amber Alexander, whose work reminds me of a modern day Beatrix Potter, is an artist to watch. This Vermont based artist creates interesting characters with her paints and brushes. Her watercolor and acrylic work is stunning!

It’s rare to find art that can find a home on any wall. That is another great aspect of Amber’s work. You could hang any of her paintings in any room of your home and it would simply ‘fit it’.

You will find affordable prints, originals and even some cards featuring Amber’s artwork in her shop. There is a lot to choose from that will make your collection all the more special. Enjoy!

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!