See What Sarah Swisher is Creating!



Art piece: 

“Parrot Tulips ver.1”

WaterColor

9”  x   12”

 

About the Artist:

Sarah Swisher:

Sarah has loved art all her life and has been painting and drawing since a very early age. After high school Sarah decided that art was something she wanted to pursue professionally.  So Sarah studied at The Art Institute of Chicago and earned her B.F.A in 1998.   Since then Sarah has been in Indiana working and painting.  Sarah loves botanical forms, mythology and surface design and all of these things play a big part in her art.  Sarah makes everything from cameos and pyasnky eggs, to needle lace and watercolor paintings. Lately Sarah has been thinking about new ways of drawing.  How to use line and color in a new way, so Sarah’s latest work involves lace making and knit images.

To view more of Sarah’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Spring by: Alexandra Dailey

Painting by: Betty McGlamary

 

With the sun shining today I can’t help but to think about the impending arrival of spring and all that accompanies it; vibrant flora, chirping and mewling fauna, beautiful and fresh scenery. Spring is about rebirth, revival, and new beginnings, so what better way to honor the upcoming season than with a new beginning of your own? Challenge yourself; make your first stroke on that white canvas, put lead to paper and sketch, capture that blossoming bud on film. Whatever your passion or hobby, start a new project as the world’s fresh season comes into being once more. Up here in northern Michigan our spring starts out with snow still covering the ground so my new project will have to take place inside. But, once the thaw starts and flowers start poking their heads out with petals unfurling, I will surely be reveling at the new life and inspired to give life to my own piece. However, for the time being I am stuck inside so my spring project will have to be something not necessarily dealing with new greenery. I will have to get creative and brainstorm about repurposing objects that I have lying around my room—a challenge I readily accept! Get creative and make something brand new, or craft something new out of something old. Cheers to a new season of nature’s beauty and beauty created by artists like you and me!

Article Submitted by: Alexandra Dailey.  To read more articles written by Alexandra, visit http://alexdailey.wordpress.com/.

Creative Flower Photography (Tip #2: Let the Sun Shine In)

 

Conventional wisdom tells us to always keep the sun at our backs when taking a picture. This is a pretty good rule to follow for most subjects – especially if you don't want details lost under a heavy silhouette. However, always following conventional wisdom will usually result in conventional-looking photographs. If your subject is fairly close and you use proper lighting, it really doesn't matter where the sun is. In fact, I often deliberately include the sun in many of my flower shots.

 

The photo above is a cluster of daffodils I shot with the sun center stage. In order to bring out the details in the flowers and the grass, I placed two flashes on tripods on either side of the composition. A single flash will also work if a two-flash setup is too much of an ambitious undertaking. Since a single flash tends to create harsh shadows, a reflector can be used in conjunction with the flash to help balance out the light.

These simple lighting techniques will free you from always having to take the same old tired-looking photos. So, don't be afraid to let the sun shine in.

 

Article Submitted by:

F.M. Kearney is a fine art nature photographer, specializing in unique floral and landscape images. To see more of his work, please visit www.starlitecollection.com.

 

Structure and Meaning by Jayme Catalano

 

Trained in landscape architecture and urban planning and a self-taught screen printer, Todd Stewart works by printing identical images many times withing a given space until a composition emerges. The pieces are built “by exposing the control and precision of illustration to the unpredictability and chance inherent to the printmaking process.” His Cityscape series explores the landscape of both well-known and obscure cities; most are places Stewart has not physically visited. “I am acutely aware of how construction -with regards to both structure and meaning-informs my work. These abstract land and cityscapes embody both serenity and instability, resulting in dreamlike tension from which subjective narratives can be born. Working from a base of imagery culled internally-from memory, dreams, past experience-and externally-from my immediate surroundings-I create pieces that consciously allow for open interpretation and multiple perspectives.” The works “reflect a search for meaning in unfamiliar landscapes.” Stewart’s work is available online at his Etsy shop.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano
Canary Public Relations
www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

See What Zave Nelson is Creating!



Artpiece: 

“Love 91”

Marker and Colored Pencil

25”  x   19”

 

About the Artist:

Zave Nelson:

Zave was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He never met his mother.  As a child Zave was a problem child, and stayed in trouble.  Zave was introduced to art and in his words “art changed his outlook on life and has brought him closer to God.  He now looks upon his life and talents as a gift, for which he is very thankful.

 

To view more of Zave’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

See What Curtis Montgonmery is Creating

Art piece: 

“Side Shot in Orange and Black”

Acrylic Paint on Watercolor Paper

24”  x  36”

 

About the Artist:

Curtis Montgomery:

Curtis was born in Elora Ontario, Canada about two hours northwest of Toronto Ontario.  He grew up playing sports such as hockey and lacrosse.  However; Curtis made time every day to draw.  Curtis was educated in Toronto and London Ontario for illustration.  He currently lives and works as an artist in Toronto.

Most of Curtis’s works begin as a photograph, which he took.  After he chooses one of his photographs he begins to draw them.  Curtis works mainly with coloured pencil and acrylic on paper.

To view more of Curtis’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Spring by Alexandra Dailey

Image by Betty McGlamary

With the sun shining today I can’t help but to think about the impending arrival of spring and all that accompanies it; vibrant flora, chirping and mewling fauna, beautiful and fresh scenery. Spring is about rebirth, revival, and new beginnings, so what better way to honor the upcoming season than with a new beginning of your own? Challenge yourself; make your first stroke on that white canvas, put lead to paper and sketch, capture that blossoming bud on film. Whatever your passion or hobby, start a new project as the world’s fresh season comes into being once more. Up here in northern Michigan our spring starts out with snow still covering the ground so my new project will have to take place inside. But, once the thaw starts and flowers start poking their heads out with petals unfurling, I will surely be reveling at the new life and inspired to give life to my own piece. However, for the time being I am stuck inside so my spring project will have to be something not necessarily dealing with new greenery. I will have to get creative and brainstorm about repurposing objects that I have lying around my room—a challenge I readily accept! Get creative and make something brand new, or craft something new out of something old. Cheers to a new season of nature’s beauty and beauty created by artists like you and me!

 

Articled Submitted by:  Alexandra Dailey

To read more of Alexandra's articles, go to http://alexdailey.wordpress.com.

To see more of Betty's work, go to www.ContemporaryArtGalleryOnline.

The Awakening by F.M. Kearney

Creative Flower Photography

(Tip #1: Aim Low)

The first day of Spring is finally here and the abundance of blooming flowers will soon present an array of interesting photo opportunities. Tulips are one of the first flowers to make an appearance, and are usually photographed in large, backlit colorful clusters. As beautiful as they may be, these types of shots can sometimes become a little monotonous if done too often.

I decided to try something different while strolling through the Central Park Conservatory in New York one day. Using a fisheye lens, I placed the camera flat on the ground in the middle of a bed of tulips. Composition was a bit tricky (to say the least), but I found that I could get a pretty good idea of what the camera was seeing by looking at the reflection on the lens. I pre-focused by using a tape measure to determine the height of the tulips. An aperture setting of f/22 insured that almost everything from the ground up would be razor sharp. I then set the self-timer and stepped back out of the way. "The Awakening" is one of several photos I took that day. I'd like to say that the sunburst in the lower left was carefully planned and calculated, but I can't...it was pure luck!

So, think a little outside the box the next time you're in the middle of a field of flowers. Instead of shooting everything from your eye level, get down low and check out what the ants see from their perspective views.

 

Article Contributed by:

F.M. Kearney is a fine art nature photographer, specializing in unique floral and landscape images. To see more of his work, please visit www.starlitecollection.com.

Accidently Creativity by: Jayme Catalano

Web and graphic designer Seth Hardie recently posted the accidental creative process behind an image he created. Hardie used his iPhone, the Grid Lens app and the Image Blender app to layer several images together. Visit his blog here to read about the process behind this image:

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano
Canary Public Relations
www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

See What Sharon Hawkshawe is Creating!

Artpiece: 

“Time”

Acrylic

18”  x  24”

About the Artist:

Sharon Belle Hawkshawe:

Sharon Hawkshawe was born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Columbia, Maryland.  Her mother is a published author and her father was an artist and architect before his death.

Sharon has been painting all of her life, specializing in the use of acrylic and oil paints. 

Sharon’s topics cover the most basic of human experience through the use of abstract and impressionistic landscape work.

Sharon’s work has been viewed in Washington D.C., Miami FL, Fort Lauderdale FL, Tampa FL, Orlando FL, Key West FL, Johnson City TN, Charlotte NC, Alexandra, VA, New York, NY and more. 

Sharon also co-authored a book of poetry under her num de plum Sharon Belle, entitled Songs of the Soul.  Her artwork is also featured throughout, including the front cover. 

Sharon is currently awaiting release of her newest book of poetry, entitled A Soul Speaks.  This book will also feature illustrations by her.  A Soul Speaks is due to release in December 2013.

 To view more of Sharon’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Check Out what J. Carlos Cruz is Creating!

 

Art piece: 

“Still Life”

Watercolor

11”  x  16”

 About the Artist:

J. Carlos Cruz:

 J. Carlos Cruz currently lives in Houston, Texas.  He is a self-taught painter.  J. Carlos has been painting since he was five years old.   J. Carlos enjoys painting landscapes, portraits, still-life’s, wild-life’s, and on occasion non- subjective works.   J. Carlos enjoys using most mediums to include; oils, watercolors, colored pencils, wax crayons, oil pastels, acrylics, inks, and pencils.   When asked, J. Carlos describes his style as realism most times.

To view more of Carlos’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 



Contemporary Life By: Alexandra Dailey

                                      

                   Time By:  Sharon Hawkshawe                       Delft Fruit Bowl By: Pete Mair

 

Contemporary Life.

Doesn’t that sound funny? Nobody says “I’m living a contemporary life” (at least I haven’t heard that phrase). Synonyms for the word ‘contemporary’ are ‘current’, ‘up to date’, ‘present-day’, all words that mean right now, just like life is occurring right now. Now why do I mention contemporary life, or life? Because I want to point out how puzzling the phrase ‘contemporary art’ may sound to those not well versed in the art world.  Contemporary art to them sounds like ‘contemporary life’ sounds to me—strange, funny, and possibly a bit confusing.  Contemporary art is simply art that is produced at the present point in time, just like ‘contemporary life’ is life that is lived at the present point in time.  Directly stated, contemporary art is art and ‘contemporary life’ is life.  During my years of appreciating, loving, and creating art (Yes, I’m only 22, but bear with me) I’ve come across many people who scoff at, dislike the idea of, or who don’t understand contemporary art.  I believe the term is seen as limiting, possibly a bit intimidating, and it sounds or appears to be exclusive.  I know I feel daunted when I’m creating art because I worry whether or not my work will be viewed as old news or belonging in the contemporary bracket.  But then I remember that ‘contemporary’ is just a word in front of that which I, and all of us here, love—art.  I believe many people have a misconception of what contemporary art is, which therefore can cause potential and future art lovers to turn away from the category all together.  I bring up this topic because I think we as supporters, lovers, and artists need to explain away the false impression that some may have about contemporary art. Simply put, as people and artists we aren’t merely creating contemporary art, we’re creating art, plain and simple.  Now I understand the term ‘Contemporary Art’ and its purpose trust me.  I minored in Art History.  But I feel the term belongs in the books, museums, and galleries rather than in everyday conversation or creation of art.  We all want the appreciation and support of art to grow, and in order to expand we need more people supporting art. Here at CAGO, contemporary art is our business and that’s not going to change.  But I think we should all encourage people to view contemporary art as just art, opening their minds to all art can be without their connotations that are connected to the word ‘contemporary’.  I know there are some people who won’t agree with my thoughts on this topic, but in saying all of this - my goal is to open up the art and contemporary art world to everyone, those that are curious, uncertain, who question its validity, or who have a misunderstanding regarding contemporary art.  The artists on CAGO create contemporary art, I can create contemporary art, and even a middle-schooler can create contemporary art—the ability is within all of us.  Just as we all live life, we can all create art and appreciate art, art that belongs to today, the contemporary.  

"Radiance" By F.M. Kearney

 

 

Many people see winter as the time to stay indoors with a good book. As an outdoor nature photographer, I look forward to photographing snow-covered landscapes, hanging icicles and frozen lakes.

But, what if it's a mild winter and these scenes are difficult (or impossible) to find?

We recently went through a period like this in the Northeast. With only a dusting to a few inches of snow and temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, it seemed as though our winters had taken an extended vacation. Rather than put my equipment in storage for the season, I headed out to Brooklyn's Prospect Park early one morning. I was absolutely amazed by the beauty of bare branches. Without their usual leafy wardrobe, trees tend to take on an almost ominous appearance. Juxtaposed against the splendor of a colorful sunrise, you have a scene that cannot be captured at any other time of the year.

I captured "Radiance" when I spotted an odd-looking stand of intersecting trees next to Prospect Park Lake. I positioned the sun in the middle of a small opening, and used a digital effect to accentuate the rays. If winter refuses to make an appearance in the tradition sense, well, there's always Plan B.

F.M. Kearney is a fine art nature photographer, specializing in unique floral and landscape images. To see more of his work, please visit www.starlitecollection.com.

CMYK Embrodery by: Jayme Catalano

CMYK Color Chart

 

CMYK Blateration

 

Evelin Kasikov is a woman moving backward in time, combining cutting edge digital design with the old-fashioned and historically feminine pursuit of embroidery. Trained as a graphic designer, Kasikov’s work challenges preconceived notions of embroidery and handicraft. Deeply analytical, her approach to needlework uses typography, design techniques, and grid systems to create her embroidered illustrations. Her stitching commission have included The Guardian, WIRED, and the New York Times.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano
Canary Public Relations
www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

Check out what Yvette Tipton is Creating!

Art piece: 

“Submission By Blindness”

Acrylic

12”  x  12”

 

About the Artist:

Yvette Tipton:

Yvette was born and raised in San Francisco.  She began drawing and sculpting at 5yrs old.  Yvette believes art is an expression of the inner person, expressing thoughts and ideas that are meant to be shared.

To view more of Yvette’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Come See What Cecil is Creating!

Art piece: 

“Color My World”

Photography and Digital Art

About the Artist:

Cecil Lee:

Cecil began painting in his early teens and purchased his first camera before his twentieth birthday.   Cecil has taken a few art and photography classes;  the most recent being at the International Center of Photography in New York.   Nevertheless, Cecil basically is a self-taught Artist.

It was not until Cecil recently began semi-retirement that he has been able to dedicate more time to the creation of his art. It has turned out to be an adventure.  Cecil says it is like seeing the world again, for the first time.

Personal Statement:

“I strongly embrace the concept of altering ones preconceived ideas of art and life in order to discover what is NEW.”

 

To view more of Cecil’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

Moments to Remeber by F.M. Kearney

 

After a day of winter fun, this snow-covered field in Prospect Park was rendered somewhat less than pristine. Nevertheless, I felt there was a certain amount of charm in this late afternoon scene. I positioned the camera low to the ground on a tripod, and set up almost in the shadow of the large tree in the foreground. With the sun barely peeking out from below the branch on the left, I used a flash to add a spot of light to the small patch of snow in the crook of the tree.

The multitude of footprints suggests that there were many "moments to remember" that day in this Brooklyn, New York park.

Article Submitted by: 

F.M. Kearney is a fine art nature photographer, specializing in unique floral and landscape images. To see more of his work, please visit www.starlitecollection.com.

 

 

Will the Real Mona Lisa, Please Stand Up?

We may finally know what the real Mona Lisa looked like. The Prado Museum in Madrid recently cleaned and restored one of its more obscure and seemingly unimportant paintings, a copy of Leonardo DaVinci’s ‘Mona Lisa.’ In the museum’s possession since 1819, the copy was thought to have been completed after DaVinci’s death. During the extensive process, however, museum officials discovered that the painting was done by a pupil working alongside the master: x-rays revealed that the copy evolved and developed just as the original did. Experts were able to strip away the dark, cracked varnish and a black over paint, revealing a young woman with beautiful skin in front of a colorful Tuscan landscape. Her eyebrows are visible, her lips are rosy, and she looks years younger than her more famous counterpart. DaVinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ my hide similar charms under her own aged and discolored varnish.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano
Canary Public Relations
www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

Come See What Brendan Hendricks is Creating!

 

Art piece: 

“Door”

Photography

 

About the Artist:

Brendan Hendricks:

Brendan Hendricks has a BFA in Graphic Design and considers photography his expressive medium. Brendan enjoys working with either abstracted images.  His most recent series dealt with memories through the use of double exposure.

 

To view more of Brendan’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

Check Out What Shelley Wheeler is Creating

 

Artpiece: 

“Crack My Neck”
Sculpture

 

About the Artist:

Shelley Wheeler:
Shelley grew up in the Midwest, along the Missouri river, and she carries with me that small town attitude.   She claims to be part of the last generation in America who did not have all the technology we have today while growing up.   I was forced to use my imagination and I thank the universe for that every day. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful husband who has supported me both emotionally and artistically making the starving artist part of my story a struggle but giving me the freedom to pursue my dreams.

Personal Statement:

When you are an artist, all you can think about is art. I am either creating some kind of art work, or I am thinking about creating my next piece of art. I don’t know if it's good art, that's not for me to decide... I leave that to the art critics. I am only racing myself in this game, and as long as I am giving it my all, the rest of it is out of my hands.

To view more of Shelley’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.