Words: Katharine Riggs.

Via Poetry Magazine on books.google.com

Playlist: No. 2--Don't Give Up On Me Yet.

Cover Art via Flickr (US National Archives--Photograph of Bess Wallace, 06/1906).

Listen or via Tumblr.

Interiors I Dream About: Green Locker Cabinet.

Found via Desire to Inspire (Styled by Chelsea Hing).

Blog of Note: EMMAS DESIGNBLOGG.

Here.

Really enjoying the photography and interiors featured here.  Great curation.

Sale Time.

Available in all three shops Wednesday, November 21-Sunday, November 25:

Photography:  http://GallivantingGirl.etsy.com
Original Art:  http://JuliaWrightArt.etsy.com
Vintage Finds:  http://TheRoadWorks.etsy.com

Happy Shopping!

Artistic Moment of the Week: Mr. and Mrs. Beisel.

Mr. and Mrs. Beisel, 1926
Photographed by Frank M. Hohenberger
Via IU Digital Libraries.

IF: Zoom

My Entry for Illustration Friday.
Available here.

Playlist: No. 1--Enduring the Weather

Cover Art via Flickr (Southern Methodist University, Central University Libraries, DeGolyer Library).

Listen via Tumblr.

Words: Matthew Arnold

Via The Poems of Matthew Arnold on books.google.com

I'd Wear That.

Via Pinterest / Anthropologie

I like the look of the whole outfit (except in an alternate view the back pockets have buttons, and I'm not a fan of that.  I like the shoes, dark wash jeans, fun hair, and cozy shirt.

Blog Envy: Refueled

You'll thank me, I'm sure.

Interiors I Dream About: Steel Fireplaces.

Eclectic Living Room design by San Francisco Media And Blogs California Home + Design

Etsy Love: Rabbit Edition.

ONE.  TWO.  THREE.  FOUR.  FIVE.  SIX.  SEVEN.  EIGHT.  NINE.  TEN.

Artistic Moment of the Week: Washington Beach from 1907.

via Flickr:  Beach at La Push

Beach at La Push, June 1907

Photographer: 
Jones, Lynds

Subjects (LCSH):
Driftwood--Washington (State)--La Push

What I Wear Daily.

I've gotten in the habit of wearing almost this exact same outfit every day.  Switch around tank top and snap-shirt colors and patterns, but otherwise it's the same style outfit daily.  Also, keep in mind that the shirt isn't fitted--it's usually a men's sized work shirt.  I want to get out of this habit, and start wearing clothes that fit (being that all my clothes are too big now).  So I'm starting a segment on the blog entitled:  "I'd Wear That."  I'll be putting all my fashion inspiration on here best that I can.

Via my Polyvore.

Feedback is always appreciated.  I'm pretty clueless when it comes to fashion and beauty stuff.  As you can see from the above--comfy and practical are the most important criteria.

Artist Interview: Greg Hargreaves.

Today's interview introduces us to Greg Hargreaves.  He's an abstract landscape painter who lives in Iowa.  I was drawn to his work on Etsy for the colors he uses as well as the theme.  I'm always drawn to landscapes that involve a lot of "space."  He agreed to let me ask him a few questions, here are his answers:

After the Rain.

 1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

Yes...I've always been an"art" kid. I was always that kid in class who could draw better than anyone else. It was my one and only talent growing up and I've tried to exploit it to the best of my abilities.

Riverside Study.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

That one is very tough to nail down. I appreciate a wide variety of artistic expression. Enjoying not only the old masters...but the work of primitives, expressionists, minimalists, to name a few. I especially delight in the work of children as their vision is untutored, exuberant, and fearless. Many of my children's pieces hang on my walls.

Wide Spot on the Wapsi.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

I have of late concentrated more and more on landscapes. It seems that whenever I have free time...and the muse is upon me...I relax by indulging in what can best be described as regional abstract landscape painting. There is a much more in depth explanation about this on my website.

Cattails and Killdeer.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

I ordinarily start with a conceptual sketch with emphasis on form, composition, and texture above all else. Sometimes however I let myself go where the "muse" leads me. Allowing the paint to take me in directions not predetermined. So that my work ranges from tightly orchestrated more representational scenes to the very abstract. More about this on my site as well.  

Fields and Phone Poles.

 5. What is a typical day in your life?

I have no set work schedule. I work when the muse strikes...sometimes into the wee hours of night...stopping when I run out of inspiration. Many times I revisit a painting after weeks or months of contemplation to add finishing touches. I have resurrected many pieces this way. I know this habit is unconventional...and many of my artist friends chastise me about this...but it works for me.

North of East Dubuque.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

I am especially drawn to other landscape painters. And enjoy most the work of artists that delight audiences with their technical facility in creating a transforming experience with paint. 
I love work that never lets the viewer forget that it is after all just paint. 

Portage Path.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

The outdoors is my second home. Canoeing, camping, hunting and fishing mainly. I am especially attracted to water. There is magic in water...ponds, lakes, creeks, rivers, are the places I spend a good deal of time. I am also a voracious reader.

Spring Fields.

 8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

Art is my full time profession. I have enjoyed many long fulfilling relationships with artists, art directors, and art buyers nationally and internationally. Some of them have become dear friends. And commercial assignments have been a stimulating and a wonderful way to earn a living. In between assignments I relax with a landscape.

Sweets Marsh.

 9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

That is impossible to answer. They are all individual steps in a journey. Is there a mother that loves one child above all others? 

Three Trees.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

This is another very tough question. Due to the digital revolution, I'm at a loss as to how to direct an aspiring artist into either the commercial field...or the gallery arena. Gallery painting remains for me a mystery as well...as it is a market the same way that the commercial arena is. I would simply tell any artist...young or old...digital or traditional...to follow their muse, do those things that they find they feel compelled to do and hope that there is an audience that appreciates their efforts.

Winter Solstice.

11. Describe your work space.

 A mess. A windowless dungeon. This in fact helps me focus. If I were to have a more open space full of light and vistas I'm sure I would spend much more time gazing outside and less time with the business at hand. Even when working at various commercial studios I would invariably draw the blinds over the widows. Purists cringe at this...but again...it works for me.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

Not really. I got into art school with no trouble...receiving scholarships along the way to ease the financial burden. After graduating I had my first art job after only a few interviews...and advanced to various positions as a traditional illustrator with a number of commercial art studios in the midwest...ultimately going free lance back in the mid 90's. In retrospect...I've had it pretty easy. And after 43 years...I'm still working. 

Greenfield.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

I would simply like to continue on my present path as long as I'm able. Sales are important...but not the goal. I simply enjoy painting and am rewarded that others delight in my work.

Thanks so much for your time, and thanks for making such lovely landscapes.

Artist Moment of the Week: Frank M. Hohenberger.

Frank M. Hohenberger is a favorite photographer of mine.  His photography of rural Brown County, Indiana during the early 1900s makes my heart flutter a bit.  My only wish is that I want the ability to step inside the plates and look around a bit.

Nashville, alley back of Jerry Wilson's, looking south.  1920.

To browse the rest of the collection (which I highly suggest), go here.

Craigslist Cravings: Hereford Piglets.

Via Craigslist.

My husband is 100% against any form of porcine coming onto our property.  I, on the other hand, would love to raise some pastured hogs some day.  Hereford hogs would be a part of my breeding program.  As with my goats, I'd create a cross-breed that would be perfectly bred to thrive on our land.  Now, to just convince my darling husband of how great of an idea it would be.

Artist Interview: Michele Maule.

Today's interview is with Michele Maule.  Her shop is filled with original mixed media collages, prints, and oil paintings.  Her subject matter consists of lots of my favorite things:  bees, water towers, landscapes, typewriters, deer, and birds.  I was very excited when she agreed to this interview.  So, let's get to know her better, shall we?

"Bumble"

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

Yes. I've always loved art. We had art once a week when I was in grade school and it was always my favorite day of the week. I didn't take art again until I was in high school, and once I started the class I didn't realize how much I had loved it and had missed it.

"Number 51"

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

I can't say I have a favorite. I truly love it all. There are aspects to all styles that I enjoy. Mixed media modern art has to be one of my all time favorites. I love the idea of making something collected, or found, into a piece of art. Robert Rauchenberg is one of the artists that I admire most, who works in this style.

"Gray Spring"

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

I kinda like to search my house, or books, for ideas. I also love watching movies. Sophia Coppola's films are particularly inspirational to me. The cinematography and soundtracks in her movies are so lovely. 

"Sometimes I Still Need You"

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

I normally don't have an idea when I first start working. If I'm working on a collage/painting I start with the collage. I have numerous boxes of collected paper and fabric. I pull those out along with gesso or my rubber cement. I start tearing and gluing various shapes and sizes of paper. Sometimes I cover things up and sometimes I plan out every size and shape. Once my collage is done, I gesso over parts or all of it. I then search out images either using books/magazines/my own photographs. Many times I think I have an image, and I start drawing, but for one reason or another it doesn't work right. So, I start again until I find an image that works for me and works for the collage.

I'm afraid I am not very exact when it comes to my work. I just kind of like to play with it and try things out until something resonates with my brain and my mood.

"Winter and Red"

5. What is a typical day in your life?

I wake up around 6:30 or 7 am everyday. I usually go running. It helps clear my head and it makes me feel calm. I come home, drink coffee, and spend way too much time on the internet. I pack Etsy orders, answer e-mails, and take my dog for a walk. Some days I head to my day job, some days I stay at home working on art. If I don't have to be at my day job, I paint or I draw. I take photos of my work. I list on Etsy. I work on my blog. I play with my dog, and hang out with my boyfriend. Not a terribly exciting life, but I like it.

"Tree Huggers"

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

Color and line work. I like art that tells stories about an artist's life, or other people's lives. I'm drawn to people's histories and who they are.

"Heart New York"

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

I love running. I recently got into running races. I'm training for a half marathon in January and I'm really excited about it. I'm planning on running the Portland Marathon next year.

"Four Friends"

 8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

I work part time at a local grocery store, in the housewares department.

"Heavy Weight"

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

My favorite piece has to be a painting of water towers I did my last quarter of college. That piece really opened me up to painting. It allowed me to let go of treating a painting as a precious thing. It allowed me to explore different medias and it helped me let go of working tightly and precisely.

"Write to Me"

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Develop a tough skin. Don't expect to make lots of money. Work hard. Never give up.

Michele's Workspace.

11. Describe your work space.

I recently re-vamped my little work space. It's mostly white. I have two desks. One desk for messy stuff, the other desk for packing orders and folding cards. I have a couple of shelves for keeping my cards organized and two small shelves for storing paintings and for my little pieces of inspiration. I try to keep things tidy and organized. It's a challenge, but I feel like I am more productive when things are neat and I know where everything is.

Michele's Workspace.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

When I first started out I did really well selling online. So well, that I did it full time. Things changed and slowed down for me quite a bit a couple of years in. So, I started my part time work. It was really hard for me to change from working for myself to working for someone else. I still struggle with it. However, it is a good job and I am grateful for it.

Michele's Workspace.  

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

Right now my goal is to be able to quit my day job. I'm not sure I'll ever have lots of money, but I would like to be able to make enough to pay my bills, have insurance and have a little money to buy things like music and books and fancy coffee, now and then.

Michele, thanks so much for letting us get to know you better.  If you'd like to learn more about her, and keep up to date with what is going on in her life, she has a Blog here, and a Facebook Page here.

I Could Live in Croatia.

I hadn't had a chance to check out Virtual Paintout for a couple of months.  I participated a while back, and I hope to again soon.  Essentially, a part of the world is chosen, and using Google StreetView you explore the area, and find a composition to paint (it's a lot of fun).  They change destinations each month, so I'm going to wait until November to participate again.  October's destination is Croatia, so I thought I would explore a bit for the fun of it.  The abandoned farmhouses are pulling at my heartstrings something fierce.  They are beautiful.

This little shack might have been a shed, but I think it was a home.

Via Google Maps.  You can find it here.

And this house is really interesting because part of the facing has fallen off and you can see how it was built.

Via Google Maps.  You can find it here.

This building appears to have a house above, and barn space below.  Note the chickens and ramp up to the little doorway a la chicken coop style.

Via Google Maps.  You can find it here.

A lot of the properties have fences that surround the house and barns, and gates at the road.  They have my perfect set up.  The rustic-ness of the architecture makes me swoon.

Via Google Maps.  You can find it here.

I am going to continue to look around, but I'll quit this post here.  If I don't, I fear that this post may have fifty pictures before it's said and done.