Featured!

My photography shop Amature Capture, is being featured! Take a look and enter for your chance to win a 8x10 photograph!

ENTER TO WIN!!

A New Shop

I opened another Etsy shop a little while ago, but just now started to really add to it. (thanks to a new digital camera) It highlights my photography. Im also offering photo rendering services! Take a look!

Watch Me Create!

Since Im asked so many times how I create my art...I decided to download a program that allowed me to record my desktop while I painted. I used a photograph of myself that I took myself.

I did not however show what I use exactly, as Id like to keep what I do as unique as possible.

The film is 13 mins long. So sit back and enjoy. I hope you like it and please leave a comment here on my blog and rate it on google to let me know what you all think!



Heres better view of finished painting too: http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g129/AeSigs/CilliPepper.jpg

I know its a bit boring at times as well. I had no idea what it was going to be till at the end. So I was studying it and thinking a few times. hehe

Oh and the program I used to record my desktop was CamStudio. Was very easy to use and its free!

Your Etsy Shop Views

Someone on the forums told me about this site. A fellow Etsyian created it! It shows views from your first 3 pages. Youll have to keep track though, to see your daily hits. When you click on the link, my shop name with appear. No biggie..just type your shop name into the box. Enjoy!
http://www.majaba.org/ultracow.php?userid=msart&submit=Submit

Im Featured!

Woohoo! Im so honored and touched to be featured on Etsy Art blog!! The blog is beautiful and has wonderful artists on it, besides myself. ;) Take a look!!
http://etsyart.blogspot.com/

Artist Spotlight: WoodyMart

http://www.woodymart.etsy.com

Since it had been so long since I spotlighted any artists I decided to focus on two awesome artists. Here is the second one. Meet Woody Miller and see his unique and awesome art work. His art reminds me of my childhood. It has a great feel and the artistry is truly amazing.


WoodyMart


Tell us a bit about yourself

After attending the Academy of Art in San Francisco, I've continued to pursue art in many ways. I live in a way too small apartment with my wife and two nutty cats, where I work on my art in a way too small studio, with way too much stuff in it. I am inspired by lots of artists, by music, colors, nature, crafts, hand made stuff, picture books, good stories, movies, vintage goodies, bamboo, orientalist art, and of course, monkey's. I just keep striving to create images that delight, inspire, conjure feelings, and take one away to another place or time. I also work at picture frame shop where I create frames, do wood carving, gilding and french matting.


When and how did you discover your talent

When I was little and would get in trouble, we got put on time out. We (my brother and I) had to sit at a table in the corner of our kitchen. There was paper and pencils there, so naturally this is where my art training began. At school I always had friends who wanted me to draw them things, characters, F-16 fighter jets and such. So I always gravitated towards it, plus my wonderfully talented aunt Jill (a great artist herself) always helped inspire and teach us to continue trying new things with art. Now I can't stop making stuff and learning new techniques, I just love experimenting and creating.

What inspires you

Well, other than what's listed above, some of the artists that inspire me are: Pep Montserrat, Chris Van Allsburg, D.B. Johnson, Peter Brown, Shag, Charlie Harper, Wayne Theibaud, Jean-Leon Gerome, Alma-Tadema, Wolf Kahn, and Chris Sheban. Quite a mix and match, but I like to think I pull a little bit from each and make it my own. Other than artists, I like old movies because they always have such great costumes and sets, new ones too, but a little cgi goes a long way. I just love exotic things, tropical memorabilia, "Orientalism" painting (from the 19th century), Moroccan stuff, arabic patterns and tiles, Thai silk designs, I could go on. I try to just soak up whatever I can and use colors from here, shapes from there, patterns, whatever.


What dream do you have that hasn't been fulfilled yet

Lots, but I'm still just thirty-something, so there's time! Right now I'm working on a couple children's picture books, which has been a dream of mine I think since reading Richard Scarry books as a child. I have a missionary friend in Africa who works at orphanages and I'd love to be able to find a way to use my art to help there, either to bring them funding, or maybe inspire or teach the children. Also, I'm still working on getting that Italian villa off the coast of Lake Como where I will have a huge studio...


Any advice for us fellow Etsyians

I just recently started to sell more items from the Woody Mart on Etsy, I guess my advice would be just try to get the word out, keep adding new items every so often, and keep working at finding the right price point/ size/ medium/ product that people like. Etsy is great not only for selling, but I love finding stuff to buy, it's so great to know that someone hand made something with care. Don't just put stuff up to make money, put stuff up that you love, stuff that you'd buy.


I hope you enjoyed meeting Woody and seeing some of his fabulous work! He was also cool enough to send me a picture!



Visit Woody's site at http://www.woodymillerart.com and also his blog at http://pachydermexpress.blogspot.com!

A HUGE thank you to Woody and Cindy for taking the time to talk with me and answering my questions and allowing me to feature them!

Artist Spotlight: Black Cat Graphix

http://www.blackcatgraphix.etsy.com

I love this artist. Such emotion in each piece. Must see! She also took the time out to answer some questions.


blackcatgraphix


Tell us a bit about yourself

I live in Georgia with six cats, three dogs, goldfish and an understanding husband. I have a Bachelor's degree in Photographic Design, but have never been satisfied with myself as a photographer. I taught myself Photoshop and oil painting and am finally becoming able to create the visions I see. I always have a book handy for any chance I get to read. I'm told I'm funny, but somehow it doesn't feel appropriate to be funny in my art.

When and how did you discover your talent

I was in the shower trying out a new soap - no wait, that was something else...

What inspires you

People who are obsessed with making art, regardless of their means or situation. Also, remembering my very industrious Gandma, who always had multiple craft projects going on.


What dream do you have that hasn't been fulfilled yet

Supporting my husband with my wildly successful art career.



Any advice for us fellow Etsyians

Hang in there. I haven't been on Etsy that long myself, but I notice some very successful shops have been around for over a year. Now stop reading this and get back in your studio.



I hope you enjoyed meeting Cindy and seeing some of her fabulous art! The colors and faces are amazing!

Etsy on Martha Stewart!

Today Matt and Rob are filming with Martha! Heres the original forum link. When it airs has not been confirmed. I will post when there is an update. Yoohoo!

Lovin Redbubble.com!

This site is really awesome. I just created some new tee's and here are some example of the laminated prints they offer that include title and artist name. If you havent been to redbubble.com, you need to visit!

Awesome!

I just created some new shirts of my paintings on Redbubble and boy they came out awesome if I do say so myself. Heres a few of em...to see more click on one of the images. Also they come in all different colors as well! I love Redbubble!!

Branching Out

One of my ultimate addictions is mmorpgs (multi massive online role play games). So I decided to branch out a bit and create some designs for clothing for ultimate/casual gamers. I also made a video showing some of the styles. Hopefully this venture will do well. Click banner to see more.

A Collaboration

I want to thank micmac from Redbubble for allowing me to use my creative talents to create this awesome piece surrounding her original drawing that I rendered just a tad to go with the background. I think its hypnotic. I love how it turned out and micmac agrees.



Original drawing by Gisele Bedard. Aka micmac.

Im on YouTube!

Yup! I think it came out great!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM3Hp7CVEL0

If your a fellow Etsyian and would like to make your own video, this is all you do...
go to http://www.onetruemedia.com
Sign up..its free!
Use images that you use in your shop!
Have a YouTube account-also free
OneTrueMedia will post your video on YouTube for you.

Its easy! And doesnt cost a thing but some time.

Vote and favorite it if you wish.

Who in the world is Stephen Colbert?

I must live under a rock...all of a sudden I see this guys name everywhere...who is he?? I know he has something to do with politics, but whats he about and why is he so loved? Someone enlighten me please.

Got a cool email..

from Benjamin Rogovy from Imagekind inviting me to join. Turns out I already had an account but totally forgot about it. I totally updated and uploaded my account and its now all set! Thanks again Ben for the invite! I look forward to being a part of the community!

RedBubble

Appearantly I joined this site even though I dont remember ever seeing it before. Anyways, Im so glad! I starting uploading images yesterday and Ive already gotten quite a few views and comments! The site is really easy to use and Im really enjoying it. Its a site for artists/photographers/graphic and more, to sell their images in several different forms. The site is free and they print out your work to your customers and you get a commission (that you set). Check it out! Click the banner above!

And look...me on the front page!

Your Turn!

Angel made from Oprah...Literally!

Thats right! I took a picture of Oprah on my tv set and created this!

Her show at the time was about her Angel Network which inspired the angel.

You can purchase a print just by clicking the image.

I have sent this to the Oprah Show but of course I havent heard anything about it. What Id like to do is auction the original piece with her approval and support, on Ebay. Then donate all the money to her Angel Network!

Artist Spotlight-Etsy for Animals

http://etsyforanimals.com
Been a while since I featured an artist..so this time Im featuring someone who is not only a great artist but they also do alot for animals! Read the interview to learn more!


mvegan5


Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm a vegan artist, jeweler, cat mom, and art teacher from California and living in Be'er Sheva, Israel.
When did you discover your talent
I have a BFA in Painting and an MAT in Art Education from the Rhode Island School of Design, and have been creating since I was small.
What inspires you
My artwork, jewelry, and teaching are inspired by my love for animals, nature, and children.
What dream do you have that hasn't been fulfilled yet
A dream I have yet unfulfilled.... to have lots more rescued animals (right now I have 2 rescued kitties) and to raise compassionate children who respect animals and nature. I would like to raise a lot more money to help animals, and sell more custom animal portraits.I would love to run my own children's art studio teaching love for art, animals, nature, and recycling, maybe with a little art and jewelry shop attached to it!
Any advice for us fellow Etsyians
I have found that sales have picked up with my involvment in the forums, street teams, and posting my site and items on other artist sites. I also pass out my business cards and Etsy for Animals flyers whenever possible.
What made you decide to donate money for animals?
I've always known I wanted to do something helping animals and be an artist, and have now been able to combine the two.I donate part of my store profits to animal charities, and founded and run Etsy for Animals: Artists Helping Animals (efa) and http://etsyforanimals.etsy.com.
Tell us about your Etsy for Animals group
We are a group of over 250 etsy shops with owners helping animals, many donate part of their proceeds to animal charities. Please visit my shop for Cards, Prints, Paintings, and Jewelry helping animals and Etsy for Animals for all different types of goodies, many helping animal charities.



Hope you enjoyed this interview! Also please check out mvegan's Treasury celebrating animals!

In Memorium

Just wanted to take a moment and say that my heart goes out to all the families who lost someone on this tragic day 6 years ago. It will be a day no one will ever forget. I think most of us remember where we were when we first heard. For me, I was at work and I think it took me several hours to actually register that it was real. I hope nothing like this ever happens again. Many prayers and thoughts to everyone.