One question that I am asked frequently is: "How do you get your ideas?"
Well, I am always thinking about ideas for the next painting. So, ideas and inspiration can come from everywhere.
1. Since my work is religious in nature, my own spiritual life and study provides many ideas for me. I want to encourage my viewers with something positive or a new look at a familiar story or idea. Imagery from scripture lingers in my subconscious and I can draw from it.
2. Faces play a large part in my work, and I love people watching. I use people I know when I can, but it's even harder for me to part with a work done straight from someone I know. Much of the time, the faces are inspired by friends and family.
3. I love things that are quirky and unexpected. I like including seemingly random images to challenge my viewer to stop and wonder why in the world a praying mantis is perched on a young woman's head, for instance. I know this may perplex many people unfamiliar with contemporary ideas about art, but I am not being malicious, just whimsical!
4. Symbols fascinate me. I love reading stories and essays with metaphors and allegories. When I understand that there are multiple meanings for phrasing, characters, or images, I feel triumphant like I have solved a puzzle or see through a veil that not everyone can see through. It's that sense that I hope to give my viewers.
5. I piggy back ideas from previously finished works. When I finish a piece, I sometimes get the sense that there is more to say about the ideas I was exploring, or I see another way to express that same idea. On the other hand, some pieces are complete and I have no desire to explore anymore.
Please let me know any thoughts you may have on this subject and please tell a friend about my work!
http://www.artbysaradb.com
Thoughts about the art world, Sara's own work and being an artist.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Why I love Surrealism
"Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the group members.
Surrealist works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non -sequitur."-Wikipedia
There are many different aspects and facets of surrealism. Probably the most noted surrealist is Salvador Dali. He painted the famous 'melting clocks.'
I first learned about surrealism in ninth grade art. My teacher, Mrs. Quisenberry, gave us the assignment to create a surrealist drawing. I drew an underwater scene with finned zebras, elephants and giraffes swimming in sea weed. I loved the idea of drawing and painting fantastic ideas that couldn't appear in the 'real world.'
I think surrealism is different from fantasy art, but the two can overlap in places. In my own work, I have juxtaposed images and realities freely for the last 10 years. I used to be wary of the label of surrealism when collectors used it to describe my style. Now, I think it accurately describes my style and I am proud to be considered a surrealist.
In my most recent work, I use surrealism to convey something unexpected. Lately, combining unexpected pop culture references or insects or other 'misplaced' images with traditional or formal portraits is interesting to me.
Example:
In this piece, "Past Present Future," the formal portrait of a noble woman is juxtaposed with a cartoon unicorn and a kraken in the background. A little surreal...
To purchase a limited edition reproduction of this image:
To purchase the unframed original watercolor "Past Present Future"- 11x14- $500 plus $20 shipping
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Creative drug
I am starting to paint 3 new works after working on the sketches for 3 days this week. The feeling of accomplishment of having got the sketches done(and liking them), is like a drug, I think! I feel buoyed up and so pumped to see the finished painting! I get so impatient sometimes to see the end product, that I have to remind myself to take time to do an exceptional job worth showing the world.
"Communication" 16x21 watercolor
Also, I am loving this painting from a few years ago. I go back and forth about even selling it. I am always drawn, no pun intended, to fish, so this piece is a fave of mine. I also love the 'hidden' blue tooth she is wearing. This theme of juxtaposing current technology and traditional portraits really appeals to me. I think the divide between the generations in our society is really a shame. If we didn't look down on those who have paved the roads for us, we may avoid the pitfalls they already tried to patch for us! Conversely, the lack of interest in current trends and technology by many older generations seems to speak of a unwillingness to be open to younger generation's ideas and thoughts.
I would love to hear your comments and please pass this along if you find this interesting.
Order limited edition reproductions of "Communication."
Please check out my website to see more of my work! www.artbysaradb.com
Also, I am loving this painting from a few years ago. I go back and forth about even selling it. I am always drawn, no pun intended, to fish, so this piece is a fave of mine. I also love the 'hidden' blue tooth she is wearing. This theme of juxtaposing current technology and traditional portraits really appeals to me. I think the divide between the generations in our society is really a shame. If we didn't look down on those who have paved the roads for us, we may avoid the pitfalls they already tried to patch for us! Conversely, the lack of interest in current trends and technology by many older generations seems to speak of a unwillingness to be open to younger generation's ideas and thoughts.
I would love to hear your comments and please pass this along if you find this interesting.
Order limited edition reproductions of "Communication."
Please check out my website to see more of my work! www.artbysaradb.com
Sunday, February 5, 2012
5 Reasons Why YOUR Art Collection SHOULD NOT Match Your Couch
I don't have anything against great interior design, it's a hobby of mine. What drives me crazy is art buyers who won't support an artist they like and a piece of art that speaks to them because it doesn't "go" with their house. Bah!
1. Great art can hold it's own.
I grew up in a very conservative town by parents who didn't think much about art... until I came along. The first time I had seen art in a home that didn't match the couch was at a friend's house in Albuquerque when I was in college. He has a beautiful home with a wide range of original art hanging. It was amazing!! I noticed each piece and I could appreciate it's uniqueness. I certainly did not think that my friend couldn't coordinate his furniture!
2. "Matchy match" gets lost.
I will just say it. Matching art/prints blend into the to walls and decor, never to be seen again. If you hang a piece of art in a room with all of the same colors and patterns as the furnishings, the money you spent on something to see on your walls is wasted. I don't know how many times I walk into a home and barely glance at their boring art. Note: boring art does not mean traditional or representational.
3. A piece that speaks to you has earned its spot on the wall.
The art I have on my walls has the ability to stop me and make me pause to contemplate it almost daily. I notice the art on my walls and it speaks to me. I have a range of styles that I like and some are not 'wild' at all. However, they are pieces I truly love. Please hang art that will talk to you and refresh you or challenge you!
4. Something different makes YOU interesting.
A piece of art that speaks to you but may be a little out of your comfort zone says something interesting about you. Hanging it on your wall becomes a conversation piece and tells your visitors something about you that they may not know!
5. Supporting an artist and challenging art is good for the soul.
Artists really do appreciate kind words and encouragement, but when you take a piece of art home, you take little of the artist with you. It's a great compliment to the artist and that piece will likely become a 'friend' to you, a friend who reminds you of a good memory or challenges your way of thinking or shows you something new everyday.
So, the next time you are at an art festival, see a piece online or at a gallery and it speaks to you, please don't let the fact that it "doesn't match" keep you from getting the benefits of something beautiful and meaningful in your home.
Please check out my website to see more of my work! http://www.artbysaradb.com
and pass this along if you have enjoyed it!
1. Great art can hold it's own.
I grew up in a very conservative town by parents who didn't think much about art... until I came along. The first time I had seen art in a home that didn't match the couch was at a friend's house in Albuquerque when I was in college. He has a beautiful home with a wide range of original art hanging. It was amazing!! I noticed each piece and I could appreciate it's uniqueness. I certainly did not think that my friend couldn't coordinate his furniture!
2. "Matchy match" gets lost.
I will just say it. Matching art/prints blend into the to walls and decor, never to be seen again. If you hang a piece of art in a room with all of the same colors and patterns as the furnishings, the money you spent on something to see on your walls is wasted. I don't know how many times I walk into a home and barely glance at their boring art. Note: boring art does not mean traditional or representational.
3. A piece that speaks to you has earned its spot on the wall.
The art I have on my walls has the ability to stop me and make me pause to contemplate it almost daily. I notice the art on my walls and it speaks to me. I have a range of styles that I like and some are not 'wild' at all. However, they are pieces I truly love. Please hang art that will talk to you and refresh you or challenge you!
4. Something different makes YOU interesting.
A piece of art that speaks to you but may be a little out of your comfort zone says something interesting about you. Hanging it on your wall becomes a conversation piece and tells your visitors something about you that they may not know!
5. Supporting an artist and challenging art is good for the soul.
Artists really do appreciate kind words and encouragement, but when you take a piece of art home, you take little of the artist with you. It's a great compliment to the artist and that piece will likely become a 'friend' to you, a friend who reminds you of a good memory or challenges your way of thinking or shows you something new everyday.
So, the next time you are at an art festival, see a piece online or at a gallery and it speaks to you, please don't let the fact that it "doesn't match" keep you from getting the benefits of something beautiful and meaningful in your home.
Please check out my website to see more of my work! http://www.artbysaradb.com
and pass this along if you have enjoyed it!
Monday, January 31, 2011
10 years and a local show
Tomorrow I am hanging my art at the local theater. It's going to be cool because I will have about 25 pieces covering 10 years of my work! I can't believe it's been 10 years as a professional artist. I still like my older work and it's making me nostalgic to see how it's changed.
My undercurrent of spiritual symbolism is still alive and well, but I think my style has evolved a little. Although I am prone to change styles a little, I love art deco to photo realism, I think my work has a more polished look. Well, I hope it looks polished anyway. No one wants to hear or say that they are getting sloppier!
Thanks to those who have supported me all of these years, and I am looking forward to another decade, or four, or creating!
My undercurrent of spiritual symbolism is still alive and well, but I think my style has evolved a little. Although I am prone to change styles a little, I love art deco to photo realism, I think my work has a more polished look. Well, I hope it looks polished anyway. No one wants to hear or say that they are getting sloppier!
Thanks to those who have supported me all of these years, and I am looking forward to another decade, or four, or creating!
Monday, January 17, 2011
My technique and why I love watercolor
Many people are surprised that my paintings are mostly watercolor. I taught myself how to use watercolor when I was 12. I later found out in art class that I was doing it "wrong." Well, I liked my results better so I kept practicing. In college, I studied under Rob Erdle and Warren Taylor. They are both amazing artists and they helped my refine my technique.
I use a layering technique to achieve the look of my watercolors. I control the wetness of the paper and the brushes to manipulate this medium. The comment I hear most when I say that I use watercolor is that watercolor is so hard!! It absolutely can be. With a lot of patience and some know-how, this medium provides me with a way to create realistic paintings and portraits in color. I prefer watercolor over oils because watercolors are water soluble and so I don't need any chemicals other than the paints themselves. It is odorless and dries quickly, too. I am including some time lapse photos of one of my paintings to show my process. It takes awhile and doesn't really look great until the end, but I really like the results!! I hope you find it interesting!
"Three Fish" 16x21 watercolor
"Order limited edition reproductions of "Three Fish" seen above
www.artbysaradb.com
I use a layering technique to achieve the look of my watercolors. I control the wetness of the paper and the brushes to manipulate this medium. The comment I hear most when I say that I use watercolor is that watercolor is so hard!! It absolutely can be. With a lot of patience and some know-how, this medium provides me with a way to create realistic paintings and portraits in color. I prefer watercolor over oils because watercolors are water soluble and so I don't need any chemicals other than the paints themselves. It is odorless and dries quickly, too. I am including some time lapse photos of one of my paintings to show my process. It takes awhile and doesn't really look great until the end, but I really like the results!! I hope you find it interesting!
"Three Fish" 16x21 watercolor
"Order limited edition reproductions of "Three Fish" seen abovewww.artbysaradb.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
December post
Well, it's hot today so it's hard to feel Christmasy, but I baked pumpkin and poppy seed breads for friends and family yesterday and today. My house smells amazing!! I am done with my commissions for the year and I am kind of taking a break to let my mind rest and come up with new ideas for paintings.
I was busy with shows and commissions this fall, so I haven't painted for myself in months. I am trying to finish a series. Sometimes the last paintings are the hardest!!
I also need to create some work to enter in the Spring Juried show. The Midland Arts Association has a rule that you can't enter anything that has been accepted in a previous MAA show. Well, the juror for the Fall show chose way too many pieces for the show. Case in point, all three of my entries got in. That has never happened before. I have juried shows before. I know it is difficult, but it doesn't mean as much to the artist if almost everything is accepted! So, I have no recent work to enter that hasn't already sold or already been in an MAA show. I know, boo hoo! ;) All that to say, I need to be a creative genius in the next few weeks! I hope something decent comes out!! ;)
I hope everyone is safe traveling and has an amazing Holiday with family and friends!!
I was busy with shows and commissions this fall, so I haven't painted for myself in months. I am trying to finish a series. Sometimes the last paintings are the hardest!!
I also need to create some work to enter in the Spring Juried show. The Midland Arts Association has a rule that you can't enter anything that has been accepted in a previous MAA show. Well, the juror for the Fall show chose way too many pieces for the show. Case in point, all three of my entries got in. That has never happened before. I have juried shows before. I know it is difficult, but it doesn't mean as much to the artist if almost everything is accepted! So, I have no recent work to enter that hasn't already sold or already been in an MAA show. I know, boo hoo! ;) All that to say, I need to be a creative genius in the next few weeks! I hope something decent comes out!! ;)
I hope everyone is safe traveling and has an amazing Holiday with family and friends!!
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