Paper Paintings

Setting Goals for 2012

2012-01-17T20:53:00.002-05:00

Athletic

As many of you know, athleticism is a close second to art for me. For 2012 my goal is to compete in an Olympic distance triathlon with an ocean swim. So today, I registered for St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL. The 1-mile swim will take place in the Tampa Bay, where the waves are calm and the water temperature should be bearable!

Last year I competed in my first Olympic distance triathlon at Moss Park in Orlando. The Olympic is a 1-mile swim, a 23-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run. If you missed my "Aim High" post about setting attainable goals and my first Olympic distance in 2011, it's worth a read.

I figured if I could make it through the BLACK water of Moss Park Lake, I could handle the ocean, where the salt water will make me more buoyant! Honestly, I'm just scared of SHARKS. But 2012 is about overcoming fear, aiming high, and growing. You have to push beyond your comfort zone in order to grow. So here I go...

Artistic Style

After watching BRAVO's "Work of Art" Show this season and seeing the wonderful drawing and line work of winning artist Kymia Nawabi, I began to miss drawing and mark making. My goal is to expand my style to include more drawing and mark making intermingled with collage in the new work that I will create this year. I am sure there is a way that I can incorporate both disciplines into one harmonious composition.... and I'm committing to push myself outside my comfort zone, experiment and grow.

Affectionate Goats / 24x24 / collage on birch panel

Exhibitions

I have already been working toward my BIG goal of the 50-piece solo exhibition at the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts in 2012. I have been showing my progress both here on the blog and on my Facebook fan page.

The Facebook page is worth a look as it shows many quick entries of sketches, and progress shots of work for this monumental show. My largest solo exhibition to date included only 43 pieces of new work, this show goes above and beyond that!

In addition to my Noah's Ark Show, I also have a smaller scale 20-piece exhibition at the Stone Soup Gallery in Key West, FL March 15-April 17. For a year now I have been working toward sending the best possible selection of work to both shows and start the new year out strong.

My goal for these two solo exhibitions is excellent attendance, and of course, sales. I will be honing my marketing as we get closer to the dates of these shows. Stay tuned, bring a friend. Have some wine, open your wallet! There's nothing like a one-of-a-kind original artwork.

Workshops

2012 is already booked with workshops for me, if you can believe it. I'll be teaching in Bermuda, Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and back home in Florida this year. My hope is to introduce more NEW painting techniques to the paper portion of the class. I'm constantly doing research and experimenting on my own with painting collage papers, I plan to bring as much new information as I can to students in 2012.

THANK YOU for sharing my goals with me, for following this blog. I appreciate your support, your comments and your interest in my work. Here's to a fantastic 2012 with much personal and professional growth!

Save The Date

2012-01-06T15:43:00.001-05:00

As you know, I have been working away at my Noah's Ark show for almost a year now. This show will be at the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts in Orange Park, FL. When the Executive Director called and asked me to exhibit, I said "Yes!" before I asked "...how many pieces?"

And then the work on 50 PIECES feverishly began. I personally decided to go with the concept of Noah's Ark because I wanted to have a cohesive show with an interesting theme. I love doing animals and what could be better than 25 sets of twos? My concept was to produce each set at the same time, using the same papers and sometimes even crossing the art over from one panel to the next. This way if a collector wanted to purchase two pieces, they were truly a match made in heaven.

Toucans in the studio

Looking way back, I think the Toucans might have been my first set. AND I actually took one on a family cruise with me and completed it in my state room. I bet my Carnival Cruise Line room attendant enjoyed watching my work progress every day he cleaned the room. Between activities, eating and drinking, I probably never spent more than 20-minutes at a time working on my toucan. BUT at the end of the week, I had a finished piece in my luggage.

I don't think I ever had such a fancy vessel to clean my brushes in!

I have been making animal pairs like crazy since the cruise without looking back. Considering I have a day job as a graphic designer, I am not a full time artist. I paint mostly at night, on weekends, and when I can fit it in to my schedule. As a result, many of my in progress photos are shot in the wee hours of the morning.

Turtle #1 underpainting early stages, on the easel

The Turtles taught me how tedious spots can be. Like childbirth, a few months later I forgot the pain and went in for another spotted animal, despite my better judgement.

I often use sheet music as birch tree bark,

but this application for whiskers seemed right on!

Jaguar #2 / 24x20 / collage on cradled birch panel / ©St. Hilaire Nelson

Patterns and spots are all part of the texture of hand painted collage paper. One day while wandering around Lowe's, I stumbled upon some silicone sink liners that I thought would make great stamping tools, and so began another effect to explore...

two 10x22 sketches for Giraffe

Stamping background patterns onto the wood panel with sink liner material

Detail / ©St. Hilaire Nelson

I could not have the Ark without the Elephants, so I gave myself the challenge of creating water droplets out of a combination of paper and underpainting. I was happy with the effect and proud of the playful nature of the work.

Drips and splatters in the underpainting were re-enforced with torn paper on top

Elephants lead to Kangaroos as the old camp song about Noah's Ark rang though my head... elephants and kangaroosies roosies, children of the Lord!

pencil sketch on wood panel in the studio

beginning underpainting stage with fluid acrylic

detail of underpainting with pencil mark making

In my need to keep producing work for this show, I packed a larger suitcase than I needed for a weekend and took a 20x24 Koala up to Massachusetts with me to visit my family. The 20x24 just BARELY made it into my purple rolling bag, I held my breath a little as the airline attendant threw it onto the conveyor belt.

beginning stages of underpainting in the studio

my 5-year old nephew helps out as I work on my lap in my sister's living room

Truly enjoying the idea of tearing up these palette papers

My brother's son was so intrigued with the collage process that he had to help, we had a great time one morning working on the Koala in my sister's living room. Good thing I have a big suitcase!

I began to wonder if Noah would have included sea life on the ark.

And then I thought about colorful crabs...

crab sketch detail, pencil on birch panel

crabs in progress on the easel

Most recently I have done Lions, which I think are some of my favorites. But I tend to say that about EVERY new piece I do...

basic underpainting on the easel, this is what I start collage with

The eyes have it, my favorite part!

Lion detail, texture and color

To date I have done about 20 SETS of two animals. I am at the point where I am asking for suggestions from folks of animal pairs. Do you have any animals you'd like to see represented?

What's on my easel RIGHT NOW? A pair with flare, and humor...

Stamping with sink liner, see also giraffe

My husband says I look like a mechanic

Fun expression and a study in opposites, purple and yellow

Show Opens April 27th

Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts

St. John's State College

Orange Park Campus

Directions

Cherie's Progress

2011-12-19T11:04:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while since I posted about my friend Cherie. For anyone who has not followed this story, Cherie was paralyzed in a car accident last September 30, 2010. I have known Cherie all my life.

I drove to Vero Beach this weekend to spend Saturday and Sunday with Cherie and her family. We had a great time. Cherie and I enjoyed catching up, eating sushi, and enjoying the warm weather in Vero Beach.

We looked on Facebook at some pictures of "kids" from our neighborhood and people we went to school with. We remembered some stories and people we had not thought about in a very LONG time and it was lots of fun! Cherie and I have been friends since we were about four years old.

I'm SUPER HAPPY to tell you that she has regained some significant movement in her arms (not hands)! She is left handed, and she can move her left arm, from the elbow, in and out, back and forth, and hopes to soon be able to drive her wheelchair with it via a joystick. Right now she is using the head array to control the chair. This is big news, because her injury is C4-5, which is very high up in her neck. The therapists are very excited and continue to use electric stimulation on her hands and arms!

If you are looking for a place to make a small donation that can make a big difference this holiday season, Cherie has a charitable trust in her name: www.CherieStannard.com. You can donate via PayPal or credit card there and any amount helps. Cherie has no health insurance and Medicaid is very limited in what they cover.

If you would like to purchase a wonderful book of art from artists around the world that I put together, Art With Heart is a great coffee table book and 100% of the profit margin goes to Cherie: http://www.blurb.com/books/1854848

I received a very very special gift from Cherie and her sister Sue while I was visiting. Some of you remember that Cherie's mother was an artist, and my first artistic influence. She took me to visit an art museum for the first time, and I used to love to look at her work and watch her use watercolor and pastel at the easel in her studio. This painting, a copy of a Degas, hung in Cherie's home as LONG as I have known Cherie. Jean Stannard painted this painting as a lesson painting, to learn the techniques of Degas. I always admired how beautifully it was executed and was especially drawn to the lighting on the dancer. I can still picture where this painting hung in their home as I always enjoyed walking past it, heading up the stairs to Cherie's room!

Cherie and Sue surprised me and GAVE Me this painting! Jean passed away several years ago, and they said that they could not imagine anyone who deserved the painting more than me. They said that Jean would be happy to know I had it.

I can't tell you how much this means to me and how close I have been to Cherie all my life. This gesture was truly generous and I am much appreciative. I just thought I'd share it with you this morning, as we approach Christmas.

Butterflies on the Move

2011-12-15T11:00:00.002-05:00

These four butterflies were made for licensing, they may end up as prints available at Pier One Imports or on packaging somewhere. Or they may not. That's just how licensing art goes.

Anyway, you can have the original, in time for Christmas, for $75

Fly 20 / 10x8 / collage on canvas panel / unframed / ©St. Hilaire Nelson

SOLD!

Fly 50 / 10x8 / collage on canvas panel / unframed / ©St. Hilaire Nelson

SOLD!

Fly 88 / 10x8 / collage on canvas panel / unframed / ©St. Hilaire Nelson

SOLD!

Fly 24 / 10x8 / collage on canvas panel / unframed / ©St. Hilaire Nelson

SOLD!

Give the Gift of a Workshop Destination Weekend!

2011-12-05T20:02:00.005-05:00

How about a workshop weekend in one of the most beautiful places on earth? Sedona, AZ! If you have never been to Sedona, you are in for a treat. The amazing 360º views of red rocks will take your breath away. There are plenty hiking and walking trails among the rocks as well.

Put in the code GIFT101 in the coupon box of the payment screen, then click the APPLY button directly below the coupon box. Hurry, offer ends December 30th!

Click here for my April Sedona Workshop info

The Sedona Arts Center (above) offers workshops and classes in every medium and is located in the heart of this art community. They feature a gallery of student work where you can see some fantastic samples of what folks are creating in class.

You will also enjoy art abounding in a number of galleries and shops such as the LARK art gallery pictured above. They carry some of my Paper Paintings animal collages and are located in the Hozho Center.

Click here for information about the Lark ARt Gallery

The last time I was in Sedona, I took an art tour of three working artists studios with Tatia Flick (above) and I have to say that it was a fantastic way to spend the day! Tatia is an amazing host and she drives you around to the artists studios, giving you a view of Sedona neighborhoods and back roads. She also does shopping tours! What could be better. ? Tatia is a sweetheart, you will love spending the day with her.

Click here for Sedona Art Tours Website

About 45 min from Sedona is Jerome, an amazing old mining town that is now a plethora of art galleries and unique shops and restaurants that wind their way straight up a mountain! If you have time, it's a great day trip!

Click here for Jerome, AZ info

We took the kids to Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon and went in slipping down the rock water slide! It was tons of fun and would make a great half day in addition to your Paper Paintings collage workshop at the Arts Center!

Click here for Slide Rock State Park Info

Don't delay. Book today and save 10%.
I'll see you in Sedona April 20-22, 2012!

Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-11-29T14:47:00.001-05:00

Lang is offering gift items, including 2012 calendars, on their website and in stores near you featuring Paper Pantings. Click Here to learn more

Looking for the perfect gift for the budding artist in your life? Why not try my Collage Process Overview DVD. I take you through the process of collage from sketch to completion with a portfolio of images at the end. Click Here to learn more.

A good companion to the DVD is the Collage Process Overview Book. Professionally designed with amazing full color photos, this book leads you through techniques for painting your own papers and applying them to wood panel. Click Here to learn more Click Here for info on a PDF Download

Details is a new coffee table book for gift giving, it's oversized at 12x12 will full page photos of detailed sections of my bird collage work. This book is on premium photo paper and is available along with a selection of other books from my Lulu store. Click Here to learn more

iPhone Cases make great gifts and the good news is that the 4 case also fits the new 4S!
Click Here to learn more

Note Cards are available in two new sets, Dogs and Birds. Each set is two each of five designs and comes in a clear plastic box with silver ribbon. Click Here for Dogs. Click Here for Birds

Giclée prints are available on almost all of my work. Email me for information on your favorite image as a paper or gallery wrapped canvas print.

Flashbags are neat totes that sport my artwork from cows to birds to dancing feet! They are a woman owned company in Burlington, VT and all bags are made there, by hand. Click Here to learn more

New Book, Now Available for the Holidays!

2011-11-04T11:43:00.000-04:00

This 12x12 case-wrap hardcover book is printed on premium paper in full color. The book showcases LARGE full page color detailed areas of my birds collages. Book One is Birds, and I just may do a Book Two on Cows!

Now through November 30th you can use coupon code: Thanks355 and save 15%

Click here for more info

That's Just How I Do It

2011-10-13T15:33:00.001-04:00

Rooster, yet to be titled, 30x30, collage on wood panel

In a recent blog post from my dear friend and fellow artist Robin Maria Pedrero talked about how she accomplishes everything she does. I found this post to be so refreshing and interesting as Robin and I often speak about balancing family and work.

Robin talks about keeping a positive attitude, mentoring and teaching, learning from her mistakes and managing her time. She goes on to share a typical day in her life, and it resonated with me. I decided to borrow her idea and share with you, my readers, a day in my life. I do this because like Robin, everyday people say to me "I don't know how you do all that you do."

This week I am teaching seven fifth grade classes the art of collage and the profession of being an artist. I am at Sabal Point Elementary school every day this week except Wednesday, which is early release day. Yesterday was Wednesday.

Tuesday late afternoon the corporate director for the Grand Bohemian Gallery which carries my work nationally asked me if I had any new work. Since I have been working on my Noah's Ark Series I have not had new work to give her for a while, and I am feeling badly about answering that question with "no" because my answer for most things is usually "yes."

I Always Give it My Best
Vanessa was looking for a large scale rooster piece and had hoped to install it in the Asheville gallery. I told her I'd do what I could to get one done for her.

sketch with beginnings of underpainting

Late Tuesday night I sketched up the rooster onto my 30x30 panel and coated it with multiple coats of clear gesso. Wednesday morning at 6:30am I blocked in the green background before waking the kids for school.

Multitasking is Key

While the kids were showering and getting ready for breakfast I pulled on my sneakers and ran three miles around my neighborhood. When I returned I checked on the kids progress, took a quick shower and cooked breakfast of eggs, toast, sausage and fresh fruit (Every morning is like Sunday at our house). I ran a load of laundry and put away the dishwasher. Before they went out the door to catch the bus I packed them both healthy lunches and kissed them goodbye, wishing them the very best day!

Slightly off Center

Back inside, I quick changed into my gym clothes and headed off to lift weights. Exercise is my relaxation, I enjoy pushing the limits of both my mental and physical strength. I find my center and calm my mind through exercise every day. Before I clean up, I dash out to the studio to block in more color on the rooster, completing the underpainting. This will need to dry for a few hours. I'm moving so fast I think I'm still burning calories!

underpainting progresses with more blocking in and

establishing a decorative background

Keep Moving

I head into the house and put the laundry in the dryer, shower, check my emails and design an ad layout for a health and fitness club in Baltimore, MD. Today I have set aside some time to have lunch with a friend since it's early day and I am not volunteering at school. We enjoy Greek food and catch up conversation and then I head home and back to my desk. I design a tri-fold massage brochure for that same Baltimore client, field more emails, make changes to some fitness posters for my Orlando based Sportsplex and before I know it I can hear the beep-beep of the alarm as the kids come in the garage from school.

I take the kids for frozen yogurt so we can spend some time together before dance and swim team. We head home and on the way drop my daughter off for dance at 4:00. I encourage my son to do a bit of his homework before we have to leave for swim team at 5:15. Take a few minutes to check social networking, email and waiting for the underpainting to dry.

Head to the aquatics center with my son for 5:30 and back to pick up at dance for the break from 6-7pm. Arrive home, make spaghetti and organic chicken sausage. Back to dance for 7-9pm and pickup Connor at the aquatics center at 7pm. Typically I have help with the driving buy my husband is out of town on a photo shoot this week. Hit the post office to mail DVDs on my way home.

Balancing Act

Get everyone back and forth and settled with homework, then I sit and read for an hour with the kids and the dogs until DANCE MOMS comes on TV at 10pm. It's a repeat and so I tell my daughter I'm going to pass and head out to the studio to work. They are engrossed in TV as I head to the back yard with the dogs in tow. I pick up some papers and try to organize my work area a bit, put on some good music and start working in a sea of reds for the rooster waddle and comb.

In the groove when 11pm rolls around, but I have to check on the kids and make sure they don't stay up any later than DANCE MOMS, head inside, say goodnight, clean out lunch boxes for tomorrow, and rotate the laundry again, dogs in tow.

darkness has settled in as the sun has been down for hours,

but I'm still going strong

Head out to the studio after everyone is in their room for the night. This is the witching hour, it's when the magic happens. Put my favorite Pandora station on, take the glue brush out of the water and I am quickly back in the zone. Share a few fun texts with my friend and Dog A Day painter Kim Santini who tells me she's turning in for the night. Stay in that zone for as long as I possibly can before the yawning starts around 12:30. Keep working until 1:00 am and sit for a minute to evaluate my progress.

Head in for a few hours of sleep with visions of paper tidbits dancing in my head like sugar plum fairies. Sometimes it's hard to get to sleep when my brain is moving so fast, even though I am tired. Tonight I get to sleep about 1:30. Some mornings I wake at 5:00am with my mind working away wildly at collage solutions and techniques for future subject matter.

Do it All Over Again

Up at 6:00 am to varnish the now dry rooster head piece. Head out to evaluate the night's work and be sure I like it as much as I thought I did. Apply varnish and head back inside to making breakfast and start the day. After the kids go, I hop on my bike for a 20-mile ride and along the way I stop to take iPhone collage reference photos of the cows on the bike trail as they are at the fence and I have not seen them there in weeks!

Return home and put another varnish coat on before heading for the shower. Today I'm volunteering at school again so I likely will have to bring the rooster downtown to the gallery tomorrow morning. I'll put the hanging wire and final varnish coat on this afternoon.

And that's just how I do it.

A Portrait in Progress

2011-10-11T15:35:00.000-04:00

sketch with beginnings of under-painting

Recently I was contacted by an Orlando law firm about doing a very special portrait. The gentleman in this sketch passed away earlier this year from cancer. The partners and employees of the firm wanted to do something special in his memory, a collage portrait utilizing ephemera provided by his coworkers as well as his family.

sketch with beginnings of under-painting

One day a few weeks ago I was given a huge box of papers that reminded the people in his life about Bob. I have Orlando Magic tickets and golf score cards, cigar wrappers, old baseball cards, hand written notes, emails, business cards, beer labels and even a ticket stub to a Rangers game from the very first date he ever had with his wife Daisy. Ray took the time to go through the box with me and explain the significance of everything that had been submitted. It was a process that I could see was helpful for Ray to remember some of the things he loved the most about his friend Bob.

under-painting

It is an amazing responsibility to hand paint all of these very special papers and do a good job incorporating them into a portrait of such a loved man. I made sure to paint all of my papers in tones and colors of the underpainting I had established.

papers hand painted in tones for the portrait

How in the world do you create a portrait from a pile of colored papers?
One piece at a time. :)

blocking in the background

This is where we stand as of this afternoon. I'm blocking in the background first and then I'll go into the face. I plan to use more subdued papers in the face with less texture/pattern so as to be less busy. Flesh tones are always a challenge as you can just never have enough shades. I end up infusing a lot of color in order to establish the right values.

Stay tuned for more progression on this very special portrait.

Workshop Photos

2011-10-10T16:52:00.001-04:00

Many thanks to Denisse who attended my workshop twice in the last month and took these awesome photos for me, AND made a great slideshow of them for me to share.

I have the best art friends. :)
click here to view the slideshow

New Workshop / North Carolina

2011-10-10T13:08:00.001-04:00

Come out and tear paper with me
in Greensboro, NC!

Fairview Elementary School
601 Fairview Street
High Point, NC

Contact: Lisa Skeen via email
lpskeen@gmail.com

Or visit her webpage:
http://livingtreestudios.wordpress.com/non-zentangle-workshops/

Progression of a Peacock

2011-10-06T16:36:00.000-04:00

My daughter worked many hours on this wonderful promotional video for me. See building the support, painting the papers, the collage process, and the final project, all in under two minutes.

Thanks to my husband for building the oversized support, and thanks to Emilie for hours of editing long after the filming was complete.

A Look At the Weekend

2011-10-04T15:19:00.000-04:00

Seymour Lenz, Videographer visited my booth at the festival with his camera and then emailed me this link today! What a wonderful gesture. Thanks Seymour!

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T12:03:00.000-04:00

Florida Box Turtle, 24x20 ©St. Hilaire Nelson

Florida Box Turtle
20x24 gallery wrapped canvas giclée print
art all the way around the edges
wired and ready to hang
EMBELLISHED with some paper on top and SIGNED

$350.00

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T08:55:00.000-04:00

Bananas, 8x8 collage on deep boxed panel, ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Great Kitchen Art

this 8x8 original collage is on 5 1/8 inch deep boxed panel with painted edges, wired and ready to hang. This piece would make a great holiday gift for yourself or the art lover in your life.

$150.00

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T08:51:00.003-04:00

Carrots, 8x8, collage with acrylic on deep cradled birch panel ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Great Kitchen Art

this 8x8 original collage is on 5 1/8 inch deep boxed panel with painted edges, wired and ready to hang. This piece would make a great holiday gift for yourself or the art lover in your life.

$150.00

Calendars are Now In Stock!

2011-10-03T06:37:00.000-04:00

I have a 2012 Lang Calendar!
A great holiday gift for the art lover in your life. Along with the calendar, Lang has produced travel mugs, journals, note and recipe cards. You will probably find these items available in book and gift stores near you, but if you'd like to purchase from Lang directly you can visit their website.

http://www.lang.com/artists/elizabeth_st_hilaire_nelson/1001538

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T06:25:00.000-04:00

Two Muse 24x20 ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Two Muse

24x20 giclée print on watercolor paper

flat packed with foam core backing (not rolled, ships flat)

SIGNED

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T06:22:00.001-04:00

Buttercup#1 20x30 ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Buttercup #1 SOLD

20x30 gallery wrapped canvas giclée print

art all the way around the edges

wired and ready to hang

SIGNED

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T06:18:00.001-04:00

Out To Pasture, 24x20 ©St. Hilaire Nelson

Out To Pasture SOLD

24x20 gallery wrapped canvas giclée print

art all the way around the edges

wired and ready to hang

SIGNED

Post Art Festival Special

2011-10-03T06:13:00.000-04:00

Butterfly Strings 20x24 ©St.Hilaire Nelson

I had some giclée prints made on deep gallery stretched canvas for the art festival. I sold several, but have a few left that I'd love to offer to you online.

Butterfly Strings
20x24 gallery wrapped canvas giclée print
art all the way around the edges
wired and ready to hang
EMBELLISHED with some paper on top and SIGNED

Art Under The Stars!

2011-09-27T14:06:00.003-04:00

This weekend is my Art Festival Debut at the Maitland Rotary Art Festival at Lake Lily. I want to thank all of you who gave me ideas and suggestions for my booth and merchandise over the last month on my Facebook Fan Page. I have taken it all into account and hope to have a nice looking booth. Many thanks to my dear friend Judy Segall who ultimately saved me by lending me her display panels to hang my art on! I have the best art friends.

I am the poster artist (art AND design/layout) for this show, which is why I have a booth. I am not normally a festival artist, so this will probably be your one and only time to see me in a tent with my art!

You can now access a map of the festival layout online. This is helpful if you know artists in the show and their booth number. My booth number is 85 and I am near the big stage. This is helpful because I will be ON the big stage on Saturday night from 7:30-9:30 playing my violin with the Maitland Symphony Orchestra.

The festival is open 6pm-10pm on Friday, 10am-10pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
Stop by and say hello and check out my latest 48-inch wide mammoth PEACOCK collage!

NEW! Bird Note Cards

2011-09-21T09:56:00.002-04:00

My NEW note cards have arrived and they look GREAT! I could not be happier with the color and quality of the printing. These are glossy A2 note cards with envelopes. Each set is in a clear box with silver ribbon and contains two each of five images. Get them while they are hot, I have limited quantities!

NEW! Dog Note Cards

2011-09-21T09:52:00.002-04:00

Set of 10 note cards with envelopes, two each of five designs.

These adorable dogs are glossy A2 note cards in a clear box with a silver ribbon, a nice gift idea for yourself or a friend.

The Anne Marie is Helping Cherie

2011-09-14T13:33:00.000-04:00

From Author Israel Parker

Cherie Ann Stannard and Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

Until the End of September
Sometimes you have to do something for a perfect stranger. Not too long ago I read a story on my friend Elizabeth's blog. Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, is a very talented fine artist who happens to be the cover artist for my first novel "The Anne Marie."

There on Elizabeth's blog was a moving article about a woman named Cherie. I was so touched by Cherie's story, I decided to give 50% of my website book sale profits (website only -- due to royalty control) to help Cherie with her medical expenses. I will be donating these proceeds from now until September 30th. On my bookstore page I would also encourage you to read Cherie's incredibly challenging road to recovery and learn why it is so important to find it in your heart to give.

For more information about Cherie, please visit her website at CherieStannard.com

You get a great book, and 50% goes to help a person in need at the same time.

Israel Parker, author, holding the limited edition giclée print

It Gets Better!
On top of the donation, everyone who buys a book from IsraelParker.com during the month of September will also be entered to win a 24x18 limited edition gallery wrapped canvas giclée print of the exquisite cover of "The Anne Marie," a collage by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson! The print is signed by both the artist and the author.

Cover art for The Anne Marie ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Turtles by Twos

2011-09-14T13:13:00.001-04:00

Sketch and partial underpainting on cradled birch panel ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Moving along in my series of Two by Two's for my show at the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts next year. I wanted to share with you the step by step of my pair of Painted Box Turtles. In sketching these beauties out, I knew I was going to be in trouble with all those spots...

Underpainting on cradled birch panel of male and female ©St.Hilaire Nelson

I utilized a lot of spattering with my fluid acrylics for the top background of these pieces (working on birch panel primed with clear gesso), knowing that I would leave that area as painted in the finished piece. I used my two favorite fluid acrylic colors: Gold Metallic and Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold. After a successful splattered, dripped and very messy background painting, I blocked in the turtles with color and value in mind. I then painted the foreground in a loose style that I thought I might like to leave showing through as paint, with only the turtles being collage.

Male (left) and Female Turtles complete ©St.Hilaire Nelson

I must tell you that tearing all those yellow spots was agonizingly slow going and I'm not ever doing another turtle again. SO, get these in a giclée print from me or purchase the originals (at the Noah's Ark Exhibition) while you can!

I went back and forth over whether or not I had added TOO MUCH COLOR which is a question I rarely ask myself. Maybe it was the fact that I was seeing spots. I bounced the .jpgs off my friend and Dog-A-Day painter Kim Santini for her opinion. Kim infuses tons of color into her paintings, especially in the blacks. I totally value her opinion. AND much of the yellow spots were created from torn bits of her acrylic palette papers she so graciously shares with me on a regular basis.

Her response was something like this "I love the color and would not change a thing, but ultimately it has to be your decision."

How's that for definitive? LOL I went with the color. You can see they were finished in the dark from the blackness behind the blinds in my studio. After sleeping on it and returning to the easel in the morning with my coffee, I decided Kim was spot on and I was not going to tone down any of that beautiful color.

WHAT was I thinking?

Note: Did you know that the way to tell the difference between the male and female painted box turtle is their eye color? The male has red eyes and the female had dark brown/golden eyes!

Cherie's Progress

2011-09-08T09:33:00.000-04:00

Global Peace Film Festival Poster

I'm happy to say that the Global Peace Film Festival is working with me to raise funds for my paralyzed friend Cherie. They have agreed to give 50% of proceeds from the sales of posters to her charitable trust.

The posters this year feature my original artwork and are all hand signed!

What's the connection between Cherie and Global Peace Film Festival you ask? They are screening the film "Defining Beauty; Ms. Wheelchair America" here in Orlando. Cherie is making the trip up to Orlando from Vero Beach on Thursday, September 22 to speak at the film screening. It's at the Plaza Cinema Cafe in Downtown Orlando.

Come out and see the film and meet Cherie if you live close.
Click here to purchase your signed copy of the poster and donate to TWO great causes!

Custom iPhone Cases are Here

2011-09-06T15:59:00.002-04:00

Butterfly

Poppies

Peacock

Manufactured by Case-Mate

I am now offering my artwork on Case-Mate high quality custom iPhone cases. This case ships to you in retail packaging from case-mate.com. They make great gifts!

Email me if you are interested in an alternate phone, I can make the cases for almost any make/model phone, just add an extra few days for production.

Shipping time is approximately 7-10 days.

NEW CASES!
just added new cases by request today

Lily of the Valley

Violets

Buttercup #1

Lazy Afternoon

Cock-A-Doodle

Florida Museum for Women Artists

2011-08-29T13:03:00.006-04:00

©Jan Tomlinson Master, St. Augustine, FL, "Caught in the Corner"

Having been accepted into the Second Annual Juried Show, I had to drop off my work to the FMWA last weekend, and my daughter came along for the ride. After exploring the gift shop, we took a look around at their current exhibit: Witness to Creativity II, installation art.

My daughter was quite taken with the fact that she could walk around, and sometimes even in between, the art. She's used to 2D work in museums and she really had a good time looking at these very cool pieces. Emilie is interested in making her own videos, and she said that Caught in the Corner gave her some ideas for a future video.

Inspiration is a wonderful thing.

©Nathalie Chikhi, Sanford, FL "intrinsic" 2011

Intrinsic was my favorite piece. I just loved the way the spiny balls cast spiny shadows on the floor. I wondered what they would be like suspended... I could not walk between them like Emilie could in Caught in the Corner but they still drew me in. I love the hot pink centers, they stirred imagery of sea urchin for me.

We had a great time at the museum, it was nice to share an artistic experience with my daughter.

The Second Annual Juried Exhibit opens September 10th, Membership preview and reception is Friday September 9, 5:00-7:00pm. I hope you will come down and say hello and share a slice of blueberry pie with me!

©St.Hilaire Nelson, "Blueberry Bliss" 24x24 / collage on panel

Cherie's Progress

2011-08-18T17:06:00.003-04:00

Today I met with the folks from the Global Peace Film Festival in Orlando. They are screening the film "Defining Beauty; Ms Wheelchair America" this year. I have agreed to donate artwork and graphic design for their collectible poster, and they have agreed to auction off two original pieces of Paper Paintings collage art through the festival. 50% of proceeds of the poster sales and the Dove artwork will go to Cherie, and 50% will go toward Global Peace.

Ironically when I got home from the meeting today, I had a wonderful note in my email box from Kerry Trementozzi who found my art online. This is a photo of Kerry, who became a quadriplegic at the age of 16. She told me that my blog posts about Cherie really moved her and she wanted to reach out to me as a fellow artist and she wanted to reach out to Cherie to give her some support. Kerry has been a quadriplegic for 30 years.

Kerry wrote such a wonderful note about her story and how important a positive attitude can be, I wanted to take a moment to share it with you:

When I look back when I was 1st injured I always feel - wow if me or my family could have talked to other people who have already gone through this it could have made it a little bit better.

Cheri sounds like me, positive upbeat & never give up, not that it hasn' t been hard at times - I'm still paralized from chest down w/some arm & wrist movement but no finger movement. I always say take it one day at a time. There are good days & bad, the 1st few years are hard but it sounds like her family is there for her, I know that is so important.

Ironwoman Portrait - A Progression

2011-08-13T18:04:00.002-04:00

Mickie Shapiro at 74!

On May first I received an email from actress Spencer Kayden exclaiming
"I just stumbled upon your blog in such a random way. My mother is a triathlete and her 75th birthday is coming up in June. My brothers and I were thinking about getting her a piece of original art that is somehow Ironman related (since that's pretty much what she eats, sleeps, and breathes). So I was googling "triathlon paintings" and it led me to your posting about your triathlon results last year."

Spencer was referring to my Danskin Women's Triathlon Serendipitous don't you think? We chatted back and forth via email and I told Spencer that not only could I do a commission of her mother Mickie Shapiro crossing the finish, but I'd love to incorporate personal ephemera and family memorabilia.

What an opportunity for me, the beginner triathlete, to be able to work on a portrait for this AMAZING accomplished Ironwoman. Ironman, incase you didn't know, is a 2.4-mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike race and a full marathon, 26.2 miles - back to back! Shapiro says that other than being a dancer when she was a young woman, she did not really maintain an active lifestyle. She told reporters that Spencer decided to become a long distance runner when she was very young and that Mickie started running with her daughter and got hooked! When an injury led Mickie to focus her energy on swimming, she figured she had two of the three of a triathlon down pat. She bought a bike, started training, and the rest is history. Since then Mickie has done hundreds of races in running and triathlon and when she was 60 she celebrated her birthday doing IronMan Hawaii!

personal ephemera sent by Mickie's kids

Soon after I agreed to create Mickie's portrait, I started receiving family memorabilia from Spencer and her brothers which I hand painted with fluid acrylics. Brother Michael Almereyda shared a copy of his screenplay for his film Hamlet with Ethan Hawke and Archaeologist Kenneth D.S. Lapatin sent along magazine articles and a book on Minoan antiquities. Brother Danny was wiling to part with amazing ORIGINAL artwork by his daughters Helena and Sonia Rose (he tried to send me color copies but I told him I MUST have the originals, sorry Danny!)

photo of Mickie crossing the finish in Austria

composite photoshop layered file created on my computer

first step by hand - sketch on the birch panel

I started with photos of Mickie crossing the finish that Spencer provided. When Mickie left her house to head for her race, Spencer convinced a neighbor to head over to her house, grab some photos off the mantel, scan them and email them to me. EVERYONE has been "in" on this surprise gift. I worked with the photos in Photoshop to simplify the background, eliminate the extra people, enlarge Mickie (after all, she is larger than life!) and make myself a composite to sketch from. Spencer had said she really liked my flowers and background patterns and we agreed to use these instead of logos to bracket her at the finish line.

Such a cutie! Spencer's son sporting his IronMickie T-shirt

The IronMickie logo comes from a T-shirt that was designed for Mickie by her family and I loved it so much I had to work it in! I thought it was really clever and used it instead of the Ironman header from the race photo. Another way to personalize the art.

underpainting in fluid acrylic on cradled birch

"gallery wrap" means running the collage around the edges

After the sketch came the underpainting, which I use to establish colors and values. This portrait is on a cradled birch panel, so I am running the artwork around the edges to create a gallery wrap effect. The size of this piece is 16x20 and it was important to the family to see her feet crossing the finish. At these proportions, that makes the face about the size of a half dollar. A real challenge! And remember, I never cut and only tear my papers, so those eyes and eyebrows are going to be difficult.

detail of the left hand side

Working in something from all of Mickie's kids and grandkids was my goal. I had to add a photo of Rosie, Mickie's dog to the dark background behind her when Spencer realized she had not been represented. And Danny had to email me Sonia's signature when I realized I accidentally covered it over in the collage process (either that or it's on the floor of my studio somewhere, Sorry Danny!)

Mickie by Leonard Ortiz

face detail

This has been an exciting project to work on, I saved the most fun for last... the face! it's hard enough to capture a likeness of a person when working actual size, let alone working small, from references that are even smaller. I'm not one to back away from a challenge though!

I have also enjoyed emailing and getting to know Spencer over the past few months and we both seem to have a similar sense of humor. Some late nights and afternoons we have just emailed back and forth about things unrelated to the portrait. She was super supportive of my first Olympic triathlon results a few weeks ago and shared with me about the "chocolate diamonds" she got to borrow along with a designer gown for an awards show or something very "Hollywood."

IronMickie complete! outside the door of my studio

Thank you for the opportunity to share this portrait in progress with you. Spencer returns to LA from NYC the end of the month. The portrait will be shipped to LA and presented to Mickie by her kids in California. I'll let you know how it is received, but here are the very kind words I received from Spencer just this week:

"I think it's spectacular. I am in awe that you were able to do this so beautifully. Not that I doubted you could. But I know it must have been quite a challenge. I couldn't be more delighted!"

That just about says it all.

Back to School

2011-08-12T11:08:00.007-04:00

©P Fernandez

©R Echavarria

Back to Art
Last year I was invited by my local high school art teacher at Lake Brantley High School to come and speak to her advanced portfolio students about my collage technique, the business of art, and going to college for art. I truly enjoyed this opportunity to speak with students who are getting ready to consider art for a career.

©A Rivera

©J Slater

I remember when I was in High School in Massachusetts, my art teacher often brought former art students to come and speak with us. These people were either in college for art, or had art careers. It was through these guest speakers that I learned of the many careers that commercial art had to offer. I am always singing the praises of my high school art teacher, because without her encouragement and motivation, I would not have gone on to pursue a fine art degree.

The Lake Brantley students studied my collage technique prior to my visit. I gave a demonstration and answered questions when I came to speak, and their teacher Ms. Farmer later gave them a class assignment based on my technique! How exciting. And as you can see, the work is stunning!

©M Esser

©M Zeff

I'd be happy to return this year and encourage the Lake Brantley High School art students to follow their dreams and pursue an education and a career in fine art or commercial art. Are you listening Ms. Farmer? ;) There are many opportunities for artists to make a living beyond just painting, I reminded the students that commercial art and graphic design impacts every product you purchase, every book or magazine you look at, etc. etc... So think BIG!

©J Beardslee

©A Froment

Congratulations to everyone who's work is represented here, you did a fantastic job! I really enjoyed looking at the included materials, like the flag in the Stonehenge piece, and other Britain related tid-bits. The drips in the guitar and piano pieces are wonderful! The shading in the Statue of Liberty is excellent, I can appreciate how difficult that can be. I like the snake's leafy background, a lot of detail in there that really makes it nice. The rooster sky is wonderful, dark and stormy. I really enjoyed the cropping of the bicycle piece, and the sewing patterns (?) in the background, a lot of nice lines in this one. What a wonderful and creative application the crow has, love all the color in the blacks! LOVE the little bird head and the wonderful sky on the plane. And last but not least, the portrait was done by a student who used to babysit for me, she really gave herself a challenge in creating a portrait of herself as a child. I think she did a fantastic job with so many tiny details!

Thanks for inviting me to speak, I truly enjoy inspiring others.

©M Pope

©M Trent

Good Press

2011-08-09T18:59:00.004-04:00

Prismatic, 10x12, collage on panel, ©St.Hilaire Nelson

Featured Artist of the Month
I have been written up by my friend and fellow artist/photographer Josh Garrick the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators. Josh contacted me when I was at the airport on my way to California. I was able to send him the images in the article from my iPhone, which I always have on me.

Upon arriving in CA I connected to the WiFi in our Bed and Breakfast and went to work answering Josh's email interview. Thank goodness for technology because the article would not have been able to wait a week. As always I appreciate the publicity and the opportunity to be included in such a great online publication as Wandering Educators. The contact info and links Josh included are great and he features several images.

Thank you Josh!
Click here to link to the interview

Amelia Island Artists Workshop

2011-07-25T19:24:00.002-04:00

October is Just Three Months Away
Amelia Island will host my Paper Paintings collage workshop for the third year in a row October 7-9. Come out and enjoy the island after the summer crowds have gone. Sit and watch the sunrise on the beach and enjoy Fort Clinch State Park where we will have a beautiful sun filled room and a catered lunch.

We are saving a spot for you! Register today and receive your materials list and class schedule.

Click here for more information

Cherie's Progress

2011-07-17T20:55:00.006-04:00

Cherie has Gained Some Independence!

I'm happy to say that I went down to Vero Beach to visit Cherie this weekend since I have completed my triathlon and the training is giving way to a little bit more free time. It's absolutely surreal to me that I have the physical ability to accomplish athletic goals and Cherie has to struggle to move her body at all. Despite everything she's been through, you can see from this big smile that she remains in good spirits. She has more movement in her forearms and is driving her temporary electric wheelchair with head controls!

For those of you who are new to this blog, my childhood friend Cherie Stannard rolled her vehicle on the morning of September 30, 2010 and suffered a broken neck. She is now a parapalegic and being cared for by her sister and brother. She had no health insurance and the other driver did not stop. You can see my previous posts about Cherie here.

I am happy to say that when I arrived, Cherie and her sister had made me birthday champagne cupcakes! Sue did the cooking and Cherie said she directed the whole process. Cherie loves to cook, so often times she will talk Sue through some of her favorite creations. One of these awesome dishes were the mozzarella and tomato open faced sandwiches toasted in the oven that Cherie and her sister made us for lunch!

Cherie is scheduled to receive her custom fitted electric wheelchair on Monday, the 18th. She now has a shower chair thanks to her boyfriend's brother in law who donated the funds. You might be surprised to know that a shower chair for a quadriplegic person runs about $2500. Medicaid does not cover this.

Cherie's brother does stretching and range of motion physical therapy with her daily, he gets up at 5am to reposition her in bed and her brother in law gets up at 6am to administer her meds. Her sister does all of Cherie's personal care, and then her sister and brother use the manual Hoyer Lift to transfer her out of bed and into her chair. The dedication of her family to her care is incredible, and this care is a full time job. Visiting this weekend I got a chance to truly appreciate all that is required just to get Cherie up and out of bed, showered, dressed, and into her chair.

We can all learn a little something about love and dedication from this family, and we can all learn something about the power of positive thinking from Cherie. She is looking forward to mastering her voice software and beginning to work on writing a book. When we were kids, Cherie wrote amazing poetry, every single day. She is a talented writer and I can see her reaching her goal of writing a book. The book that she wants to write will help to teach people like you and me that a person with disabilities is just like anyone else you know. As a matter of fact, up until September 30, 2010, Cherie was just like you and me. She had goals and dreams and lived an independent life.

Your whole life can change in an instant, it can happen to any one of us. Cherie wants to encourage us to find it in our hearts to give a smile and an encouraging word to the next person we see in a wheelchair, rather than avert our eyes, look away or give a wide berth. She wants to remind us that that person in the wheelchair has feelings and wants to be accepted just like anyone else.

In order to achieve her goal of writing this book, Cherie needs adaptive equipment that Medicaid is not going to pay for. I have sold art and created a coffee table art book to help her family with funding such expenses. There is a benefit concert on Martha's Vineyard on July 31st in her honor.

To learn how you can donate funds to Cherie's charitable trust, visit www.CherieStannard.com

To preview and/or purchase a book of art that I designed with donated work from amazing artists all over the world, visit http://www.blurb.com/books/1854848. All funds go to Cherie's family

Aim High!

2011-07-12T14:12:00.011-04:00

starting out on the last leg of the race, a 6-mile run

The Importance of Setting Goals

When I was 17 I dislocated my knee cap and had to be rushed to the ER. My knee was the size of a softball from the trauma of the patella circling around to the back of my leg and taking the tendons with it.

Three surgeries later (this was in the days of NO arthroscopic surgery) my knee now includes two pins and three 8-inch scars. I used to be very self conscious of the scars and would not wear a skirt above my knee. These days I'm proud to say that I run (and bike, and swim) on that knee!

The key to my success in athleticism and art has always been about setting goals and implementing a plan to achieve them. It's not enough just to set a goal of obtaining gallery representation or having a solo exhibition, you have to draw up a plan on how you are going to get there.

coming out of the 1-mile open water swim

I Think I Can.... I Think I Can...
This past weekend I competed in an Olympic distance triathlon. That's a 1-mile open water swim, a 24-mile bike, and a 6-mile run, all back to back. I did not just get off the couch and compete, I planned and prepared for this. Three years ago I got up off the couch and did my first Sprint distance race (.5-mile swim, 13-mile bike, 3-mile run) at the urging of my sister, the athlete. I knew I was going to need a course of action to achieve what seemed like a monumental feat to me at the time. I went to the book store and started looking in the Traithlon Training book section. I picked a book that seemed like something I thought I could work with and started reading, after all, I had to learn what to expect! In the back of the book was a 12-week training plan, I copied it down into a small spiral notebook and set out to achieve my goal. Four Sprint Triathlons later, I was ready to step up my goal to something bigger. I knew that it would be a big jump to train for an Olympic distance race, because it is DOUBLE the distance of the races I was used to. Once you meet your goals, it's important to set bigger and better goals, that's how you grow.

If At First You Don't Succeed...
Having a day-by-day course of action makes all the difference in achieving your goals. When I decided that I wanted to obtain gallery representation with my artwork I decided to educate myself in what to expect. I learned through research that I would need a body of work (not just one or two pieces) that was cohesive and demonstrative of my unique style. I also needed to have some success in juried shows under my belt. With this in mind I began refining my collage style and entering many many many juried shows both local and national. I can't tell you how many times I was turned down! I could wallpaper my studio with rejection letters if I had saved them. Don't give up, don't let setbacks drag you down, you have to dust yourself off and keep going.

Sunday Best, 16x20, found papers on panel

Growth Means Pushing Boundaries

My earlier work did not include hand-painted papers, this was part of the evolution of my style. The more juried shows I entered, the more work I produced in my ever evolving collage technique. By the time I began to get accepted into shows, I had a small body of work in my signature "Paper Painting" style. I began to create a name for myself locally and was being accepted to most shows I entered. At this point I knew it was time for me to step up my goal, and I decided to look for gallery representation.

Ready to bike, heading out of transition

The first gallery that represented my work in Orlando did not keep me on as a gallery artist at all times, they had me on their website and one to two pieces of my work was represented in some shows. It was at this gallery that I started creating cows and gaining momentum.

Out To Pasture, 24x20, collage of hand-painted and hand-made papers on panel

First Place Winner in the Category of Collage for The Artists Magazine All Media Contest, 2010

I was thrilled to be on their website and to be able to say that I was "represented," but I had bigger goals in mind, as I always do. I set my sights on getting into a gallery that would have me on permanent display as a true gallery artist. I looked online for galleries that showed work similar to my whymsical style and I started sending out packets to introduced myself. My packet included my resumé, printed materials, and a CD with samples of my work. I did not limit myself to the Orlando area, I reached out to the state of Florida.

Have Faith in Yourself

Eventually my efforts paid off and I was accepted to a very upscale gallery in Sarasota, FL. It was the nicest gallery I had ever even showed in let alone been represented by! They wanted me to bring six rooster pieces the first month of my contract, I had to go into full production mode in order to create SIX roosters by my deadline. The first one I worked on I nearly threw out, it was so sad looking at 1:00am. I did not want to give up on it though, I knew that there had to be some way to save it, this was collage after all! By 3:00am it was turning the corner and the next day it was saved. This was the first piece I ever sold at my new gallery.

The bike, 24-miles of 21mph average pace

Stick to the Plan

The Olympic distance triathlon training plan was 18 weeks! Yes, I prepared six days a week for 18 weeks, every week the level of difficulty increased. In the end I was cycling 25-miles 3-days a week, swimming 2000M 2-days a week, and running 3-6 miles 3-days a week. I knew this going in, I accepted it and I mentally prepared for it. I took it one day at a time, small bites. This is important! It's good to look at the overall picture, but sometimes that can be too scary, you have to take bite sized portions.

Currently I'm working toward a solo exhibition of my artwork at the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts. I am happy to say that they asked me to exhibit! They found me online and contacted me. I accepted the show and THEN I asked them "how many pieces?" only to be told.... 50! Remember, small bites. I decided to come up with a plan. After all, the best way to achieve a goal is to implement a plan.

My Noah's Ark Series will be 25 sets of two animal portraits. I will do each set simultaneously, on the easel at the same time. Working on them together will not only help me create the body of work in a shorter time frame, (my deadline is next March for an April show) but will also help me create harmonious pairs that I am hoping will sell as sets!

FINISHED! me and my friend Katy - supportive and smiley-

making the whole race experience fun!

It's Never too Late to Set Goals

I did not participate in my first Sprint distance triathlon until I was 40. I was not an active teenager, but I considered myself to be an adult who went to the gym and kept fit. But training for a triathlon was really a step up from my gym routine. My 43rd birthday is tomorrow and the Olympic triathlon goal I set for myself was in celebration of being FAST at 43. (I finished 2:28:01, 2nd in my age group and 11th woman overall)

I went to college for fine art, earning a BFA from Syracuse University. I majored in Advertising Design in order to have a career in which I could earn a living. It took me three years of struggling to get a job in my field out of college and many years later my husband and I started our own graphic design business. Running a business and having children back to back (16-months apart) kept me from my fine art for many years, but the passion was always in my heart. I have only been creating, promoting and marketing my fine art for the past seven years.

Whether you want to cross the finish line or hang in a gallery, write a novel or climb a mountain, it's important to set that goal for yourself and commit to it. Tell your friends and family you are going to do it, make it known! Once you have committed to achieving your goal, outline the plan on how you are going to get there. And remember, small steps.

Hoo #1&2, collage of hand--painted paper on panel

I'll be posting more sets of animal portraits here on the blog if you want to check back in periodically. I have a lot of fun animals that I'm planning on working on but if you have any suggestions please take a minute to leave a comment. Traditional Noah's Ark has a lot of the same animals, but there is no reason why this series cannot break out of the mold. I am hoping to do flamingos next, and eventually wild rabbits with big ears. Do you have a favorite animal to suggest?

In the mean time I'm taking small steps, one set at a time.

Preparing for the flood.

Tou by Twos

2011-07-11T20:44:00.000-04:00

Toucans #1 and #2 / 20x24 / collage on panel

The second Toucan was completed in the studio over the last week and I am proud to say that I have now completed my first set of animals for the Noah's Ark Series! I have 24 sets to go but I have set the goal of 50 sets by next March and I'll work diligently to achieve it.

My next blog post is going to be about the importance of setting personal and artistic goals and working hard and steady to be sure you achieve them. So stay tuned!

One of Tou

2011-07-02T14:42:00.000-04:00

Toucan, 20x24, with travel bag of ziplock collage papers

Those of you who follow this Blog know that I work in all kinds of interesting places in order to be so prolific. I've showed you many a small piece done on my airplane tray table as well as some work on my lap while waiting in the doctor's office.

Toucan, 20x24, in my stateroom on Carnival Cruise

This week I started working on my Noah's Ark Themed solo exhibition for next April. I just got off the ship this morning with one completed Toucan in hand. I worked for at least 20-30minutes per day on him in my state room and pushed to finish him yesterday afternoon. These were extenuating circumstances, because my plan is to create two at a time, side by side on the easel. In the interest of small spaces I had to create this one without his partner. I worked from my travel bags of papers, so I'll just use the same bags to create the other half of his pair.

In this series my goal is to have some fun with abstracted backgrounds

Next up is the Owl pair and I may have to do them before I finish the other toucan as I've been asked by a rather large licensing client to create a pair of owls for reproduction. ]

Toucan, 20x24, Completed!

Stay tuned!

Tou by Twos

2011-06-25T07:30:00.004-04:00

Noah's Ark Series
I've been asked to exhibit 50 pieces at the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts at St. John's River State College in Orange Park FL. The show will run April 28 to June 16, 2012.

My concept for the show is a Noah's Ark theme with 25 pairs of brightly colored animal collages. I want to make them actual pairs, with elements and/or colors that cross over between the two, to reinforce the theme. I'd also like to create an oversized ark piece for the anchor piece of the exhibit. I'm excited about this show but my husband, who has a much better grip on math than I do, informed me the other day that at this rate I need to be producing three collages a week to meet my deadline of 50 pieces by next April. Um, yikes!

Yesterday I placed an order for 50 20x24 American Easel Wood Painting Panels from DickBlick.com. Not sure where I will store all of this, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there!

If you are working on a big show and need to order such a high volume of materials from Blick, know that you can call their customer service and tell them that you are purchasing in volume. I was able to negotiate an excellent per panel price from them, much lower than I have ever seen in the sale catalogue.

Stay tuned for more sets of twos but this is my first, Toucans. I thought you might like the word play there, I know I do!

I'm headed out on a cruise to Mexico this morning and I have one of these in my suitcase, I kid you not! I can't do any blogging or emailing this week, it's going to be technology free, but I'll be taking photos of my work in progress in my cabin and will share with you when I return.

Thank goodness I have a big suitcase.

My Dancer

2011-06-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

My Daughter Emilie has been dancing since she was 2 years old. I just wanted to take a minute to brag and share her solo with you. I'm so proud of her!

Cardinal in Progress and Carolina Bound

2011-06-02T06:02:00.001-04:00

Cardinal Sketch ©St.Hilaire Nelson

This morning I'm headed to Asheville, NC to teach a workshop and be present at my show opening at the Grand Bohemian Gallery. Recently the gallery took a commission for me to create a cardinal as a pair to on they have on hand, a collector wanted to purchase two together. So, this week I worked on the cardinal while putting finishing touches on some work for the show and shipping.

Cardinal background underpainting ©St.Hilaire Nelson

As usual, I begin with a sketch on wood panel primed with clear gesso. I then under paint the background, let it dry and move to my favorite part, collage. The collector said they wanted more collage in the background than some of the pieces I leave more painted, so I tried to accommodate this request.

Cardinal complete underpainting ©St. Hilaire Nelson

This cardinal will go into a hand made 9x12 red rustic barn wood frame by my frame maker Owen Tomlin to match its mate. If you are interested in some super unique frames, contact Tomlin Wood Products and tell them I sent you!

Cardinal complete ©St.Hilaire Nelson

I am looking forward to my class and opening this weekend. If you are in the area, please stop by or consider the Friday/Saturday/Sunday Workshop, we still have a few slots! (click gallery link for contact info)

The show reception is Saturday, June 4th from 5:30-8:30pm in the gallery, which is located inside the 5-Star boutique Grand Bohemian Hotel in the Biltmore Village section of Asheville, NC.

Poetry by McCrae T. Harrison

2011-05-24T15:09:00.001-04:00

Birch Keys #2, 24x24, collage on panel,
Grand Bohemian Gallery, Asheville NC
©St.Hilaire Nelson

Chopin
i have listened to chopin
19th century musical genius
on a rainy new england afternoon
i just came from the river
my skin is red and burning for warmth
i have listented to chopin
as i draw treble clefs on the condensation
watch the heavier bits begin to tumble
roll down the face of the bus window
growing and growing
until they reach the sill
i have listened to chopin
and i wonder that life must be the same way
we begin from a bit of sheet music
some divine symphony
traced into condensation
on the windows of time and existence
i have listened to chopin.

I just love this poem. Ironically, McCrae is another New Englander (from CT) who has been transplanted to the South, she now lives in Alabama and is a Vessel Inspector with the US Coast Guard. I met McCrae through Israel J. Parker, author of The Anne Marie. You can read more of her poetry on Israel's blog.

McCrae T. Harrison, poet

Guest Blogger: Israel Parker

2011-05-20T12:12:00.002-04:00

Friends of Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson,

I know that you are all familiar with Elizabeth's work. She is a super talented and I am proud to call her my friend. Some of you are aware that she has recently constructed the cover of a book for a young up and coming writer. It just so happens -that I am that writer. New writers have it tough, just as any new artist does. With that said I feel an obligation to explain the details that led to the construction of my book "The Anne Marie" and why you should own a copy.

Well, the truth is, I have been a closet writer for the past nine years. Only those who are really close to me have known this. I hid this fact, and in the quiet solitude of each night I wrote my little stories.
Last year I awoke in the middle of the night with one of my old stories rolling around in my head. So I went to my computer and found this old short story about a dog and the sinking of a fishing boat.
I had written this story shortly after a Search and Rescue case I had been on when I used to be a Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer in New Orleans. Without going into intimate detail of the event -We responded to a boat in distress and I was deployed to the boat, and there were a couple of moments where I thought that I might lose my life. I survived that night -but several mariners did not.
After that night I did what any other writer would do after an event like that. I wrote a fictional short story- I guess this was part of my coping process.

A year ago and that night I stared down this story in the middle of the darkness. I re-read the story - it was raw, but powerful. That night I saw beyond that short story in my mind and wondered what happened to the dog in the story? So again I began to write.

While I wrote beyond the short story, the tide of both that fateful night on the water and my time flying into the devastating storm Katrina and its aftermath waded over me in a blanket of devilish familiarity. As I typed onto my computer that feeling of life and loss, the kind that is brought by catastrophic life changing events, breathed its essence on my pages. When I was done I had built a story of depth and inspiration, to which I named, “The Anne Marie."

If you do decide to pick up "The Anne Marie", prepare yourselves for a ride you will not forget and a story with more heart than you can possibly imagine.

On May 20, 2011 - I will release the first chapter of my book on my website (in conjunction with a reading I will do at Auburn Junior School in Auburn, Alabama)

I encourage you to please Pre-Order a signed copy of “The Anne Marie" Today

Israel J. Parker, Author of The Anne Marie

Winter Park Autumn Art Festival Poster Artist

2011-05-18T11:03:00.000-04:00

It's Official! I have been chosen as the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival Poster Artist!

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am! This is a wonderful festival on Park Avenue in Winter Park, FL.

The 38th Annual Festival will be held Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9 in Central Park along beautiful Park Avenue. The festival is open from 9am to 5pm on both days and admission is free. Newly renovated Central Park is located at 111 N. Park Avenue and offers a spacious venue for artists, food vendors and entertainment.

The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried festival to feature Florida artists exclusively. Art Categories include: Painting (all media), Ceramics, Fine Crafts, Drawing and Graphics, Fibers, Sculpture, Jewelry and Photography.

Official Winter Park Autumn Art Festival Posters, t-shirts, tote bags and note cards featuring my collage "Bird of a Different Feather" will be available at three merchandise booths during festival hours!

I am super proud to be the official artist for this festival.

South Lake Hospital Collection

2011-05-18T10:44:00.004-04:00

I'm proud to announce that giclée prints of my collage work have been purchased and installed in the new South Lake Hospital in Clermont, FL.

The prints are larger than the originals and they look great. If you are anywhere near the hospital, you can stop by and enjoy my pieces as well as a collection of work by many talented artists. I'm proud to say that my work was chosen for the main lobby. The hospital printed an art brochure that gives you a listing of all the art and artists in the collection which is throughout the hospital.

Thanks to Douglas Nesbitt for taking these great photos at the grand opening celebration, and to BOBOSART for including me in the project!

Atlanta, GA Worskhop

2011-05-11T18:10:00.000-04:00

New Dates!!

Binders Art Supply has heard from their customers that although four days of collage making sounds like heaven, lots of folks just cannot get the time off from work during the week.

Binders has now reduced the June workshop to TWO DAYS, Saturday and Sunday June 11 & 12. Their website still says four-days so you will need to contact them directly to register and discuss new pricing.

Eli Pelizza: eli@bindersart.com

Workshop in Asheville, NC

2011-05-11T17:51:00.000-04:00

This is a reminder that the Asheville, NC workshop is coming up in the beginning of June and we still have a few spots left!

See all the details here.

I know you are going to love this 5-star boutique hotel located in the Biltmore Village.

Triathlon Results

2011-05-10T21:06:00.003-04:00

For those of you who do not follow my Facebook Fan Page, I have gotten a few emails asking how I did in the race on Sunday! Well I'm happy to say that I shaved 3:55 off my time from last year, I placed third in my age group out of 95 women aged 40-45, and I placed 19th overall 820 women competing, including elite athletes.

So I'm super happy with my results. My time was significantly better than my last Danskin Triathlon and in the end, you are truly competing against yourself.

Many thanks to my husband and family for coming out and supporting me and for providing me with awesome photos!

In Addition To Art

2011-05-04T15:22:00.003-04:00

It's Triathlon Season in Florida!
I have been training for four months for the Danskin Women's Triathlon which comes to Orlando every year on Mother's Day. I have competed in this race twice before, and my goal is to beat my own time and to come in at a respectable place in my age group. I have been seriously training for the past four months in preparation for this race, and I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day morning!

The race takes place at Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds at Disney. My family and I will head down there on Friday afternoon and spend the weekend. It's so much easier to just walk down to the beach on race morning than to have to deal with getting up at 4am, driving and taking the bus to the parks.

The Danskin Women's Triathlon is a sprint distance race, that means it's half of an Olympic distance. It's a half mile swim, a 12 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. This race has been inspiring female athletes, novice and expert, for over 20 years. The first year I did this race I did it with my sister Aimée who talked me off the couch and into a lifestyle of swim, bike, run that she herself had been enjoying for years. These days I'm addicted to triathlon training and I have her to thank for it.

This race is the largest and longest running triathlon series in the world and it will be in seven US cities including Orlando. Check it out, you might be able to compete in one near you. A portion of monies raised go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Sally Edward's Team Survivor Foundation who's goal is to return fitness and health to women who have received a cancer diagnosis.

Training is always better when you have a specific goal to work toward. So what will I be working toward come Monday? My goal is to compete in a full or Olympic distance triathlon here in Orlando on July 10th, three days before my 43rd birthday! A new year, another new experience. Living life to the fullest.

Art With Heart; Raising Money for Cherie

2011-05-01T07:42:00.003-04:00

Indian Paintbrush #1 and #2 purchased by Andrew for Cherie

If you are new to this blog you must know that since last September I've been trying to help out a friend who was paralyzed from the shoulders down in a car accident. See her stories here.

Recently I received photos and a couple of emails from a VERY generous man who purchased two Indian Paintbrush paintings from me when I offered them for sale with all of the profits going to Cherie and her family.

Andrew has had hard times in his life when he was down on his luck and did not know where he was going to get money to pay his rent. He lost his job and at times lived day-to-day. Andrew's mother raised him with an appreciation for art and music that he never forgot, even in hard times.

I am a fan of the band Cake and through their newsletter I found out that they were coming to Orlando. I went online to purchase my tickets and out in the right hand column, I clicked "like" and left a comment that I was a big fan. Andrew is also a big fan of Cake, and he does not live in Orlando, he lives all the way on the other side of the country in CA! He saw my comment in the side bar and decided to follow my art links. Andrew found my blog, saw my Cherie story and was touched, he wanted to help. Just at the time Andrew landed on my blog, I had put a wildflower collage up for sale for Cherie. The original collage sold to the trauma nurse at the hospital who cared for Cherie for over a month. I told Andrew that I would offer a second piece for the same reduced price, with 100% of the money also going to Cherie.

Wildflowers #2 Purchased for Cherie by Crista

Andrew and I communicated back and forth and ultimately he picked TWO pieces he wanted to purchase, Indian Paintbrush #1 and #2. This was a BIG deal for Andrew because it was a LOT of money to spend in one fell swoop, especially for someone who had experienced money troubles and knew how easy it was to loose your job in today's economy. This was also a BIG deal for Cherie and her family, as Andrew purchased two paintings and Crista had already purchased the first one. And it was a big deal for me because I was using my art sales for my very best childhood friend.

Andrew emailed me with some of the most kind words about my art that I have ever received and I wanted to share them with you.

OMG, amazing. I love the art so much that words can't articulate. It is what art is - something that you sense and feel and experience. And I love it. I am so, so glad I followed my instincts and got over my fears (which I told you about) and went for it. When I take in art that speaks to me, I can feel it in my gut and my heart and my head and my eyes. And I am experiencing all of that now. Art is such a trip that way with me...

I said I can't explain but I'm trying but certainly failing anyway. So perhaps I should express gratitude. Thank you for being you and being so nice and patient and generous. Artists such as yourself, or CAKE or whoever make this world a much better place.

Sincerely,

Andrew

Ultimately Andrew shared one of the paintings with his mother, since she was the one who taught him his appreciation of art and music. He was hesitant to tell me that he had split up the set, but I think giving one to his Mom was really very appropriate.

Indian Paintbrush #1 at Andrew's Mom's house

Indian Paintbrush #2 from Andrews perspective!

"I love it there as it is the last thing see at night and the first thing I see in the morning. I love it at least as much, maybe even more, than when I opened the box."

I'm teaching a workshop this weekend in Atlanta and if I have said it once to my students, I have said it 10 times, the generosity of others never ceases to amaze me. I have been graciously given art supplies, papers, postage stamp collections, old style Starbucks bags, hand painted papers, and cancelled envelopes all the way from Greece to name a few. Artists even donated their work to Art With Heart my fundraising book for Cherie.

Most recently a friend from our hometown has offered to donate proceeds from a wonderful product he invented, to Cherie's charitable trust. Traveler-ER's PERFECT card is something that everyone and anyone can use to store their medical records and emergency contacts on a tiny USB drive, right in their wallet. Please check it out and remember to use the promo code that gives you free shipping and handling, and makes sure that the money goes to Cherie.

Cherie and I on her birthday

Thanks to EVERYONE who has helped me support Cherie. I have to tell you that just last week her sister in law told me that she has some NEW MOVEMENT in her forearms, we are very excited about the possibilities of this.

Not So Black Lab Commission

2011-04-25T14:43:00.002-04:00

the sketch on wood panel

The CEO of Full Sail University here in Orlando was taken with my art when "Poised Peacock" appeared on the cover of Winter Park Magazine (that's my cover art you see on their home page) this year. His assistant contacted me about "Over The Moon" but it was already sold.

About a month ago the CEO's wife contacted me about doing a portrait of her husband's dog Mario as a birthday gift. I asked for some good photos but could not get any that really portrayed Mario's facial features. We arranged for me to meet Mario in person and my husband Doug Nelson took reference photos for me to work from. We worked hard to get Mario to sit still!

Doug's photo of Mario

Doug got several good shots and I decided to use this 3/4 view but to turn his eyes to be more facing and engaging the viewer. I loved the way his red collar looked against his dark fur and so I decided to make the background red as well and to frame the final piece in black reclaimed barn wood.

One thing my friend and fellow artist Kim Santini has taught me is how to portray black dogs in blue so that they have more character and more color. After all, her blog is "A Dog A Day" so if anyone knows about not so black labs, it's her. Kim was so generous, even sharing the suggestion of prussian blue and other colors on her palette with me.

Mario in the under-painting stage

The client was thrilled with this under-painting photo which I sent for approval. Once I get a thumbs up at this phase I dive right into collage. I try to stick to the guides of color and shading I have established in my under-painting with the papers. Luckily I had a lot of blue/purple/gray hand painted papers on hand.

Mario completed

I pumped up the red in the finished piece and gave it some texture by mark making with Derwent InkTense pencils. When I delivered the work to the client she said that it looked just like Mario and that her husband just loved that dog and she was sure he would love this portrait.

I'm always happy to have a happy client and a happy ending. Mario the not so black lab was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed working in alternate colors to black and trying to highlight the blue/purple tones.

Dynamic Duos

2011-04-23T17:21:00.000-04:00

click to enlarge

The oversized postcards for Dynamic Duos Celebrations Gallery arrived and they look great. Many thanks to Jackie for putting my collaborative piece with Robin Maria Pedrero "A New Take on Cake" on the top left!

Robin and I shared our detailed process and the works here on the blog and on facebook. One of several collaborations, but our first time to actually have worked on the sames pieces.

If you live anywhere near Pomfret Center, please stop by the Gallery and Shoppes, they have recently opened a beautiful tea room on the premises where you can sample some unique blends and sweet treats. They are offering monthly themed afternoon teas from 2-5pm and reservations are required.

click to enlarge

Cherie's Progress

2011-04-14T16:50:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I posted about Cherie's progress. For those of you who are new to this blog, you can catch up on the story of my childhood friend who was paralyzed in a life changing car accident on September 30th, 2010 from previous posts.

I have asked you to make and send cards and notes to her, first at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and then at Shepherd Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Center. I have asked you to consider contributing to or purchasing a copy of the book that I created for her on Blurb, with proceeds going to her family.

I'm still trying to help raise money for Cherie and her family. Cherie has no health insurance, she is not married and has no children. Her sister and brother have quit their jobs in order to provide 24-hour care for her in Vero Beach, FL in the home of her sister Sue. They are still in need of simple things like a front door ramp, widened doorways, a shower chair, and other adaptive equipment as Cherie is paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Recently I reconnected with an old friend from our hometown, Tom Mihalek. Tom, Cherie and I all attended Westfield High School together. When I told Tom of Cherie's story, he wanted to help. Tom's sister was in a life threatening car accident when he was a kid and he remembered how hard it was on his family. It just so happens that Tom Mihalek owns a company that makes a health care related product. This product is the PERFECT Card©, a Portable Electronic Records For Emergency Care and Treatment. Basically this USB card (MAC and Windows compatible) is YOUR portable records protected and in the palm of your hand. Click here to view the emergency records report.

TravelerER has a very special offer, they are willing to donate 100% of proceeds of this product to Cherie's charitable trust fund.

Please click to enlarge the letters here from Tom Mihalek and learn a bit more about his product and how he plans to share the proceeds with Cherie. The offer for you is FREE SHIPPING AND HANDLING when you utilize the CS2011 promo code. This code also signifies that your purchase proceeds will be applied to the Cherie Stannard charitable trust.

Our goal is to sell 1000 pieces! Spread the word to family and friends. This is a great product for a wonderful cause.

BUY IT NOW!
and use promo code CS2011

In Addition to Art

2011-04-09T17:52:00.003-04:00

Anyone who has watched my inspirational video by Growing Bolder knows that in addition to art, I like to think of myself as athletic. This morning my husband and I completed the Columbia Muddy Buddy at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Disney World, FL. What a great time and a great cause!

All proceeds from this race series go to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps people with physical disabilities, including many of our wounded veterans, prepare for an active lifestyle and participate in competitive athletics. Some amazing men who returned from Iraq without legs were there to show us all that where there is a will, there is a way! They all had "running legs" on and they were not only competing in this obstacle course, run/ride... but all of them have done bigger, better races as well!

My husband and I really enjoyed our run/ride and obstacle course, including rope wall and mud pit this morning starting at 6am!

The Muddy Buddy is raising funds for a great cause, check out this informative CAF video on YouTube. They are bringing this race to 18 cities this year, check their website to see if it will be coming to your area!

In the mean time, check out my Facebook Fan Page for an album awesome down and dirty photos from today.

An Inspiration

2011-04-03T16:11:00.001-04:00

Bob Cline, a 7th grade science teacher at Dr. Henry W. Karrer Middle School in Dublin, Ohio sent me this letter along with photos of his student's "Paper Paintings" bird collages this week. Each of his students chose a bird to research and visually display using art. They were presented three artists with unique styles and many of them gravitated toward my work (I was in company with Audubon and Charley Harper!). the students used classroom scraps to create with and boy did they come up with some wonderful birds!

Thank you Bob for taking the time to send me such a wonderful letter and photos which I will put in my brag book binder!
Please view the album of the kids work on my Facebook Fan Page!

Bigger is Better

2011-04-03T12:00:00.009-04:00

Peacocks, Purple, and Klimt

Richard Kessler, of Kessler Hotel fame has commissioned me to create a peacock collage. Mr. Kessler owns the Grand Bohemian Hotels which are home to the Grand Bohemian Galleries which represent my work in Orlando, Celebration, St. Augustine, Asheville, and Savannah.

A few weeks ago I was painting live at the Orlando location for Sunday Brunch and I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Kessler for the first time. He came up to me, put his arm around my shoulders and pointed to my piece "Fine Feathers" and said "I want that one.... only BIGGER!" He asked me if I could do that, I said "sure, as long as you don't need it next week!" We agreed that 30x60 was a size he would be happy with and that he had no immediate deadline. Coming from a world of advertising as my day job, I NEVER get this kind of deadline.

"Fine Feathers" caught Mr. Kessler's eye.

He's a fan of peacocks, purple and Klimt

This weekend my husband built me the support for the 30x60 (did you know that 60 inches is FIVE FEET????) peacock which will be my biggest collage EVER. Mr Kessler said he just loved the pinks and purples I had utilized in "Fine Feathers" and I told him that purple was, in fact, my favorite color. "Me too!" he said, as he smiled at his wife, they were on their way out the door to spend the afternoon at Leu Gardens with friends. As he rushed out I wanted to tell him how much I loved the "Klimt Rotunda" in the hotel, because Klimt was my favorite artist and I even had his signature and a copy of one of his images tattooed on my leg.... I guess I'll have to save that for future conversation.

The Orlando Hotel's Klimt Rotunda features Klimt etchings and a very rare Bösendorfer piano

Visit my Facebook Fan Page for a complete album of photos taken yesterday as Doug built me the support. My daughter is going to make me a documentary video of the project in her own fun style, you can see her amazing videography skills on her YouTube channel.

35th Annual Maitland Rotary Arts Festival

2011-03-28T16:16:00.008-04:00

Art Under The Stars

The Maitland Rotary Arts Festival is the only one in Central FL that starts out on a Friday NIGHT. The atmosphere at night is really fantastic with the booths all illuminated around lake Lily. I am proud to say that I have been chosen as the 2011 poster artist for the festival! September 30th - October 2nd

My art will be on the poster and I will also have a booth at the festival where I plan to be working live and signing posters. I have never done an art festival before, so I am looking forward to it with a little nervousness. Anyone that has any tips to offer, I'd appreciate. I will have to get my husband to help me set up the booth.

Many thanks to Jeff and June Flowers of Performing Arts of Maitland who encouraged me to consider the opportunity. I play the violin with the Maitland Symphony Orchestra and guess what? We will be performing under the stars at the Festival on Friday night!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to burn the candle at both ends... but violin playing and having an art booth at the same show takes the cake!

Anyone want to man my booth for me?

Violets

2011-03-23T08:51:00.000-04:00

10x12 collage of hand painted papers on wood panel

This ORIGINAL collage is one of a series of flowers being considered by TJMaxx for reproduction. You may see prints of this piece available nationwide, but this is the original! Rich in texture and color and signed, this piece is protected with UV varnish and should be framed without glass

click here to bid

Collaboration for Celebrations Gallery

2011-03-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

"We Stick Together", Robin Maria Pedrero and Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

Robin and I have worked together in the past, and this year we decided to do it again as part of a collaborative show at Celebrations Gallery and Shoppes in Pomfret, CT. Ironically, Robin grew up in CT and now lives in FL, I grew up in MA and now live in FL. Robin and I have been friends and fellow artists for years, in fact it was her encouraging the folks at Celebrations that got me in the door!

We started out the birds piece with Robin taking the blank panel, painting a layer of her resist technique including branches, leaves and two silhouetted birds, and then handing it over to me. I added two more birds and branches in collage, some flowers and some postage stamps, and gave it back to her. She was then inspired to add more leaves, fruit and even a very subtle house in the far background. I love it! She gave it back to me and I was so happy with it that I just photographed it!

"Let Them Eat Cake", Robin Maria Pedrero and Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

The Cake piece was started by me with a blank panel. It was Robin's idea to lay out a grid and have us each work in every other square. I covered the background with old recipes tinted with acrylic stain before laying down a pencil sketch on top of that. I did my underpainting of the cake in all of the squares, but I only collaged in every other. I then handed off the piece to Robin who added paint, charcoal, birds and branches and painted her panels to be harmonious with mine, forming a complete cake image. She mimicked some of the collage patters in her squares to keep the continuity, this work super because the piece looks like a complete image and not a checker board. Our work is interacting with each other!

I truly enjoy working with Robin, it was fun collaborating and even having lunch once or twice to discuss the project!

The Cover!

2011-03-19T15:37:00.005-04:00

Which Version Would You Choose?

The cover for The Anne Marie has been designed by the publisher, Israel was given two versions and I was wondering which one you liked better?

I am partial to the one with the lighthouse on the back, but consider which one might grab your attention better. This is his first book, and he is so excited about it! Just want it to be the best it can be.

Let me know which cover you like better! or better yet, let Israel Parker know! Visit his blog.

Here is Israel Parker with his original. Be sure to to read more of his wonderful creative writing samples, and to learn more about The Anne Marie and when you can get your copy!

My Interview with Kelly Powers

2011-03-08T19:44:00.006-05:00

Creative Catalyst Productions
Own Video Production Guru

See previous post where I talked about being featured on CCP's blog and in turn, featuring Kelly Powers on my blog here

Who was/is your favorite artist to work with in the Creative Catalyst Productions DVD series?

In 2010 I began directing our video shoots, and each artist I've worked with has been amazing. I'm always impressed at how willing artists are to step out of their comfort zone and trust us with their images, their words and their processes. Each artist is incredibly fun because they all work so differently. That is something that unfortunately our DVD viewers can't see. It teaches me that there is no wrong way to approach art.

What type of computer programs to you use to edit video?

We mainly use Final Cut Pro. It's a piece of software my husband (and fellow Creative Catalyst Productions editor) and I have been using since college, and we love it.

What qualities do you look for in an artist who might be featured in an CCP video?

We create teaching videos so first and foremost we look for teachers. Teachers have explained their processes before and really know what parts they need to be clear on and what parts people will generally already understand. We also look for artists who have a distinct style. A beginning artist should be trying on different hats and blending what she's learning into her own voice. A unique, personal style can take years to develop. (And it should take years!) We are looking for artists who know what they want to say and have been perfecting that style for years.

How many hours of video do you typically film to make one instructional DVD?

It changes a lot depending on the artist's process. I am the offline editor, which means I take all the raw footage and cut it down to about two hours of edited before I send it on to my husband Zach. The most raw footage I've ever had was 13 hours of material shot simultaneously on four cameras. That was a technical nightmare but only because of the length. Thank goodness the instructor was so fun to watch.

What would be your best advice to give any artist who hopes to create their own instructional DVD?

Know why you want to create a DVD. Many artists feel like they need a DVD, but after they've made it they don't want to tell anyone about it. Artists are often worried about being labeled as pushy or self-promotional, and I think that's too bad. You can't believe the response we get at trade shows where people tell us how happy they are to have discovered DVD workshops. So I'd say before you make a DVD, make sure you are ready to tell people about it. You don't have to be tackling people and shoving it in their faces, but let your students know the DVD exists.

Make sure artistically that you are ready for a DVD. If you are still figuring out your style and you haven't yet folded what you've learned from others into a distinct voice, then it's too early in your career to produce a DVD. A DVD, like a book, stamps your name on a process and a style, and if you're still evolving stylistically as an artist, it may be premature.

Lastly, every DVD production company works differently, from royalty payments to production quality. There are a lot of companies doing great things with DVDs, and they are all a bit different, so find one that works for you. Many artists (including my grandmother, Jan Kunz) produce their own DVDs at first. Anyone who has produced their own knows it's a lot of work and can be very expensive. It can be a great option for some artists, but there's a lot of work and risk involved in self-producing.

Creative Catalyst Productions offers DVDs for purchase as well as to rent and view online in a finite time frame. Which is the most common way people choose to view the videos?

The DVDs are still much more popular than the online streaming, but I can see that changing over time. There is something really wonderful about having a physical DVD show up in the mail, but it's also nice to say, "I want to watch this," and have it right there immediately in your home. Our streaming site, ArtWorkshops.tv, is a sister site and many customers may not even realize streaming is an option. We're working to change that in the near future.

Do you ever film your CCP artists live as they are teaching a workshop with students?

We filmed Traci Bautista's DVD, Retro Rags: Funky Fabric Books, and Ann Baldwin's first DVD, Telling Stories with Collage & Paint, live. It was a blast. There is an energy in a live workshop that is unbeatable. Instructors feel very natural in front of a live class as well, and that comes across on film. But after our live experience we realized that our company is better suited for studio filming. There is more we can do with an artist if she only has to worry about us and not making sure that she's also doing a good job meeting the needs of an entire classroom. In a live workshop, her priority should be the students, and we don't want to make that hard for her.

What is it like working with your Mom Lynn and your Dad Jim?

Working with them is very natural. My maternal grandparents (watercolor artist Jan Kunz and her husband Bill) had a company together, and my brother and his wife run a business together. Family business is in our blood. Rarely do children get the chance to interact with their parents outside of a personal child/parent relationship. I feel very lucky to see my parents doing amazing things from the perspective of both a colleague and a mentee. For example, I am constantly amazed by my Mom's sense of art. I grew up while she was working on those skills, but as a child you don't recognize the kind of attention and work it takes to become an artist while taking care of a family. I have an appreciation for her knowledge and skills that I would never have had if I'd gone off to work somewhere else and only saw her on holidays. Seeing my parents in those different roles is one of the best aspects of working in a family business.

©Kelly Powers

What type of art do you create when you are not filming and editing video?

I love acrylics and collage, but I'm still far from having any type of style. I think I'm still in the process that many of our customers are, wondering if what I do actually counts as art. Some days I feel an enthusiastic yes. Other days I feel a less-than-loving no. I designed and made hundreds of fabric flowers for my wedding, and I'm still developing flowers in my spare time. At some point I realized, timidly, that that's kind of my art. I still feel silly admitting that because on some level I'm not sure it counts as art, but it's creative, and I love it. That's the first step in accepting something as your own personal art.

I also love making cards and often use the carving techniques I learned from our Gloria Page DVD, Art Stamping Innovations: Carving Workshop. Her time with us changed my life. I used to hate stamps. When I realized you could carve your own, my art changed overnight. My style is nothing like Gloria's, but the technique she taught me fit naturally in to the type of art I love.

Click the links below for examples of Kelly's stamps, card and art.

http://nameyourowl.blogspot.com/

http://craftamor.blogspot.com/search/label/my%20art%2Fcraft

http://craftamor.blogspot.com/search/label/cards

New Workshop - Asheville, NC

2011-03-04T21:41:00.003-05:00

Grand Bohemian Gallery – June 3/4/5
Once again I'll be in Asheville, NC for a spring featured show and collage workshop.

Located just steps away from gates of the famous Biltmore Estate, this exquisite Asheville hotel holds authentic Old-World, rustic ambiance of a Tudor inspired boutique hotel, masterfully blended with all of the modern luxuries synonymous with a contemporary Kessler Collection hotel experience. Among other Asheville hotels, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville offers exceptional style combined with luxury accommodations and is central to many of Asheville’s enriching experiences.

The Grand Bohemian Gallery is located inside the amazing hunting lodge lobby pictured above. The workshop will feature lunch included in the price, catered from the Red Stag Grill Restaurant. The hotel is putting together some package options including spa treatments, yoga classes and a champagne artists reception on Saturday, June 4th.

Stay tuned for more details, check out the gallery website
or call: 828-398-5555

Creative Catalyst Productions

2011-02-25T17:52:00.005-05:00

Featured Artist Interview
Creative Catalyst Productions, producers of art instructional DVDs, have asked me to be featured on their blog on March 9. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have been chosen to be highlighted on this amazingly professional blog/website! I have purchased their Carrie Burns Brown workshop as a streaming video on their sister site artworkshops.tv and really enjoyed the INSTANT gratification streaming video offers. The video was top quality with multiple camera angles and call-out lists of useful information.

In addition to offering video workshops online and on DVD media, CCP also offers a paid listing service on their site for artists teaching workshops around the country, you can look at their schedule here

I have been interviewed by Kelly Powers. Kelly works with artists to develop their DVDs, directs video shoots, and edits, a duty she shares with her husband Zach. CCP is a family business, she also works with her parents Lynn and Jim Powers.

After Kelly interviewed me, I asked her what she thought about being featured on MY very professional blog :) Kelly was totally open to the idea of being interviewed about working in the art industry and even sharing some of her own work here on Paper Paintings.

Look for my two part Kelly Powers interview on March 9th!

Jami Childers Does it AGAIN!

2011-02-25T17:35:00.000-05:00

You might remember that I commissioned Jami Childers to paint portraits of my kids a few months ago. Well my kids came out so FANTASTIC that I just had to ask her to paint my husband and I to hang with them on my fireplace.

Yesterday I unwrapped the paintings to be amazed and thrilled yet again! Jami had sent me photos in progress and of the finished product, but nothing compares to the original art.

Portraits make amazing gifts, especially for the person that has everything. Jami has all the prices and information on her website.

The Anne Marie

2011-02-25T17:27:00.001-05:00

sketch/underpainting in progress for The Anne Marie

This week I got started on my sketch and underpainting for The Anne Marie by Israel Parker. Israel is very excited about seeing the in process photos of my collage work for the cover of his book and so I thought I'd share them here as well.

My first step is a detailed sketch on wood panel. The Home Depot did not have very good quality birch panel the last time I went, so I opted for red oak panel. The grain and striation in the oak is much more prominent than the birch and I'm not sure if I'm going to like it or not. On this piece for the book cover, I do not plan on leaving much grain showing through. And by the way, the guys at Home Depot often wonder why I'm so picky about my building materials and all the small sizes I have them cut it down to for me!

Israel has sent me a manuscript which I plan on reading this weekend so that I can put some of his words to work in the portrait of Atticus on the cover.

Stay tuned for more in process steps. This is a very exciting project for me as the book will be available on Amazon.com and you never know who will read it and see it! PLUS working with Israel on his very first book is exciting, I love supporting other artists in their endeavors.

The Anne Marie

2011-02-24T16:07:00.001-05:00

Israel Parker and his wife Melanie

Getting to know Israel Parker
Israel Parker wrote The Anne Marie and has asked me to create the cover. On Friday night I read the first two chapters of this book to help me get a feel for the story. Since the book is not published yet I cannot share any of it with you but to say this, it's really good stuff!

Here is a snippet that Israel shares on the top of his blog:
Newfoundlands are considered to be one of the most loyal breed of dogs. It is said that once one of the giant water-dogs bonds with a human, they can never bond with another. Atticus Stockton is a Newfoundland who loses his precious master in the sinking of a fishing boat off of Maine's rocky coast. Now alone, Atticus finds that he is unwanted, and as the big dog struggles to find a new home he is also plagued with the dreams from his once perfect world. Can he find a home, and if he does can he ever love another human again?

Israel has been in the Coast Guard for 12 years. Nine of those years he spent as a hellicopter rescue swimmer. He was stationed in New Orleans from 2004-2009. He actually postponed his wedding in Mobile AL on the weekend that Katrina hit so that he could jump on a helicopter and fly into that darkened city in the middle of the night and be a bit of light for the victims of that terrible tragedy.

Israel told me that his time as a swimmer changed his perspective on life. He said that it was during that time that he realized he wanted to live his own life to the fullest. I think that someday you may hear more from this author about his experiences in New Orleans as a rescue swimmer.

And speaking of rescue swimmers, Newfoundlands (our main character of The Anne Marie and our cover model) are known for their centuries of service rescuing people from drowning!

As you can imagine, Israel was very moved by my own experiences with tragedy as told in my inspirational Growing Bolder Video

Southern Living In Style

2011-02-18T11:38:00.004-05:00

©Southern Living Magazine

Excited to share that Cow Art and More and my artwork are included in the March 2011 issue of Southern Living magazine in their decorating "Rodeo Chic in Style" section!

Cow Art and More features giclée prints on demand of several of my cow and barnyard images. Southern Living found my art through their blog and asked us to be a part of this issue!

We are very excited about selling prints of this cow image (which is incorrectly titled in the publication, this image is actually called "Lazy Afternoon.") The original is 20x24, framed in reclaimed Kentucky barn wood and available for purchase through the Grand Bohemian Gallery in St. Augustine, FL

Paper Paintings Book Cover Art

2011-02-17T13:46:00.001-05:00

Israel Parker is Closet Independent Writer

A couple of days ago I received an email from Israel Parker. He said that he happenned upon my work when he accidentally clicked "next blog" from the top of his own blog and there I was featured on Jessica Carter's blog (thank you Jessica!) from when she took a collage workshop with me. (Jessica was both of my kid's kindergarten teacher and she happened upon my artwork while flipping through Cloth, Paper Scissors Magazine!)

Talk about serendipity!

Israel said that when he happened upon my work, he knew it was just what he wanted for the cover of his book, especially since one of the characters in the book is a painter. The book is a story about a Newfoundland who loses his precious master in the sinking of a fishing boat off the coast of Maine. You remember that I am from New England and have been to visit Maine quite a few times in my youth, even spent a week in a fishing village one summer with my family!

Israel is self publishing his first book and the title is The Anne Marie you can read a snippet of it on his blog.

I am excited about working with an up and coming writer on his first book. I am happy that it will combine both my fine art and graphic design skills as I have to keep in mind incorporating the title of the book and the name of the author along with the artwork for the 6x9 cover.

I'll let you know more about the book and the cover as we progress

Collaboration for Celebrations Gallery

2011-02-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Robin Maria Pedrero and I have embarked on yet another collaboration! I'm very excited because last time for "Chalk, Paper, Scissors" we both created the same artwork image in our own style and medium and they were exhibited side-by-side. We were also in a two-woman show at Seminole State College Fine Art Gallery. For the SSC show we produced a catalogue that is still available on Lulu.com

Robin and I are great friends and we are both from New England. Robin introduced my work to the folks at Celebrations Gallery in Pomfret Center, CT and the rest was history. Now, not only are we both represented by this lovely gallery, but we are ready to jump in and participate in their call for artists to create a collaborative art project!

Over a Greek lunch, we decided that we would each start a piece in our own style on a 18x24 cradled birch panel, and then we would swap and finish each other's work. Robin's stage two is so beautiful that I'm afraid to touch it!

©Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, stage one

Here is my stage one, it's cake recipes glued down to the wood panel which was primed with clear acrylic polymer. This is a different way of starting off for me, I'm experimenting with our project. I plan to put some brown stain over this to tone down the papers, prime it again with clear gesso to give it tooth, and then sketch a birthday cake on top of the recipes. Robin and I once had mirror images of cupcakes in our "Chalk, Paper, Scissors" show, but this takes the cake.