Thursday, October 16, 2008

An Interview with Debra Linker


Debra grew up in Dallas, Texas and moved to Seattle about fourteen years ago, following a technical career path. Hers is a story of the left brain finally finding its right counterpart, a balance that was to change her direction in life toward a new identity: that of an artist.

“Growing up,” Debra says, “I was not even remotely interested in artistic endeavors.”

Then, one day, a good friend suggested she “should paint.” Out of the blue!

“I immediately disregarded it!”

But husband Bruce saw something in the possibilities. Curious to see what she was harboring, he took her shopping for art supplies.

Then, another friend recommended she read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Within days, she was attending a workshop based on the book. People were urging her to paint, cheering her along the way. She took lessons. She started exhibiting in a friend’s shop. A chain of events, a series of synchronicities….

Like Cinderella at the ball, she found that she had, indeed, been an artist all along.

Enter Etsy, a creative community where Debra could further foster her creative forces while being surrounded by like minds. And where she could actually SELL her works and be supported by others who were creating businesses out of their creations.

“I am daily inspired by the scenery, the nature, and the art community” in Seattle. “I live in a well-groomed evergreen forested area and there is no lack of subject matter for any of my art ‘phases.’”

“For the first time in my life, I am finding a desire to express social and political views that I have previously kept pretty much to myself. An example of this is the recent completion of ‘Viridis.’”


Her technique is as simple as it is difficult.

“I simply just start putting paint on the canvas – any paint, any color -- and, before long, I have the next stroke, and the next, and soon, I have another painting.”

And what does she see in her future? What defines success?

“Being able to paint another day; to have the materials, the time, and the ability to just paint another day…that would be my definition of success.”

To learn more about Debra and to see more of her beautiful work, please visit:

http://debralinker.com
http://debralinker.etsy.com
http://debralinker.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Handmade Halloween

You can find art items in every style, and for every occasion, at Design Style Guide. Shown below are a few of the unique Halloween decorations available from our Etsy artists. Links to each item and shop are beneath each photo. Happy Haunted Shopping!


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Affordable Art For Your Walls!

Elis Cooke Original Art has beautiful, richly colored abstract art for you. She works in mixed media, handmade paper collage, and monotypes, so I know there is surely something to please your in her shop. This piece, Stray of Light, is an original mixed media piece measuring 20 inches by 16 inches, and it is ready to hang with no frame, very reasonably priced at $125.00.

elis abstract

Green Island Studios brings you amazing photography with a vintage feel. The Diaphanous Blue is haunting to me. I love water, and the emotion that this piece gives is tangible. This 8 inch by 10 inch piece is priced at $35.00. Jo offers a matting service in her shop also. Her talent is evident in her photos, with composition and design that is strong. The vintage feel of her work could offer you just the piece you've been looking for!

jo

Barbara Giordano Art has this piece for you. “Mandala” simply means “circle.” Barbara says that these magic circles are often used in meditation and symbolize many aspects of the self and community. This digital representation is abstracted from her original artwork and reproduced to a 2.5 inch x 3.5 inch art card. The original work was created using professional colored pencils and acid free inks and markers. She has this miniature piece priced at $4.99. Pieces such as these can enhance special areas that may be too small for traditional sized pieces of art.

barbara  mandala

Melanie, at TheCreatorsPalette, has a beautiful abstract painting. It is painting on YUPO paper in watercolor, and this is a difficult paper to master. I think that Melanie truly captured a winner in this piece. It flows beautifully, taking every advantage of the watercolor medium. This piece is 9 inches by 11 inches, and available for $60.00.

melanie

Next month I'll bring you more affordable art! Yes, you can have original art on your walls in any budget!

Thank you!

Jean

Please visit my Etsy store for original watercolor and oil paintings priced from $10.00 to $395.00.

Don't miss my website for more oil paintings, and to see my "What's going on in my studio this month" feature!

Check out my blog and see new artwork, as well as the wonderful flora and fauna of the beautiful Texas Hill Country!