Vintage Indie

Art & Photography: IronsideImpastos

I'm in love with these gorgeous Impasto Oil Paintings from IronsideImpastos. 

These could certainly cheer up any room. 

Art Stories: Interviewing Landscape, Still Life and Palette Knife artist Carol Schiff

 

Vintage Indie would like to welcome Carol Schiff as our featured artist. 

Carol in her studio. 

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MEDIUM? When I first started painting I ventured into watercolor and pastel,and experimented with acrylics, but when I found oils, I fell in love and have stayed pretty faithful to that media. I love the feel of the oils, their texture, the way they blend. I prefer to show brushwork and texture in my paintings and oils are perfect for this.

 

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I have always had a desire to paint or draw, but from childhood I told myself I had no talent. In the 70's I opened a needlework shop which eventually led me to designing my own line of hand painted needlepoint. My lack of drawing skills was an obvious problem, so I started taking drawing lessons. Eventually I gathered the courage to study pastel painting, which I did for eight years. Finally I found oils!

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Well just about everything! The light on an object or scene, the shadows, the colors, anything that catches my eye. Lately I have been experimenting with abstract works, which I find really difficult because the inspiration comes from my mind. Before starting an abstract, I have to think of a composition, determine what colors I want to use and what media. There is no way to know where it will go and I have a high failure rate.

There are so many wonderful artists that inspire. The internet has made it so easy to find incredibly talented people around the world. I spend many hours every week, viewing others' art.
At the moment Andre Kohn is one of my favorites. He is fabulous and I love his lost edges, lose brushwork, everything he does. Another favorite is Lynn Boggess. He has influenced my work with palette knives. He is one of those brave souls who takes giant canvases up the side of a mountain and paints with a trowel. His work is unbelievable and must be seen in person to really be appreciated. He has a totally unique look to his work. I get excited just thinking about it!

 

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO THIS MEDIUM? Almost every town has an artist willing to give lessons in the basics. Do it because you enjoy it, don't become discouraged, and try to paint several times a week. Use the internet to find artists who's work you admire and study their work. Practice, practice, PRACTICE!

Carol's Studio 

DOES VINTAGE PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR ART OR LIFE? Yes, I love vintage and find it impossible to pass up an antique store. We have a small second home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and I furnished the entire house in vintage. I had so much fun refinishing tables and collecting items I remembered from my childhood. I feel such a connection with vintage items and find it impossible to dispose of them, so I have to be very careful about what I bring home.

I am in the process of refinishing an old dresser into a bathroom vanity at the moment and last month I purchased the metal stand from a Singer Sewing Machine. My clever husband made a beautiful cherry top for it and now it is my favorite little table.

When we are in North Carolina, I spend a lot of time photographing old barns and homes, as well as still life items with that vintage feel. When we are in Florida I paint from these images.

 

WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR WORK? I would like them to know that each and every painting is special to me. I sometimes agonize for hours over a very small painting, getting it just the way I want it. I like texture in my work and want you to touch it. I like drama in it and try for lots of contrast. I want it to evoke a feeling in you, maybe a special memory of a place or item or even a flower.

 

The exciting thing about being an artist is that you never stop learning, your work evolves from week to week. Recently I have moved into palette knife works. I enjoy the texture, I want the viewer to reach out and touch....a big no no in galleries! I work hard to improve the quality of my work every day. I have developed a few painting techniques which helps to make my art unique, and I have been fortunate enough to license my work with three companies.

I love knowing that my art is in homes from Australia to Alaska, that you no longer have to be an art expert or invest a fortune to own original art. The internet has made this possible.

I feel like I am in competition with myself each time I step up to the easel. I try to make each work the best one I have ever created.

 

Thanks so much Carol for the interview! It has been a pleasure getting to know you. 

Please visit Carol's Etsy Shop Carol Schiff Studio

Her Blog Carol Schiff Daily Painting Studio

Follow her on Facebook: Carol Schiff Studio 

 

 

Just Breathe

It has been such a heavy hearted week. There are so many hurting all over the world and when it hits close to home it tends to effect us all in one way or another. Our prayers are with the famlies in Boston and in Texas today. They're also with those unseen and unheard of who need them. Take a moment this weekend or even the whole weekend if you can and just breathe. 

 

Image Copyright © Carrie Goodman

 

Image Copyright © Jillian Hall

Image Copyright © Sandra arduini

John 10:10(NIV)

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

10 Year Anniversary Week: Love Quotes

GraphicAnthology

iloveitall

oflifeandlemons

Ziglets

thimblepress

trmDesign

The Daily Swank: Vintage German Pull Down School Charts

 

Yummy vintage & handmade goodies from around the globe. Today's Daily Swank comes to you from The Netherlands. 

You can purchase any of these awesome posters at Vintouchables. 

Washi Gonna Do?

Washi gonna do with today's Pick Your Plum?

Washi tape coming in at $1.50 a roll. Are you kidding?!!!?

I love these spring colors. Are you addicted to Washi Tape like I am? Head over to Pick Your Plum for today's special deal. (remember once it's gone, it's gone) 

Want to learn more about Pick Your Plum? Visit this feature we did awhile back. 

The above links are affiliate links. We were not paid to write this feature. I truly love Pick Your Plum and am thrilled to be featuring it here. Visit mydisclosure/disclaimer page for more information. 

Art & Photography: Tush Tush

Art for everyone can provoke different feelings and emotions. When I stumbled across Tush Tush, the art brought many smiles to my heart. Many of these images depict children and happier childhood times. These are the things I like to get lost in.  

What about you? 

 

tushtush

All images ©Copyright Tosya

 

Sandy Hook Donations

One of my favorite illustrators and artist Sarah Jane has created this beautiful image/card for easy download and print. 

100% of proceeds will go to the  Sandy Hook School Support Fund which is set up with Newtown Savings Bank to support families of the victims and community needs.

Please visit Sarah Jane Studio's blog for further information. 

 

Fall Harvest 2012: Leaves

Source: happythings.tumblr.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Alissa on Pinterest

 

Source: via Annie John on Pinterest

 

Source: weheartit.com via Carmen on Pinterest

 

Through the Lens: Briole Fine Art Photography

{Through the Lens} Independent Photography {Inspired by Autumn}

Purchase any of these prints at Briole

Fall Harvest 2012: A Plethora of Vegetables

Fall is my favorite season. The colors are bountiful, the food delicious, the weather is often perfect in the East coast. I love fall, especially the yummy vegetables that emerge from the garden. 

 

Source: motherearthnews.com via Melinda on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: socialmoms.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com via NEXT by Athena on Pinterest

Source: bonnieplants.com via Donna on Pinterest

Source: awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com via cRaZY on Pinterest

Fall Harvest 2012: Juicy Apples

Source: aresohappy.tumblr.com via BRIKA on Pinterest

Source: alamodejournals.com via BRIKA on Pinterest

Source: dailydoseofstuf.tumblr.com via Teresa on Pinterest

 

Image Copyright Eye Poetry Photography Purchase a print at EyePoetryPhotography

Through the Lens: Holding on to Summer Series with S.S.C. Photography & Prints

It is that time of year again here in Kentucky, when the seasons change. As much as I love fall, I hate winter and love every bit of summer while it's gone. This year was a very hot summer and we didn't get to get out as much as I would have liked. So while I whine a bit about summer leaving and winter's fast approach, enjoy these beautiful summery photos and prints from S.S.C Photography & Prints. 

{Through the Lens} Independent Photography {Inspired by Summer}

Art Stories: Interview with Annie Poon

When I first came across Annie Poon's  cuckoo clocks  I knew I had to share her work with you. But then  I pursued her passions further and was  trapped  looking through her fun and sometimes quirky artwork. I was surprised to find that she not only paints her cuckoo clocks, she draws, doodles, sculpts with paper and so much more. She truly is very talented and you can tell she is passionate about her work.

This is Annie, oh did I mention she illustrated a book recently? Pursue her blog, Annie Poon to find out more.

VI - What is your preferred medium?

 

My preferred medium is black and white drawing, whether with a brush or pen.  I like the immediacy of doodles, the way that emotions translate directly to the paper.  Everything about the line's speed and thickness tell a story.  I am not a fan of erasing! A favorite drawing teacher who once told me 'if you draw something that needs improvement, don't get attached to it, just throw it away and make a better one.  You did it once so you can do it again!'  I use a lot of drawing in my painting and animation, keeping things a little cartoony in general. 

One of my favorites of Annie's. Visit her blog to hear the story about why she started to draw all of these items. You'll love it, and the rest of the drawings that go with it. 

 

My mom is the one that got me interested in art.  When I was in kindergarten she withdrew me from school for a day, sending in a note saying I was getting a 'cultural education'.  She took me in to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and gave me nickels for every artist I could identify.  Mom was very interested in the history of painting in particular.  She was always doing fun stunts to get her kids interested in art.  She also taught me cross-stitching and toll painting as well as quilting, baking, and dressmaking.  My dad was once very into at art as well. He used to make beautiful ceramics.

 VI - How did you get started?

I started out my art career by writing and illustrating little stories in elementary school.  I loved to illustrate the journal my mom kept for me.  By the time I got to high school my artwork was very popular with my classmates.  They would pay me to draw whimsical fairy posters and paint Grateful Dead dancing bears on their clothes.  I also loved making sets for the school plays.   I continued to study painting at the School of Visual Arts in my dear NYC.  It only occurred to me my senior year that my doodles were also something to be taken seriously.  That is when I got into cartooning and animation.

Runaway Bathtub from Annie Poon on Vimeo.

 

VI - Who or what inspires you? 

I am most inspired by the work of outsider artists and the art of the insane.  These types have no fear of working in the wrong style or of not fitting in.  They are great innovators and risk takers. Once a year there is an outsider art fair here down in SoHo. Whenever I venture to go my mind is completely blown.  I actually can't ever view the entire fair because after seeing just a few booths I feel so inspired that I rush home to stew and make art.  Some particular favorites include Howard Finster, Bill Traylor, and Nellie Mae Rowe.  One of my favorite more traditional artists is Karen Kilimnik.  Her work is so romantic and almost cheeky.  I also love Gemma Correll's cartoons.

My studio is tiny, just big enough for my desk and worktable.  The size of the room contributes to the intimate feel of my work.  It is extremely cluttered with piles of books everywhere.  The table is covered with lights for my animations and jars of brushes and inks.  Now and then the sewing machine makes an appearance.  I have vintage-inspired toys stashed in all the corners as well as a years and years worth of sketchbooks popping out from the table.  I keep inspired by putting up postcards by 'Natalie L'ete' next to my own watercolor attempts and have decorated my desk with handspun wool figurines by 'Vintage by Crystal'.  My window looks out onto the city skyline over the Lincoln Tunnel.  I like to see the cars moving in and out of the city while I work... it's sort of a traffic clock for me to gauge the time.  I like to listen to the honks at rush hour and see the orange sunlight kiss the tops of the buildings at the end of each day.  My window also looks down to a walled secret garden maintained by the lady's residence next door.   

VI - What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this medium?

 

I think a person trying to get into art should take a quiet moment and listen to their heart before deciding what to make.  Don't shy away from a cliché if it moves you, and don't work in a certain medium just because you think it is more impressive or legitimate.  The best example of humble exploration would be the window displays at Anthropologie, where the artists create enchanting artwork with everything from paper plates and pins to sandpaper or scotch tape on a window.  It's okay to make humble small pieces.  Sometimes there's a lot of power there.  Also be brave enough to make ten ugly pictures before finding out how to make one beautiful one. I would advise beginners to work in a small series before moving on, exploring the possibilities of a set combination of elements.  For instance, blue paper and a white pencil.  Tin cans and nails.  A camera and a daily walk by the river.  This is an amazing way to grow and innovate, by setting limits then exploring within those limits. 

 

I live in a little dream world where my values and habits reflect those of a 'lady of leisure' who wants to sit in her parlor all day doing her handiwork and accepting callers.  If there were better dentists back then, I would be quite happy to live in Victorian times.  My cartoon characters like to say things like 'tut tut' and 'oh dear', while my furniture sculptures are inspired by the mansions of Edith Wharton novels and catalogues of vintage furniture from Sotheby's.  My cuckoo clock series is inspired by an old broken clock I found in Harlem at a tag sale.

 

VI - Does vintage play a role in your art or life? If so, how?

My apartment is big for New York but is actually smaller than my parent's Texas bedroom, so there is not a lot of room for collecting.  But I do love to go to the junk shops and occasionally indulge in a purchase. Williamsburg Brooklyn is only a few subway stops away and has a huge concentration of vintage and junk stores.  My favorites are the dusty ceramic figurines.  I like the dogs with spaghetti-like blobs of porcelain glommed on to the body to resemble fur.  I have a pink poodle like this in my bathroom.  It is so corny and wonderful! Unfortunately her tail is missing.  I also sometimes pick up quirky antique toys like my vinyl red dog with the droopy eyes.  My favorite vintage finds are called 'lawn stakes'.  These are cutout wooden figures, hand painted and weathered from years outside in the elements.  I have a beautiful little example of a girl in a yellow dress holding a bag of popcorn. I found this sweetie in Wells, Maine, a goldmine of affordable antiques!

 

VI - What is important for your customer to know about your work?

 

My work is that it is cheerful by choice not because I haven't had my own difficult times.  What I do best is uplift and so I don't squander my abilities on the negative.  It took me a long time to learn that joy is nothing to be discounted.  Joy, if you have it, should be celebrated and shared. Joy can actually become the chief subject matter. 

 

VI -  Where can we see your artwork in person?

My cuckoo clock paintings can be seen right now at 'Tavern on Jane' in the West Village until mid October.  My animations will be on view at the Museum of Modern Art on Dec 8 in the program 'Rock Paper Scissors', as well as at the BYU Museum of Art in December through April in the show 'We Could Be Heroes'.  Also most of my work is online at my website www.anniepoon.com. You can also purchase Annie's work at her Etsy shop. 

Thank you so much Annie for this fantastic interview! 

Through the Lens: August

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

 { Inspired by the Months }

When I came across the fine art photography from GoldenSection, I knew I had to show you one of her gorgeous photo calendar photos. They are so much fun, and would make a great gift. A new piece of art for each month! 

Visit GoldenSection for this August print and many other beautiful images. 

 

Through the Lens: Butterflies & Humming Birds

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

 { Inspired by Butterflies & Birds }

 

These little guys seem to show up around here, just when you need a smile. Do you have humming birds where you are? They are really fun to watch. 

 

Find these prints and more beautiful photography from Mike & Kathy at StrongylosPhoto

All images © 2011 StrongylosPhoto

Art Stories: Katrina Howarth

Vintage Indie would like to welcome Katrina Howarth as our featured artist. 

 

I am an example of putting your heart into your passion and following your dreams...after arriving in the states after graduating from Glasgow School of Art in 1995, I arrived with my rucksack and a portfolio of paintings from art school and now 17 years later, I am a happy mother of three lovely daughters and a very successful artist and gallery owner.

My work today is a taste of my daily life and I feel very lucky to be able to live the dream i  had hoped for. My paintings share my joyful and abundant life, and with just opening my own gallery in Galveston, Texas.  I enjoy so much brightening peoples days and lives.

Please help me in welcoming Katrina to Vintage Indie. 

What is your preferred medium?

 My prefered medium is oil, over the last 10 years i have developed my own style with layering and glazing with my palette of 7 oils. Its the contrast of the burnt sienna that plays with the daily palette...which may look different depending on what mood i am in or what music i am listening too. I love the way the oils play with one another and how they sink into the linen, canvas or panel.

How did you get started? 

 Art has always been apart of my life. My Mum is an artist, my grandfather an architect. As in previous email i have fond memories of times with my mum, i always had art supplies around me, and remember always doodling, or painting...it was the main thing i did from as early as i remember.

Who or what inspires you? 

Matisse, is a major influence as is Bonnard. I soaked in the masters on visits to the many galleries in scotland and england. I have always been attracted to the dance of colour.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this medium?

 

The advice i would give to someone who is wanting to learn to paint in oils... firstly a painting always begins from the composition, you must have a good drawing beneath to begin with, with detail to the golden section for it to sing. The burnt sienna wash beneath will always create a warmth to work from, go slowly, and allow a flow to begin (almost like a dance), don't be afraid to make any mistakes, keep going, as if you are in the canvas, and listen to yourself, once the conversation is over, walk away to the end of the room and turn around and see the work from a distance. Don't  critique your brushstrokes up close, a painting is seen from afar as a whole...

Nighttime Gallery 

Does vintage play a role in your art or life? If so, how?

 

Vintage, i suppose i am vintage...growing up in the 70's, i think i have much appreciation for the "original" of everything... having daughters and enjoying the things i grew with, and re living those moments myself as a child. I so resonate with shabby chic style, which too me the oldness of a fresh rose in an antique vase, a crystal from a chandelier with antique whites, moldings and old textile patterns...all appear in the interiors i like to paint.

What is important for your customer to know about your work?

 

What is important for my customer to know about my work.... i think its mostly the joy and abundance that i am so lucky to have at the moment, when my first child was born with special needs..our lives where turned upside down for many years, times were so hard and life was dark with hospitals and doctors.... my husband and i have worked so hard to get where we are today..and the passion we have for each other shows, mirabella is doing fantastically now, and the addition of my angels sophia rose and lily anne, are evidence of true love...... my work is a reflection of the celebration of life, the colour, and beauty that is all around us, which sometimes gets unnoticed from the hectic world we live in... i love to share this with others and i am so lucky to...my new gallery allows me to create a space for those to step into and feel and enjoy and take with them into their worlds.

 See more of Katrina's work at her gallery;

Gallery hours are Saturday 12 to 6, Sunday 12 - 4, galveston art walks every 6 weeks from 6-9pm and private viewings available during the week.

The gallery address is,

Howarth Gallery
215 Tremont
Galveston
TX 77550

409 223 8654

Katrina 713 550 6431
www.thehowarthgallery.com

Thanks so much Katrina! It has been a pleasure getting to know you. 

Virtual Baby Shower: Artwork by Katie Daisy

If you're looking to add some cheer to your walls, Katie Daisy of The Wheatfield has some amazing watercolors to do just that. When looking for something bright and cheery to add to the nursery makeover, we needed something that would pop against the gray walls. We knew the pinks, corals and blues would tie into everything else we were planning for her room. 

Love 

 

Pocketful of Posies 

Stay tuned for a final look at the nursery during our big reveal in July. 

 

Visit Katie Daisy to purchase any one of her gorgeous pieces of art at The Wheatfield. 

 

Copyright Katie Daisy 2011

 

A special thank you to Katie Daisy for providing the two art pieces for our virtual baby shower and nursery room makeover. 

 

Disclosure: I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, Editor. Visit ourDisclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.   

 

Art & Photography: Art for the Kitchen by Anek

I'm loving these beautiful works of art from Anek. 

Eat Seasonal

Coffee or Tea Kitchen Art

Salad

 

All artwork and content © 2012 Anek

Through the Lens: HoneyTree

In keeping with yesterday's theme I thought we'd continue our journey to Venice Italy with these gorgeous fine art prints from honeytree. 

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

 { Images from Italy }

 

Shop these prints at honeytree

photos © Lupen Grainne

The Daily Swank: Vintage Style Calendars for the New Year.

2012 Vintage Bird Calendar by janesays

I love the concept behind this gift set. It includes an acrylic frame with a magnet so you could easily beautify your refrigerator with the darling embroidered vintage birds. 

 

2012 Letterpress Calendar featured vintage hankerchiefs by MinkLetterpress

 

 

Through the Lens: Wild Horses & Paris

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

 { Beauty in the Natural & Man Made }

click to see larger 

Shop these prints at Eye Poetry

photos © irene suchocki

Want to get them in time for Christmas? 

For gifts that need to arrive by December 25, please place your order by:

INTERNATIONAL: November 22
USA: December 5
CANADA: December 8

See shop for details. 

Art & Photography: Danny Phillips Art

I'm always dreaming of warm weather and being on the road with my family. Today's Art & Photography features the artwork of Danny Phillips. Danny says, "My desire in art focuses on authenticity, age, and the historical relevance of objects in places and how they trigger our memories and emotions." Vintage Indie art in its finest. 

Check out some of my favorites from Danny's shop which include using recycled magazines, papers and reusable paints.

 

Shop Danny Phillips Art for prints and originals.   

Through the Lens: Sara Magliacane

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

 { Inspired by Orange }

Shop these prints and others at Sara Magliacane Photography

 

Copyright © Sara Maglicane Photography

Handmade Crush: Assemblage Art My Little Love Box

 

Today's cursh is this art piece from My Little Love Box. My sister just moved to a new apartment, and they have something similar to this but on a huge wall in their lobby. I think this scaled down size would look awesome in a vintage modern home.