For Inspiration

I hope that I am still creating as much art as Sam The Polka-Dot man is at 80 years old!

He is such an inspiration to me. :)

Hope you enjoy this little video of some of his creations and the things he does that help keep him alive and thriving.

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Waters Of Life Series Number 2 Painting

(click on image for larger view)

Here is another painting from the Intuitive Abstract Painting Process I posted about recently. My intention was to try and capture an Asian feel to this one. The markings at the top of the painting are supposed to be Chinese calligraphy. Not sure if that comes across to everyone else or not. :)

This painting is acrylic paints on primed (front and back) art paper to give it structure. I used different strokes, washes, and tools to create what you see here and on the others I'll be listing. The size of this painting is 4" x 4".

I've enjoyed having these paintings surrounding me and I may leave some just as they are without adding anything to them. They would make such a lovely grouping. Most of the individual paintings ended up being 5" x 7" so will be very easy to frame.

My goal is to start a web site to place my original paintings for sale there. I'll keep you posted as I get closer to that point.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

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Waters Of Life Series Number 1 Painting

After much deliberation I decided where my first cut would be in the big abstract background painting I posted about in my last post. Each place that I put the frame seemed like the perfect painting just waiting to be set free. So I had to just take the plunge and make that first cut.

I used a 5 x 7 template and lightly traced around it with a pencil and then cut out that section of the painting. Then I set to work adding some trees and a few other light washes of paint here and there. Now it looks like an abstract landscape and I just love the colors and placement of each brush stroke.

The title of the series seemed to float effortlessly up in my mind as I was finishing the larger background painting. Then, as I worked on this painting I knew for certain that it had to be named the Waters Of Life series. I love the combination of colors and how they work with each other. The entire painting is done using acrylic paints. Acrylics are so versatile in that you can make water color effects and use very lovely washes on top of the thicker brush strokes. Olive green, turquoise blue, and burnt sienna are the primary colors in this series with touches of a few other colors here and there. I may have to do another series with these colors!

(click for larger view)

Here is the same painting with a black mat framing it.

(click for larger view)

I'll be sharing more paintings as I set them free from the larger background. I'll also let you know if I decide to sell these paintings.

Thanks for letting me share!

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Intuitive Abstract Painting Process

Hello Everyone!

I've been on a spring cleaning and organizing kick of late and have been very anxious to get to a place so that I could start working on some of the Intuitive Collage Art that I shared with you a few posts ago. Being inspired by Martha Marshall on her Artists Journal Blog where she talks about her Three Part Process there, I decided to give it a shot.

The interesting thing is that I've fallen in love with the background I was preparing for the collage and will have to do the collage part at another time. :)

Here are a few shots of what I've painted thus far on a large piece of art paper.




Using Martha's view finder process I'll place the mat frame around the larger painting and determine where I'd like to capture each smaller painting. The possibilities are just endless when you start framing out the areas from different angles!





The challenge for me at this point is deciding exactly where to cut out the smaller paintings! I do plan on adding more painting and some details to each piece once I've narrowed down the focus a bit. At this point the plan is to cut out several 5 x 7 size pieces and possibly some 4 x 6 pieces that will be easily framed. I'm still in the planning and experimenting stage so we'll see how it progresses!

Once each painting is complete I'll be able to scan the smaller sizes on the scanner and you'll be able to see the colors and patterns much more true. I'm thinking these will make a lovely series and grouping. Hopefully the names of the series and each painting will start to come to me as I finish each one.

Thanks for letting me share with you all! :)

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Boosting Your Creative Productivity By Using Hemingway's Hack

This article was brought to my attention and I thought it was so perfect and so simple that I just had to share it with you all. What's really interesting to me is that I find myself doing this 'Hack' more and more of late! I was doing it and not even realizing it. I didn't even realize that there were 'Hacks' out there for one to take note of. :)

I've listed part of the article below and here is the link for the rest - Boost Your Productivity .

I've got a feeling that most creative types can put this to good use if they find themselves being stuck in their creative flow.

"The winner of the 1954 Nobel prize in Literature explains in simple words how to keep the momentum going and how to avoid writer’s block, a common affliction amongst authors. But his hack applies to any task related to an important goal. Here’s what you should do to avoid being stuck and maintain the flow state that maximizes productivity.

The quote :

The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck. Always stop while you are going good and don’t think about it or worry about it until you start to write the next day. That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start.

Ernest Hemingway

Roald Dahl’s comment :
Let’s see what another famous writer, Roald Dahl, has to say about Hemingway’s hack (excerpts) :
« I never come back to a blank page; I always finish about halfway through. Hemingway taught me the finest trick : “When you are going good, stop writing.” You don’t go on writing and writing until you come to the end of it, because when you do, then you say, well, where am I going to go next? You make yourself stop and you walk away. And you can’t wait to get back because you know what you want to say next. »

To summarize, Hemingway tells you :

Don’t finish your daily task if you want to keep the momentum going :

• Make finishing your task your « next task »
• Stop when you know what you will do to finish it
• Stop when you feel the drive to finish it
• Stop when you reach a creativity peak
• Stop thinking about it until the next day

The benefits. You :

• Avoid being stuck
• Keep the momentum going
• Start your day by the rewarding work of finishing a task
• Boost your self-confidence and motivation levels before starting the « next task »
• End your day on a high note
• Put your brain to purposeful rest when you stop working
• Allow you subconscious to work profitably on « it » = « the bigger picture » = your goal."

Take care Dear Readers and I hope to have some artwork to post very soon! I've been organizing and clearing out around my studio and home so that has had to take priority in order for me to finish. I find it is increasingly challenging for me to create if I don't have the energy freed up around me. :)

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Intuitive Collage Process Tutorial

For quite sometime now I've been an admirer of Martha Marshall and her artwork. I love how she switches from traditional abstract art to collage and back again. She is a professional artist that has a wonderful blog that she posts tutorials and pictures of her artwork on. I recently came across her tutorial on her 'Intuitive Collage Process' and I wanted to share it with you here. For any collage artists out there or those that are thinking of experimenting with this process you might want to check it out.

Her art blog is here - http://artistsjournal.wordpress.com/ and the direct link to the Intuitive Collage Process (it's in three parts so be sure to check out all three!) is here - intuitive-collage-process .

You can see more of Martha's collage works and her painting works by visiting the links above.

I'm so inspired by her tutorial that I do believe I'm going to see what I can put together with this process! If it turns out ok I'll be sure to share with you all. :)

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Happy New Year And A Few Art Tutorials!!

Taking a moment to wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!! Yayyy 2010!

Those that have been following my blog posts may have noticed that I've changed things up a bit as I felt the need to lighten the appearance of my blog in general. I think this is a current theme in my life and is being reflected here as well. :) I may be tweaking things even further in the days and weeks to come and I'd love any and all feedback! Got any suggestions or comments to share? Please do!

One of the things I've decided I'd like to do here is to share more resources with my followers as I come across them. I'll still be sharing my paintings for sure but I'd like to expand a bit with the information that I'll be posting.

In my research on ways to improve my techniques and expand my skills as a painter I frequently come across lots of valuable information that I feel could be helpful to other artists. I'll be sharing more of these links and tutorials as I find them so check back often!

A tutorial on how to do watercolor techniques with mountains by Bob Davies.

(I'll have to post links to this one as I can't seem to get the video to post correctly here. :)

Watercolor Painting Tutorial of Mountains/view/9Lmwx6bJFeNrzDWngEhY

Also you can sign up to get a free E-book from artist Bob Davies by visiting here -

Sign up for Free Watercolor E-book

Take Care All and Will See you Soon!! :)

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My Painting Featured on ImageKind Front Page!

Not sure how long the feature lasts but I believe it is at least for 24 hours. I'm very grateful for this feature and that ImageKind felt my 'A Stroll In The Park' painting was worthy of being on the front page. That's my painting that is in the framed picture over the couch. Here is a direct link to my gallery there if you'd like to see more of my artwork offered on prints and canvas http://itaya.imagekind.com.

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Heavenly Gifts

Happy Birthday Tomorrow to My Sister!

My sister doesn't ask for things very often. So when she asked that I do a painting of birds that represent her family that is living and the two angels that aren't...I had to give it my all! I'm happy to report that she LOVED it and apparently I captured all that she requested. Our birthdays are 14 years and ONE day apart so needless to say my little sister has Always been very special to me!

Happy Birthday 12/12/09 to my little Sis!!

I love you Sis. :)

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Starry Starry Night

My most recent painting. It's also my first night time painting. I'm very pleased how this little tree that appears to be contemplating the universe before him turned out.

If you'd like to see some of the items I've placed this painting on at Zazzle you can click here - http://www.zazzle.com/itayasdesigns/gifts?cg=196343260334847476 .

You can see more itams that I've placed my designs on at this link - http://www.zazzle.com/itayasdesigns/gifts?cg=196515920912939242 .

And finally you can just visit my Zazzle store and check it ALL out if you like here - http://zazzle.com/itayasdesigns .

Everything I create there is completely customizable and very easily personalized. Lots of great Christmas gift ideas there too! :)

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Sold 100 Postcards of this Painting!

I recently sold 100 postcards of this painting on my Zazzle.com site. You can check it out here if you like - http://www.zazzle.com/cherished_postcard_from_original_painting-239563469712613809 . What an honor that my little painting will potentially be mailed out to 100 different addresses!! :)

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Standing In The Light

Standing InThe Light From Original Painting by Itayasdesigns

(Click The Link Above To See The Award!)

Another lone tree painting and it's already won an award! I love painting trees in every shape form or fashion so when I got inspired to paint this little guy I didn't know it would be such a hit. One just never knows what is going to grab another's attention I suppose. :) Have an awesome day and remember to stand in the light whenever you get the chance!

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Oh Happy Day!

I love experimenting with different painting styles and this little painting was very fun to paint. The tree seemed so happy sitting all by its lonesome and basking in the sunshine that the name seemed evident. I believe this is a very happy and grateful tree for all that surrounds him. I think I can learn some wonderful things from this little guy. :)

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Rapture

Another Autumn painting to share with you all!

You can see some of the items I've placed this painting on here -Rapture Painting Designs as well as take a look around and see some of my other artwork designs.

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Interval

I finished this painting a few days ago and am now sharing it here. The colors remind me of Autumn which isn't too far away. Autumn is my favorite time of year so I may be doing more abstract paintings similar to this one. :)

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Blessings Painting Received the 'Today's Best Award' On Zazzle.com!

The Zazzle.com gods have smiled on my artwork again and the 'Blessings' painting I recently painted is being featured today! I placed an image from the painting on several items in my Zazzle shop and you can have a look at my shop and see them there if you click on the right hand side of the screen either under 'Products' or "Original Art Designs'. Here is a link to the Awards page - http://www.zazzle.com/pd/awards?day=8/11/2009
Click on the image below and it will take you straight to the item that received the award.

Blessings From Original Artwork
by
Itayasdesigns

Get this custom postcard at Zazzle

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Blessings

A painting I just finished I'm calling 'Blessings'. Again I am reminded of a Parent tree and their little ones. I'm sure I'll be adding this one to my designs on Zazzle.com so I'll update when I've done so.

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Cherished

A new painting featuring my 'skinny trees' theme. This painting is about a Parent tree and a Baby tree. They are set against a very colorful sky and horizon. I believe I'm going to keep this one in my personal collection for now. If you would like to see some items I've created from this painting or order a Fine Art print you can visit me here - Itayas Designs On Zazzle.com and scroll down the right hand side to the section of designs from 'Original Artworks'. You can also visit me here - Itayas Designs on ImageKind to look at the Fine Art Prints being offered.

Thanks for stopping by!

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My Gallery Was Featured!

Found out a bit ago that my gallery on Zazzle was featured on the front page along with some other designers today! They only show the top 10 and I was there!! Not sure how one qualifies for being featured. But I'll take the honor none the less. :)

Here are a few of my latest designs I've put on Zazzle:

Individual - From Original Painting by Itayasdesigns

Still Waters Mouse Pad From Original Painting by Itayasdesigns

Memory - Magnet - From Original Painting by Itayasdesigns

Thanks for stopping by!

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Dreamscape Painting Won A 'Today's Best Award' From Zazzle

Dreamscape by Itayasdesigns

Yet again I am honored to win an award on the very popular site Zazzle.com! Out of the thousands of submissions the 'award gods' smiled on one of my paintings again. :)

You can view the item this painting was placed on and see it by clicking on the image or link above.

Thanks for sharing in this with me!

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'Enchanted' Painting Received TWO Awards Yesterday!!

Yayyy!

My 'Enchanted' painting I blogged about yesterday actually received 2 Red Ribbon Awards!! The second award was for the Post Card it was put on being in the top 10 in views! :)

I had so many comments on this design that my head was reeling with the generosity and well wishes from everyone.

Thanks to all who helped this painting get TWO awards in one day! :)

If you didn't get to see it you can click on the link below in yesterday's post.

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I received Another 'Today's Best Award' on Zazzle.com!

I designed some items today by placing one of my paintings on Zazzle.com and received the prestigious 'Todays's Best Award'.

You can see it here -

Enchanted - Postcard - From Original Painting by Itayasdesigns
Design post cards at Zazzle

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Individual

Here is another lone tree painting I painted a few days ago for you to take a look at. As with the last lone tree painting 'Significant' I'm not certain at the moment if I'll offer the original of this painting for sale. Should I decide to offer the original I'll update this post to include the price and ordering instructions.

Here is a direct link to one of the items I created using this painting - Poster Print Feel free to change the size of the print to suite your needs!

You can visit my main page here for lots of items created out of my artwork and other designs - http://zazzle.com/itayasdesigns*

You can see some of my other paintings and the products they are available on by scrolling down the right side of the page at my store on Zazzle to the section entitled 'Original Art Painting Designs' or if you know the name of the painting you can type that in the search area as well.

If you would like to contact me you may do so HERE.

Thanks for looking!

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Significant - Received The 'Today's Best Award'! on Zazzle!

Yayyyy!

I posted Significant on Zazzle.com on a few products last night and received the very coveted 'Today's Best Award' from them! It is indeed an honor to receive the awesome TBA and now my artwork has received 2 from Zazzle.com! :)

You can see the item that received the award HERE!

Take a look at the Zazzle pages that list Today's Best Picks HERE

Thanks to Everyone that has taken the time to vote on this image and leave their comments!

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Significant

I painted this painting a few days ago and I'm enjoying it so much I'm not certain at the moment I'll offer the original for sale. Perhaps in the future I will but for now I'll just savor it awhile longer. :)

I will be offering prints from this painting on Zazzle and you can take a look here to see what products it will be offered on - http://zazzle.com/itayasdesigns*

Once there you can go to the right hand side of the page and click on 'Original Art Painting Designs', or type in 'Significant' in the search box on that same page.

If you would like to email me you may do so HERE.

Thanks for looking!

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