Postcards from the Edge, the Middle, and All Around the Town

It's time for the Muskegon Museum of Art's Annual Postcard Salon. This event showcases the talents of artists in West Michigan of all ages; beginners to accomplished artists. In the past there were over 1,000 entries available for viewing. This year artists could submit up to five postcard sized art pieces in a variety of mediums. This is the first year I have submitted some pieces. This was a fun project for me. I tend to like projects that can be completed in a minimum of time; as my interest wanes easily, so it worked out great to have one card completed per day and I think they  turned out pretty good...but you should judge for yourself...All entries can be seen on March 9 where they can be purchased for $30.00. For more information on the museum and the Postcard Salon, visit their web page or call number listed.

Thursday March 9, 2017

Postcard Salon Reception & Sale

5:30 p.m. Reception/7:00 p.m. sale

Muskegon Museum of Art

296 W. Webster Avenue

Muskegon, MI 49440

231-720-2570

www.muskegonartmuseum.org 

Below are two of my of five entries. They are mixed media with acrylic paint, paper, gems and found objects. I wanted to make some fun, whimsical pieces. I used a lot of metallic paints, and iridescent papers as well as store-bought gems to accent them. Unfortunately one didn't photograph well and I also didn't get a photo of the one I liked the best, titled "Alice has the key." A kind of steampunk type card of course. Thanks for stopping by my blog and hope to see you at the Salon! Marie

Fairy Fun

Hoping

TWQ is back with new artwork

Barbie and Joe Escape to the Isle of Bliss-2016

Just finished putting a final coat of varnish on this piece. From idea to completion it probably took me two years. Its not that it was actually two years of work...I am just a procrastinator. Anyway this piece is 16 x 20 and incorporates a lot of different elements and materials. I used playing cards, cards from a Mexican bingo game, chain, cogs and wheels (of course), femo clay, small gemstones and beads, a broken mirror, and pieces from a camera (don't know if its visible there but the Joker's eye is a glass lens from a camera). Mixed media works are fun but time-consuming. I think I will stick to acrylic painting and color pencil for a while. In addition, I have started work on several manuscripts that have been sitting around for way too long; one for about 20 years. It's done, just needs to be retyped (I told you I was a procrastinator). Thus, I will be signing off on blogging for the time being.

In the meantime, if you are local (Muskegon County area), please be sure to visit the  Bettye Cannon Gallery. The show is titled "When Thoughts Become Things" and will be there until August 31. I was invited to participate in this show which was an honor.  Exhibiting artists are: Bette DelVeechio, Lori McElrath Eslick, Ferrel Cordel, Don Spezia, Penney Smaardyk, Alexander (Sandy) Kennedy, Marie Helena Cisneros, Marlan Cotner, Annie Wassman, Jeff King, Sheila Passenier, Douglas Neuman and Hana Girdvainis-Sawyer. The gallery is run by a great group of people and has been part of the art scene in Muskegon for many years. The Bettye Clark- Cannon Gallery is located on the 2^nd floor of the Hilt Building within the Frauenthal Center, Muskegon, Michigan 49441.

Hope you have enjoyed my posts on the Winged Quill as I have enjoyed doing them-Namaste-Marie Helena.

The Art Of The Nude (NSFW)

"Bather Arranging Her Hair, Renoir, 1893"*

People have been painting nudes for countless years, probably since paint was invented, even though the depiction of nudity, in most societies is deemed taboo, artists will continue to paint them. Nudity in art, whether it is rendered in painting, drawing, sculpture or photography; in general, reflects our accepted social and cultural standards within the current time frame.

Statue by Thorwaldesen**

Depending on style or medium, an artist can bring out or exaggerate the features of the human body or attempt to render it as their eyes see it with settings diverse, oppositional, or apropos to the posing of the model within the composition. Nudes are not always painted to be sexual in nature and the viewer should observe the painting as a whole in the context of a work of art; and appreciate the human anatomy in its totality and depth, which may also give the viewer an understanding of how the artist’s mind is depicting the nude or understand how they are seeing the world in relationship to the painting as a whole; as the nudity is not the main concern in the painting.

Three Graces by Thorwaldesen**

Men have of course been painting women nudes for centuries, perhaps as an appreciation of the physical beauty of the female body and as for erotic art. More recently women have been making some inroads into the art of the painting nudes. But, both female and male nudes have been painted and sculpted in many sizes and shapes. With the intricacies of the human body, there is always a new challenge each new model.  Early Greek nudes and sculptures were predominantly of males, perhaps because there was the perception that the nude male was considered "artistically" more beautiful with better symmetry that the female body, which is a matter of conjecture.

"A Seated Male Nude", French 1705-1765*

My own reasons for painting and drawing nudes is because I like the challenge of painting the human form as well as because it still considered a time-honored quintessential art-form. An artist can both pay tribute to the beauty and intricacies of the human form, both male and female; and at the same time create a work that embodies a harmonious synchronicity that is both sensual and imaginative.

"Reclining Nude, M. Cisneros, 2013

I will add more of my work with nudes at a later date...as I will have to resize the files in order for them to upload. The painting "Reclining Nude" is available for purchase. Email me for a price if interested. To view more sites with artistic nudes visit: Novica.

IMAGE SOURCES

*"Bather Arranging Her Hair", "A Seated Male Nude," from the National Gallery of Art, open access images.

**Other sources: J.G. Heck. (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Illustration. Plates 448 and 447

"Reclining Nude" Acrylic on canvas by Marie Cisneros, 2013.

"Women to Watch: 2016" Exhibit (Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery) (Review)

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to participate in a new exhibit at the Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery in Muskegon, Michigan and attended the opening reception last night. What great fun! I had the chance to sit and chat with some of the other artists who also have their work showcased at this event as well as enjoy the artwork while sipping punch and munching on snacks with fellow artist and Facebook friend, Bette DelVecchio, whose wonderful works are also on display at this exhibit.  I also had the pleasure of talking with Polly Doctor, Special Projects Coordinator who has done a wonderful job in coordinating this show.

There is a lot of talent here to see, if you are in the area over then next couple of months, stop by and see what the area's women artist are doing. This cozy gallery is in the upper level of the Hilt Building. Each artists work was very tasteful presented and very aesthetically pleasing to the eye, with the artwork well spaced under good lighting that lets you fully appreciate each detail of the art.

I have three of my mixed media works displayed here, one of which was also the entry in the Michigan Regional Show. All  three of my pieces are available to purchase. Email me if you would like a price on them. The gallery is located at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan. The exhibit runs from November 12, 2015 through February 29, 2016.Admission is free.

Next post 11/18-19: "The Art of the Nude"

Namaste-Marie

The Power of Poetry (and Percy Shelley)

It was only a few years ago that I discovered the poems, sonnets and works of Percy Shelley. Although he is one of the most celebrated of the romantic poets of the Victorian age…and I do love the Victorian age, I was never one to read romantic poetry when I was younger. Perhaps because

Summer's Gold

Marigolds

My apologies for the lateness of my post. I had every intention of getting back to the business of blogging in September, but things being what they were......enjoying our brief  Michigan summer, catching up house projects and learning how to do my blog on an android tablet, it was not to be. I have been dragged kicking and screaming into today's mobile technology with auto-correct, emojies, and using the hunt and peck method of typing. It's been a challenge for me because I was so comfortable with my old desktop. But I'll adapt.......eventually.

Michigan Regional Entry

Artistically speaking, the summer did bring some interesting things my way. I was fortunate enough to have a piece of artwork accepted into the 87th Michigan Regional Art and Show as well as a 3D work accepted into the Art in The City show. I named this piece Thoughts Of Freedom In Copper And Blue.


  The Michigan Regional Art Exhibit is a well established show in Michigan, being the longest running art show in the state.  This year there was a record number of entries of over 775 with over 200 entries being accepted. After this selection, some that weren't chosen were selected for the Art in the City Exhibit. The best of show at the Regional went to David Huang of Sand Lake for Luminous Relic #133. While mine didn't place, I was ecstatic that I had an entry. This was the first time I had entered an art show and having two being shown in galleries at the same time. At long last I felt like an artist.

The second work was shown at The Red Lotus Gallery as a 3D work, titled Mercury's Shoes-Steampunked! This gallery in downtown Muskegon is located in a historic building, and is very charming with a friendly staff.

Art in the City Entry

As you can see by the top photo, I also tried my hand at growing marigolds. These are one of my favorite flowers, not for their scent but for their bright golden yellow and orange-red blooms but are also useful in making a healing balm good for insects bites or rashes, something that comes in handy when the Skeeter's are bugging us in summer. They seemed to like the Sandy soil out in the front of my house.

The two works mentioned can be purchased. If you're interested, contact me for
pricing and shipping information.

Please have patience with me while I work out the bugs

Th

Birds of a feather: Why did Gould, Havell and Audubon love birds so much?

Mountain Mockingbirds & Thrushes

Well for one thing, these wondrous feathered creatures have inspired humankind for thousands of years. Also birds keep us connected to nature, densely populated city. Even though, many of us live in towns, large and small; you only have to look out your window to see some bird species living right along beside us. I even captured a photo of a large tom turkey finding little juicy tidbits in my yard last week. We are constantly reminded we live as part of the natural world and its creatures. We love their song, from the call of a bluejay, the soft hooting of an owl at night, or the call of ducks, wild geese or even swans overhead, they enthrall and delight us. So it is no wonder, to me, anyway, why these bird lovers spent so much of their lives studying, drawing and chronicling species of birds.

John Gould was an English ornithologist who lived 1804 to 1881 as well as an accomplished and critically acclaimed bird artist. Along with his wife, Elizabeth, and other artists, such as Edward Lear and William Hart,  he published a number of monographs on birds with illustrated plates. In Australia, he is been considered the “Father of bird study” and the Gould League is named after him.

Why it’s important for an artist to have a portfolio

"Cellist" study, 2012

Although I have been prolific through the years when it comes to drawing and painting; one thing I never seemed to take the time to do..until recently that is, is to organize my work into some semblance of order of genres, medium, etc. I have found it to be rather time-consuming, although rewarding. It helps me see whether or not I have progressed in my craft as well as giving my potential clients a feel for my work.

For someone who works as a freelancer, a portfolio is vital in order to show their best artwork and hopefully showcases their particular style or method of work. A portfolio can also be used by artists to show employers their versatility and creativity by showing samples of their current projects or work.

In the past, portfolios were typically on hard copy and placed into books but now with so many web-based and internet programs, many are digitally based, which can be quickly sent by email or uploaded to potential clients. There are many, many websites offering formatting and other tools to help you create your portfolio; or of course for a fee, do it for you.

While I have opted for the do-it-yourself method, I am listing a few of the websites I visited that I found may be helpful.

I liked artistportofolio.net because it has an easy way to create a portfolio that works with Google docs as well as having a huge list of artists around the world. You can create a bio and photos of your work on the site.  

If you’re looking for cases to put your work in for a hardcopy version, the site called Portfolios and art cases had quite a few to choose from.


One of the best sites I found for listing where to find portfolio-making sites with templates as well as sites where you can promote your art is Artpromotivate.


While I had hoped to announce a new stand-alone website for my own little blog this week, unfortunately this will still in the planning stage, and has been put on hold indefinitely. Ah well.

I leave you with a really cool quote from William Blake that I feel epitomizes what I want for this blog….”No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.” Namaste-Mariehelena

How to Successfully Harness Your Ideas

Untitled artwork, using freeform idea

Whether you’re a writer, poet, artist or other creative type, sooner or later there will be times you just can’t think of anything creative. The mind goes blank and the block sets in. We’ve all been there, staring at the blank sheet of paper or the white canvas.

What makes you an artist?

"jeweled girl", 2010

I can’t really remember when I decided I wanted to be an artist, probably around age 12. It was what I told people what I was going to do when I grew up; either that or a nurse. Things being what they were, like having to go out and make a living, I opted for the medical stuff, working a variety of positions within that field for over 20 years. The two careers are seemingly worlds away from each other: The medical field with its exactness and science, and art with its ideal of freedom of expression; although having knowledge of anatomy helps when drawing figures. Even though I love all things medical and “sciency”, my heart still yearned for art. I never stopped drawing in those years, it just too a backseat to the other more important things in my life; especially raising two daughters; being the sole bread-winner until they graduated high school. But I never considered myself an “artist”, just somebody who could draw or design clothes or jewelry, or make crafts.

It wasn’t until recently that I seriously started to pursue becoming better at my art by trying new techniques and studying how to improve on it. While I still consider myself a novice, I have at least acknowledged to myself that I could call myself an artist, not just someone who draws or paints; not so much because of the fact that I have managed to sell a few pieces; but by the fact that art and beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. When we can achieve something that is creative and pleasing to the eye-either our own and hopefully someone elses; if it makes us happy to create it; or that it has the power to move the viewer emotionally or conveys a message; one is indeed an artist. 

So for all you creative people out there: Wherever the wings your creativity take you, soar free; soar happy, for you are an artist; whether or not anybody else acknowledges it for the world needs more creative people. Namaste-MarieHelena.

The Extraordinary Art of the Celts

Celtic Horses

It was such a gorgeous sun-shiny day here in my neck o’ the woods (along the lake in Michigan) that I had a hard time sitting down and writing my blog! My instinct was to soak up the sun. But finally I got down to the business of getting my resources and photos ready to post. Phew, found out I had a LOT of material on the Celts and Ireland but predominately Scotland and their “ilk” After I started hauling out all the books, artwork, jewelry and ephemera I had collected in my journey to know all that was about my Scottish heritage, it became clear to me that it would take a lot more posts (and maybe another blog) to cover the subject to my satisfaction. So here is a taste of the Celtic world and the Isles in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day next week.

How to Find Great Art in Michigan

Mackinac Bridge

The winter of 2014-2015 has been an especially grueling one in Michigan. Sometimes it seems we only have two seasons these parts; cold and colder. But the summers in Michigan are great, especially for arts and crafts! While this list is by no means complete, here are a few well-known Michigan venues and promoters of the arts and artists. Take heart, Michiganders, Spring is on its way......or so they tell us.

1.         MichiganArtists Gallery 

Billed as one of the best galleries in Leelanau County, this gallery in Suttons Bay, Michigan is well known in the region for their contemporary folk art with work by contemporary mixed media and folk art, landscape and still life artists, photography, jewelry, wearable art, pottery, ceramics and much more. Their website states they were named “one of three essential art venues in “100 Best Art Towns in America” for the Grand Traverse area. It was also five times voted "Best Gallery in Leelanau County."

It is located in Suttons Bay and has been in business for 16 years, is open the year around with events and special exhibits the whole year around. Be sure to check out their colorful website. Their address according to the web is:  309 N. St. Joseph, PO Box 272, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

2.         MichiganArtisans

Michigan Artisans is a group of area artists, designers and musicians who create unique hand-crafted goods as well as original music all within the great state of Michigan. Michigan Artisans support local businesses and offer quality goods regionally made. Their website states they focus on “on artisans and musicians from our region, and offering the general public access to these vendors and musicians online and in person.” They are located in the old Germack Pistachio building at 1400 E. Fisher at Detroit's Historic Eastern Market. Their site states they are undergoing a transition for 2015 and new owner is Ms. Wendy Reezer. It states they will be open during the transition stage, but to call for hours of operation at 313.355.4316.

3          MichiganArt Shows.

Michigan Art Shows promotes community events in the state.  Their goal is to bring together those interested art with a wide range of artists. Their webpage has information for three upcoming art events happening around the Michigan area from May through September. Palmer Park art fair, Royal Oak Clay, Glass, and Metal Show and the Funky Ferndale Art Fair. The website lists info including applications for venders.

Got comment, question, or would like to purchase a link, email me. Namaste!  

"Awakening Spring" (Art Print Study)

Close up of a section of work

Two weeks ago, I posted my struggles with my decision to color in my black and white drawing, my version of an early Harry Clark print; then deciding I didn’t like it. I originally thought I was committed to coloring in the entire thing. I decided to leave that corner alone for the time being and concentrate on getting the rest of it finished in the black marker. This took another three or four days, finishing that up that portion around 1:00 a.m. But there was still the little problem with that glittery corner. The whole thing was nagging at me. I tend to be one of those pesky “problem-solvers” and sometimes I’m like the proverbial dog with the bone.

Ever come up with a solution at the most inopportune time? I wanted to get started on “fixing” the piece, now that I thought I had figured out how to have this turn out like I wanted. I remembered that acetone nail polish remover will take off marker. One am is not the time to start working with acetones, so thought it best to wait until morning. I don’t know about other creative people, but there is always a sense that if you don’t get the idea down and solidify it into material being, it will dissipate into thin air. I know I have written poems or short stories in my head while out walking, and of course by the time I get home, the idea is gone! Forcing the mind to try and recall something as ethereal as a poem just doesn’t seem to work.

Luckily the acetone remover worked to take off the glitter and metallic marker and with just a dab of titanium white acrylic paint, that area of canvas was almost as good as new, ready for the re-do. I was pretty happy with the result, although I think my next Art Nouveau projects will be smaller.While not technical, it is labor-intensive. I wonder at the intricacy and minute detailing of earlier Art Nouveau pieces. Amazing!

While this piece isn’t a total original, it is my take on it.  I liked it better with some of the back detail taken out, as it left it more open. Obviously a masterpiece can never really be recreated by another but one of the best ways for an artist to improve their craft is to study other artist’s works. This is one of those studies.

I would call this "Awakening Spring."

The original was from an unnamed print by Harry Clarke who was born in Dublin on March 17, 1889 and died on January 6, 1931. He created hundreds of commissioned  stained glass windows and book illustrations for works such as Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Anderson and Charles Perrault’s Fairy Tales of Perrault. 

Source: Grafton, C.B. (1994). Treasury of Art Nouveau  Design and Ornament. A Pictorial Archive of 577 Illustrations. Dover Publications. NY. (copyright free image)

I hope you like my version of this print-Namaste-Mariehelena.

Decisions, decisions. How not to over-do your art

Untitled work in progress

Sometimes when you start a project, whether it’s art or some other creative expression, you began to question whether it is going in the direction you want. You have the image in your head of what you want it to be, but somehow it just didn’t translate once it was down on paper. Then its time to stop and think it over (as the old song says). It’s better to have a few days delay than to rush it and really mess it up. Experience has taught me that I have a tendency to “over-do” my paintings by thinking that it needs just a few more dabs of paint. Within minutes, I have gone from the satisfaction of creating something expressive and creative to something gauche or over-pretentious.  As creative people, we have to learn to trust ourselves enough to make the right decisions about how we are going to create and shape our work, oftentimes a difficult task.

Confessions of a Jewelry Fanatic (with a bit of jewelry history and lore thrown in)

"Walking to Mass", Perm. Marker

I love jewelry. I love wearing it, seeing what new jewelry designs are in fashion, and what jewelry people are wearing. I also love creating jewelry for myself and for others. I began making my own jewelry at age 15, taking a long purchased chain necklace which had broken, taking it apart, making a sort of headgear from it, patterned after the head-wear of the medieval era. My only tools at that time were large, clunky pair of pliers and my fingernails. I planned out my design, cut the pieces, and put them together. It was delicate and time-consuming but after a while, I managed to put it together so that it fit my head just right. Right now it sits upon a glass case, a memento of my first creation as well as a template if I wish to make another. I did make one similar but thought it looked good as a necklace or modified it a bit, which is the Vintage Choker with crystals below.

Painting the Roses Red....or Maybe Venetian Pink

Venetian Roses & Lilies in Carnival Glass

Tiger Lily

Ah, flowers. Roses-red and otherwise, lilies, white, yellow, pink and spotted, gold and yellow marigolds. They sooth us with their scent. They inspire us to write poetry. We grow them. We decorate our home with them. They adorn our celebrations; we  give them to our sweethearts and we give them to our mothers....at least once a year.

Artistically, we also photograph them, sketch them, sculpt them, and paint them in many different genres and methods. Many times on my walks along Muskegon Lake, I take my camera to photograph flowers I come across.

Flags flying Purple

Some are from my garden.

I, like many other artists, enjoy recreating the beauty of a flower.

Lilies from my yard, color pencil

Of course the results may depend on the skill of the artist, and flowers are not easy to paint, but it can also be fun and relaxing.

Tulip in a vase, colored pencil

Besides drawing in grade school, my first attempt at flower drawing was in 1982 in color pencils, one of my favorite mediums.

My first attempts at flower painting in acrylic were of single flowers, not really having the skills I felt I needed,


 I felt it best to start small. Some of these turned out rather well for first attempts.

Very Pink Flowers in a Curved Vase

Later on, I felt brave enough to attempt painting bouquets! I hope you like them! 

Roses, Marigolds and Pinks in a Blue Vase

In an internet search I found quite a few websites dedicated to flower painting, some of which state they offer free lessons.

Daffodil

While I did not personally check out their sites thoroughly, I offer you their links and because I am always interested in learning new techniques and gaining experience as a painter, I will be checking them out myself (especially the last one).

Here are three that looked interesting: 

How to do things.com

How to learn flower painting techniques

 Craftsy Online Classes

If you are interested in purchasing any paintings/drawings you see here, you may contact me at my email address. Namaste!

Finding inspiration in the simple things

"Dot" by Kayla LaBeau

Sometimes even the simple everyday things are where we find the most inspiration. The minds eye often wants to find images in things. The creative mind can see not just the nooks and crannies made by winds and sand sweeping away bits of it, but instead find castles, and, insects, people, animals and many other whimsical creatures. 

Painted rocks have been found all over the world and are thousands of years old. Ancient artists painted the people and animals they saw. While it may be difficult for us to know why aboriginal people painted what they did, some archaeologists think perhaps the paintings were created to bring good fortune to a hunt or in a spiritual ritual of some sort. I think they painted them because it was enjoyable! When my children were young, they spent hours finding interesting rocks to bring home and paint into colorful critters.

 

Petroglyphs along Lake Superior, Canada

It doesn’t take a great artist to create a painted rock, just some various-sized decent brushes and either acrylic or enamel paint, and maybe a fixative to preserve them.  Some tools such as palette knives, or other interesting tools would work to give different effects. 

Even if you don’t wish to make painted rocks, you can probably appreciate the wonderful creativity of some modern artists. Catherine Chappell of  WildArtTreasures has some phenomenally detailed and breath-taking animals.  

Delores Malcomson of IshiGallery

creates beautiful artifacts from River Beach stones and paints them with acrylic paints with a fixative over them. 

So next time you see what you think is a plain, lifeless rock just lying there, know that within it lies the potential to be something amazingly artful! - Mariehelena

"Trevor" by Kayla LaBeau

What to do After you Smash that Guitar Against a Tree.

The Winged Quill is back. It took me a bit longer than stated to decide whether to say goodbye to this blog or continue plugging away at it. It is going to be a more free-flying blog, so be prepared to be surprised. I've haven't idle, though. Been working on some art projects, this and that. One of the projects I finished was something that happened to come about when a small guitar kind of got sat on. After trying to fix it several times, to no avail, I told my grandson, "here, do something with this" He did. He took it out and smashed it up against a tree. I suppose just to see what the result would be. Anyway, I looked at it and in my weirdness, thought it would come in handy to make an art project with, so I kept the back and front of it. After a year or more of laying around in a box of other junk that I lovingly call "materials" I hauled it out and starting playing around with an idea. I thought it may fit with the memorabilia I had stashed away from visiting Memphis and Graceland about five years ago. 

Music, Memphis and Memories

While I realize that the Beatles don't figure into the Memphis music scene as well as Elvis, I like the Beatles, so I threw on some small pictures of them too, and while I definitely would love to go to Memphis again, I will think twice about eating at the restaurant that advertised "The Best Meal on Beale" (it wasn't, should have ordered the alligator instead of the fish, I guess). Creating art out of things that others throw away to me is the joy of envisioning the possibilities and potentials of what something can BE, not just what it was before it was broken. Imagine life like that. Awesome!

One Swan a swimming (along with some other North American Wildlife) (Photos)

Whistling swan

Sorry there was no post last week readers. I found out that having no air conditioning in my house on a hot, humid Michigan day; a desire to clean out the dust bunnies that have taken up residence under the bed and everywhere else they find cozy; and that my metabolism is held together by a little yellow pill all conspired to

What DaVinci Would Have Thought of a Cell Phone.

A Study of Vermeer By Shirley Schultz

In the early days of the Renaissance, the themes of the artists often represented concepts and values such as love, mythology and of course religion. But what would these artists have thought about society and technology today?