Art Blog for Creative Living

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

Creative Inspirations

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Stationary from BBDesigns

Chinese New Year started officially on January 23, 2012. One of the most important traditional Chinese holidays, it is also known as "Spring Festival." The festival begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival on the 15th day. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions.

I don't paint dragons, but I have plenty of dragonflies!

Decorating with Cockatoo

2012-01-25T07:03:00.000-05:00

Make Your Spirits Soar

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Butterfly Art hangs over a white sofa, room with Cockatoo accents

If you're like me, spring can never start soon enough and I start fantasizing about spring along with the colors I plan to wear. One of my favorite colors to come out of the Pantone 2012 Spring color report is "cockatoo." Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring. You can have spring come early into your home by using this vibrant pastel in your decorating schemes.

Butterfly Painting for sale online

In the paintings over the couch, the butterflies flit across a light turquoise (cockatoo) summer sky and land on bamboo yellow and emberglow coral flowers. These pieces are done with archival watercolors on specially prepared canvas which gives gorgeous affects as the transparent watercolor has texture and luminosity. It would be at home in modern or traditional decors. Gold crackle frame is INCLUDED with this offer. ___________________________________________

Summer Butterfly Swirls by Miriam Schulman for sale on etsy

Title: Summer Butterfly Swirls

Size: 8x8in gallery wrapped Canvas

FRAME INCLUDED, 10x10" gold crackle frame as shown, wired and ready to hang

Media: Watercolor on Canvas with acrylic varnish

Pantone Cockatoo Color swatch

Colony Green by Benjamin Moore

I had my entire living room painted in this color and every person who came in would comment how soothing the room felt. Colony green is truly color therapy for your home. This color is a bit softer than the Pantone swatch making it easier to live with and work with other furnishings in your home. Think of it as an almost gray that has been tinted with a hint of blue and green. As David Kleinberg says in House Beautiful, "I grew up in a house that was all turquoise, and for years I couldn't look at blue. But this color is so terrifically pretty and filled with joy — sort of like as if you were inside a robin's egg looking out into the light. I'd use it in a bedroom with white lacquered trim, a four-poster bed lacquered white, and crisp white bed linens." -

Using Artwork to Inspire a new Decorating Scheme

2012-01-24T08:24:00.000-05:00

Beguiling Begonias

post by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Get inspired to Decorate with Original Orange Flower art

If the new year got you in the mood to finally decorate, here is an easy way to get a desigher look. Start with a Moroccan quality area rug by Stark Carpet. The one shown in the room view, Moroccan Relief, will look chic modern and hide the sins of minor wear and tear.

($37.88 per gallon; myperfectcolor.com)

Next, add instant sophistication with Benjamin Moore's Amherst Gray. As interior designer Lytel Young says in House Beautiful magazine, "Gray is the new neutral...use it in a living room , where it would make the most uptight guest feel at ease, as if he'd loosened his tie."

Instead of adding the art last, find a piece of art that really speaks to you and use the colors of the artwork to add decorative pillows.

Enjoy the energy and beauty of Orange Begonias all year round

This impressionist floral watercolor painting depicts orange potted begonias. The background is the bright solar power yellow sunshine with splatters of tangerine tango, cerulean blue and warm green. you can use this floral painting to brighten your home decor or as a gift for your sweetheart for a special birthday or Valentines Day. Floral wall art is a wonderful way to enjoy flowers in your room decor all year round. The feisty persimmon orange is right on trend this spring

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Detail of Floral Watercolor with vibrant yellow and tangerine

Title: Beguiling Begonias

Size: 14x20" before framing (18x24" with optional matting available thru the artist)

Media: Original Watercolor on Arches Watercolor Paper- signed in black ink by the artist

Purchase info: Click HERE

Whimsy and Fun in detail of Flower Watercolor

Steal this look using handcrafted pillows found on etsy:

Lime Green Satin Pillows

Custom Mid-Century Mod Pillows

Designer Leopard Print Pillow

More ideas for injecting trendy Tangerine Orange into your personal style

mentioned in this article @schulmanArt, @benjamin_moore, @housebeautiful, @starkcarpet

Artist who Depicts Cats like Us

2012-01-22T10:28:00.078-05:00

Interview with Whimsical Cat Artist Heidi Shaulis

More great cat art for sale on www.heidishaulis.com

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

SchulmanArt: What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?
Heidi Shaulis: When I realized I could make a living as a painter! I've been painting for over twenty-six years now! Until 1999, it was a hobby; then when my younger son Rowan was a baby, while off for the winter at the archaeology company where I was working... I decided to try to sell my paintings on the internet. Much to my surprise, once I discovered selling on eBay, my paintings sold and I was ecstatic! It was wonderful to be able to do something I loved for a living, and be able to be at home for my two sons at the same time.

Cat Art by Heidi Shaulis

SchulmanArt: What are your inspirations?
Animals, particularly cats. Also I'm inspired by the long history of cat art; including Henriette Ronner and Louis Wain who concentrated on cats as their subject matter. There are also lots of artists from the past whose work I love and inspire me; Franz Marc, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Alice Neel among many others. Seeing the high quality of new work on the internet by other artists working today also continuously surprises me and inspires me to work hard to get better and better.

Indoor Cats plan their escape!

SchulmanArt: How do you stay disciplined?
I've been doing it long enough now that I don't really need to be in a certain mood; I have a number of projects that I'm working on continuously, and simply work on them daily as part of my routine. For music, I have Sirius radio and usually just set it on the Spectrum and leave it there.

Become Heidi's fan on Facebook!

SchulmanArt: What is your studio space like?

I have a beautiful studio in VT that is a separate building with a cozy wood stove and a view of my garden and a 5 acre hayfield that is teeming with wildlife. However, in November I moved to North Jersey to be with my boyfriend (reunited after 23 years), and so that my son can have more freedom by being in a town where he can walk to school, etc...instead of 14 miles out of town like our place in VT. Currently I'm working in the living room, though I have an opportunity to participate in a studio share at the Monroe Center for the Arts in Hoboken, NJ and might do it if I can afford it, as Hoboken has a vibrant arts community, and I'd love to have a studio where clients can come see me.

Charlie and Willy, Heidi Shaulis original oil painting

SchulmanArt: I love your tuxedo cat and tabby cat themes since we just adopted a tuxedo cat and we are also in love with my sister in law's orange tabby. Who are the cats in your life and do they keep you comany while you create?

Heidi Shaulis: Charlie is my main muse; he is a very chubby tuxedo cat with the sweetest, most gentle temperment of any cat I've ever known. My orange/buff tabby is Willy and he loves Charlie and follows him everywhere. Harry is my other tuxedo; he is more playful than the others and the best hunter. Thistle is my 4th; she's a longhair gray tabby and avoids the boys as much as possible. Since I'm working at home, they are ever-present in that subtle way that cats have of taking over their environment. Charlie and Thistle were from the Providence Animal Rescue League, Willy was a barn kitten and Harry was a free kitten. So many animals need homes that I always adopt...though a couple of times they have chosen me by just showing up at the door.

Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd

2012-01-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Feeling Sheepish
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Working on a new series of animal art: Sheep!

Last week I completed a series of chicken paintings ( and one already sold!) This week I was feeling slightly sheepish as I turned to a different barnyard animal. The humble sheep is wonderful to paint as the white wooly coat contrasts so beautifully with everything around it. I also love finding colors in white. The series is nearly complete and should be posted for sale this weekend or early next week.

Floral watercolor began life as a class demonstration

Competing for my attention are my weekly watercolor classes. I teach two times a week. Once in my Scarsdale studio and also at a local continuing education program. For the class I like to do demonstrations. This week for the class I wanted to focus on flowers so I did a demonstration of these gorgeous persimmon colored blossoms. The tangerine colored flowers contrast beautifully against the warm yellow ochres and cedar green leaves. I was inspired by my beginnings and couldn't wait to get home and finish the painting in my studio. The painting is done, but it does take me a while to get it ready for a listing. I like to show this kind of art in a room setting so the art collector can imagine the painting in their own home.

As usual.. these is a portrait commission on the easel

As always there is usually a commission or two in the wings. This month I was asked to do a portrait as a wedding gift. The photo was supplied to me by the aunt of the groom and was taken by professional wedding photographer Chris Jorda.

“Only in art will the lion lie down with the lamb, and the rose grow without thorn”. Martin Amis

Gifts for the MAN in your life this Valentine's Day

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

A few creative touches that won't scare him away.

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Lots of flirty pillows available from SewEnglish

Why be coy?! Even if you didn't see the season finale of Grey's Anatomy TV show to hear Dr Alex Karev's words of wisdom ... "Eat more bacon. Have more sex" ... I suspect there are people who agree with him!! Each pillow is individually handcut and appliqued in England, so order now to get in time for that special day.

Funky Geek T-shirt

If you want to be affectionate and avoid anything either too suggestive or lovey dovey- this t-shirt by signaturetshirts is perfect!

Rooster Art by Miriam Schulman

Is he too chicken to commit? You can poke fun at him in a playful yet non-pushy way with this rooster artwork. Cocks are always suggestive, flirty and fun.

What do you think makes a great valentines gift for a lover?

Chicken Philosophy

2012-01-18T08:56:00.000-05:00

I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives.

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Newborn Chick, Original Chicken Art

My latest series of original artworks features chicken paintings. Chickens and eggs are full of mystical and religious symbolism. I also enjoyed working with the aesthetic qualities of all the features both brown and white as well as the baby fuzzy yellow down.

Although all the art is done in watercolor, you do not need to frame this impressionist farm art under glass. I prepare and finish all my watercolors on canvas using archival techniques allowing you to enjoy the transparency of watercolor without the expense of custom framing. If an 8x10" frame is desired to finish the work, these are easy to find. Animals make wonderful nursery room decor. Chicken decor also enhances the country kitchen or any modern home.

In Newborn Chick, (above) a mother hen nestles near a newly hatched egg. The mother hen nesting is depicted in earth tones on a light blue background. A sweet yellow baby chick peers up at her mama. The brown earth tones contrast beautifully with the turquoise blue sky.

Chickens Come Home to Roost, Original Farm Art

In Chickens Come Home to Roost, white and red roosters pop against the brown earth tones and the turquoise blue sky. All the paintings in this series are 8x10" on gallery wrapped canvas. The sides are painted black so you may display them without a frame.

Rooster Art, Chicken-Hearted

Chicken-Hearted depicts white hens and roosters in a dense flock. The chickens are depicted in white and reddish pink on a turquoise background. This lovely work would be excellent for Valentines Day. (especially good for that lover who is afraid to commit)

Which reminds me of an excellent quote: The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.~Martina Navratilova

Hen Art

Hen-Pecked is an original watercolor on canvas depicting two hens pecking in the grass. The chickens are depicted in earth tones on a turquoise background. The composition has strong diagonals and contrasts. This artwork and all the others have been given a light coat of acrylic varnish.

SOLD

I listed all these artworks over the past weekend and a hungry collector already bought one so if you are thinking of adding one to your collection, don't hesitate. The same paintings are offered both in my etsy shop (search for all chicken art ) and on my website ( in animal art) but there is only one painting of each. my website is set up to take your secure credit card payments. You will get the same personal service wherever you choose to shop.

Art Inspired by Night Visions

2012-01-17T06:39:00.000-05:00

Interview with Fantasy Artist Shawna Erback
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

You can find art for sale by Erback on her website

SchulmanArt: How long have you been an artist?
Shawna Erback: The first painting I remember creating was of a beautiful black horse when I was only 12 years old that I gave to my father on his birthday. I can still see that painting in my mind as if I painted it yesterday. I would give almost anything to see and hold that painting again, but it’s gone.

Where did you study art?

I don’t have any professional training. Creating art is in my family. I grew up painting and drawing with my Nona. Bob Ross, who I love, was always on TV in the background.

Become her fan on Facebook

What are your inspirations?

I keep my eyes and ears open all the time. My next creation could be inspired by a word I hear, a leaf I saw or a neat rock that I find in my son’s pocket when I’m doing the laundry.

What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?

I’ve been blessed with many exciting moments but the one that I’ll never forget is the day one of my dreams came true. DreamWorks emailed me to send in a concept sketch after I sent them my website. I heard of a new fine art program they were launching thanks to my Google Alert and I applied right away and heard back the same night! Now I get to create beautiful paintings for their fine art program based on their animated films like How To Train Your Dragon. When they added me to their website as one of their international artists, that was a great day for me and my family.

What is your studio space like?

Last summer I had an idea to move my studio out of my house. We renovated a space downtown and spent tons of money and time. After the second week of my doors being opened, I realized I made a mistake. I felt trapped like I was in a 9-5 job and couldn’t believe what a dumb idea that was! I didn’t want to tell my husband, after the months of work he just did for me! When I finally did he just rolled his eyes and said I guess you want me to move everything back this weekend? lI learned an expensive lesson about how to appreciate what I already had in the room just off of my kitchen. Being at home with my kids and family is where I need to be!

That's a great story! What is the view out your studio window now?

I live on a mountain and have a wonderful view of the whole valley and town below, we live in bear country and it’s not uncommon for us to see a bear or two right outside my studio window. This fall there was even a cougar spotted in my yard by one of my neighbors. I’m still wondering where my head was at to want to give my natural space up for a 400 square foot box downtown.

You can follow Shawna's blog

You have recurring "characters" in your paintings. How do they come to you?

I have these visions. I usually get them at night. My sad moon character is my one of my favourite characters that I dreamed up one night. I love him, he is always protecting and worrying about the little girl in my paintings. Lots of my paintings are in memory of my dad and you can see the darker side in them. Over the last couple years I’ve noticed that my paintings are brighter with a lighter feel and my collectors have noticed that too because they tell me. I guess it’s a direct link to how I’ve been changing. I still do the odd darker side painting though. It’s such a part of me, but I can see things have changed as I go through my images from time to time.

What's on the easel now? I’ve been invited to the Wow Creations, Oscars gift lounge in Beverly Hills next month as their feature artist during Oscar week, so right now I have a set of four paintings on the go that I’ll presenting to the Oscar nominees, stars and guests (they will each have a print to take home as a gift). I’m creating a Celebration Of Film Collection and my first painting has been revealed which is Little Red Riding Hood. I’m posting all of the updates on my blog and facebook page. The next three will be revealed soon.

Mentioned in this blog port: @shawnaerback, @dreamworksstudio

etsy name - http://www.etsy.com/shop/shawnaerback

Creative Valentines Gifts for Anyone

2012-01-13T11:34:00.003-05:00

Have you been bitten by the Love bug?

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

click here for all Insect Art

click here for all Love Bug Art

Looking for a great gift idea for Valentines' Day? This can be a tricky holiday for some people who are in a new relationship and don't want to send the wrong message. A creative gift lets them know that you are thinking of them without making anything complicated. Creative presents are also great ideas for women to give to important men in their lives! People of all ages love art, and why not give them a piece of art that they can have forever?

What do you think makes a great Valentines gift?

Artist who Celebrates the Strength and Confidence of the Female Form

2012-01-11T07:10:00.000-05:00

Interview with Figurative Painter Julia Trops
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Nude Figurative Art by Julia Trops

SchulmanArt: What gave you the courage to pursue a career as an artist full time?

Julia Trops: I didn't see that there was any other choice. When I left the military, to join my family where my husband had been newly posted, I made the decision that if I was leaving a very well paying job then I was going to be doing something I loved and wanted. It was a force I felt within me and it was almost like I had a steel chain in the centre of my chest pulling me in that direction. My husband was supportive - though I am not sure he had much choice.

SchulmanArt: What motivates you to return to the female figure again and again?

Julia Trops: I've always drawn people and the feminine form even when I was young - elves, mermaids, fairies, which then, in puberty, progressed to drawings of ancient Greek statues and renaissance paintings. Currently I draw from life, and have for the past ten years after leaving university - mostly female nudes. The female figure has much to do with my own femininity, that I recognize now - acceptance and celebration of the same. A criticism of the feminists and a few self proclaimed contemporary artists say that I am victimizing the female by drawing her nude, but I disagree. For me, I am reveling in the strength and confidence of the female form, and have a recognition of her power in the human experience. I would suggest that it is only those who have bought into and are held by the patriarchal mores and values who see a nude female as a victim. My current work is borderline abstracted female form, and I am exploring the female as child, virgin, mother and crone.

Become Julia's Fan on Facebook

SchulmanArt: What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?

Julia Trops: Three times so far have been the most impactful. The first was being accepted in to the Rotary Centre for the Arts in 2002 (I left just at the end of 2011), the acceptance into the residency in Italy, and when I sold my first work. All three of those have a common theme, that of acceptance and belief in my abilities, and my future. It is something I am still learning to internalize and believe in myself. It's been a long road, but I'm getting stronger with each achievement.

SchulmanArt: How do you maintain a work discipline?

Julia Trops: When I was at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, I went each day to the studio, just like a regular job. A typical day would include internet time was at home from about 630 to 830, studio 9-2 or 3, home for supper and then a bit more internet time til around 8 or so. Now I am getting adjusted to having the studio in the home, and working on a specific project. I recognize that the internet needs to be really structured because it is easy to get sucked in to a vortex where it is concerned. I have it in a separate room now, not in the main family area. I have to physically walk there to go online.

Julia Trops at work in her studio

I try to go to my studio each day, or I do my reading, some kind, writing in the blog, or journal. It is still structured, but less formally. I am enjoying the freedom. Rituals in the studio include "nesting" before a big project starts - often I won't know a project is coming until this happens, and when I realize it, it is quite exciting! Before beginning to paint or draw, I line up my colours and my brushes, (or drawing tools) inspect them all, make sure the bristols are soft and pliable. Much time, I do not listen to any music. I enjoy the silence.

SchulmanArt: How do you stay creative?

JT: I refuel the creative well by taking a break. That's hard to do, and it's been hard to allow myself to do it sometimes. I'll read. I'll meditate. Take a complete mental break. I'll not go in the studio for a month to a few months. I've learned not to force the flow of creativity and to honour these breaks. During those times, I'll focus on online work. Or other projects that I have on the go.

Female Nude by Julia Trops

SchulmanArt: What are some of projects do you have going on now?
JT: I manage my website, along with Livessence, a life drawing group, and the Okanagan Erotic Art Show as well as the facebook pages. I'm getting ready to go through portfolios for the Ex Nihilo Vineyards new art gallery called Creatio - I am their art gallery director. (More information on the Erotic Art Show Call to Artists is online and on facebook. I'm learning Italian to be able to function in Italy for June, as I am doing a month long residency there. I'm reading and learning about the female in society, matriarch vs patriarch, myths and stories, archetypes, super-consciousness.

Julia Trops work can also be seen at Gallery Odin.

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Check out all the art by Miriam Schulman in shades of teal and orange or look at these beautiful etsy creations and vintage finds

mentioned in this article @juliatrops

The Renaissance Portrait

2012-01-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

Boticelli's Dream Girl

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Botticelli, Ideal Portrait of a Lady

The latest exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art focuses on Renaissance portraiture. This is a must see for portrait artists, or anyone who loves romantic Italian art. The exhibition is broken down by geographical location as there is a Venice room, a Florence room etc and includes not just paintings but sculptural portrait busts as well.

Detail from Birth of Venus

A highlight of the exhibition is a breathtaking portrait by Botticelli. Immediately as you walk into the Florence room you are drawn to the idealized painting of Simonetta Vespucci. She was a bit of a cult figure and died at a tragically young age. Her legendary beauty was described as flowing curly tendrils and pearly white skin. Simonetta became known as the most beautiful woman in Florence, and later the most beautiful woman of the Renaissance. She looks like the Venus figure in Botticelli's Birth of Venus and in fact many art historian have debated whether she served as a model or muse. Certainly, the painter would have had the most beautiful woman of his time in mind when painting the Goddess of Beauty.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Renaissance Portrait from Donatello to Bellini

through March 18, 2012

Influence of Van Gogh on Modern Fashion Designers

2012-01-09T07:12:00.001-05:00

Van Gogh en Vogue

by guest blogger @lindsayleboyer, Lindsay LeBoyer

Van Gogh's world famous post-impressionist paintings can be seen anywhere from the Metropolitan Museum in New York to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. As a result, Van Gogh has had a tremendous influence in the fashion world, and not just the t-shirts from the gift shop. From haute couture to flowy frocks, Van Gogh has inspired numerous fashion designers.

Rodarte

Rodarte s/s 2012

Perhaps the most candid take on Van Gogh fashions comes from Kate and Laura Mulleavy at Rodarte. The sisters reimagined the painter's Sunflowers in the form of pixelated prints on 1950s style dresses. They also pulled inspiration from Starry Night, and turned out a midnight blue and golden yellow chiffon number. The collection, which was shown during fashion week this past September, took an edgier turn with mirrored platforms and smokey eyes, perhaps a nod to Van Gogh's dark personality.

Yves Saint Laurent

YSL haute couture 1988

In 1988, the Yves Saint Laurent designed jackets that mimicked Van Gogh's irises. Part of his haute couture collection, the iridescent jackets were decked with voluminous shoulder accents. The legendary designer altered the original painting's composition to better suit a jacket, and intensified the colors to have a bigger impact on the runway. Embroidery artist François Lesage hand embroidered these couture creations in collaboration with YSL.

Max Azria

Max Azria resort collection

A more wearable take on Van Gogh is this dress by Max Azria. The designer claims it was inspired by a honeymoon in the desert isle, but it's clear that Van Gogh's Starry Night had a strong influence.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera bridal collection

Carolina Herrera brings Van Gogh to the bride with a figure hugging ivory gown. Not the traditional wedding dress, Herrera's gown features a floral jacquard that resembles Van Gogh's sunflowers. A menswear hat and bouquet of sunflowers completes this whimsical wedding day look.

Would you wear a Van Gogh inspired look?

Lindsay LeBoyer is an intern at SchulmanArt. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child.
mentioned in this article: @MuseeOrsay, @metmuseum, #Carolina Herrera, #Rodarte, @AzriaMax, @YSL

New Year's Art Resolution #1

2012-01-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

Edit my Legacy

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Click HERE to see Finished Tree art available for sale online

Do you have trouble keeping your New Year's resolutions? This year I made art making resolutions that I didn't think would be too hard to keep ( in other words I am still allowed to eat bread in 2012!) One of the first art making resolutions I made this year was to edit my oeuvre.

Painting on top is not quite finished.
Tree Art on bottom available for sale

This is a common practice among artists. We take a look at our art and realize that there are pieces that are less successful or that no longer to speak to us. Van Gogh painted over many canvases as did Rembrandt. Monet also was known to have destroyed canvases at the end of his life to "edit his legacy" It is no accident that there are no "bad Monets". He made sure of that. you can see one of my old paintings peeking from underneath. This was part of a very decorative abstract geometric series I did that although they were critically well received and included in juried shows, I felt they really didn't fit in with the rest of my work. There was still a value in having done the artistic process and perhaps the painting underneath will add some texture to my new artwork.

2012 Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango

2012-01-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

A spirited reddish orange
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Tangerine Tango

Pantone declared this lively reddish orange hue the 2012 color of the year and no wonder. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

Modern Floral Art, 24x24"

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Abstract Orange and Blue Koi Art

Adding artwork to a room is an easy way to instantly energize interior spaces. The color works great with blues, greens and neutrals for a pop of color.

Circle Art over orange sofa

SYDNEY HARBOUR PAINT CO.

Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in orange for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

Interior Designer Marcy Masterson points out "This quickens the pulse and excites the eye. It brings back the hue and the scent of blood oranges piled high in the market stalls of Tuscany. With a black-and-white floor and Benjamin Moore's Linen White trim, it would be the perfect foil for an array of drawings."

CLICK HERE to check out all paintings with orange by Schulman

Abstract Tree Art

Modern Wall Art with Tangerine Tango

So many ways to love this color!

My Hands Crave Clay

2012-01-04T07:43:00.002-05:00

Interview with Self-Taught Ceramist Debbie Limoli

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Tea pot available by commission through CUSTOMCRITTER

SchulmanArt: Where you are from and how does your environment influence your designs?

Debbie Limoni: I live in a woodsy part of New Jersey. Nature and animals have always influenced my design. I am an absolute animal nut. I love them all!

SchulmanArt: How long have you been creating pottery?

DL: I have been sculpting seriously the past 3 years.

SchulmanArt: How do you supplement your living as an artist?

DL: I manage properties, and help with out with handicapped riding. Horses are my favorite animals but I find them most difficult to sculpt. In addition, I am still involved in raising my two sons.

Set of Two Penguin Sculpture

SchulmanArt: How do you balance your art making with your family life?

DL: I do my art in the family room so that I can spend time with family and kids. I have two extremes going on: a senior in Princeton and a smart autistic son.

SchulmanArt: What routine do you follow to stay disciplined?

DL: I am a night owl and sometimes sculpt until 2am . I have no problem being disciplined to sculpt, it is everything else that get pushed aside, my hands crave clay. I have recently bought my own kiln.

Email Debbie Limoli to get a smilebox video!

SchulmanArt: Are any of your pieces functional?

DL: I do many pitchers, teapots, dishes vases and wall hangings. One time I was sculpting a dog named Owen, his owner wanted to have him stuffed when he died. I talked him into a sculpture instead! Anyway Owen passed while I was working on it, and I felt like he was watching over me telling me a little of this a little less of that!

How do you balance artistic passions with your personal and family needs?

Scarsdale High School Students Help Underprivileged Kids with Art

2012-01-03T09:02:00.001-05:00

Inspiring Art Throughout the Community

by @lindsayleboyer, Lindsay LeBoyer, guest blogger

Students add a mural to the walls of Scarsdale High School

Among hundreds of clubs at Scarsdale High School, there's one in particular that stands out as being beneficial to both its community and members: The National Art Honor Society. This club seeks to cultivate interest in art through community service, in-school projects, and town fundraisers. Find out what exactly NAHS does and how these students help their community.

About NAHS

The National Art Honor Society meets every friday at 2:00 in the sculpture room on the 2nd floor of SHS. Art teacher Ms. D'Angelis serves as the club adviser, with several students serving as club officers. The National Art Honor Society, or NAHS as most members call it, has about 35 members from all four grades at the high school.

Beautifying the School

Planning Projects in the Art Room

One of the many activities club members participate in is painting murals in the school hallways. The school principal decided the high school needed more art, and called on none other than NAHS to do the job. Since last year, members have been planning and sketching out designs in the art wing. The club hopes to finish designing and start painting when school resumes in the new year.

Helping Underprivileged Kids

Coachman Family Center houses up to 100 families

One of the best things NAHS does is teach art to children from struggling families. About different 5 members volunteer each week at Coachman Family Center in White Plains, where they spend time doing arts and crafts with underprivileged kids. The experience is just as rewarding for NAHS members as it is for the children. Students agree that their volunteer time really does help children forget about their hardships and have fun.

Spreading Art throughout the town

Painting Pumpkins to Raise money and awareness

This past October, NAHS painted miniature Halloween-themed pumpkins. Members sold their creations on the day of Halloween window painting in hopes of bringing art to younger members of the Scarsdale community.

Induction

Lindsay LeBoyer (center) writes fashion blog The Style Child.

On the evening of December 7th, NAHS members gathered in the Little Theatre for the annual induction ceremony. In order to be officially inducted, each student must be enrolled in at least one high school art class and attain a certain grade. Inductees included Gabby Salvatore, Dana Wohlfarth, Madeline Ware, Paige Selber, Ally Yaseen, Lindsay LeBoyer, Becky Schwartz, Madeline Minke, Eliana Drescher, Felicia Xu, Sophia Noulas, Kara Schechtman, Maia Sacchi, and Rochelle Gage. The club officers spoke to parents about the purpose of NAHS, and a guest speaker from the Friends of Music and the Arts explained the importance of art in the community.

How else can artists help their community through public art projects?

Most Popular Blog Posts of 2011

2011-12-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

Roundup of my most popular blog posts in case you missed them!!
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Watercolor Fashion Illustration Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty

What inspires me to create my art, August 5, 2001
Have you ever wondered where artist like me get their ideas? This blog posts includes a montage video of how I take my ideas from conception to realized finished painting. For this look into my artistic process I focused on my Alexander McQueen inspired watercolors. Whether you were one of the half million people who saw the Savage Beauty exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or if you missed it, you will love this blog post about the fusion of artistic ideas.

Picasso Painted Watercolors, November 17th, 2011
Are you celebrating New Year's in the big apple? This blog is a review of the exhibit at the Frick Collection in New York which continues until January 8, 2012 in case you haven't seen it. A great outing for this weekend if you are in New York City to see the ball drop and want to sneak in a little culture.

African Art, original watercolor paintings for sale

Decorating Inspiration, can you imagine these walls without art?
Are you looking to spruce up your home in the New Year? This video montage gives lots of great ideas of how to use art to decorate in you home. Many pieces features are still available in my etsy shop.

Artistic Symbols of Unconditional Love

2011-12-28T18:47:00.000-05:00

Interview with Israeli Jewelry Designer Sagit Levi.

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Sagit Levi on Etsy

SchulmanArt: Where are you from?

Sagit Levi: I live in Ein Vered, an agricultural village at the Sharon, located in Central Israel.

SchulmanArt: Where did you study art and jewelry design?

See all rings by Sagit

Sagit Levi:I graduated The Design school in Tel Aviv on 1991.

SchulmanArt: Do you make your living as an artist ? Where else do you sell your designs?

Sagit Levi: My Art is my sole mean of income. My clients get to me by word of mouth which exposes me daily to many new people. In the last few years I e-market my art via the internet to all over the world. Up until recently, I was connected to few galleries in San Francisco.

Sagit at work in her studio

SchulmanArt: What are your inspirations?

Sagit Levi: Living in the country, so close to nature with its vegetation and animals, is the main source of my inspiration. The music I listen to, the different people I meet, the poetry I read, the Kabbalah I study and the Bible, the book of all books, are big part of my creation as well.

SchulmanArt: I love the spirituality in your work and how you incorporate jewish mysticism in your jewelry designs. Could you please tell us more about how Kabbalah influences your jewelry designs?

Sagit Levi: For quite a long time I reside across the street from a Synagogue. Seeing people wearing white, praying, singing, rejoicing and celebrating their belief, deeply affected me. It brought me closer to the Bible and made me quote sentences from the Book as part of my Art.

Find Sagit on facebook!

SchulmanArt: What rituals do you have to get ready to create?

Sagit Levi: I begin my day by lightening a candle, brew my own coffee and sit to work at my own studio, at home. It is a spacious room, with big windows, open to the back yard with its trees and flowers. The room is a source of quietness and inspiration.

I listen to music from all over the world. The music is an essential essence of my life, drives me forward and certainly plays a great role at my inspiration.

Silver Heart Pendant - Unconditional Love

Being efficient and diligent, I can easily combine my work with my everyday tasks . Among my daily obligation I find the time to serve my kids lunch, to walk my dog and take care of the household.

Degas and the Nude at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

2011-12-27T18:48:00.000-05:00

Blush in the Nude

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Edgar Degas, La Toilette (1884-86) Private Collection

Although Degas is best known for his frothy depictions of ballet dancers, the exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston offers a rare survey of the more PG-13 and R rated artworks in his oeuvre. The academic study of the nude figure was necessary for Degas to draw his realistic ballet dancers; however, this collection of art, which largely remained within the artist's own private collection, shows examples of brothel scenes, pornographic depictions of prostitutes with their clients as well as the more demure bathers.

Degas and the Nude thru Feb. 5, 2012
at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

In the large pastel paintings as well as oil paintings, Degas poses his models from the back to make them anonymous. The backgrounds are filled with the objects of everyday life such as a sink, tub, and other intimate accoutrements of grooming.

The brothel scenes are done in an intimate size as monotypes. These small works are beautifully framed and quite erotic showing both prostitutes with their clients as well as enjoying each other without them.

Two Bathers on the Grass, about 1895
Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917)
Pastel
*Paris, Musée d'Orsay

Many of the dancer paintings we are familiar with were created from live nude models. Degas added the tutus later. His work with the nude continues throughout his life largely unexhibited and unexamined. The influence of modern masters, Matisse and Picasso, can be seen in these later works. In the end, Degas loses all pretense of depicting women in modern life and showing his nude women in a realistic scenes, such as bathing, and shows the nude women on abstract color planes.

See related blog post: Degas Day Trips

Fine Art Nudes by SchulmanArt for sale online!

Personally, I have painted and drawn from the nude figure as it is usually part of most serious portrait artists training and continue to do so. I got my start selling online by listing my life drawings for sale. I am please to announce the opening of a new online shop to sell fine art prints from my female nude watercolor paintings. Now you have the opportunity to own a signed fine art print, or an original watercolor painting or nude drawing.

Decorate with African Art for Kwanzaa

2011-12-23T07:45:00.002-05:00

Celebrate the Unique Heritage of Africa

by MIriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Art of Africa

Everyone has heard of Kwanzaa, a unique holiday that celebrates African culture, but do you know that the holiday includes the celebration of arts? Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that is celebrated around the world that takes place between December the 26th and January the 1st every year. The holiday celebrates African culture and history. The Kwanzaa originated in the U.S.A as a holiday just for African Americans.

African Art

People decorate their homes in African colours and put up pieces of African art. Some people attend a Kwanzaa ceremony that has African drumming and music. One of the most important parts of Kwanzaa is a special feast called a karamu. Family and friends get together and celebrate who they are. If you go to a karamu, you should say “Habari gani,” which is Swahili for “What’s news?”

Tribal Art of Africa

Kwanzaa celebrates Nguzu Saba, which means "The Seven Principles of Blackness". Each of the seven days represents a different principle. The principles are unity, self-determination, working together, cooperating in business, building the nation, creativity, and faith. People who celebrate Kwanzaa light candles in a special candle holder called a kinara.

The African tribal paintings featured in this blog were created from studying an original African art sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The original charcoal drawings were painted with watercolor, The tribal wall art has a wonderful abstract quality giving it a modern sophistication. The watercolor paintings were given an additional texture to add to the visual appeal. Check out all the African art available for sale online.

What's news?

Making art from insignificant moments.

2011-12-22T07:22:00.000-05:00

Interview with artist Carrie Bagalio

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Buy art on line in her etsy shop

SchulmanArt: How long have you been an artist?

Carrie Bagalio: Really always.... If you had asked me at 5 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said "An artist!" I went to college to study art, and I've been pursuing it ever since.

SchulmanArt: Where did you study art?

Carrie Bagalio:I attended Green Mountain College in Poultney Vermont & Studio Art Center International in Florence, Italy.

I like to draw attention to the seemingly insignificant moments we all experience, that make life beautiful, uplifting and significant.~Carrie Bagalio

Find Carrie on Facebook

SchulmanArt: Your work seems very autobiographical. How do you get your ideas?

CB: They are defiantly autobiographical! I get inspiration from everyday life, almost like a visual journal. One of the best compliments I have received, someone said I was like a "modern day Rockwell" I like to draw attention to the seemingly insignificant moments we all experience, that make life beautiful, uplifting and significant.

SchulmanArt: Do you make your living as an artist?

CB: I'm working hard towards that goal but not yet...I work full time as a waitress, but this year I think I am at the point where I can cut back my hours and get more income from my art sales.

SchulmanArt: What rituals do you have to get ready to create?

CB: I try to get all my chores done for the day first. I paint at night because I can relax without that nagging feeling that I have to stop at a particular time to go do something else. I like to listen to anything I will sing along to. Makes it more fun!

Artist studio. Website: http://www.CarrieBagalioArt.com

SchulmanArt: What is your studio space like? what is the view out your studio window?

CB: The second floor of my apartment is my studio space. It has a cool spiral staircase up to an attic like space. I try to put inspiring things on the walls, art, magazine clippings, famous quotes....even the soles of my old hiking boots! The view from my window is awesome, Vermont mountains, including Mansfield :)

SchulmanArt: What are you working on next? What's on your easel?

CB: Just finished a dog commission tonight, have some in the works for kids, dogs, and a farmers market. But in between for my own enjoyment I've been very interested in reflections. I think I may have so paintings of shinny objects reflecting the things going on around it.

Where do you go to get creative?

Have you thought about Gift Certificates?

2011-12-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

Personalized Gift Certificates for Personalized Art!

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Pick any 8x10" fine art print

Gift certificates make the best presents for procrastinators! My gift certificates will be emailed directly to you as a printable file for you to print yourself to give to your loved one or to forward on to that faraway friend or relative. Each certificate will be marked with a unique transaction number. The certificate will have instructions for the recipient to complete their personalized portrait.

Cat Portrait Gift Certificate

Gift certificates are not impersonal when you can select a custom portrait. If you know someone who has just moved, they may want a house portrait. Also, new home owners need art for their walls! Perhaps, they just got a new puppy or are mourning the loss of an old pet. Professional fine art portraits are something that they will never forget. If you are still not sure what they want. you can also purchase a certificate for them to pick out a print.

Child Portrait Gift Certificate

If you know someone who just had a new baby then a gift certificate for a baby portrait will be a wonderful way for them to celebrate their new family member!

We all know somebody important in our lives who would benefit from a custom portrait painting -- and they'd forever thank YOU for it. So if you're stumped this season, email me. If you don't see something here that exactly fits your needs or budget I will work with you to come up with that perfect something in the nick of time. I can help you create one that fits your gift giving needs.

House Painting Gift Certificate

Dog Art Gift Certificate

Click HERE to see all gift certificates available from my etsy shop.

Check out all these gift certificates being offered by other etsy sellers!

Handcrafted Hannukah

2011-12-20T09:37:00.002-05:00

Order these special treats and get them by the last night of Chanukah!

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Chanukah Party, fine art print for sale

Tonight marks the first night of Chanukah, and if this holiday crept up suddenly on you and you are unprepared have no fear. This traditional celebration lasts eight nights so you still have a full week to order presents and decorations for your holiday table. Many Jewish people make a bigger deal out of the last night when all eight candles light the menorah. Some interfaith families combine Christmas and Chanukah celebrations. Tomorrow is the United States postal deadline for priority mail shipping to receive by Saturday December 24th so be sure to fill your virtual shopping cart with some great finds for gifts or your home.

White Porcelain Menorah
By Ceramic Artist Celeste Welch

This one of a kind, very special Hanukkah candelabra has been beautifully designed, sculpted and signed by the artist. The glaze finish on this piece is a glossy white which catches the light and reflects it beautifully.This menorah has an heirloom quality and will be cherished and enjoyed for years to come. The copyrighted image on this hand crafted sculpture from renowned ceramic artist Celeste Welch has adorned living areas across the country and has been featured in the giftshops of both the Hirshhorn Museum in (Washington, DC) and the LA Museum of Modern Art.

Soap & Crafts by Gina

A great gift appropriate for people of all ages are these dreidel soaps! They are about 2 inches wide and about 2 inches tall. They would be great for your decor, kids' bath time or for an unusual Hanukkah hostess gift!

Iced Gingerbread Chanukah Cookies

A delightful set of Hanukkah cookies will make the Festival of Lights even brighter! Order a set of delicious gingerbread cookies iced in pale blue, gold, and white almond royal icing, accented with glittering sugar! This set includes cookie menorahs, Torahs, dreidels, and Stars of David. All cookies are made fresh to order and decorated by hand.The cookies are wrapped in cello bags and safely nestled in tissue and all tied up in a recyclable box. This is a great gift to have shipped direct to that faraway grandchild.

Another great gift idea are candles! What ideas do you have?

Watercolor on Canvas Painting Demonstration

2011-12-19T10:58:00.001-05:00

Dragonfly art takes flight

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Dragonfly Art great gift idea for garden and nature lovers

Would you like to enjoy the beautiful luminosity of watercolor without having to display the art under glass? I noticed a lot of collectors did so I worked hard to develop an archival technique for creating fresh and colorful watercolor paintings on canvas.

Check out this video for all the secrets and how-tos for painting watercolor on canvas. Whether you are an artist or just an art appreciator, I think you will enjoy seeing the behind the scenes creation of these dragonfly paintings. If you order by December 20th you can still get one in time for Christmas since I ship all packages priority mail. Click here to see all dragonfly art available in my etsy store.

What do you think makes a good gift for a garden lover?

Dawn Chambers from etsy shop BeachDawn curated this beautiful collection of garden inspired items for yourself, home, garden, and for gift giving

Symbolism in Figurative Painting

2011-12-17T17:41:00.001-05:00

"Garden Path with Sophia"

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Garden Path with Sophia

The watercolor illustration of an Alexander McQueen design makes a great fashion gift for the fashionista in your life.

The abstract interpretation of a fashion illustration also is a chic decorating idea to enhance your room decor with modern wall art that is a conversation piece as well has a fashion statement. The fashion drawing can be displayed on its own or collected and displayed in groups. Fashion sketches are an affordable way to enjoy couture style in your home.

Alexander McQueen on display

The watercolor illustration is derived from the runway show Voss which featured a turbaned woman in a ornately embroidered red dress. (actual dress to the left) This dress was on display in the Savage Beauty exhibition during the summer of 2011 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The dress on the model in the runway show had a hem of black feathers. in another show. This fashion design reminded me of two of Gustav Klimt paintings, Garden Path with Chickens and also The Girlfriends. The dominant colors in this fashion painting are red, green and gold. There is also metallic gold acrylic details in addition to the luminous transparent watercolors.

Garden Path with Chickens by Gustav Kimt

There is a lot of symbolism in this piece. The title "Garden Path with Sophia" is derived from the Klimt title "Garden Path with Chickens" Sophia is a name of a girlfriend of a friend of mine who is represented by the rooster in the right hand corner.

The Girlfriends, by Gustav Klimt

This rooster imagery is derived from the Klimt painting "The Girlfriends." The Girlfriends painting is a homoerotic piece depicting a nude woman with a turbaned woman and a rooster. The black chickens on the garden path symbolize other women who are in my friends life. Although the art is rich in meaning, you will enjoy this artwork for simply for its beauty and rich color.

There are more watercolor fashion illustrations in this Alexander McQueen series where art meets fashion and fashion meets art.

_______________________________________________________

Details of Artwork:
Title: Garden Path with Sophia
Size: 7.5x11" watercolor
Media: Watercolor on Paper
Frame: Frame is not included. your choice of framing will increase the size of the overall artwork. A simple black one would complement the art nicely.
Price: see listing

Woman in Turban, detail from watercolor

detail flowers from watercolor painting

detail of black chicken from illustration

detail of rooster from artwork

What do you think is a great gift for a fashionista?

Creative Gift Ideas for Gym Pals & Gals

2011-12-15T09:06:00.000-05:00

Let them know you appreciate them just the way they are...

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Bike Chain Bracelet by The Empty Nest

This year I became addicted to my bike class. Not just any spin class, but that overpriced, I-can't-believe-I-pay-this-much-for-one-class soul-cycle class. To thank the instructor who keeps it fun, makes me work really hard so that it's worth every penny I wanted to get a special gift. Men are really hard to shop for, and I didn't want to get him something too personal or intimate. For my male bike instructor, I found this really funky bike chain bracelet on etsy. This most spectacular punker bracelet is made from a discarded bike chain that has been degreased and cleaned. It wraps around your wrist as easily as it used to spin around sprockets! The spin enthusiast or biker in your life will love it too.

Initial Earrings by Earrings by Susan

Since I go to this place so much, I also felt I wanted to thank the studio manager who never gives away bike, remembers my name and signs me in. Since she always remembers to sign in my initials I decided to give her "initial" earrings. These Scrabble Earrings are on non-allergenic surgical steel french hook earwires. All letters are available in any combinations. Choose initials or spell a two letter word like "HI" or an abbreviation/symbol like XO or RN (for nurses). Think up something cool for yourself or a loved one.

Original Abstract Nude Pastel Drawing also available as a print

For a more intimate present, your lover will love this emotive study of a nude woman executed in charcoal on toned pastel paper. Women love to give their men art that depicts women who are not too skinny to celebrate a realistic body image. Men will love this gift and guess what, women love this gift too. This is a classy way to let her know you think she is sexy just the way she is. I created this drawing using live model in a life drawing setting. The vibrant shade of turquoise contrasts with the nougat flesh tones in this fine art nude. The art will complement most decors and is a one of a kind signed piece. The art will be rolled into a rigid mailing tube for shipment. The sensual pose makes a great gift for your lover, a yoga enthusiast or just a wonderful piece of art to decorate your own room with empowering feminine artwork that celebrates the female form.

And more ideas for all the yoginis in your life, there are a plethora of gifts large and small...

mentioned in this article @schulmanArt, @etsy, @soulcycle

Inspired by NYC

2011-12-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

Interview with Artist Blair Jost

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Photo by Blair Jost

SchulmanArt: How long have you been an artist?

Blair Jost: If you ask my mother she would say all my life. She's the one who always embraced my creativity. In the last year or two I've decided that I wanted to do it for a living.

SchulmanArt: What are your inspirations?

Blair: Man, I'm inspired by everything! NYC is a very inspiring place to live as well. I'm lucky to live there. I get inspired mostly from other artists.

Fan SockMonkey on Facebook!

SchulmanArt: What is your best selling item? What type of custom orders do you do??

Blair: I actually have two stores on Etsy. Entertaining ornaments started as just ornaments, but after the holidays I have all sorts of Ideas for Map related jewelery and other things. I created a NYC map bangle for a friend of mine for her birthday. I will probably add it to the shop after the holidays. As of right now, the star ornaments are the most popular. I've done a few custom orders. Someone wanted an ornament with the Chicago L on it. Luckily, I had a friend who lives there and sent me some maps. My other shop Sockmonkeys4everyone is all greeting cards with a sock monkey I take pictures with.

Check out all things Blair at www.Beezartist.com

SchulmanArt: What rituals do you have to get ready to create?

Blair: I live in a small NYC apartment. My apartment is my studio/Living room/Dining room. I'm a starving artist. But my whole apartment must be clean before I can create. Everything put away. Dishes done. NO TV, just music. Depends on my mood, but usually I listen to classic rock when I create. Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cold play.

Tweet Blair @s0ckmonkee

SchulmanArt: What is the view out your window?

Blair: I have a killer view of my street which is in the East village of NYC. Very artsy part of town. Always something going on outside my window.

Serious gift ideas for the little monkeys!!!

Frozen Assets or Occupy Wall Street?

2011-12-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

Frozen Assets, mural by Diego Rivera 1932 on display at MoMa

Diego Rivera at the Museum of Modern Art in New York

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

This weekend my daughter and I went to see the Diego Rivera Mural exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art which is on display until May 14, 2012. What struck us about the Mexican's art was his affinity to his cultural roots, his political leanings toward communism and most importantly how relevant his art still is today. My daughter and I attended a group discussion as part of the MoMa's Tours for Tweens series. One of the parent in our group, who was of Latino descent, pointed out that the artwork was created by a Hispanic man, maintained largely by minority custodians and security in the museum but the visitors and consumers of the art are for a largely white audience. A Russian visitor in our group passionately hypothesized that had Rivera lived into the later part of the last century he would have quit painting when communism collapsed. Although his work was inspired by communist sympathies at that time, Rivera would have found plenty of social commentary in today's world as well.

For example, in Frozen Assets, Rivera juxtaposed his appreciation for New York’s distinctive vertical architecture with a powerful critique of the city's economic inequities. The panel’s upper register features a dramatic sequence of largely recognizable skyscrapers, most completed within a few years of Rivera’s arrival in New York. The central skyscraper is the Rockefeller Center building which was under construction during Rivera's arrival to New york. Other building in the compressed skyline are the Chrysler, Mc Graw Hill, Wall Street landmarks such as Banker's Trust and Irving Trust, Daily News and the Empire State Building.

In the middle section, a steel-and-glass shed serves as a homeless shelter for rows of sleeping men who probably also acted as the chief laborers in building these giant skyscrapers. Below, a bank’s waiting room accommodates a guard, a clerk, and figures inspecting their money. As on the Museum's website "Rivera’s jarring vision of the city—in which the masses trudge to work, the homeless are warehoused, and the wealthy squirrel away their money—struck a chord in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression." This artwork reminds one of the tented and sleeping figures in "Occupy Wall Street" just outside today's same buildings.

During Your Visit

Diego Rivera is a small exhibition so until January you can also see the deKooning exhibit on the top floor. The MoMa cafe is a favorite treat of ours. We love the gourmet food and sitting at the museum's windows on the second floor. A short walk from Grand Central, you can pass the Rockefeller Christmas tree on your way out. Don't forget that Diego Rivera has gorgeous murals inside the lobby of Rockefeller Center, a must see.

Looking for a New York Gift? Check out paintings and prints of New York!

What do you love about holiday time in New York?

Decorating Rooms that are Peaceful and feminine and nostalgic

2011-12-12T08:25:00.001-05:00

Dragonfly Decor Takes Center Stage

by Miriam Schulman

Dragonfly Decor in room decorated by Nick Olsen

A set of four original dragonfly paintings hang over a white love seat in an apartment decorated by Nick Olsen for his friend's studio apartment. The original photo by Björn Wallander appeared in House Beautiful July 2011. In this version, the client's large photograph is replaced by the soft and feminine dragonflies. You can get a similar look at home. Start with painting your walls in Ocean Spray by Benjamin Moore You can slip cover your old sofa with cotton twill fabrics from New York Elegant Fabrics.

Green leopard print pillow by Cody and Cooper Designs

The pillow in the room above was custom designed with leopard pillow fabric in Sabu in Green by Rose Cumming for Dessin Fournir. You can steal this look with a pilllow by Cody and Cooper Designs on etsy! The plug-in swing arm lamps are a look you can get yourself without calling an electrician. Order "Brushed Steel Plug-In Swing Arm" directly from Lamps Plus. The lamp shades add the essential touch of black that every room needs. The shades are paper Empire shade in Black from Just Shades.

Silver Nut Bowl by One Half Dozen on etsy

The silver bowls on coffee table are from Ralph Lauren but there are so many vintage silver nut bowls from etsy, I suggest you go there instead. I particularly like the home decor finds from One Half Dozen.

To take of a tour of this fabulous studio apartment led by the designer, check out this video courtesy of House Beautiful:

Dragonflies are not the only insects that make for interesting art and decor...

mentioned in this article: @housebeautiful, @benjamin_moore, @nyelegant, @lampsplus

Soar with the dragonflies!

2011-12-09T11:33:00.002-05:00

On The Wings of Dragonflies

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

I stumbled upon this beautiful story on a website for eulogy poetry. The story is very comforting to think about our loved ones who have passed on this spiritual way.

Dragonfly Painting: Starry, Starry Dragonfly!

Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.

Dragonfly Decor: Sugar Plum Fairy!

Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top. When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.

Dragonfly Art

So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed. Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!

Original Dragonfly Artwork: Dragonfly Dance!

Click HERE to view all my dragonfly artwork

Do dragonflies have a special spiritual meaning for you?

Five Creative Gift Ideas for Boys

2011-12-08T08:18:00.001-05:00

Gift Finder for The Outdoorsy Boy

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

I have an eleven year boy at home who is musical, adventurous and outdoorsy but doesn't go for the stereotypical sport team logo paraphernalia. If you have a boy like that on your list you may be scratching your head wondering what to get. Here are some fun items I found that I know my son would love and the one on your list will too.

Embellished Denim Jacket

Girls are not the only ones who care about their clothes. Sporty boys in some ways are easier to dress as their typical uniform is a sport team sweatshirt. Outdoorsy boys prefer a hunting jacket or a denim jacket that shows their rebellious spirit. This embellished denim jacket has a cool Navy logo and camouflage detail on the back.

Personalized Dog Tags by bonhomiejewelry

Jewelry is also not just for girls. This set of dog tags which can be personalized with your son's name or nickname are cool because they are similar to the masculine army issue variety. This is a great idea for the teenage or college boy on your list or ( in my case) the xbox playing military obssessed preteen.

Pocket Knife by Spirit Bear Beads

Pocket knifes are an overlooked yet popular item. Boys love gadgets and the more complicated the better. Of course this gift is better for the over ten set. My son got a very complicated pocket knife recently and he loves showing off all the cool tools on it that pop out like a transformer.If your boy likes to camp, this is a great gift item.

Grasshopper Art, Original Painting

My son and his friends love to visit my art studio and the art that they love are the insect art. Don't overlook a cool piece of art for their room. They truly appreciate the sophisticated nature of collecting art. My mosquito artwork was purchased to decorate the room of the eleven year old insect obsessed boy on the NBC television show Parenthood.

Cookies by Sugar Lane Bake Shop

What boy doesn't like cookies? Cookies are a great gift to ship to the grandson or nephew. Bakers on etsy will carefully pack a dozed decorated sugar cookies directly to the recipient. Last year I sampled dozens of cookies from different sellers in prepartion for a party I had and I can tell you that all the bakers are talented, use the freshest ingredients and have the most artful cookies. For boys of all ages I really like these sock monkey cookies.

What do you suggest to buy for the little or not so little boy on your list?

Time to Refuel the Creative Well

2011-12-06T21:45:00.000-05:00

A day in the city to recharge creative batteries....

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Grand Central Station in its Holiday glory

Every once in a while I make a point of going breaking with my regular routine and going into the city to refuel my creative well. Today was a misty rainy day but that doesn't stop me. I find rain, especially unseasonable warm December rain, refreshing and with a big umbrella an a huge pair of boots I don't mind.

Dick Blick in the Village

My first stop after Grand Central was a quick subway ride down to the Village to Dick Blick art store. Now, I normally buy from this retailer because they have the best online prices anywhere. Unfortunately, their tiny print on the website says that" prices on the website may differ" from in store prices, so of course that meant that New York store was more expensive. Still, a fully stocked art supply store to an artist is like a candy store with cool supplies beckoning. When preparing this blog I noticed that there is an in store coupon that I could've used. Ah well, next time.

Drawings from the Louvre

Next on the list was the Morgan Library Museum on 36 and Madison. Unfortunately I somehow missed the Ingres exhibit, but there is still a wonderful drawing exhibit with dozens of works drawn by French masters from the Louvre. These drawings are beautifully executed, framed and presented. I particularly was intrigued by the back story behind a portrait by Prud'hon. A brief blurb next to the drawing hinted that the subject was his lover. In the catalog available for reading in the glorious marble room next door, I learned that Prud'hon had an intimate partnership with another artist Constance who eventually committed suicide when he coldly told her he wouldn't marry again. After her death he wouldn't look at her portrait again.

Public House on 41st and Lex

My final stop was lunch with an old high school friend at the Public House. This is a really cool restaurant/bar that must of once been a bank with its double vaulted atrium space. We sat up in the balcony section. Full of food and loaded with an arm full of art supplies I made my way back to Grand Central to catch a train back home

How do you recharge?

so many moods and ideas to express

2011-12-05T08:15:00.003-05:00

Interview with Delaney Martin

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

The Death Seeker

SchulmanArt: I love your museum reproductions. When did you get interested in reproducing artifacts?

Delaney: Growing up, my parents were artists making artifact reproductions in the Native American style. I'd travel with them to art shows, and I was very much influenced by them and the other artists. Most of the shows my parents did were of a Native American or Southwest theme, so those cultures were my first influence. Those styles have stayed with me, but I'm also very much influenced by Celtic, African, and prehistoric styles of art.

SchulmanArt: Where did you study art?

Delaney: Besides a few art workshops as a teenager, I don't have any formal arts education. I just watched those around me, learning techniques and blending them together through multi-media work.

Artist Delaney Martin

SchulmanArt: Do you make your living as an artist?

Delaney: I'm more what I'd call a 'semi-pro' artist. I do make money from my art, but not enough for it to be my sole source of income. Besides Etsy, all of my artwork can be viewed and purchased at www.delaneylafae.com

SchulmanArt: I really love your skulls could you tell my readers a little bit about the creative process from inception and idea to finished product?

Delaney: First, I have to choose the right bone, one that I'm just drawn to. I'll look it over, finding what's unique to it. When I found a bobcat skull with back smashed in, it made me think of a violent death, and that made me think of how even hunters can be hunted. That was the influence for The Death Seeker. Life in the natural world can be unforgiving, and the life/death cycle has always been an inspiration for me as with Sacrificial Stag. I also wonder about how the celestial cycles influenced ancient peoples. The moon cycle is especially intriguing to me, so that is the story behind The Night Watcher. Then I just look at the skulls, finding the lines and contours and searching my mind for some kind of meaning for the piece. Then I work with India ink and a sharpened stick to draw the designs by hand. Then I add any decoration, being sure to use only natural items like feathers, stones, even glass beads.

Buy her work at WolfpackTribal

SchulmanArt: What is your studio space like?

Delaney: The view from my studio window over looks my little courtyard then a great field that is our yard. We live in the country, and watching the wildlife has become more than a hobby. I love to watch the birds, and I keep my camera close. We have a large group of Mourning doves (my Lovelies) living in our trees, and they're my favorite to see and hear. My actual studio space is less idyllic. Its a mess of photo studio, office, huge work bench with materials, and storage all in one room. Its cluttered and crazy, but I seem to thrive on chaos.

SchulmanArt: Who is your customer?

Delaney: I have pieces that range from super cute to dark and disturbing. I've noticed that my customers fall into all these categories as well.I have so many moods and ideas to express that just one style of art won't cut it for me.

A few more Tribal Art pieces for your collection:

All of these African artworks were sketched from original artifacts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in either their permanent collection of the Heroic African exhibit. To read more about how these pieces were created see related blog posts.

African Art

Tribal Art

Creative Gift Guide for the New Home Owner

2011-12-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

Find something for anyone on your list who is house proud...
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

A beautiful treasury of wonderful gift ideas in every price point from the stocking stuffer to the statement gift!

The most personalized gift for the new home owner is the house portrait. Form your digital file, a gorgeous piece of art for their home is just the ticket. This gift is also appropriate to the empy nesters who have just sold the childhood home you grew up in and would love a keepsake of that memory. I can work from standard photos as well.

House Painting from Photo

What are your creative gift ideas?

More African Drawings Created on Site at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2011-11-30T08:24:00.002-05:00

Who were the Heroic Africans?

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Painting of Afukwa, African Queen

Memorial head of Afukwa

An African terracotta sculpture inspired this watercolor painting. I viewed the sculpture as part of a special exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art titled "Heroic Africans." The exhibition takes a look at sculptural traditions from West and Central Africa created between the twelfth and early twentieth centuries and pulls together works from all over the world never before brought to an American audience. This Memorial head of Afukwa was part of a mother daughter commissioned work. I especially liked the futuristic look of the terracotta which depicted the African Princess in a robotic fashion reminiscent of a Tim Burton character. I made the drawing on site by standing in front of the glass display case with my watercolor sketch pad and a charcoal pencil I had nabbed from the drop in drawing session that was going on. The drop in drawing session in front of the Turkish carpets was fun, but so crowded I was asked to give up my stool after 30 minutes. The watercolors I added back in the studio and you can see that the colors were of my own design.

Head of an Oba, An African King

Bronze Head of an Oba

There are many portrait busts of African Kings and leaders on display. The Kings, or "Oba", commissioned the highest skilled artisans to craft the bronze sculptures. When the King died the first task of the newly appointed King, who was the first born son, was to create a memorial bust of his father to be placed on the palace altar. Although the art was usually created posthumously, the sculptures always depicted the kings during the prime of their life. This particular bronze sculpture is from present day Nigeria. Unfortunately records no longer exist to connect which King each bronze sculpture represented.

Tribal Art from Commemorative Throne

I was very excited by the wooden commemorative thrones on display, These totem like thrones were carved from wood and were large and imposing rising more than life size. I loved the animated faces of the kings and queens on display. By this time my stolen pencil was beginning to dull but I had bought an overpriced pencil sharpener at the museum gift shop that allowed me to keep going. My routine was to alternate sharpening my pencil while I listened to the audio guide and sketching the compelling sculptures. I would love to return to the exhibit with a box of pre-sharpened pencils and do justice to all the magnificent African art on display. I am glad this exhibit continues through January so I can get back there when this busy holiday season wanes.

Decorating inspiration:

A set of Three African Paintings add a global touch to a modern brown and blue bedroom

Where in the world will you be this holiday season??

Heroic Africans: Legendary Leaders, Iconic Sculptures

2011-11-29T07:10:00.001-05:00

Drawing at the Metropolitan Museum

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Set of 4 African Paintings

This art was drawn from a special exhibition titled "Heroic Africans" which takes a look at sculptural traditions from West and Central Africa created between the twelfth and early twentieth centuries. I brought my watercolor sketch pad into the gallery on a friday night and sketched from seven different sculptures on display. The room view here shows four from that series. I also listened to the audio guide while drawing. One of the guards who noticed what I was doing came over to compliment my drawing which is always a thrill to have people appreciate my work and the artistic process.

African Woman

Priestess

Oba King, African art

African King, Tribal Art

The original charcoal drawings were painted with watercolor back in my studio. The tribal wall art has a wonderful abstract quality giving it a modern sophistication. I added texture to the watercolor painting to add to the visual appeal.The dominant colors in these artworks are blue, and coffee brown but some paintings have tones of jade green and other glowing earth tones.

These abstract interpretations would look great in your house and complement your modern global home decor.

See the exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum:

Heroic Africans: Legendary Leaders, Iconic Sculptures

exhibition through thru January 29, 2012

Romantic French Accessory Designer:

2011-11-28T07:38:00.002-05:00

Julie Gautier of Jolie Jye

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt.

etsy : http://www.etsy.com/shop/Joliejye

SchulmanArt: How does your roots influence you as a designer?
Julie Gautier: I was born in a little countryside town 125 miles outside of Paris. Now I live between Paris and my city of birth. Of course Paris is so much better to live as an artist!

SchulmanArt: How long have you been designing clothes?
Julie Gautier: When I was young, I drew dresses for my dolls. I've created my first website to show off my creations when I was 16. I'm now 26 and still doing the same: designing one of a kind accessories and outfits for women, and still follow my inspirations to offer people my knowledge. I've chosen the name Jye© for my art when I was 15. I am proud to still design under this brand now.

blog : http://joliejye.blogspot.com

SchulmanArt: Where did you study art and design?
Julie Gautier: I am a self-taught artist. I've taken some art class but never enjoyed to stay in the lines. I've learned sewing from my mother's skills. She's a wonderful seamstress.

SchulmanArt: What are your inspirations?
Julie Gautier: My inspiration comes from nature. I love natural fabrics like silk or cotton and natural pigments. I also love the French glamor from the 50's, with all those polka dot prints. Creating modern vintage with true vintage materials is usually my goal. Japan has been a huge inspiration for me too. I enjoy integrating origami into the sewing. The folds enhances the fabric with special reflections which I love so much.

ALittleMarket

SchulmanArt: What routines do you have to get ready to create?
JG: I prefer creating in silence. It's better for my concentration. I love music, but I really can't be disturbed or my inspiration disappears! I gather all my materials, check my fabrics, take my favorites, start to think... And I have some kind of flash which makes me see what I'm going to create.

SchulmanArt: What is your studio space like?
JG: I work at home. From the window I can see our garden, the autumn shades on trees, some sunlight which is coming in. I love to see the nature when I create, it gives me motivation and inspiration.

facebook fan page : http://www.facebook.com/jye.france

Schulman: Do you come from a creative family?
JG: My family is very creative. My brother is a great artist who's doing paint and photography. My mother is as I've said a great seamstress. My father is good at drawing. My husband draws a little too, and he's so good at photography. He's the one who takes pictures of my creations !

Schulman: Who is your customer?
JG: I especially love to create for brides. They are always looking to be unique on the most beautiful day of their life. I am here to answer all of their expectations with correct measurements for accessories or lingerie.

When a customer tells me he is happy with my creation, that means a lot for me, that even makes my inspiration growing. I really care of my customer's happiness and try to offer them the best service, because everyone's unique.

mentioned in this article @joliejye

How many black friday emails did you get?

2011-11-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

Well here is one more

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

The Black Friday COUPON is..."BLACKFRIDAY" in my etsy store only for 15% off!!!

Did everyone have a good thanksgiving? I passed out at 7:00 last night and slept till this morning. THe shopping and running around were a lot...but worth it as always. The food was delicious and I am happy to have my family in my warm home. My BlackBerry was buzzing all night with black friday deals and as much as I hate to dewluge you with one more I don't want you to miss out on a deal on great art for decorating your home this season or gifts for your family.

A few gift ideas....

Gifts for your Grandma in Florida:

Flamingo Art

Florida is the land of flamingos--- no matter how many tchotchkes she has, she always has room for one more. A beautiful flamingo painting is one of a kind and perfect for the bright colors in the south.

Gifts for a fashionista:

Watercolor Fashion Illustration of Alexander McQueen

Heard of Alexander McQueen? Well even if you haven't, she has! your teenage daughter will flip over a painting of one of his creations. Check out this painting of the Super model Shalom Harlow, or one of the many other fashion illustrations I have for sale.

Who is on your list??

Gratitude is an art...

2011-11-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt,

Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture. ~Kak Sri

My childhood wasn't perfect but from adversity I have made myself a wonderful life with my husband and children and my carer as an artist. I am so grateful to my family and the gifts within myself.

Original Abstract Landscape Tree Art

About the artwork: I love creating the abstract shapes and drawing with pencil on the paper.The paint is applied in splashes of color for a loose "accidentally on purpose" effect where each drip and drop adds to the complexity of color and form. In this tree painting I enjoyed working with the interaction of the cobalt turquoise, viridian green and cobalt violet. The cobalt violet is a poisonous color, so I have to wash my hands carefully after splashing it around. The edges of this painting have been taped before painting to leave a raw white border of paper. My favorite element of this piece are the distant trees which are made with a collage of painted sheet music. The trees have iridescent paint that give an added glow to the landscape.

What are you grateful for?

Gratitude Turns a House into a Home

2011-11-23T08:07:00.000-05:00

So Thankful
By Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.
~Melody Beattie

I am truly looking forward to a long weekend with my family, preparing the traditional foods, spending quality time... I have so much to be thankful for right now. My children are in a great place, my family is healthy and we have all that we need. I am looking froward to my 25th high school reunion on friday when I get to see friends from the past that mean so much to me. Now that my oldest is in high school the memories come back to me stronger than ever. I love the smells in the home of spices and apples and decorating my house.

Red Poppy Flower Painting. Original art 18x24" classic red, deep turquoise blue background, splashes of cedar green & metallic gold shimmer

This unique abstract acrylic painting on canvas depicts red poppies in a field. The poppies are red fits with tinges of metallic gold on the stems and petals. The classic reds are bright and pop against the turquoise blue background, There are also touches of cedar green in the painting. The artwork is signed without the copyright words which is a one of a kind signed piece. The sides are 3/4" thick and painted a glossy black. However, the gold crackle gold frame pictured is INCLUDED. This is a signed original one of a kind artwork using highest grade artist materials and traditional technique.

What are you looking forward to doing this holiday weekend?

An Artful Tradition in Jewish Wedding Ceremonies

2011-11-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

Interview with Ketubah Designer Jerise Fogel

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Ketubah available on etsy

SchulmanArt: Where are you from and where do you live now?
Jerise: I grew up in NJ, near Philadelphia, and have lived all over the US—in Michigan, Nebraska, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York—and for a year also in Germany. I love to travel. Currently, I live in New York City, in
Washington Heights.

SchulmanArt: How long have you been an artist?
Jerise: Well, I have been doing art since I was very young. I took high school classes in ceramics and drawing that made a big impression on me; I took some Studio Art classes in college, and I have attended drawing sessions in most of the cities I have ever lived in, sometimes more regularly sometimes less. I keep a sketch book and love to sketch around the city. Since college and grad school, I’ve taken studio classes at Parsons School of Art and Design, and at the School of Visual Arts, both here in New York City. I have also taken quite a few calligraphy classes, some with the Society of Scribes again in NYC.

SchulmanArt: I love your Ketubahs. Could you please explain to my reader who may not be familiar with Jewish wedding customs a little bit about their history in traditional marriage ceremonies?
Jerise: Ketubahs (the plural in Hebrew is ketubot; the word basically means “written text”) are fascinating documents. They began as a simple legal contract specifying the monetary obligations of the groom, and stipulating that the groom, in accepting co-responsibility over the money and property that was being brought into the marriage by the bride, would need to pay all that back if the marriage were ended for some reason. So, basically, the ketubah was a document to protect the woman from being exploited, and from having her money and goods stolen away, should her husband leave her, or should she want to get out of the marriage. It was very progressive in its time. Modern Orthodox and Conservative ketubah texts stick fairly closely to this original idea of the contract; modern Reform ketubah texts vary widely—some sounding very contract-like, and others talking more about emotional and spiritual support and partnership. Many couples write their own ketubah texts, and you can even take classes in how to do this in such a way as to satisfy your tradition’s legal requirements.

SchulmanArt: How did you learn ketubah design? What special skills do you need?
Jerise: I had always admired those old papercut designs that one sees in books and museums. With that in mind, I tried something rather intricate, and delicate, with paper and an exacto knife, for someone who asked me whether I would do their ketubah for them. Trees are a lovely subject for this kind of thing, and I’ve always liked drawing from nature, so that part was pretty natural. I had also worked with stencils and screenprint, so that helped my design sense. I had practiced and sometimes studied calligraphy since I was a teenager, and developing my skill with Hebrew letters is an ongoing project for me—those are really the two essentials, text-wise. I have a background in Greek, Latin, some ancient Hebrew, and several other languages, which always helps.

drop in and chat on her blog!

SchulmanArt: What music do you listen to while creating?
Jerise: I don’t have too many art rituals—unless making coffee counts! I tend to listen to Joan Baez, or sometimes k.d. lang (Hymns of the 49th Parallel), when I’m cutting designs out; my other favorites are: Kateryna Kolcova (her CD “Karev Yom (Day is Near)” is amazing), the Klezmatics (anything!), Bustan, Jane Siberry, Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver (sorry, it’s true, don’t laugh!), Sweet Honey in the Rock (especially Sacred Ground and B’lieve I’ll Run On), Chopin (Études), the Indigo Girls, and the Chieftains (San Patricio).

SchulmanArt: What is your studio space like?

Jerise: I live in a one bedroom apartment, and the bedroom is my studio (I sleep out in the living room on a futon). It’s in transition from a messy space to a more organized space. Right now, there’s a lot of paper around, but when I get cleared up more I will let my cats come back in and hang out in the armchair or on the windowsill as I work, which makes me calm.

The view is not much to look at—I look out onto an inner courtyard of the apartment building—but there is a really nice time around 3pm every day when sunlight floods the space and makes me very happy. And I love my pretty fire escape latticework.

www.jerise.com

SchulmanArt: What is your most popular item other than the Ketubahs?
Jerise: My Obama-in-Yiddish t-shirt has been selling well lately as well as holiday-related, or anniversary-related cards. I have a little papercut card that says “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” in Hebrew, with little trees on either side, that people tend to like a lot. In addition, my NYC Sketch Calendar for 2012 is doing very well.

SchulmanArt: Do you do Bar Mitzvah invitations or anything Bar Mitzvah related?

Jerise: I love custom work, so I have done Bar and Bat Mitzvah invites and artwork, and would always be happy to do that again.

To commission Jerise for your wedding or special event, please contact her at

Jerise Fogel
Lettering & Artwork
jerise@jerise.com
+01.212.923.1416

A Passion for Details brings a House to Life

2011-11-19T14:34:00.001-05:00

House Portrait Made to Order with all the Trimmings

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Order your House Painting from Photo!

The fun and the challenge of creating art commissions is delivering to the client exactly what they imagine. When I am given a detailed photo and asked to copy it exactly my work is straight forward and easy. In the digital age, you would think my work would be made easier but now that everyone has cameras on their cell phones and pictures from the internet can be easily downloaded from facebook I am quite often handed a photo that is very small in size so that when I try to print it out large enough to see the details the image is pixelated. This was the case with my most recent commission. The client did have many other high resolution photos of the details so i was able to add them in. in addition to the challenge of a blurry photo the client also wanted me to add in loons ( not in the photos), a red boat ( not in photo), flowers, her dog and a flag. Oh boy. But in the end, I rose to the challenge.

First, I showed her the drawing to make sure I had all the details that she wanted....

Work in in Progress photo of House Portrait

Once the drawing was established and approved I breathed a little easier because the painting is the most relaxing and enjoyable part of the portrait process when the magic of color bring the house alive. The client loved the finished painting so much that she plans to use the painting on her holiday cards this year. I enjoyed working on this but I do hope that my next commission has a better starting digital image!

Picasso Painted Watercolors

2011-11-17T08:14:00.002-05:00

Reinventing Tradition: Picasso at the Frick

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt~

Nudes in a Forest
Paris, spring 1908
Watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper
Philadelphia Museum of Art

Picasso loved to draw. The Frick Collection currently has an amazing exhibition that chronicles the development of Picasso's drawings, from academic life drawings done when he was eight through maturity of his modern style. The Frick has more than fifty works on display in their downstairs galleries and the upstairs annex. Highlights include radical innovations of cubism and collage and watercolors that look forward to his Avignon. The exhibit is filled with never before exhibited works which are framed magnificently. When you think of drawings you think of black and white line drawings but many of the "drawings" on display have gouache and watercolor which make them truly paintings and delight the eyes and senses.

Nudes in a Forest
Paris, early 1908
Gouache, watercolor, and pencil on paper
The Museum of Modern Art

During the week timed tickets are available and are included with the museum admission. On Sunday until 1pm the museum is pay what you wish and there are no timed tickets until 1pm. On our visit we arrived at 12:30 and waited for about 20 minutes. The show was delightful, and worth the wait. If you don't mind waiting in line. After your visit, head over to Madison Avenue and wait in line at LADURÉE for their famous airy macaroons. The little shop has a line out the door since its write up a few weeks ago in the New York Times

Picasso's Drawings, 1890–1921: Reinventing Tradition
through January 8, 2012 at the Frick Collection, 70th and Fifth Ave, NYC

Tradition of Turkish Knit Design

2011-11-16T07:57:00.000-05:00

Thankful for Mother's Gifts

new blog post by @schulmanArt

Become Sule's fan on facebook

SchulmanArt: How do you feel your roots influence you as a designer?
Sule: I live in Istanbul, the most crowded and magnificent city of Turkey. My name is Sule. Our shop name is “Bysweetmom”, inspired from our Sweet creative MOM. We opened our shop with “my sweet mom.” My mom is not familiar with computers so I manage our shop. Knitting has a long history in my country, sometimes we use ethnic motifs in our designs.

Follow Sule's Blog

SchulmanArt: Who taught you how to knit?

Sule: Of course my sweet mom. When I was a child, I was watching her while she was sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating something new .

She can’t sit without doing anything and I am my mother's daughter.

I learned lots of thing from her and still learning…

Tweet her @bysweetmom

SchulmanArt: What are your inspirations?

Sule: Inspiration can come from everywhere, whatever is around us. Fashion and nature also play big roles. We really love creating our own designs, there are many of our original designs in our shop

SchulmanArt: What is your most popular item?

Sule: My afghan ponchos and my fingerless flowered are the most popular. Sought after colors of 2012 are black, dark blue, purple, brown and green . Leather and fur are so trendy…

SchulmanArt:How much of the day do you devote to knitting?

Sule: I am usually knitting or crocheting while watching movies, usually 3-5 hours a day sometimes whole day. I am a professional besides having a shop on Etsy.

Why are you thankful for your family?

Pet Portrait Presents

2011-11-15T10:27:00.002-05:00

It's raining cats and dogs!

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt.

Commission your own Pet Portrait or Buy this Cat Print!

This brown tabby cat sits on top of a white wrapped Christmas present with a red bow. She was the apple of her mother's eye and climbed into every box that ever came into the house. Her daughter commissioned me and sent me a darling photo of the cat to surprise her mother with a pet portrait of her sweet "Louise" for Christmas. If you have a darling pet that graces your life, send me your photo and I will be happy to create a pet portrait just for you.

I was so happy with this watercolor that I am also offering it as a fine art print for sale. The fine art print comes matted and in an acetate sleeve gift ready to stick a bow on it. The cat lover in your life will adore this giclee of a watercolor painting. Does this cat painting remind you of your cat? Check out my other cat art.

Work in Progress photo of Double Dog Portrait

I am not bias to cats either--- the dog portraits are also coming in. Right now I am hard at work on a double dog portrait a woman has commissioned me as a gift for her friend. What better gift for a friend than man's best friend? For the black friday special you will get Free matting if you order this by November 25th midnight on etsy. Check out all my dog art on etsy.

5 Rules for Looking Good Wearing Orange

2011-11-14T07:07:00.001-05:00

All About Orange
by guest blogger @lindsayleboyer, Lindsay LeBoyer

Beautiful shades of orange are gracing the trees this November, but Mother Nature isn't the only one who appreciates the shade. The hottest fashion designers and decorators love it too. Orange complements nearly every complexion and can be very chic when worn right. Follow these tips and you'll be a fashion vision, not a fashion victim.

1) Tone it down

J Crew, $98

Save the florescent orange for crossing guards and opt for a burnt orange with undertones of red this fall. Deeper shades are more sophisticated and play well with other fall colors like brown and navy. This sweater from J. Crew is perfect for layering, plus the coarse texture makes any outfit more interesting.

2) Choose flattering silhouettes

Trina Turk, $111 at Bloomingdales

Avoid looking round like a pumpkin by choosing slim and elegant silhouettes. Take this dress from Trina Turk for example. Ruching at the midsection will highlight your waist, while the cowl neck reveals the perfect hint of skin. Team it with a pair of stilettos (be sure to avoid black) and you're ready to host Thanksgiving dinner.

3) Make like the runway

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs f/w 11
Right: Anthropologie, $228

Take a cue from Marc Jacobs and make a statement with a vintage-inspired orange midi dress. Those not wanting to splurge can try this silk number from Anthropologie. Pair it with boyish brogues for a cool contrast of masculine and feminine.

4) Remember: Sometimes less is more

J Crew, $39.50

Even those who usually shy away from bright hues can wear orange with ease. All you need is a pop of color from a skinny belt to elevate a casual outfit. Loop this metallic leather belt through your jeans and toss on a monochromatic t-shirt for a weekend look that's both chic and wearable.

5) Don't be afraid to take a risk

Rag & Bone, $176

Daring fashionistas can take orange to another level with fashion-forward colorful jeans. Bright denim is a major trend that looks sharp when paired with a blazer or quirky when paired with a chunky knit.

What do you think? Is orange a do or a don't this season?

Lindsay LeBoyer is an intern at Schulman Art. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child.

Mentioned in this article:
@JCrew_Insider @shoptrinaturk @MarcJacobsIntl @Anthropologie @Rag_Bone

Handcrafted Holiday

2011-11-11T07:31:00.001-05:00

Thank goodness for etsy

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

clothespin hand painted place cards by SugarAndPaint

Get ready to charm your family this year with festive, hand crafted touches for your dining room. Make the conversation flow and ease the awkwardness by planning in advance where each guest sits. These adorable clothespin clip onto each napkin or place card. This is really fun conversation piece and a great way to add a whimsical touch to your Thanksgiving traditions! In addition, the clothespins have magnets on the back so you can use them before the holidays to keep reminders handy on your refrigerator.

Mid-Century Mod Place mats by Too Cute Custom Crafts

Instead of a formal tablecloth, show off your modern style with mod napkins and placemats. Too Cute Custom Crafts has both and it was very hard to choose just one item to feature. The modern colors and patterns will show off your style and still have a traditional autumn-time feel.

Reversible Napkins!

Dried Door Floral Wreath that lasts longer than the turkey

Greet your guests at the door with a colorful dried flower wreath that sets the tone for your holiday decor. The vivid wreath contains dozens of assorted colorful dried flowers and berries and measures 14" across.

Autumn Artwork by Schulman for Dining Room

Another great investment is original art for your dining room. This mixed media collage will coordinate with all the mid-century modern colors in the decorating scheme featured here. The trees are made with a collage of sheet music. The background is a vivid watercolor in a color block style reminiscent of Wolf Kahn and Rothko. For a limited time get free shipping on this painting using coupon code "ENCORE" in my etsy shop.

How will you decorate your home for the holidays?

Living is Learning!

2011-11-10T07:43:00.001-05:00

Interview with Jewelry Designer Patricia Suárez

new blog post by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Become Patricia's Fan on Facebook!

SchulmanArt: First, tell us about where you are from and your art education...

Patricia Suárez: I was born in Gijón, a little town in the north coast of Spain. At the age of 22, after studying a degree in nutrition and dietetics, I moved to Barcelona. There I discovered my artistic side and began my jewelry studies at the Escola d'Arts i Oficis. I stayed in Barcelona for 10 years, improving my artistic training (etching, photography, ceramics) and gaining experience while working for several jewelry workshops. Finally, 6 years ago, I came back to my hometown and started my own workshop and gallery. My little shop is a multifunctional space, workshop, gallery and jewelry shop all in one. When I raise my eyes from my work I can see some people scrutinizing the pieces shown in my shop window and, behind them, a big lively street.

The Studio

SchulmanArt: Do you make your living as a designer?

Patricia Suárez: I've been professionally working on jewelry for the last 12 years. I earn a living from crafting my jewelry designs and making pieces to order. I display and sell other artists' work at my workshop-gallery too. I started my Etsy shop about a year ago so I am relatively a newcomer there. Recently, I've opened a shop on DaWanda, a German e-commerce website similar to Etsy.

SchulmanArt: How do you feel your Spanish roots influence your designs?

PS: Asturias, my region, is not a very "Spanish" one (no sun, no bullfighters, no flamenco, but rain, wild bears and bagpipers instead). Anyway, I am absolutely inspired by wild nature: oak and beech forests, little glacial lakes, hidden streams, foggy green valleys that you can find here and are great for hiking. Besides, I am a sea lover. I love strolling the beach at low tide, searching little treasures like shells and crystals that I use for my jewelry.

Buy her one of a kind pieces through her etsy shop Atelier Joyas

SchulmanArt: Who is your customer?

PS: My jewelry is crafted for a bold, self-confident woman. The kind of person interested in art and design, elegant but informal, unconventional, spontaneous, hedonistic, a lover of beauty and uniqueness.

SchulmanArt: Which Spanish artist do you admire the most?

PS: As jeweler, undoubtedly, Enric Majoral. He is an absolute master in his work and after 40 years making superb jewels he is still as fresh and creative as in the beginning of his career. Luis Parades is another artist that I sincerely admire. He works the glass and can make amazing objects and sculptures, full of color and harmony.

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SchulmanArt: What are your inspirations?

PS: At the present moment, my work is very influenced by the Far East cultures. One of my favourite techniques, consisting in fusing thin foils of gold onto the surface of silver objects, is a Korean one called Kum-Boo. As I said, I am also inspired by the wild beauty of the Asturian landscape. I think that living is learning so, when I find the time, I still take courses (the last one, of granulation a month ago).

SchulmanArt: What has been your most exciting moment as a designer?

PS: The day I opened my own workshop was very special for me; then, surrounded by friends and family, I celebrated the completion of a long-cherised project. Another unforgettable occasion was the day my work was selected to be shown in Berlin as part of an exposition in tribute to the first woman chancellor in Germany, Angela Merkel.

SchulmanArt: What rituals do you have to get ready to create?

PS: I wake up early in the morning, drink two cups of caffe latte and get to work. I am always listening to music while working and, although my musical tastes are pretty diverse (bossa nova, soul, chanson, crooners), I am a complete fan of Jos Roush, Owen Pallett and and Feist.

Distract them with Art..

2011-11-09T13:38:00.003-05:00

Clutter Control~
new blog post by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Custom Portrait

Today instead of starting my morning in the usual fashion with a workout and a blog post, I got my exercise by frantically running around the house trying to make my living room acceptable for a middle school parent meeting that was being hosted at my house. As I stuffed papers behind the computer and the piano I hoped the focus would be on the artwork on my walls instead of the little messes.

Framed Peacock Art

I also cleaned up my family room which contains the first floor powder room and normally the kitty litter just in case someone excused themselves to this embarrassing area of my home. Of course the cat escaped with the arrival of the last guest and I crossed my fingers that I could find the kitten when the meeting was over. Thought my actual living room would make for an interesting post rather than one of the fantasy living rooms I normally feature from House Beautiful.

African Art

Framed Tree Art

Baby Portrait

_____________________________________________________________
Bless this Mess!

Stieglitz and his Watercolorists:

2011-11-07T22:08:00.120-05:00

John Marin and Charles Demuth

new blog post by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

Many know Stieglitz as a photographer, and as the man who made Georgia O'Keeffe a household name. However, what some may not know is that he was a visionary art dealer and gallerist in his day and was the first to promote the most modern artists making many careers. For example, Stieglitz was the first to stage a Picasso exhibition in America. From this exhibit he only sold one painting and bought one for himself. He offered the eighty or so unsold paintings to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for $2,000 and the museum turned down his offer dismissing Picasso as "not an important artist." Fortunately for the Metropolitan, the museum acquired a portion of his collection of exceptional breadth and depth as a bequest from his estate. For more than sixty years, the Alfred Stieglitz Collection has been the cornerstone of the Museum's holdings of modern American art.

This exhibition features some two hundred major works by American and European modernists. Highlights include works by Picasso, Kandinsky, O'Keeffe, Charles Demuth and John Marin.

The Watercolorists

London Town, Watercolor by John Marin

John Marin was one of the artists that Stieglitz promoted. He started showing Marin's work when Marin was in his early forties. Up until then Marin's paintings were very straightforward and were purchased as souvenir paintings. Stieglitz supported Marin by providing him a salary and told him to break out of this style and experiment. A visual language and unique style began to emerge during this time.

Brooklyn Bridge, Watercolor by John Marin

Brooklyn Bridge, communicates his sense of the excitement of urban life. About these experimentations he wrote, "While these powers are at work pushing, pulling, sideways, downwards, upwards, I can hear the sound of their strife and there is great music being played. And so I try to express graphically what a great city is doing. Within the frames there must be a balance, a controlling of these warring, pushing, pulling forces." The Brooklyn Bridge was a also a symbol of modernity during his time.

A Town in Maine by John Marin mounted on paper with a watercolor "border"

Red Mountain, Watercolor by Charles Demuth

The other watercolorists featured in this exhibition is Charles Demuth. Demuth worked in two styles. He had the watercolors, many of which were pedestrian paintings of flowers and vegetables, as well as his more linear style of his better known paintings such as "Number Five" Stieglitz initially did not want to promote Demuth since he felt that he already had a watercolorist and Marin was enough. He did include Demuth's paintings in a show of American artists which included his oil paintings. Stieglitz also found Demuth "annoying". He complained to O'Keeffe that Demuth would sit in the gallery all day during the show. Demuth did have a friendship with Stieglitz's wife, O'Keeffe, and he left all his paintings to her at his death. So that is how Demuth's collection came to be included in the Stieglitz collection.

watercolor by Charles Demuth--emergence of linear style

Unfortunately, not one of Georgia O'Keeffe's watercolors are on display as part of this exhibition. There is a lovely charcoal as well as an example of her famous black irises and cow skull. In addition, one never can grow tired of Stieglitz's photographic portraits of O'Keeffe also on display.

Stieglitz and His Artists: Matisse to O'Keeffe through January 2, 2012 at Metropolitan Museum of Art

mentioned in this article @metmuseum

What do you think of Marin and Demuth?

How a Watercolor Portrait Comes Together

2011-11-07T10:11:00.001-05:00

Step by Step..

New blog post by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt.

Most recently complete portrait, View full portfolio

My portraits of children are owned and cherished by parents throughout New York. My usual practice is to spend time getting to know the family I am going to paint, studying them, taking as many as hundred photographs. Back in the quiet and seclusion of my own studio I paint the finished portrait working from a photo picked with consultation of the parents and my remembered impressions.

Starts with a great photograph! (family photography by Schulman)

When I am commissioned for a portrait I recommend that the subjects wear white for the photo shoot as this leads to a classic portrait that will not be dated. The white reflects light beautifully onto the faces and the figures clothing does not compete with each other.

Outdoor light is always the most flattering, but I can creatively use a combination of window light as well as photographic lamps if weather does not permit an outdoor photo shoot. When I return to my studio, I study the photographs, making adjustments in photoshop. Here is the photograph chosen by the parents that will be used as a reference for the portrait. I uploaded all the photos to a private online viewing area and sometimes the family will choose to purchase photos as gifts in addition to the watercolor portrait.Sometimes it is necessary to use a combination of photos and when circumstances require, I can work from a photograph provided by the client; however, photographs I take myself are the ideal.

A Pencil Drawing of the Portrait for the client to review

After the photo is selected I begin a pencil drawing directly onto the watercolor paper. Sometimes a likeness will emerge with the drawing but I don't expect a full likeness until the magic of color is used. I like the clients to see the drawing before I begin painting just to make sure all their needs have been communicated to me.

At this stage the fun begins. I add a wash of either yellow ochre with a touch of scarlet lake or cadmium red with a touch of yellow for the skin tones. I add these colors to the background and adjacent clothing for harmony.

Shadows are defined with a wash of gray I mix myself and the background is established.

I continue to adjust values throughout the painting as I go.

Once I establish all the darks, I decide to lift watercolor paint to reveal white and highlights.

The added white adds light to the painting and I decide to push this further.

Finally, a glowing portrait that is ready to be presented to the client!

Although I prefer to take photos and be in control of the entire project from start to finish I will work from your photos of young children. Baby and toddlers make excellent models for watercolor portraits. You can get an online deal on a baby portrait from my etsy store. For a fully commissioned portrait including photographs, please see my website for more information.

Holiday Card with watercolor portrait by schulmanart
available for customization at zazzle

The Art of Fine Things...

2011-11-04T07:16:00.001-04:00

Chosen Well Rather Than Often!
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt.

Set of four African Art Paintings

Barbara Barry has a gorgeous collection of modern furniture for Baker. We just love the Cove Sofa. The wraparound arm embraces and creates a private sanctuary, while the subtle arc of the arm and back form a sophisticated profile. Upholstered arms surround a single bench-seat cushion complete with decorative throw pillows.

Lawrence Chaise in Paris Velvet

On the other hand, you may also like a similar contemporary handmade chaise from a furniture maker on etsy. This sofa from Lounje Interiors in Nottingham, UK is covered in Covertex Paris velvet in mink. This Chaise has a solid wood frame and sprung seat unlike all of the competition in this price range. Even factoring the international shipping this furniture is still a bargain. The legs are solid beech hardwood with a mahogany finish, and is made by the finest tradition of Brittish craftmenship.

Silk Throw Pillows

Next you will want to add some glamorous throw pillows. This elegant (dupioni) silk cushion cover embroidered with a dainty motif design that adds a touch of luxury and comfort to your home. Be sure to order two and get a discount on shipping.

Finally, instead of the uptight black and white prints Baker has on their website, we recommend getting original artwork. A set of four original watercolor paintings complement this color scheme beautifully whether you are buying the high end Baker furniture or selecting unique hand crafted and vintage finds. The artwork was created by painting from original African art sculptures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The original charcoal drawings are painted with watercolor, The tribal wall art has a wonderful abstract quality giving it a modern sophistication. The watercolor paintings were given an additional texture to add to the visual appeal.

The dominant colors in these artworks are cerulean blue, phlox purple, bamboo yellow, cedar green, and coffee brown. This listing is for all four paintings pictured in the room view. The frames are not included but the paintings standard size make snapping easy and affordable. The price of all four is the same as buying three at full price and getting a fourth for FREE.

The Art of Handcrafted and Vintage for Your Home,
Nothing Cozier!

mentioned in this article @schulmanArt, @BarbaraBarryInc, @BakerFurniture