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Here is a Few Recent Bestsellers of Art by Irina Sztukowski.

Many thanks to the Art Collectors from Cathlamet, WA and Palo Alto, CA for purchasing print with this artwork!

Bestselling painting of Siena Italy street with beautiful church and multiple roofs has a new exciting trip planed... It is now going to Europe. I have sold prints of Siena many many times in the past; but now, this bestselling artwork has been noticed by a new customer in Norway. In a few months this artwork will be on a new clothing line designs. I am very exited!

Beautiful Artworks by the artist Irina Sztukowski are now offered on jigsaw puzzles! What a great gift ideas for Christmas, Birthday, or any other occasion for family and friends!
https://irina-sztukowski.pixels.com/collections/landscapes/puzzles

As many of my followers know, this bestselling artwork is loved by Art Collectors throughout the World. It was previously sold as multiple prints, as well as on merchandise. I recently came across of computer generated puzzle with my artwork of a Girl And Ocean. I lost myself in the game and thought to share with you. This is just fun activity for people to explore it virtually. And if people wanted to order a real jigsaw puzzle with various amount of pieces (from 30 to 1000 pieces for this specific artful puzzle of watercolor painting Girl And Ocean by Irina Sztukowski), then my art collectors can order it online here: https://www.redbubble.com/i/jigsaw-puzzle/Girl-And-Ocean-Watercolor-Artwork-by-Irina-Sztukowski-by-IrinaSztukowski/61540191.9EKZ7

Warm Thanks to the Art Collector from Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ for purchasing this artwork on merchandise! Irina Sztukowski

Many thanks to the Art Collector from Geneva, FL for purchasing this artwork on merchandise! Irina

New Face Masks Watercolor Lips With Flowers created by the artist Irina Sztukowski.

Irina Sztukowski celebrates 3.5 million visitors on her website https://irina-sztukowski.pixels.com/

Warm thanks to the International Art Collectors from Australia North Ward, Queensland; and from Tiverton Devon, England - United Kingdom, for purchasing prints with this watercolor artwork Girl And The Ocean that features #beach #girl #ocean #seascape #boat #sailboat #shells #landscape ! Irina

To see various sizes and how it looks on canvas print, metal, acrylic board and on paper, please press the button "Click Here For More Information"

Happy Thanksgiving! I've created this watercolor still life and landscape thinking about his wonderful Holiday!

Here a few interesting facts about Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is a United States holiday that is celebrated nationally. It is celebrated usually on the fourth Thursday of November. Officially it was created as a harvest festival since 1789, with a proclamation by George Washington after a request by Congress.
Historically the event was called by Americans the "First Thanksgiving" and it was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. This feast lasted three days, and—as recounted by Edward Winslow - it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. Later on the New England colonists were regularly celebrating "thanksgivings" days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.
When Thomas Jefferson came to power in 1801 he decided not to give much attention to Thanksgiving holiday, and its celebration was irregular for almost 60 years, until the Abraham Lincoln became president in 1860. And then in 1863 Thanksgiving became a federal holiday. The time was during American Civil War, and Lincoln announced a National day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens," to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. But from 1942 and going forward, Thanksgiving has been proclaimed by Congress to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving is regarded as being the beginning of the fall–winter holiday season, along with Christmas and the New Year, in American culture.


Cheers from
www.artirina.com

Today only Free Shipping on all art ! https://irina-sztukowski.pixels.com/ . Press the Button: "Click Here For More Information" to explore.

Today I am celebrating Three Million Views milestone! I am so happy that millions of visitors came to look at my art. Since 2010 I've created more than 3000 artworks from hyper realism to abstract pieces, from watercolor to acrylic and gouache.

Grand thanks to thousands of visitors that left lovely inspiring comments for my paintings!

And I am so grateful that hundreds and hundreds of prints on paper, canvas, wood, acrylic and metal boards, framed art; as well as decorative pieces such pillows, stationary goodies such notebooks and greeting cards, yoga mats, household items such tote-bags, curtains, towels, coffee mugs, duvets and clothes with my art on them went to my customers and Art Collectors throughout the World: The U.S., Europe, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Arab Emirates, Canada, Spain, and Netherlands.

Warm Heartfelt Gratitude to All!!!

Many Many Thanks!!

Horses Coloring & Activity Book is published worldwide. Amazon and Barnes&Noble Book Stores make it incredibly easy for customers from different countries to be able to order the books online.

My Sunflowers Painting slowly but surely is taking a position of the bestselling art Gallery for the Fall 2018 for merchandise such bags, pillows, towels and cellphone cases. Celebrate with me a great Season!!!

Horses Coloring & Activity Book is published worldwide. Amazon makes it incredibly easy for customers from different countries to be able to order the books online.
When I was working on the illustrations for this book I wanted to make it suitable for all ages. As I previously mentioned, children have very little fear when it comes to coloring. They grab the brush or pencil and start creating. Adults, on another hand, sometimes hesitate before jumping into to the creative process. So, my book has two kinds of drawings in it. I placed a dozen of farm scenes and horses in the natures in quite realistic style. But another dozen of drawings were created from my childhood memories about Merry-Go-Round carousel. The horses are imaginary; but they do not follow the carousel circle in my book. They are surrounded by hearts. Yes, right in the middle of this coloring book creation about horses, the very same horses didn’t want to be “attached” to the carousel; instead, they wanted to do what they LOVE to do, run happy. So, the heart symbols came into my book as simple as could be. And I am so happy it did. Now I can certainly test the colors on the horse drawings and hearts. I love to work with pencil and dry-on-dry technique with slight watercolor touch.
The two kinds of drawings for coloring in this book are placed one after another in order to keep a nice entertaining flow such mix of complex and easy. And some of the complex drawings actually derived from my watercolor paintings of the horses.
It was so much fun to come back to my memories of traveling and drawing the horses.
Great example on the subject was a landscape from my other travels, this time to the state of Virginia. A beautiful mountain ranch right in the middle of National Forest got my full attention.
The book is now ready to meet with its co-creators who are not afraid to color, play, and have fun

This book contains sixty unique flower drawings . Use your imagination with the help of pencils, markers, or watercolors to bring these drawings to life. Make sure to either detach the page you are working on or place an extra clear page behind the drawing when using watercolors or markers. A bonus is waiting for you at the back of this book: half dozen designs suitable for handmade greeting cards. Also, this book has helpful tips on framing your art. Stepping away from worries of the day is easy with this book! Relax, enjoy, and create! This coloring book is suitable for adults and kids. Whole family fun. Its unique designs have different levels of complexity. Today world becomes busier and busier every single day. Technology separates family members by distracting with emails and social media. It becomes difficult to fine peace with blinking screens of laptops, cellphones, and other electronic devices. This constant rush creates stress and makes people burnt out and brings them away from present moment, from joy and happiness. Features: • 60 beautiful, stress-relieving Flowers, designed to occupy your mind and unleash your creativity. • Half dozen unique Greeting Cards designs. • Different levels of detail, from easy drawn flowers to more intricate ones. Pick any picture from anywhere in the book; and, depending on your mood of the day, start your creative journey. • Printed on large 8.5x11 high quality paper with plenty of space for you to be creative and work on the details. And if you use black ink, you can always add more details around each flower. • As each drawing is printed with the reverse side blank, when you are done coloring, you can detach your unique artwork and frame it. This book has helpful tips on how to frame your beautiful art. • These flowers are perfect for decorating with colored pencils, markers, gel pens, watercolors, or crayons. • When you think about creative gift, feel free to share your passion for coloring and give your friend a gift of relaxation. Or, enjoy a good time of coloring session with family. • Coloring alone is also beneficial. It is calming, stress revealing, and meditative. Add the color to your life! Many people now finding out that coloring is great activity for anyone who wants to rejuvenate their thought process, relax by releasing mind from overwhelming stress. And the rising popularity of adult coloring books certainly shows that the genius is in the secret of its simplicity. It is easy to dive into the world of creativity suitable for both, children and adults, anyone who is not afraid to try new things, new experiences, and eager to learn anything new. There are no rules or special instructions. You can’t be right or wrong. The only things that you will need are few coloring tools and your imagination. Live to create! Bring the designs of this book to life! Relax and enjoy being in present moment.

Summer is in its bloom and it seems that whole America is on the move; either for holidays, or for better place to live. Everywhere I drive these days I see the signs Open House, OPEN house, OPEN HOUSE! And with open house there are few great ideas coming to one's mind about interior decor.

A simple office with no window is transformed into a welcoming bright creation space with the Summer Garden, my painting In The Garden

The living room decorative interior has organic touch with these Cherry Blossom branches with the deep sunrise on the back.

Another idea for home interior decor in warm tones is Abstract Map Of The World, and Abstract Forest. The living rooms with these artworks are truly coming to life with those art pieces on the walls.

It will be not fair to omit the realistic pieces for bedroom interior decor. The fresh, impressionistic painting Vintage Storm adds some peaceful drama with its organic natural brush strokes vs geometrical contemporary lines of the room decor (though I personally would change the frame to a black one with white mat, if I could, just my advice).

Another great marriage of Classical Art and Nowadays Interior is this piece, The Tulip Garden. This painting I made after traveling to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. They have vintage Holland style Tulip Garden set up each spring next to a real windmill from Holland that was given to the city.

Kids' corner will come more vivid and bright with the Rainbow World Map. It is also quite educational for children to see the whole wide world in front of them and dream of the future travels, languages, new good friends, and the oneness of us all. The learning process doesn't have to be necessarily "framed" but it certainly can be COLORFUL :)

And the last but not least a beautiful Collection Of Butterflies in watercolor for the home office interior decor. No butterflies were hurt in the process!

How often do we think: Oh, I need to remember that! or: Gosh! I had this idea a while ago, why I didn't write it down?! or: Man! It is hard to explain in words; but I can draw a sketch how I visualize this project. And wouldn't be it wonderful to keep all ideas in one specific place rather than in your head or any electronic device?!
For me it turned out that I'd rather write and doodle on a paper than trust an electronic device with my creative ideas.
Some people like to write, others like to scribble. I like to do both. It helps me to think when I doodle, sketch my thoughts.
I made a mental note one day when discussing my business plan with an artist friend. When the conversation was over, I rushed to the notebook to write my idea, and then I started drawing right on the edges of the same page. While doing so, I realized that page was not enough and I moved to another page to finish sketching. Later on, when I returned to my doodles, it was hard to find which sketch belonged to which idea. A usual artistic mess, I thought! I'll get back to it later. But it never happened. Then, I started placing carefully my thoughts and my visual "thoughts" on one spread of the notebook and realized it was much more convenient planning.
Wow, how simple!
Any creative person might benefit from such type of journal. Why don't I make it into an Artful Planner. And I did.
I published my new designs on Amazon for people around the world to enjoy and take action. It helped me, it will certainly help other people to keep their diaries, plans, thoughts, and visual pictures in one place.

My book of sketches was recently published and now selling on Amazon. It contains 70 watercolor paintings that were part of several Sketchbook Projects. The original sketchbooks with my watercolors found a good home at NY Public Library. And now readers can enjoy all these collections in one place here: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Sketches-Irina-Sztukowski/dp/1985583895/ref=la_B07B2PFGQ9_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1520047524&sr=1-1

Art for dining room can be as realistic as well abstract. The main thing is to match the spirit and color theme of the room.
Here are just a few examples of a great art for dining room.
Blue Abstract artwork:

Another blue abstract that was on the interior decor idea:


Now let's look at a coupe semi abstract paintings
Dancing Water artwork:

And here another painting for blue decor, which is also semi-abstract:


And finally, here, for example, quite realistic examples that would fit the same dining room perfectly.
Spring In The Mountains painting:

Or, here is realistic painting (one of my bestsellers as well) with the famous bridge. The air around and pale blue, and it would fit the dining room interior adding a sense of travel and dreams that have to come true:


Cheers from http://www.artirina.com/

My new series of splashing and smashing watercolors is gaining a great success in editorial illustration field. I am so happy that powerful messages will highlight one of the article in magazine. The image can say many words; yet, the image with words can say twice as much and it will involve the reader into a subject of the written material: shell it be written with Passion and Love.

I am so pleased that my audience on Instagram account started growing so rapidly. Perhaps because I try not to duplicate it with other social media accounts, or perhaps Instagram is now a way to attract creative industries. Anyway, in just a few weeks I gained hundreds of Followers and I am very grateful to each of them :)

Cheers!
Irina
https://www.instagram.com/irinasztukowski/

As per request of my Art Collector, I combined two of my favorite watercolors in one creative design. DREAMING is a fantasy about our illusive thoughts that like a fresh ocean breeze can come in and away as quickly as a blink of an eye...

Recent Sales From The Galleries Of Irina Sztukowski

Announcement for Recently Sold Paintings, Decorative Designs and Art Photographs

The Artist Irina Sztukowski welcomes all Fine Art America's members and encourages non FAA members to explore all Galleries at Fine Art For Sale

The following paintings and art designs have been recently sold by the Artist Irina Sztukowski.

The artist comments:
In Every Piece Of My Art There Is A Piece Of My Heart And A Sparkle Of My Soul

My followers often ask me what sells the best on my websites. I wanted to share here just a few bestselling artworks that were recently sold. They found good homes all over the U.S. and the World.

One of my favorite paintings and also among my art collectors best choice is the bestseller watercolor Girl And The Ocean:

Another one was all about Holidays, a festive poinsettia watercolor painting:

To my surprise Poinsettia painting with White plant was also popular and went to a nice home to the state of Illinois. This painting is created with realism in watercolor approach and I named it White Christmas:

But it appears that the customers also prepare some other gifts for their relatives and friends rather than paintings. One of my customer just recently bought two different designs on five pillows for living room decoration. What a great gift idea!

I am so happy that the Art Collectors have a great choice and selection from my new gallery Gift Ideas http://irina-sztukowski.pixels.com/collections/gift+ideas
It is not easy to decide which gift to give to the loved one; but, it is surely wonderful that people these days decide to give unique gift of art that will last years to come!! :)

My garden with Red Poppies is growing and thriving in spite of the Winter season. These cute flowers are always in style for home decor. Their lovely nature will attract many art collectors and create desire to make their houses more festive, more beautiful, and more inviting with these sweet red poppies artworks.


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I wish all my Artists Friends a Very Happy New Year!! :)

Irina Sztukowski's new gallery Gift Ideas just opened it's doors for the Art Collectors throughout the World

Artist comments:

While Holidays are inevitably coming, many people are thinking about gifts for their friends and relatives. What is the best gift to give for holidays? Where to buy art? What is unique gift that my friend will cherish forever? Should I buy print, buy canvas, buy original art? All these questions are understandable when we face the fact that technology and high demands of the latest trends push people to spend money for something that most likely will be overcome in foreseeable future by other tech-toys. Yet the art will be a soulful gift; and, it is very possible it will be appreciated for years to come. With all my love to the arts - Live To Create!! And to make it feeling good, please use the coupon code GVVPSS as a promotional Holiday discount at the check out point.

This gallery contains many interesting art pieces that throughout the years became Irina's bestsellers. Appreciated by many customers in forms as prints and canvases, the artworks were also published in books, magazine covers, as well on merchandise such as yogurt labels in Switzerland and France, jam labels in Ireland, and, needless to say, in private collections in countries such United States Of America, Spain, Canada, Russia, Australia, Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy, and Arab Emirates.

Here is just a few examples that contain Watercolor Silhouette new trend artworks, peaceful landscape paintings, narrative seascape art pieces, decorative art, playful illustrations for kids, and many other styles :



Happy Holidays!

Irina Sztukowski's new collection Watercolor Silhouettes that is recently opened for licensing to sell around the World contains dozens of creative silhouettes from gentle flowers silhouettes, to playful bicycles, and graceful ballerinas.
Irina comments:
I am grateful that this new collection with watercolor silhouettes attracts attention of my Art Collectors from many countries. Bringing the bright vivid home decor into their interior is my best dream that came true"

Here are just a few examples of Irina Sztukowski watercolor silhouettes:

New creative designs with Daisies pattern successfully landed interior decor production in Watercolor Silhouettes gallery by the artist Irina Sztukowski. The unique watercolor silhouettes highlight home decor making it trendy yet cozy and adding a splash of water color.

This illustration became a part of the book illustrated by Irina Sztukowski.

Irina comments: "As an artist that illustrates children books, I was enjoying the process of bringing the written story to a visual life".

The book is called Bernard Goes To Music School, written by Connie Du. You can find this book on Amazon. Just type Irina Sztukowski in the search window or copy and insert this link into the browser

https://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Goes-Music-School-Connie/dp/1523864753/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1475708504&sr=8-14&keywords=Irina+Sztukowski

� ISBN-10: 1523864753
� ISBN-13: 9781523864751

This illustration became a part of the book that Irina illustrated. The book is called Bernard Goes To Music School, written by Connie Du. You can find this book on Amazon. Just type Irina Sztukowski in the search window or copy and insert this link into the browser

https://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Goes-Music-School-Connie/dp/1523864753/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1475708504&sr=8-14&keywords=Irina+Sztukowski



The author�s note:
Bernard, a little boy, has gone to music school to start a musical journey that is about to change him profoundly in many ways� Initially he has difficulty singing those strange funny music notes and he often feels shy around people. He and other kids receive music training from Mrs. Tania, a lovable music teacher, who inspires him to sing and love music. He needs to practice countless times before he can overcome his shyness and sing beautifully in class. He learns a lot, has a lot of fun and makes friends in his music class but his achievements wouldn�t be possible without the unfailing love and encouragement from his parents throughout the journey. At the end of this story Bernard is not so shy anymore and he really enjoys being with his friends in music school! Music is a wonderful thing that can work magic on our children. (Connie Du)

This illustration became a part of the book that Irina illustrated. The book is called Bernard Goes To Music School, written by Connie Du. You can find this book on Amazon. Just type Irina Sztukowski in the search window or copy and insert this link into the browser

https://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Goes-Music-School-Connie/dp/1523864753/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1475708504&sr=8-14&keywords=Irina+Sztukowski



The author�s note:
Bernard, a little boy, has gone to music school to start a musical journey that is about to change him profoundly in many ways� Initially he has difficulty singing those strange funny music notes and he often feels shy around people. He and other kids receive music training from Mrs. Tania, a lovable music teacher, who inspires him to sing and love music. He needs to practice countless times before he can overcome his shyness and sing beautifully in class. He learns a lot, has a lot of fun and makes friends in his music class but his achievements wouldn�t be possible without the unfailing love and encouragement from his parents throughout the journey. At the end of this story Bernard is not so shy anymore and he really enjoys being with his friends in music school! Music is a wonderful thing that can work magic on our children

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One of my paintings from Vivid Abstract Vibrant Sensation series has been selected to accompany Fall Collection of Sandbar Boutique LLC, an online retailer of fine women's clothing, jewelry and accessories (http://www.sandbarboutique.com). The creative team of the boutique chose this painting as it was perfectly resembling the burst of hues of the great season and fit perfectly for the New Collection color theme.

In this blog post I would like to share just a few out of dozens of bestsellers of the month:

Boy And The Ocean At Sunset is a watercolor illustration by the artist Irina Sztukowski.

A dreamy state of the setting Sun, just upcoming Moon and flying far far away birds make us wonder what this boy is thinking about. Does he want to go sailing on that boat? Does he think to go Treasure hunting? Dreams! Dreams! Dreams!! Make your dreams come true!!!

I am asked all the time, what kind of art sells and what are my bestsellers. I am happy to follow up with the request and show the recent sales here. I'll try to do it once a month and give report on previous month sales. But I will not bother with too many images: three is the sufficient amount to trigger the curiosity, but still show what sells :)

A city scape of one of my favorite towns to visit in Italy, Siena town. It's gorgeous roofs did give me a pain it the b.. to paint tile after tile.. I think there are 28 of roofs I could count.. or 222228 ;)



A sweet Blueberry Bunch painted in realistic (Tromp-O-Ley) style.. Those yummy berries became my bestsellers after a huge International project for Jam Labels for one Irish company (ok.. I reveal the name , it is G's Gourmet and I painted probably hundred different berries, fruits, and leaves for them):



And the last but not least image that was sold last month, is the fragment of my large painting with red, pink, orange poppy flowers. I believe , the art collector definitely appreciated the vertical format in this "cut-out".. I am happy that we as artists can do wonders in cropping :)



Cheers to everyone and have a super productive day!
Irina
Fine Art For Sale

Various artists throughout the country were asked questions about their artistic influences. It was fun to be a part of this creative project and I decided to share the interview with my followers.

The Interview

1. As a child, do you recall a significant moment when you felt truly affected or inspired by any particular artwork or artist ?

As a child I can't recall a day without a pencil, a brush, or a book in my hand. My family was encouraging my sister and I to be creative. Due to the Soviet era, and non existence of electronic devices we used our imagination by painting, drawing, making up our own stories in handmade books, cutting out and dressing up the paper-dolls, writing a family newspaper, constructing mini-theaters out of shoe boxes, supplying them with cardboard furniture, and our own mini-artworks.
Living in the historical center of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Saint Petersburg; we, literally, lived right behind the corner of several National museums:


My Dad often took my sister and I to the museums where I could see first hand the works of the famous artists.
My first introduction to the Old Dutch Masters inspired me to paint my own still life paintings. I was stunned when I saw great marine scenes of Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky, or portraits of the society and Italian country scenes by the artist Karl Brullov.

But the most and the first inspirational group of people in my life were my relatives. Grandma Maria was an exceptional craft artist. Her needlepoint and lace hand crafted artworks were amazing. My Dad, Nikolai, painted, made sculptures and created beautiful ceramics. Both, Dad and Grandma, shared their knowledge with me. My mom, Larisa, worked as an engineer and taught me drafting and perspective. Another Grandma Vera, a famous engineer in metallurgy, in her retirement years got obsessed with gardening, which definitely influenced my love to Nature.

2. As an artist, what do you hope to convey with your work?

My artist�s goal is to achieve a balance and harmony between the beauty provided by Nature and the ability of the artist to convey this beauty on two dimensional surfaces. When this harmony is accomplished it evokes a visual experience and generates the emotions between the viewer and the painting. I believe that watercolor is the medium that can do it all.
My passion is painting with watercolors, my main style is contemporary realism, yet I am also interested in abstract paintings and illustrations.
I do want to try all styles and explore all possibilities in art.


Only one rule will be followed religiously: it will be beautiful. I know I can do it. I have only one challenge along the way; the shortness of the linear time of this one life on Earth :0)

3. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I love to see the eyes of my art collectors when they receive the artwork. One look worth thousand words.
A lot of time I communicate to my customers electronically, and send artworks by mail, so I receive heart warming e-mails.
All of them are important for me. They melt my artist's soul, they give me wings.
Here, I want to mention one, that was quite memorable.

Last year, I completed a commission piece for my customer. The artwork was a reflection of the poem that was given me before the process. The story was written, my job was to paint it:



When the painting was finished and the customer looked at it, she said: Irina, if in your life you painted only ONE painting,THIS one; your life purpose as an artist would be accomplished right there!


4. What is your dream project?

Strangely enough, I have no dream project.
Maybe because I try to make my dreams come true.
I trust my intuition,
I go with the flow.

The Artist's life do bring me projects by serendipity. A good example was a Jam Label project when a customer from Ireland was contacting me offering a long-term illustration assignment, which reminded me how much I love realistic paintings and botanical art:
I am so grateful to ALL my art collectors and customers! They make me tick.



5. What artists, of any medium, do you admire? (Famous or not!)

I admire artists that can see the beauty of the world and have the courage to share this beauty with us.

I kneel before the artists that polish their skill and make their craft better and better year after the year. And if the hand starts shaking and brush might not "listen to" the mind, these artists find the way to continue their shine and pass the knowledge.

I respect the artists that sell their art without selling their soul.

I appreciate when the artists help their clients to feel that they are the part of the creative process (in case of commission paintings). And if the customer is purchasing already made artwork or print, I admire the ability of the artist to invite the viewer to "live" the artwork, to be a part of the story, to feel united with the beauty of the art-piece.

If I name a few artists here, the post will not be enough.
Ok, I'll try:
Fiodor Tolstoy, Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilia Repin, Karl Briulov, Pieter Claesz, Rafael, Michelangelo, Nikolai Dudorov, Maria Batkova, Steve Hanks, Artemisia Gentilleschi, Henry Matisse, James Tissot, Patience Brewster, Jacqueline Gnott, Judith Leyster, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Beatrix Potter, Vera Lysenko, August Renoir. Berthe Morisot, John Stuart Ingle, Elena Bazanova, Jan Kunz, Birgit O'Connor, Alfredina Nocera, Claude Monet, Tan Chun Chiu, Henrietta Johnston, and many many many more!

Today I wanted to share a wonderful news:

My WebSite www.artirina.com got One Million Views!!!

I am super excited about it!

Yey!!!

My hard work was paid off; and, more than one million people were introduced to my paintings
:)

Location! Location! Location!

Living in one of the most beautiful places on earth, San Francisco Bay Area, gives a very good favor to an artist's imagination.

I love looking at San Francisco silhouette from Treasure Island.

I always wanted to paint the skyline and the time has come.

For these designs I carefully drew the silhouette of this beautiful City and filled them with my abstract artworks.
It definitely created a unique pattern that resembles the Golden Gate City, yet does not interrupt the viewers' eye with too many details of the modern life.

And for those who like the clear city skylines with white background, I made another , more abstract-ish silhouette of San Francisco that would look cool on stretched canvas with black or white edges:

When busy Holiday times are coming, sometimes we forget to breath in and breath out.
I wanted to paint this Peaceful Sunset Landscape painting with the calm waters and the pier and invite the viewers to cherish the moment of the quiet stillness of the Nature.

I was contacted by Liesl Marelli. the editor of
Women in Art 278 Magazine .

She came across my work on the World Wide Web, and found that it would add a wonderful diversity to the Women In Art magazine.
Per her note, she was glad to discover artist like myself; and, she was happy to invite me with my artwork for their October issue.

In the invitation letter, Liesl mentioned:
"Our magazine is published (in full) online and also in a printed format. We have more than 40,000 readers and our audience continues to grow."

It was thrilled to share my art, particularly the landscape Blake's Garden:


I was also happy to share my
Artist Statement

My artist�s goal is to achieve a balance and harmony between the beauty provided by Nature and the ability of the artist to convey this beauty on two dimensional surfaces. When this harmony is accomplished it evokes a visual experience and generates the emotions between the viewer and the painting. I believe that watercolor is the medium that can do it all.

Enter Discount Code - GVVPSS when ready to Check Out (not applicable for single greeting card)

Click the link below and start exploring:

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Back in August, I was approached by a Promotions Manager for St Michael's Uniting Church in Melbourne Australia with an interesting proposal.

The organization wanted to use my image Calm Quiet Morning Abstract Collage as a hero image for their upcoming September St Michael's Day celebrations:



Each year, St Michael�s UC presents two people with The St Michael�s Medallions in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community.
The award is designed to recognize their work in the prevention of violence, trauma and destructiveness, and promoting growth, health and well-being.

The theme for 2015 awards was Quietness and when administration was searching for an image that captures the sentiment of quiet, the Promotion Manager found Calm Quiet Morning Abstract Collage online.
I am glad my abstract design was chosen to be published on the cover of the event booklet; and, it was serving a good cause.

One of my new painting �In The Garden,� as well as seven
other paintings with landscapes and flowers, are presented in the Solo Exhibition
in the Art Room of a famous Martinez Courtyard CS. The exhibited paintings are completed in realistic
manner with variety of techniques from wet-on-wet to detailed dry brush applications.
Stop by, enjoy breakfast or lunch in downtown Martinez and have a great
time!
811 Ferry Street Martinez, California.
www.artirina.com

Here is California Watercolor Association January Newsletter.

It is time to reveal the names!

I am grateful to G's Gourmet company for finding me as an artist and allowing me to illustrate the jam labels for them. And many thanks to GreenHouse designers studio for making it happen.

What a great way to start a new year!

The jars will be soon having a new "clothes", the labels that include my ArtZ Vitamins paintings

Irina Sztukowski�s painting Pink Poinsettia was selected for November cover of The Showcase magazine. Editors of the magazine chose Irina's artwork appreciating a realistic approach combined with continuous decorative floral pattern so well suited for the holiday�s spirit. Established in 1996, The Showcase offers the community a professional magazine with informative columns, community news, community calendars, and articles.

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The Art Show in Evergreen, Colorado is up and running.
Beside accepted painting,In The Bookstore and Dancing Pearls, I am also showing ten more art pieces there. Among them are:
Iris Flower-Purple Twirl


Iris Flower-Dancing Ruffles


Pink Rose in the Glass


Garden Rose In The Blue Vase


First Apricots Of The Season


This Exploration of a Medium: Watermedia art show will run through July 26; visitors and art collectors are welcome Mon � Fri 10:00am � 5:00pm, and Sat Noon 5:00pm. Address: 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, CO.

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In this semi realistic and impressionistic still life painting I wanted to point out the contrast of the light and dark. The sun rays are moving from the window directly to the rose bouquet penetrating the rose petals and leaving a bunch of whimsical shadows and reflections on the antique table.

Two men are resting in the field. Who are they? Are they farmers or hunters? Whoever they are we know they are happy on this farm field, a Summer ranch filled with light, grass,and flowers.
I named this painting Farmers and Hunters Heaven as in spite of hard work these people enjoy their productive day.


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I've received an interesting commission request recently; an unusual one for sure.
One of my clients asked to paint sunflowers for her. Nothing unusual yet. I have painted sunflowers many times and my customer was sure I can handle the job. She liked the bunch of sunflowers that I have painted before:


My client asked if I can finish already started painting of sunflowers. Her late father-in-law was a wonderful watercolor artist and died before finishing this artwork.
His name was Palmer Stinson. He entered a world of watercolors when he turned 70; and he painted for more than a decade producing gorgeous landscapes, floral paintings, and still life artworks. He also loved to paint Sunflowers. Palmer started a series of sunflower paintings and had chance to complete two large pieces.
The last one he started; but, late years and illness did not allow him to paint; and he had to stop before age 88.

I have to admit, the request to finish one artist's work was surprising and a little bit scary. But I was also curious how I will handle it. I had to work in collaboration with the artist's spirit.

The Sunflowers were already drawn on a paper and the artist was able to place a couple of washes for the flowers.
I had to cover the work that was already done and mask the flowers and leaves for a background wash.
I chose bright ultramarine blue for the background, and started from small sections going up.
The last section of the blue background was tougher than I thought. The section was large and I had to go carefully around each petal (even they were preserved by masking liquid) as I didn't want to ruin the beautiful artist's work on sunflowers.
After the background was completed, I have started painting sunflowers' leaves and stems.
Then I placed the veins on the leaves and texture on the sunflowers' centers.
The artwork was completed.

I did enjoy painting this artwork, working in collaboration with the artist that passed away; yet he was there in his artwork.
One evening, when I just finished painting the first few ultramarine blue sections, a thought crossed my mind:

"What if there is a message that artist wanted to place into this artwork. I wonder if he was thinking to place some kind of symbol there; maybe... a heart"

Imagine my surprise, when I came back to the work-inprogress to continue painting, I saw an obvious heart, in one of the leaf.
And not even one heart I noticed but two were there!

And I have not noticed them before.

Conscious or subconscious ? Who knows!
The message has been received
:0)

To see step-by-step pictures, go the the post:
http://irinasztukowski.blogspot.com/2014/06/sunflowers-rising-unusual-commission.html

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My Botanical Impressionism series is continuing; and, now I feel like going to a Baby Blue mood. It started with painting on handmade paper when I created a few little handmade watercolor cards.
I placed one card against a blue canvas and instantly fell in love with the idea:
a handmade paper edges with the baby-blue canvas bring somewhat vintage feeling into the artwork. Yet the flowers, that are painted spontaneously, give a good impressionistic feeling.

Here are a few more recent designs:

Right before Easter Sunday, I am posting some of the festive designs that I recently painted.
I call this style Botanical Impressionism.
Created in the fast manner with the colors right out of the tube simple flower arrangement such the one with Iris Flowers and The Tulip Bunch look great in cooler colors surrounding.
On another hand, warm Poppies and Roses Bouquet are calling for neutral beige colors helping these flowers to "pop-up":
Some of the above paintings appear more as botanical art when framed in the vintage style white wooden frames.
Yet, when printed on a stretch canvas, they start obtaining more Impressionistic qualities.
And the Summer Flowers Bouquet in the Pitcher and Tulip Bouquet in the Glass Vase are great visual examples here.


...........


...........




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Art History Essay: Virgin of Vladimir Icon
- or -
Do Miracles Exist?

Virgin of Vladimir icon belongs to Byzantine period of art and believed to be painted between 11th and 12th century in Constantinople. The history of this icon and adventures that it experienced for the last eight centuries are not only interesting but have a veil of mystery and magic touch. From Constantinople to Kiev, from Kiev to Suzdal, from Suzdal to Vladimir, from Vladimir to Moscow; and, every time this icon protected the city in which it appeared. The performance of this icon�s miracles is well documented in historical papers. The image of this icon is well known. The subject matter is not just a Virgin and Child as we can observe in other icons of the same period; but, this work of art has very distinct features that became widely known in our days as Virgin of Compassion and Tenderness, Merciful Love, or even Loving Kindness *.
How is this image different from other images of Virgin Mary? In early icons of Byzantine period Virgin and Child are usually represented in straight position, directly looking at the viewers and Christ is usually has a ruling pose blessing the World. In Virgin of Vladimir we see the union of Mother and a Child. Their cheeks are pressed against each other. Jesus is looking at mother with love and faith. And even his body is out of proportions (the head is much smaller than the child�s head would be) and he is dressed in adult tunic that shines with gold, we still can see the child who is engaged in a very special moment of love and compassion with his mother. Mary�s head is tilted towards the Child. She is looking at us, but her facial expression is implying a loving mom who is protecting her son; yet it is showing awareness that she is the Mother of Jesus, Son of God.
The pallet of the unknown artist was very limited. We can see lots of dark colors for Mary�s veil and a lot of Gold colors that would distinguish a very special moment that is represented on this icon. The decorations of Mary�s clothes are beautiful and very ornate. Yet the gold does not disturb from looking at Virgin�s and Child�s faces as in my opinion appear as the main point of composition. The composition itself has triangular character, where the top of the triangle is Mary�s face and her eyes. The artist tried to show us ideally beautiful woman with Greco-Roman facial features. Her face is slightly elongated, she has very small mouth and big eyes; that exact features were considered to be ideal in 11th � 12th century. The composition of the painting is very simple. There is no background except the gold that is surrounding these two figures and the letters that represent what we see on the painting. Placing the symbols is a typical approach of Byzantine artist to compensate three-dimensionality. And even we can see attempt of the artist to give the clothing some 3D effect, we still can observe overall flatness of this image.
In spite of limitation of the pallet and a simple perspective we still can see the great dynamics in the Virgin of Vladimir icon.

The body of Jesus is leaned towards Mary. Virgin�s hands also play a very important role in the composition. If to draw imaginary lines from both hands (not arms) the lines will meet where Christ heart would be. I find it mysterious and incredible. Mary�s left eye is in exact line if we divide the painting in two parts vertically; yet, symmetry is broken down with the head tilt that brings the completion to the composition. Mary�s gesture is protective and loving. She holds her child with care. Her eyes are inviting us to be witnesses of her love and compassion. She will protect this child as she protected each city where she goes. Yet her eyes also show a deep sadness as if she knows that Jesus came to people to save them by his own suffering. There is no doubt that looking at this icon people believed in miracles; and, its famous endeavors, as well as legends around its performance would make this icon miraculous in return.

Do Miracles Exist?
This is just a thought for a brain; but, when I decided to write the paper about one of religious artworks, I had to choose from at least 100 plus images from different religious entities. The day I have decided to write paper was June 23. I was going through the papers of one book and Virgin of Vladimir attracted my attention. Thinking only one second the decision had been made. I have started research on-line and the fist information on this subject I picked that the celebration of this icon is performed in Russia during three days of the year: May 21, June 23, and August 26**.
June 23 !!! Miracle?! Coincidence?! I leave this question open..

Bibliography:
*http://www.iconsexplained.com/iec/iec_001_vierge_de_vladimir.htm
** http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/7424.htm

Sincerely,
Irina Sztukowski

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My Little Apple got a Big honor to be published in PEOPLE magazine online.
This miniaute painting, An Apple, was a part of the series
ArtZ Vitamins.
I am glad it was chosen by a lifestyle editor of People magazine
to accompany an article about
decorative design and home d�cor ideas

(text of full article is here: http://greatideas.people.com/2014/03/12/lauren-conrad-home-office-decorating-get-the-look/. )



Irina Sztukowski
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How many times one artist can paint the Eiffel Tower and Paris skies?
I did a lot; but, I've never gotten tired of doing that!
Once I painted the Eiffel Tower with a lady walking towards it.
evening in Paris red scarf
The art collector from Covington, LA is a happy owner now.



Another painting of the tower is now in San Francisco:



It is proudly hanging with another painting that has the Eiffel Tower in it too.
Evening In Paris.



By the way, this Evening In Paris (above) was selected by an independent site www.Famous101.com as one of the Best Paintings of the Eiffel Tower, which makes me so so proud :0)

And just a few years ago, one of my art collectors ordered a commission to give to her dear friend the painting of the Eiffel Tower as a wedding gift:



And last month the same international client wanted a similar painting for herself, for her new house. The request though was that I put not only two ladies walking there, but as well her favorite dog. So, I fearlessly grubbed my brushes and started creating. After approval of the sketches, washes after washes, the skies got their wind and clouds; the Lady Tower got her lace-look dress; and, the girls with a happy dog started walking towards the setting sun:



The question I have in my head now: would I paint the Eiffel Tower ever again? And I believe the answer is: absolutely YES! Each time I paint, I feel that I go again visiting Paris, walking to the Tower, watching the evening Paris skies, and have fun!
:0)

Irina Sztukowski
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An old gate to an archery range in Briones Park, Martinez, CA. This sweet rural landscape in the heart of the East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area) was painted on 100% Cotton handmade paper.

I liked the feeling and texture of the paper, how it absorbed the water and paint. The rough edges give somewhat vintage look.
I placed the painting on the hard surface and took a photo to emphasize the edges. They look great on a canvas print as if the canvas made of solid rock:



Irina Sztukowski
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A couple of days ago I visited an excellent exhibition in Legion Of Honor in San Francisco: The Intimate Impressionism. And I was thinking what is the difference in our days between impressionistic style and realistic one.
The art of Eugene Boudin for example, was quite realistic, when Auguste Renoir's landscapes with pastoral scenes were more on impressionistic side.

I pulled a few of my works and investigated them with the new eye.

Here is somewhat impressionistic seascape:

and here is a more realistic seascape with the girl and the ocean:

Or, here is the impressionism style rose bouquet:

Vs the one in more realistic manner:

Same comparison between the portraits of pets. This cat is painted with quite realistic approach:

When this kitty brings somewhat impressionistic feeling:

My thoughts are that when I paint with fast brush strokes, looking more at the whole picture, or working outside in the plein-air situation when weather is changing rapidly, objects are moving; then, I think the artwork has more impressionism in it. Yet still realistic, the fast and fresh approach has impressionistic feel. On another hand, the details and carefully thought composition call for more realistic style.

I hope Monet approves my thoughts :)

One of my followers later wrote:
Interesting comparisons, Irina. Now you have me curious - I must do some reading about "impressionism". I always felt that any painting was impressionistic, in that it was the artist's perception and reaction to a scene, subject or model. But I don;t know as much as I'd like about the legitimate category. Thank you for prodding my interest :)

My answer was:
That's exactly what started my thoughts! I am reading a book by S.Roe "The Private Life Of The Impressionists" and the first thing I've learned that they (lot of them at least) started studying with teachers from the Academy in Paris. Then, along the way, they started expressing themselves; and , impressionism was born. I guess, there is a very thin line between Impressionism and Realism (Academic, classical means).. And most likely you are right, it is more in the artist's feeling , the artist's ability to communicate to the public and provoke their thoughts.. Cheers! Irina

Per Oxford Dictionary:
Impressionism - A style or movement in painting originating in France in the 1860s, characterized by a concern with depicting the visual impression of the moment, especially in terms of the shifting effect of light and color.
A literary or artistic style that seeks to capture a feeling or experience rather than to achieve accurate depiction.

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I found a story about one incredible woman who was actually not only earning money from her paintings: but, at some point of her life, selling her art was the only income source for her family. She was the first known woman artist here in America at the beginning of 18th century. And even though her primary medium was pastel, not watercolor; her portrait paintings are vibrant and fresh, which remind me an Old School watercolor art. Too bad there is no self-portrait that I could find (oy, I better hurry and make a few more self-portraits myself that couple of centuries forward historians don't complain when digging up my watercolors :0)

One Portrait Two People Lives

Above is a portrait of Anna Cuyler Van Schaick by Henrietta Johnston, 1725 Pastels, NY State Museum Collection

Anna Cuyler�s (Mrs. Anthony Van Schaick) portrait by Henrietta Dering Johnston is dated 1725. Henrietta Johnston was noted first American woman artist who actually earned living by making art. When she painted this artwork at age 51 she was already an accomplished artist who made her name by painting portraits, mostly in pastels. Her style was well recognized and she had an established clientele among her friends and acquaintances. Being an artist at the beginning of 18th century was not an easy job even for men. Being an artist woman in the man-in-power dominated society was complicated task indeed.

Between the end of 17th century and the beginning of 18th century America is experiencing social and political turmoil. Although there was obvious expansion of English empire, the end of 17th century greatly disturbed already shaking European colonies. Variances between reach and poor, free and slave became more obvious. There was continues disagreement between settles and Indians. Religious movements tried to dominate each other. The beginning of 18th century returned stability to English North America together with economical growth and incoming immigrants seeking a better life in the New World. It is interesting to note that Henrietta Johnston chose the portraiture and medium of her paintings as many other artists of 18th century not only due to a fashion but as well to availability, economical and commercial situation of that time:

As it was in painting, American draftsmanship before 1800 was dominated by portraiture. Among the earliest examples of the genre were in the medium of pastel, imported into the American colonies as far back as the first decade of the 1700s and best exemplified by the extensive production of one of this country's first notable female artists, Henrietta Johnston (ca. 1674�1729) (Avery)

At the time when photography was not invented the artists who made portraits were quiet popular. Henrietta�s talent was not only appreciated but as well in a big demand. Unlike many women of 18th century who were not seen working as in the modern sense of understanding, Henrietta earned making her art. She was able to make what she loved to become her profession. Her life was fulfilling yet not a trouble-free. Born in France, immigrated to England, and later moved to the New World, Henrietta�s life had some glory as well as some difficulties. After being married to her first husband for ten years she became widowed at age 30 with two little children on her hands. And even thought her first husband belonged to a high society of England; after his death Henrietta�s life had to have new turn:

In 1705 she married Reverend Gideon Johnston (1668-1716), a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, who was the vicar at Castlemore. Appointed Bishop�s Commissary in South Carolina by the Bishop of London, in April 1708 Johnston and his wife arrived in Charleston. (Severens)

And even though at the beginning of 18th century South Carolina where Johnston�s moved in 1708 became one of the richest British colonies in North America; the family�s personal life faced a lot of economical difficulties. But there was one precious thing that could not be taken from Henrietta; and, actually helped family to survive difficult times, her talent:

Reverend Johnston became the Rector of St. Philip�s Episcopal Church, and repeatedly wrote to the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts requesting payment of his salary, which was often delayed. In one letter he states:

�were it not for the assistance my wife gives by drawing of pictures�I should not be able to live,� indicating that Henrietta Johnston was compensated for her portraits, making her the first professional woman artist in America. (Severens)

Henrietta�s portraits are simple and show the great school although it is not known where she received her art education. We can only guess that the portraits resembled the subjects; but, they certainly have a character that the artist caught on the panel with her beautiful pastels. Her female portraits are very gentle; usually dressed in chemises and carrying feminine romantic mood. Portrait of Anna Cuyler represents Henrietta Johnston�s style in all its glory. The lady on the portrait is dressed in warm gold-toned-sepia silk gown. Her face is beautiful yet real. The artist did not simplify the features; instead, she presents the actual woman with the strong character. From New York State Museum online project we learn about Anna Cuyler that she was born in Albany in 1685 and she was the oldest daughter of Johannes and Elsie Ten Broeck Cuyler. Her father was a famous merchant and even was appointed a mayor of Albany and her mother was the daughter of one of the founders of the Albany community:

In 1712 twenty-seven-year-old Anna became the second wife of thirty-year-old Anthony Van Schaick, Jr. He was a son of a faming-based, early Albany business family. Over the next fourteen years, Anna gave birth to at least nine of the previously childless Van Schaick's children - the last arriving as she passed her forty-first birthday.( Bielinski)

Van Schaick family requested to paint Anna�s portrait in 1725 when Anthony Van Schaick was commissioned lieutenant and captain of militia by Governor Hunter. At the time when portrait had been painted Van Schaick family was well known and respected in the colony. Henrietta Johnston captured a young woman, a wife of the official figure, a mother of nine children in one small pastel painting. Just by looking at one portrait painted almost 300 years ago in America and by learning sources of information we can reveal the history of a country, the history of one person and her family, and the history of the artist�s life.


Cited Works

Avery, Kevin J. "Late Eighteenth-Century American Drawings." The Metropolitan Museum Of Art. 2000-2011 The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, n.d. Web. .

Bielinski, Stefan. "Anna Cuyler Van Schaick." The People Of Colonial Albany. New York State Museum, n.d. Web. .

Severens, Martha R. "Jonston, Henrietta De Beaulieu Dering." South Carolina Encyclopedia. University Of South Carolina Press, n.d. Web. .

Additional Bibliography

Perry, Lee Davis. Remarkable South Carolina Women (More than Petticoats Series); Globe Pequot; First edition; ISBN-10: 0762743433

Forsyth Alexander, ed. �Henrietta Johnston: Who Greatly helped�by drawing pictures.� Winston-Salem, N.C.: Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, 1991. ISBN-10: 0945578032

Middleton, Margaret Simons, Henrietta Johnston of Charles Town, South Carolina: America�s First Pastelist. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1966. ISBN-10: 1135797714

Foner, Eric Give Me Liberty!, Volume I, Second Seagull Edition, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-393-93255-3

Irina Sztukowski
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Practicing drawing is essential for the artist. It is a wonderful way to master very fine shading. To emphasize the roundness of the egg one should not forget a few tricks such as example: the effect of cast shadow and reflected light. For preparation of the drawing subject, place an egg under the desk lamp or window to cast a shadow. Observe the subject carefully, use light lines, and draw easy without pressing. While drawing, step away quite often in order to compare the subject and the drawing.

After practicing how to draw an egg, which is essential for the artists, it will be easy to paint the same subject in watercolor. For the beginning try to use only one color: paynes gray or black. Apply more water for shading, and leave the whit of the paper for the light. When painting an egg with watercolor, it is easy to use wet-on-wet technique, where the surface is pre-wetted by the clear water, and then the artist applies paint (dab by dab) into a wet surface making sure the paint goes only on the shadow part. For preparation of the painted subject, place an egg under the desk lamp or window to cast a shadow. Observe the subject carefully, paint slow, but do not allow water to be absorbed by the paper until the last paint is applied. Step away after fist wash is completed. Wait until it is dry; and then, repeat the application from step one (wetting the paper with clear water) again if more contrast is needed.




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When painting this gorgeous landscape I had to practically �built� the rocks layer by layer. It took me a couple of hours to achieve the texture of the rocky cliff with its washes, cracks, grass, and clays. I was doing it patiently with passion, thinking that Mother Nature did the same her way but it took a few million years :0)
Here are a few interesting facts:
The Point Arena Lighthouse is situated on the closest point of land to the Hawaiian Islands in the Continental United States. The point is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean which keeps the area cool. This Lighthouse is set in one of the most spectacular and peaceful surroundings on the northern California coast. The Point Arena tower is the only Pacific West coast lighthouse of significant height that you can climb to the top! Access to the lantern room provides a panoramic view of the rugged California coast and of the ocean.
A Little bit of history:
The first lighthouse at this site was constructed in 1870. The brick-and-mortar tower included ornate iron balcony supports and a large Keeper residence with enough space to house several families. In April 1906, a devastating earthquake struck the Light Station. The Keeper's residence and Lighthouse were damaged so severely that they had to be demolished.
The new lighthouse began operation in 1908, nearly 18 months after the quake. It stands 115 feet (35 m) tall, and featured a 1st Order Fresnel Lens, over six feet in diameter and weighing more than six tons. The lens was made up of 666 hand-ground glass prisms all focused toward three sets of double bullseyes. It was these bullseyes that gave the Point Arena Lighthouse its unique "light signature" of two flashes every six seconds. This incredible optic, that held an appraised value of over $3.5 million, was set in solid brass framework, and was built in France. Prior to the introduction of electricity, the lens was rotated by a clockwork mechanism. The Keepers, or "wickies" as they were called, had to hand crank a 160-pound weight up the center shaft of the lighthouse every 75 minutes to keep the lens turning. Light was produced by a "Funks" hydraulic oil lamp, that needed to be refueled every four hours, and whose wicks would have to be trimmed regularly. Later, two 1,000 watt electric lamps were installed to replace the oil lamp, and a 1⁄8 horsepower electric motor was installed to replace the clockworks.
Nowadays (since 1984) nonprofit organization called the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers takes care of this place providing diligent historic preservation of this beautiful place. (info:courtesy to wiki and pointarenalighthouse.com/)

A fascinating view of the mountains, which give a shelter to a peaceful in the summer time and full of energy in the Spring creek, the Redwood Creek.

When I stood there and watched this grandiose monumental view, listened to the sounds of wind, looked at the awakening from Winter nature; I started imagining how I can bring all that beauty on the piece of paper. Needless to say, when I came home; I had to paint this landscape.

******************
The Redwood National and State Park is located in the United States, along the coast of northern California. Comprising Redwood National Park was established in 1968. Redwood Creek follows the Grogan Fault; along the west bank of the creek, schist (coarse-grained metamorphic rock that consists of layers of different minerals and can be split into thin irregular plates) and other naturally transformed rocks can be found there, while sedimentary rocks of the Franciscan Assemblage are located on the east bank.
*******************

One of the stop during my recent art-trip was a small cozy town of Trinidad. I enjoyed walking along the rocky shore. Gentle breeze, afternoon Sun, and a lighthouse, all together called for some impressionistic style loose and fresh painting.

Here is a little more details about this beautiful place:

Trinidad is a seaside town in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean 8 miles north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport and 15 miles north of the college town of Arcata. Situated directly above its own natural harbor, Trinidad is one of California's smallest incorporated cities, (with a 2010 population of 367) and is noted for its spectacular coastline with ten public beaches and offshore rocks. These rocks are part of the California Coastal National Monument of which Trinidad is a Gateway City. This natural landmark is joined by three additional marine landmarks - the historic Trinidad Head Light, the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, and Humboldt State University's Fred Telonicher Marine Laboratory.
Overlooking Trinidad Bay, an accurate replica of the Head's lighthouse (A Victorian keeper's residence that was built in 1898); Trinidad's Lighthouse in Memorial Park. In 1947, the original lens and bell were donated to the Trinidad Civic Club to be displayed in a memorial park overlooking Trinidad Bay. Mrs. Earl Hallmark donated land, and in 1949 the Civic Club built the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse. On Memorial Day, families and friends gather at the lighthouse to remember and honor those lost and buried at sea (courtesy to trinidad.ca.gov and http://trinidad-ca.com/discover/lighthouses.html)

A couple of weeks ago I pointed my brushes North and went to explore some new (for me) places.

One of the stops was at Fort Ross, California.

For my painting, I've picked up this historical landmark. I liked the scene with Old Windmill against a blue sky and the ocean.

The history of this place is interesting and rich.
(I've found a few interesting facts online)

*******
Fort Ross, originally Fortress Ross is a former Russian establishment on the west coast of North America in what is now Sonoma County, California, in the United States. It was the hub of the southernmost Russian settlements in North America between 1812 to 1842. It has been the subject of archaeological investigation and is a California Historical Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and on the National Register of Historic Places. Nowadays, Fort Ross is a part of California State Historic Park.
Fort Ross is a landmark in the history of European imperialism. The Spanish expansion went west across the Atlantic Ocean, and the Russian expansion went east across Siberia and the Pacific Ocean.

For many years following the Russian presence, Fort Ross was preserved and maintained as a single large holding by its successive owners. The site was operated as a rancho through the Sutter and Benitz periods (1841-67), as a logging operation during the Dixon/Fairfax years (1867-73), and as a ranch, port and social center during 1873-1979.

Although land use changed over time, its continuous status as a large holding helped to bridge the transition from a ranching community to the 3,386 acre state historic park we have today.

In the 19th century Fort Ross had a port in the northwest cove which was used extensively by ranchers in the surrounding community. There was a store, a post office and a telegraph station; the old Russian buildings housed a hotel, a dance hall and a saloon.

It was one of several social centers for residents of the area. Fort Ross continues to be important to local residents, and many have volunteered their time, resources and expertise to assist in the park�s development and growth.

These days, Fort Ross has changed from a ranching community in the 19th and early 20th centuries, to the popular state historic park of today.

(courtesy to WiKi and FortRoss.org)
**********

It is becoming a good tradition now to give myself a Gift of Art every year.
This year in the month of my Birthday, I created Happy Birthday designs with the flowers from my virtual garden, most of them are the images of the paintings that were already sold. And now, they get a new, also very Happy, appearance in my Happy Birthday designs.

For example these lovely Sunflowers:
I thought that blue and green background with yellow highlights will give them a good contrast:


The gentle purple of the orchid called for lilac and purple shades:


Rich royal blue helped the Poppies and Purple Iris to be "framed" in a simple, yet romantic design:


As well as those Impressionistic Water Lilies, which are "floating" in the blue, water-like, surrounding:


Juicy pink made my Hibiscus and the Rose with the Dew Drops even more gentle:


And a sweet miniature Tulips on the window were just a right size for this vintage feeling Birthday card:


Overall, I shell say, I went overboard with my Happy Birthday designs this year as I created dozens of floral Birthday cards.
But what a great gift to myself!!
Besides, I surely had lots of fun!
:0)

More designs are in my Cards Gallery: http://irina-sztukowski.artistwebsites.com/art/all/cards/all

My latest large painting is complete.
I picked such name, Made In USA, as I remember my husband joking: If I ever get a tattoo, it shell be "Made In USA".. I find it very patriotic indeed :0)..

So, I picked the subjects for my painting:
All Are Made In USA.

First, I painted the dogs: Fred and George - Made In USA

Then I moved to painting apples, one by one: proudly grown in our garden, by ourselves..and... Made In USA


Then I took Hookers Green and Grass Green paint by Daniel Smith Co (made in USA) and painted flowers, foliage, and grass:

And the final, Golden Centerpiece of this painting is my husband, who is also "Made In USA", in fact, in a beautiful Golden State of California.
He is proudly washing apples. And, by the way, those apples were sweet, sweet!! :0)

It certainly takes a long time to grow apples. It took me more than a season to finish this artwork :0)

I am in the process of preparing a few paintings for one international art show in Rochester, NY. The theme that I chose this time is about the water. Since I paint mostly in watercolor, I called it Water On Color series, where the realism in watercolor is mixed with the abstract pattern.
The six paintings that I made helped me to create some of these collages.
The above collage has a cool feeling with just a few splashes of yellow, when the collage below is full of "fire-like" strikes and hot washes:

The art show is taking place in July 2014, so I will post more details later on.
For now, I am just "splashing" some Water On Color :)

With all the recent serious things such judging, writing for CWA, preparing for the shows, and meantime working on a couple of commissions; I really wanted to loosen up and make something just for fun.

Here is my little Fun Tree of Life series.

First, I placed some random swirls on Strathmore 140lb Cold Pressed paper, then I washed them off. Next, more swirls were coming, and more and more using dry-on-wet technique. When this was done, I applied wet-on-wet nice juicy wash of rich colors such Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, and all what I felt is right for this project from my pallet.

Still sounds too serious?
Ok, ok.

Here is when the fun came. When paper was dry, I looked at each swirl and it basically "dictated", moved my hand to where I felt putting the branches of the tree, plus a little cute additions to the trees that made it fun.

Impression I and Impression II (above) are all about birds and flowers.

Impression III and Impression IV have hidden birds, plus one of them is full of fruits and has a curious cat:




In Impression V the cat is hiding on a tree. And Impression VI is caring two hearts and two love birds:




Fun Trees of Life.

Just like in real life, we grow, we thrive, sometimes don't see things right in front of our eyes, sometimes are happy just by looking at a simple flower or a birdie, or find love where we least expect it...

Oh, I am getting again too serious.. better stop and keep working!
:0)

These sweet and gentle daffodils just showed up in my backyard a few days ago. I picked a bunch and set up a still life.

Intentionally, I've placed freshly picked flowers into an antique Wedgwood vase. It emphasizes the fact how small is the distance between beauty of a two-day-old flower and a century-old pottery.

The beauty is eternal!

And the waves and a maze of a pattern of this silk scarf adds the interest to this full of life and color still life.

Recently, looking at my painting of Oregon shore, I was asking myself how many times I've painted the water, waters of an ocean, lakes, sea or river?
And even though the answer was MANY.. I was curious to see the difference in the shades of blue; the blue blue water.

Water for me has some personal almost human qualities. The colors depend on the time of the the day, the light, the shadows; and, of course, the artist's mood, time put into painting, and professional choice of the color.

And here are just a few waters painted in the different places at different times.
The silver waters of A Foggy Morning At Crab Cove, Alameda, California:


Slowly building, soon ready to crush waves next to the shore in Boys And The Ocean painting:


Deep blue waters of the ocean during the sunny in Capitola, California. Two Umbrellas At The Beach painting:


and a very same day just a few hours later.
Two Chairs At The Beach painting:


Here is a foggy morning with wild emerald green waves in Carmel By The Sea, California:


and the same day, when Sun appeared, it made the water shine
(Carmel By The Sea, California)


Almost unbelievable Thalo and Ultramarine blue water in the painting A Coupe And The Sea:


Ready to storm yet still not dangerous waters in A Girl And The Ocean artwork:


If I were a poet I would write a poem devoted to Water; but, I am the Artist and I will keep painting Miss Water in all her shades of blue
:0)

I continue exploring a new surface for painting - Yupo.
Yupo is a pure synthetic "paper", which has a plastic feel yet takes watercolor.
Yupo allows the paint to move freely. It is easy for the artist to pick up the paint if needed; or, even wipe it off completely (back to the white surface).
I think that this "paper" is good for some abstract art as it provides interesting unpredictable results at the end.
I called this abstract series "Path To The Unknown". The first artwork was created with Opera Rose and Violet watercolors. It reminds me some kind of magic rock, a stone with veins and minerals.
The next one looks more like a landscape:

Rich bushy greens could represent hills, blue for the sky; and, a beige "river" looks like a path with purple-pink flowers...

And the last one has somewhat 3D feeling. After the wet-on-wet dried, I placed a few brown dots on it and rotated the paper. This way Miss Gravity painted some unexpected lines for me:

It is fun to explore unknown path and try to find new ways with watercolors.

Irina Sztukowski's new design French Curve Abstract - Magic Butterfly was featured in famous FAA Group Cards For All Occasions http://fineartamerica.com/groups/cards-for-all-occasions--2-per-day.html

This lovely painting was featured in the famous FAA group CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

This poison yet so gorgeous White Oleander was painted in transparent watercolor. Using a wet-on-wet technique at the beginning and continuing with wet-on-dry touches, the artist Irina Sztukowski achieved a realistic view of this mysterious flower.

I received an offer that was hard to pass. Spirit Seeker magazine asked my permission to publish a part of my festive painting on the cover.

With headquarters located in St. Louis, MO;
"Spirit Seeker Magazine is a comprehensive, inspirational, holistic publication for the mind, body and spirit. In its� 17th year, the magazine is recognized for its� rich content and thought-provoking features, consistently showcasing the work of cutting edge authors, musicians and leaders in health, wellness, and spirituality. In this age of uncertainty, people are now, more than ever, looking for ways to connect with something bigger. Spirit Seeker Magazine has always been ahead of the curve, providing a tool for optimized living and enlightenment. Spirit Seeker Magazine is distributed widely throughout the Midwest as a print publication in Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, throughout Missouri, as well as published online, with national and international readers. Each issue is highly anticipated by both faithful and curious readers. Our readers are educated, spiritual consumers seeking information on products, services, and classes."
(quote from www.spiritseekermagazine.com )

November Issue is colorful and filled with Fall Spirit:
http://www.spiritseekermagazine.com/november_13/index.html

I am glad they chose the part of the painting that contained a pumpkin and Fall leaves. They have the most contrast of all. However, because the cover has vertical format, the whole painting (which is horizontal ) did not fit. My initial artwork was a "play" between realistic and impressionistic art. For example, if the whole still life part was executed in realism, the landscape behind the window is pure Impressionism

Last week I shared my painting knowledge with the members of the Book Club at Danville library. Young readers, grade 4 and 5, met to read a book Planting The Trees Of Kenya: The Story Of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola. It delivers a true story about a winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Wangari Maathai who returned to her home country of Kenya and helped to save the farmland by planting the trees.

I was presenting a workshop: How To "Plant" The Trees On The Paper. For my lesson, I have chosen several techniques to show to the kids.

First we did a background in wet-on-wet technique and later on (when paper was bone-dry) we planted a Whimsical Tree, full of happy branches, swirls, and birds.

Children also learned how to paint Fall trees using dabbing technique and even a sponge.
In one short session we probably "planted" one hundred of those trees. The Fall landscapes filled the room with the bright colors. I swear, if we didn't have so much fun that day, we could even hear our painted birds signing on the branches of those trees ;0)

And even though, not all the trees in Danville, California, were yellow, orange and red yet; our trees, on the paper, were surely indicating a beautiful Fall season in its full glory!

Irina Sztukowski's painting of a vintage Doll At The Tea Party was featured in famous FAA group Beauty Captured http://fineartamerica.com/groups/beauty-captured.html?tab=overview

For more paintings for Kids Room decor please click the button below

Irina Sztukowski's painting Apples and Limes was featured in the famous FAA group Still Life Fine Art http://fineartamerica.com/groups/still-life-fine-art.html?tab=overview

Irina Sztukowski's realistic drawing Jewels of Love was featured in the famous FAA group Still Life Fine Art http://fineartamerica.com/groups/still-life-fine-art.html

Irina Sztukowski's painting California Poppies was featured in one famous FAA Group Landcape Flowers. This group presents many beautifful paintings from different artists throughtout a world http://fineartamerica.com/groups/landscapes-flowers-animals.html

Irina Sztukowski's painting Fly With Us joined the Bestsellers Gallery. Loved by many art collectors this simple lovely scene makes us smile, think about our own dreams when we were kids, returns us to our childhood good memories.

Enjoy the recent artworks by Irina Sztukowski. Just click More Information button below to go to her website for more beautiful paintings

One of very peaceful California landscapes by Irina Sztukowski was featured in the famous FAA group Cards For All Ocations ( http://fineartamerica.com/groups/cards-for-all-occasions--2-per-day.html )

For more landscapes of California, please click on the More Information button.

Sweet Little baby was featured in the famous FAA group Make Me Pink
http://fineartamerica.com/groups/make-mine-pink.html

After visiting Tyrus Wong exhibition, and getting inspired; I've started the lesson with introducing wet-on-wet technique. Students of ages from 5 to 65 learned how to paint skies with watercolors.

To my surprise, at the beginning, I got more adults than children coming to the class (the Open Studio event is build when anyone can come at any time and jump in painting with the teacher)..

Later on, we got kids, who surprised me again, they were not afraid to try painting both projects: Sky in Style of Tyrus Wong and a Fall Theme.

Everyone had fun.

I have not noticed how quickly the tree hours of the lesson passed. We probably got between 40 - 50 young and not-so-young students happily learning new techniques painting with watercolor .. and some of them even went home with the greeting card made by themselves

A new series of sketches are published by Irina Sztukowski. Visit http://www.irinasztukowski.blogspot.com/ for the review

Travel Sketches book is now available in electronic format: - 70 plus sketches around the world - 26 colorful pages - $3.60 To purchase please click on the below link

Last weekend I was talking to a potential customer who was specifically looking for an odd shape painting. I showed pretty much all my paintings, but they were all not odd, they were squared...

Then, I started putting some thoughts into the request and it occurred to me, that it is quite easy to make pretty much any shape with the square/rectangular painting as long as composition allows.

Then I started playing with the paintings images that I have and PhotoShop in order to create ovals. And I was surprised how pictures transformed. For me personally, they started looking a little rustic, antique, and charming.

I jumped into a pile of raked Fallen Leaves. They flew up to the air covering the Sun for a moment. A sweet, musky smell mixed up with the fresh cold air. The colors were Burgundy, Gold Yellow, and Sap Green. And I was a few decades younger...

These childhood memories were brought by the painting Autumn Dance when I loosen myself up letting the paint dictate a composition; and, the wet watercolors to imply where I should paint the leaves.
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Original Artwork Autumn Dance is 16"x20" on Watercolor Arches Board

My painting Love Light Lemon became an American Art Award winner in 2012 competition in Realism Category (http://www.americanartawards.com).
Judged by 25 famous galleries across the country and competing with more than a thousand artists from America, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macedonia, Mexico, New Zealand, North Korea, Poland, Romania, South Korea, and Taiwan.

No need to explain my love to Paris and traveling to Europe. OK, to a traveling in general. I love it! First time I've visited Paris in 1995. That time I lived in Saint Petersburg, Russia; and, a week in Paris was beyond my dreams. A travel company I worked for offered a super cheap deal (though for me it still was 4 times of my salary) and I took off. Next time I went their seven years later. My friend and I celebrated my 38th Birthday.. One evening we were heading to our hotel. It just stopped raining and setting Sun hit the loud streets with the last beams of that day. I lifted my head and all of a sudden saw that Eiffel Tower disappeared. Only top of the construction was clearly visible. Thank God I had my camera with me.

In this painting of Paris street I wanted to portray that feeling I had when I saw the Eiffel Tower in the sun light. Maybe it is not traditional view as all posters in the world would want to picture Eiffel Tower in full its glory. Oh well, I saw it floating in the air.

The girl on the front is just a random Paris visitor. She is rushing home and doesn't even know what's happening behind. I gave her my hairstyle and dressed in my coat and a scarf. I also wanted to put some story into my painting of Paris as I think this city (no matter what they might say) is romantic. Here is my story:

"It was nice fresh evening in Paris. Only a second day and She was already in love with the City. Heading home that night and dreaming of quiet dinner she heard a loud boom. The motorcycle broke the murmur of Rue Saint Dominique and made Her turn the head toward the noise. He takes his helmet of and looks in her direction. Her face is lit by the evening Sun and with astonishment of the beautiful Eiffel Tower disappearance..."

You feel the romance here, eh?! :0) .. finish the story yourself..

Okay, back to the Paris paintings. All what you see on it is only artist's imagination, with exception only the Eiffel Tower, Paris, The Sun. Feel my love to that romantic city. I've even created a Gallery that called My Paris Mania where you can find dozens of impressions from my Eiffel Tower and Paris paintings.

This morning the curiosity led me to find a website with 360 degree photos of Paris streets. I loved placing Full Screen feature and look around as I am there in Paris right now:
http://www.paris-360.com/panoramic-photos/paris.html
Happy Traveling!

And I also found an interesting article posted by Fox News on Ten Things You'd Never Guess About Paris. It was an opinion of one writer who came to Paris from America and settled down there. Per his point of view, as an example:
- the less French you speak than better you are
- the French people appreciate American culture more than we think
- the French like tourists
- but French people in general sometimes don't like Parisians (read why)
and much much more :0)

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Original Painting Rue Saint Dominique is 22"x18" on 140lb Arches Cold Pressed

Red Poppies are common image that inspired a lot of artists.

But did you know that there are hundreds of other uses of the Red Poppies? Here are just a few of them (courtesy of Wiki):

Most species of poppies are attractive and are cultivated as ornamental plants.

Papaver somniferum poppy is so widely used in medicine.

Poppy seeds for use in cooking and baking, and poppyseed oil for culinary and other uses, and is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

The California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, is the state flower of California.

In Mexico, Grupo Modelo, the makers of Corona beer, used red poppy flowers in most of its advertising images until the 1960s.

A poppy flower is depicted on the reverse of the Macedonian 500 denars banknote, issued in 1996 and 2003. The poppy is also part of the coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia.

The powerful symbolism of Papaver rhoeas has been borrowed by various advocacy campaigns, such as the White Poppy and Simon Topping's black poppy.

The girl's given name Poppy is taken from the flower.

Poppies (Amapolas in Spanish) are commonly featured as the central flower in Puerto Rican weddings.

Artificial poppies (called "Buddy Poppies") are used in the veterans' aid campaign by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which provides money to the veterans who assemble the poppies and various aid programs to veterans and their families.

Canada issued special quarters (25-cent coins) with a red poppy on the reverse in 2004, 2008 and 2010. The 2004 Canadian "poppy" quarter was the world's first coloured circulation coin.

A watercolor painting? Does it look like an Old Masters Still Life? Yes, I kept that style, but used the medium of my passion. Garlic and Olive Still Life. I have carefully observed the object before painting, then drew the outlines covering with making and worked first on the background giving it a good wash of the grand mixture of Burnt Siena, Raw Amber, Ultramarine Blue, and Violet Winsor&Newton Artist grade watercolor. After the background dried I worked on the objects employing my favorite techniques: first wet-on-wet, then wet-on-dry, and at the end dry brush applications. This helped to achieve a maximum potential for this realistic painting.

This is a watercolor painting in Old Masters Still Life style. Red Onion, Lemon, and Ginger. I have carefully observed the object before painting, then drew the outlines covering with making and worked first on the background giving it a good wash of the grand mixture of Burnt Siena, Raw Amber, Ultramarine Blue, and Violet Winsor&Newton Artist grade watercolor. After the background dried I worked on the objects employing my favorite techniques: first wet-on-wet, then wet-on-dry, and at the end dry brush applications. This helped to achieve a maximum potential for this realistic painting.
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The Original Painting Still Life With Onion Lemon and Ginger is 10"x14" on 300lb Cold Pressed Arches

http://www.irinasztukowski.blogspot.com/ here you can find Watercolor Step-by-Step paintings, Marketing hints, and watercolor Artist's diary

Lately wherever I go and whatever I do the Dutch Still Life is following my art journey. Two weeks ago we started studying Dutch Art in my Art History class. Week ago I went to the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco to see Dutch private collection. And last week my husband and I were traveling to Washington, DC and happen to come to the Smithsonian Art Museum; and, guess what, we crashed into a Dutch Still Life there, surprise! I can look at the still lives painted by old masters forever and ever and never get tired of them. The professionalism, the symbolism, the details! Incredible!
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The still life that you see in this post has it's story as are all paintings (usually). The coffee pot was brought by my extended family Great Grandpa from Poland when immigrating to America in the beginning of 20th Century. The G-Grandpa is long time gone; but the coffee pot is in our family. One day I was sitting in my studio and winter sun hit the old table with the cup of coffee on it. The light was so sudden and so inspiring that I've grabbed what we had in the kitchen and dining room and started setting up a still life before the sun beam disappears. Lemon, Rose and Grandpa's coffee pot won the prize.
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The dark background reminds me Dutch Still Life style. I didn't think about symbols when setting it up, we can just have a brainstorm and come up with many. I named this still life painting Love, Light, Lemon! as it seemed to be very poetic and implies some kind of song.
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20"x16" Watercolor on 300 lb Cold Pressed Arches, Winsor & Newton Watercolor

I have never been to Italy; but my friend has. She took this beautiful picture of small Italian town called Positano. This town was noticed by John Steinbeck in 1953 who wrote: "It is a dream place that isn�t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." I loved to paint the rocky walls and small buildings clinging to each other so close that you barely can see the streets in between.

One of my favorite artists showed her studio in her recent post and I had an idea that it would be so great if all artists will do the same independently if you work in a small room or in spacious studio. We all know of course the art that comes out of it is that what counts. And studio is the place where the art gets born. I see my studio as a sacred place, my castle. I dream there and make my dreams come true. And like another of my favorite artists said: Yesterday's dream is Today's truth and Tomorrow's reality. My studio brings it all together. Although, sometimes I look at the clutter there and think: �Oh Gosh! It is hard to believe that art can find some free space and miss Muse won�t step into the glue or paint here� ; )

San Francisco was always a very interesting subject for me to paint. And lately I�ve got an opportunity to express my admiration of the Bay Area to the paper. My client asked me to paint a piece for her wedding anniversary from the picture where she and her husband had a wonderful time playing in the city and resting at the beach by Golden Gate Bridge. I fell in love with the idea immediately as it was a great romance there. Although the original photo was a little bit on a grey scale, therefore I felt it would be great to add a few shades of the blue, fading pink and yellow to the sky and a little burned sienna to the hills. When I�ve researched the picture before painting, I�ve noticed how so Red Golden Gate Bridge is not any red when you look at it from the distance. Besides, it is almost grayish pink at the far end. That what Miss Perspective does to the colors.
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There were a few people fishing on the wave-breakers. I eliminated them giving my couple some privacy. Instead, I�ve placed two tiny egrets on the rocks (the sub name of the painting is Two Love Birds)... A few English Daisies on the front added a little romantic mood (there was a dead grass on the picture that did not feel right for the idea of the anniversary gift).
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My client loved the painting, but she didn�t want to frame it. She loved it on a wall unframed. I�ve got a cradle board and mounted painting on it; and I�ve painted the sides with white acrylic to give a completed look. Using Watercolor Fixative will protect the painting from the moisture and I hope the painting will last to the family to at least their 75 wedding anniversary and beyond J
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I was exploring a new surface for my watercolors: Watercolor Canvas. Before, I tried watercolor board and thought to try a canvas this time. The board surprised me with the fact that it was practically impossible to place the layers. When I tried to place second layer on it, my first layer would mix with wet surface and simply disappear. From my experience, watercolor canvas has better fluidity than a board; you can make a good wash if working fast and knowing what colors will go in what place (does not allow reapplying though); and, the canvas allows to place a second layer yet it should be darker than the previous one.
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And I was surprised how my hands were adjusting to the quality of the surface this time. Feeling that the colors will not flow like on 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper, my hands started applying paint in kind of pointing style (e.g. instead of sweeping my brush across I was "pocking" dots all over the surface with different colors or just making very short strokes). Quite interesting experience! My style changed completely in just a few minutes since I started painting. The surface dictated the technique. At some point I thought about Monet and his Water Lilies; how did he paint them? What did he feel? Although, yes he used oil paint; I guess I got the oil paint thinking then :)
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The advantage of the watercolor on canvas is that if you want you can place it on a wall without framing (though you will need to use fixative of course). Yet, lately I am experimenting with watercolor board (with stretched Cotton Paper) that also will not need frame except a cradle board. I've noticed that some of my clients would like to have watercolor paintings without frames in there collections. I was researching how to do that too. And I'll share this experience with you in the future.
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9"x12" Fredrix Watercolor Canvas, Winsor & Newton Watercolor, Aqarell-Fixativ by Schmincke & Co

Lately I am painting a lot of kids from ages between 6 and 12. And it is the great thing. I guess the Universe heard me saying: "I wish to practice painting more kids' faces" and Vu-O-la, I've got it all. I've even got a very interesting commission the other day to paint a Black-&-White paining of two kids. It is in process right now.
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On the first painting you can see a sister and brother hiding behind the Agapanthus bush. One day we were walking with our niece and nephew in the neighborhood and found that flower-less bush (which is pretty difficult in California, everything is blooming!). We told kids to hide behind the bush and pretend that they are flowers. They did a good job, they were just happily glowing like a real flowers :)
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Next painting of a cute blue-eyes blond is the girl that lives in Holland. I was talking with my friend through Skype and she sent me a picture of her family. At that time I was under serious commission and was pretty stiff with all the details. I needed to loosen up and I decided to paint the little cutie. Needless to say, when I sent the image to my friend, the sister of the girl was kind of jealous that I had not painted her. I had no choice but do it ;), And I enjoyed it so much.
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Descriptions of the Artworks:
Peekaboo (Flowers) - 8"x10" Fabriano 140 Cold Pressed
Both Girls are on 8"x10" Canson 140 Cold Pressed (yet the different techniques have been used: Blond is done pretty much in dry brush, the Curly Lock was made mixing Wet-On-Wet, Wet-on-Dry)

It�s not a secret that Eiffel Tower is one of the most wanted and visited places in Paris and I am more than sure lots of Artists painted her in the last 122 years.
This painting is the beginning of the series �My Paris�. I�ve visited Paris twice and took tons of pictures just to realize recently that I�ve lost most of them. Not a problem: this will give me a great excuse to go to Paris one more time, won�t it! Just need to dream hard enough J
It is just a beginning! And like all beginnings evolve this image also will transform so many times. The image is of Evening Paris with dramatic skies. And this time I�ve placed a young lady in the left bottom corner as the symbol of Romantic Paris Spirit and the Tower. The red scarf drives the attention from monochromatic painting; yet the center composition still belongs to the Eiffel Lady herself.
9�x12� Watercolor Painting on 140lb Cold Pressed Paper
Here are some interesting facts about Eiffel Tower (courtesy of http://www.rphs.devisland.net/zach/funfacts.htm)

� Completed in 1889 for the Paris world exhibition, it was built in two years by 132 workers and 50 engineers.
� The Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1889 (that was the case until 1930).
� It took a team of 25 painters to paint the Eiffel Tower.
� Protecting the Eiffel Tower from rust requires the application of 50 tons of paint every seven years.
� The Eiffel Tower shrinks 6 inches in winter
� Solar heating can causes the Eiffel Tower to expand up to 3.25 in.
� Strong winds can sway Eiffel Tower slightly. During the storm of 1999, it moved approximately 13 centimeters from its initial position
� In 1925, a con artist sold the Eiffel Tower for scrap - twice! But, this never happened.