My 'Illuminate' Collection is now Live!

‘But my darling, there is no Light at the end of the tunnel, You are the Light.”

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate International Artists Day - then by launching my New Collection of paintings that I’ve been working on for the past few months. This quote sums it all up perfectly. When life is happening all around, you can chose to react or respond. If you choose to go within, you will see the power of your light!

When I created this collection I spent many hours in quiet thought, even though the music was blasting, I had a lot of time to think about my calling in life. I know I am meant to create - it is where I find my connection to JOY - My Light. My wish is that it translates through to the viewer.

I explain a little more about my quest to Raise My Vibration and Find My Light HERE.

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE! Thank you so much for Supporting The Arts! xoxo Mari

October's Featured Creative Entrepreneur - Photographer, Kirsi Kilpelainen

I have a such a fun Episode for you today! Meet my friend and incredibly talented photographer, Kirsi Kilpelainen of LK Photoshoots!

I met Kirsi in my Bootcamp Workout class and when I asked her what she did for a living I thought she would be a great person to interview. It was especially fun because we recorded it right after doing a photo shoot in my art studio.

Kirsi is known for her Senior Portrait photography, in fact she is a Hot 100 Recipient two years in a row! “A selection of the top 100 senior photographers across the globe!” By Senior Style Guide

Kirsi shares what it’s like to run a photography business. Her background in cosmetology, formerly running an online clothing boutique, and having a degree in business, all play key factors in why her photos are so sought after!

Just take one look at her portfolio and you can see why anyone, including myself, would want to hire her! This is a fun lighthearted interview loaded with great advice if you are someone interested in pursuing a career as a photographer!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to follow Kirsi Kilpelainen

Website: LKPhotoshoots.com

Instagram: @LKPhotoshoots

September's Featured Artist - Stephanie Bostock

In this inspiring Episode with Fine Artist & Designer, Stephanie Bostock, we touch upon the importance of utilizing Art as a healing tool. Stephanie shares her journey of overcoming a significant illness and using her Art as a way to connect back to her Joy. We talk about her creative journey, from Industrial Designer to flourishing Abstract Artist. We also talk about the helpful ways that artists can use their paintings on products from yoga mats to scarves and apparel and how one would go about doing that for themselves.

Stephanie's positive outlook and story will uplift you and make anyone want to pick up a brush and start creating!

For the month of September Stephanie is offering 20% of the sale of this original piece to go towards the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Exigencies of Life...

36”x36”x1.5” framed and wired

$850

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to Follow & Support Stephanie Bostock:

Website: Stephanie Bostock Art

Instagram: @StephanieBostockArt

Shop: https://www.stephaniebostockart.com/shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.stevensbostock

August's Featured Artist - Laurie Buck

I have such a sweet interview for you today! Introducing the incredibly talented Laurie Buck.

I fell in love with Laurie’s florals on Instagram and became an instant fan. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate artists to share for the month of August.

I never guessed that Laurie did not receive a formal art education. In fact, she was an English teacher before becoming a self taught artist. I think this is a powerful story for those of you who would like to pursue being an artist but perhaps do not have the means or time to study formally. There are many paths to following your passion and Laurie’s creative journey is inspiring!

Laurie also shares a sweet story about how she found her place at Art and Light Gallery. Her work is currently represented by them. Recently she had her first one woman exhibit there and she is sharing all about how she pulled it all together. It was a huge success!

I also fell in love with her charming new studio space and how she turned it into a magical place to create. She works with a few other artists there and she shares how they all support one another. Lots of great advice on this episode too!

For the month of August Laurie is sharing 20% of the proceeds from the sale of her most popular print, ‘Sweet on You’, to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship. Such a beautiful bouquet of happy flowers!

‘Sweet on You’ By Laurie Buck - Featured Art Print for August 2019

You can Listen & Watch the Full Episode HERE.

Follow and Support Laurie Here:

Webiste: LaurieBuckStudio

Instagram: @Laurie_Buck

Represented By: Art and Light Gallery

July's Featured Artist - Jennifer Allevato

I have the most beautiful Video Podcast for you today! I can’t think of a better Artist Interview to kick off Summer than with the very talented Jennifer Allevato! Not only does she create gorgeous florals, interiors, and landscapes she has some really helpful and interesting advice about she created a successful career for herself.

In this Episode we discuss her journey starting out in costume design and then switching over to making her living as a full-time fine artist. We discuss the business side of being an artist, from having a beautiful and informative website, to using platforms such as Pinterest, to reach new collectors. We also talk about her big break in working with bloggers and how how a simple mention on the Young House Love blog helped launch her career.

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

Jennifer not only sells her original creations but she also licenses her work. Her art has been featured in Anthropologie, Minted, Artfully Walls and on the cover of HGTV magazine just to name a few places you may have seen this lovely and talented artist.

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

We also talk about her Artist In Residence at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and how that experience was for her. Of course I also had to ask about her orange kitty who she claims is a 'grumpy old man' but she loves him anyway. We end with some really helpful advice that we can all benefit from. She will inspire you to want to pick up your paint brush and start creating!

For the Month of July, Jennifer has generously offered 20% of the proceeds of these three large original florals on paper to go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship! Aren’t they GORGEOUS?!!! You can purchase one, or all three HERE!

You can Listen & Watch the FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Jennifer Allevato here:

Website: https://jenniferallevato.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allevatojm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferAllevato

Please share these helpful videos with all your creative friends and even better I would deeply appreciate it, if you subscribed to my YouTube Channel!

June's featured Creative Entrepreneur - Lani Colhouer

I had so much fun interviewing my good friend, Lani Colhouer, founder of Simply Clear Marketing on today’s Episode! I met Lani years ago when I had my little boutique in the Village of Arroyo Grande. She’s one of the most intelligent women I have ever met and I have enjoyed collaborating with her on many projects. For the past three years I have had the privilege of being a contributor to her gorgeous magazine.

Under the umbrella of Simply Clear Marketing she has three divisions; digital marketing and strategies, print shelter magazines, and home exhibitions.

As a founder of Simply Clear Marketing, Inc., Lani Colhouer is passionate about marketing and events. She was raised in the San Luis Obispo County and loves the area. Her background includes event management, advertising, marketing and sales, and exhibiting at international trade shows. She has been in the marketing industry for 20 years and loves the stories behind each business that keeps them going. A true entrepreneur, she loves to build community by helping small businesses be more innovative in their marketing strategies and implementation.

In this Episode we take a deep dive into her marketing advice specifically for artists and how they can sell their art effectively and with ease. We discuss everything from how to make the right connections to what words to actually say to close the deal. Lani has years of experience in marketing and advertising and she generously shares some very helpful advice for artists!

To receive the breakdown of what we discuss and her Free pdf of;

5 Marketing and Sales Tips for Artists, head on over to her Contact Page at SimplyClearMarking!

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to Follow & Support Lani Colhouer:

Simply Clear Marketing & Media, Inc.

Office:805-772-4600

SimplyClearMarketing.com

LivingLavishlyMag.com

InspiredExpos.com

Congratulations To The 2019 Louise Monforte Memorial Art & Dance Scholarships!

It’s a Full Circle Beautiful Moment to finally be able to announce the first Louise Monforte Memorial Art & Dance Scholarship Recipients! This has been quite a journey creating this podcast featuring all these amazing artists and creatives who have so generously shared their art and their wisdom. To finally see how we all can work together in such a meaningful way to not only help each other but to show our support for the next generation of artists warms my heart beyond belief. Thank you to every single one of you who have supported this journey to honor my sister’s legacy and Support The Arts! Let’s all feel really good about that and I look forward to growing this program with you!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! xoxo Mari

2019 Louise Monforte Memorial Art & Dance Scholarship - Awards Night Arroyo Grande High School

Introducing June's Featured Artist - Lena Rushing

Here we are already half way into the year and I have yet another super interesting Podcast Episode for you! This months Featured Artist is Contemporary, Narrative, Surreal Artist - Lena Rushing.

I’ve known and followed Lena for many years. She is local to the Central Coast so we were able to have the interview in my studio which is always extra fun.

Although Lena is primarily self taught her work is incredibly skilled and masterful. Whether she is crafting an intricate shadow-box or painting a surrealist image of a strong female surrounded by intriguing objects of symbolism, her work is a testimony to her boundless imagination. We talk about her experience participating in group shows and curating art events. She also shares the meaning behind many of her symbolic images and why she chose painting as a way to "compartmentalize" her emotions in that way.

Lena is also a big believer in finding a work-life balance and staying healthy while pursuing her art. She offers great advice and really interesting ideas as well as her thoughts on living life as a full time artist. 

For the month of June 2019, Lena is generously offering 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this gorgeous shadow box titled ‘The Deep’ to the Louise Monforte Scholarship Fund. You can view the details on her website HERE!

‘The Deep’ by Lena Rushing

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE EPISODE HERE

Other Places you can Follow and Support Lena Rushing:

Website: LenaRushing.com

Instagram: @LenaRushing

Introducing May's Featured Creative - Allison Eden - Episode 18

Introducing the very talented custom mosaic glass artist Allison Eden, owner of Allison Eden Studios. Her pop art glass mosaics are colorful and exciting! In this Episode we talk about her journey starting out as a young designer in NYC back in 1995 to currently becoming one of the most sought after glass houses in the world!

She has created designs for Elton John, Rihanna, (she shares a funny story about that on the episode) Ashley Longshore and more. Her design studio has recently been awarded 2019 New York City's business of the year! Impressive and inspiring!

We also talk about how she cultivated her relationship with Bloomingdales where she's created some of the most colorful and jaw dropping visual displays I have ever seen! If that wasn't enough, she's now launched a collection of housewares and fashion designs based off her incredibly amazing glass mosaics!

Other places you can Support & Follow Allison Eden:

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE!

Allison Eden Studios 164 Cook Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206 Text: 917-838-2934 Tel: 212-643-2426 Fax: 212-643-3492

Email: Mosaicdesigner@aol.com

Www.AllisonEden.com

Instagram: AllisonEdenStudios

Facebook: Allison Eden Studios

Linkedin: Allison Eden

Online 2018 Catalog: http://AllisonEden.net

Introducing May's Featured Artist - Jennifer Flannigan - Episode 17

I have such a fun Episode for you today! Jennifer and I became friends via Instagram a few years ago. I’m always fascinated by Abstract Artists because what they create is so out of my wheelhouse! I couldn’t wait to hear all about her process.

What I thought would be an interview about how she creates her art, turned into a very open and honest conversation about her journey of overcoming some real obstacles. Jennifer admits that high school had its challenges for a student with ADHD but that later in her art career she would use that as one of her greatest assets. At first she chose the path of becoming a hair stylist where she worked with an artist friend and mentor who encouraged her to pursue her art more seriously. She steadily grew her collectors while working at that job but it wasn't until the passing of her younger brother and his words of advice, when she finally decided to pursue her art full time.

We talk about her process, use of materials, and how she works on multiple projects at one time. She also shares how she sells her art which is very helpful advice. We talk about her successes of her art being featured on HGTV's 'Love It Or List It' and other well known media.

We also discuss the opening of her new studio and what that experience has been like for her. She has two very adorable little kitties I just had to know more about too!

And as if Jennifer wasn’t amazing enough, she is so generously offering 100% of the proceeds of the Sale of this Painting to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarships! The purchase of this one painting would almost be enough for an entire scholarship! I was literally moved to tears when she offered it!!!

Original ART by Jennifer Flannigan 24” x 24”

YOU CAN PURCHASE THIS ORIGINAL JENNIFER FLANNIGAN ART HERE

I so hope you will enjoy this Episode with the beautiful, talented, generous, and kind Jennifer Flannigan!!

You can Follow and Support Jennifer here:

Website: http://jenniferflanniganart.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyjenniferflannigan/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jenniferflanniganart/

Shop: https://jennifer-flannigan-art.myshopify.com/

YOU CAN LISTEN AND WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Introducing Jane Gianarelli - April's Featured Creative - Episode 16

If you follow me, you probably have a love for Interior Design and Room Renderings. Well, I have a real treat for you today! Meet my friend, and fellow Italian, Jane Gianarelli! In today’s Episode we talk about how she combined her two passions of Interior Design and Fine Art into a thriving niche business!

I have followed Jane for a long time on Instagram because I love a good room sketch! Jane’s work is so incredibly beautiful and well executed. We have similar backgrounds as Interior Designers. We discuss how there is just no way you can illustrate a room like this without understanding all the details that go into Interior Design. What she creates is a true ART-FORM and can not be replaced by a tech app! Like Jane, I too loved the rendering part of the Interior Design process (which I am now turning into larger fine art paintings) where as she has created a thriving business rendering for top Interior Designers all throughout the United States.

Credit to Shay Geyer & IBB Design

This is such a fun Episode and just another amazing example of how you can turn your art into an abundant and joyful day job!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE!

You can follow and support Jane Gianarelli here:

https://janegianarelli.com/

https://www.instagram.com/janegianarelli/

https://www.facebook.com/jane.gianarelli

April's Featured Artist - Aaron Christensen of Embellishments Studio - Episode 15

Happy Spring! Welcome to EPISODE #15 with the Brilliant - Aaron Christensen!

I’m so excited about this month’s Featured Artist for a couple of reasons. Introducing Aaron Christensen of Embellishments Studio! First of all, Aaron is a very good friend. We met years ago at the ABC KIDS EXPO in Las Vegas when we were both designing a lot of products for the children’s decor industry. It took about a minute to feel like we had been friends for a very long time. I was there with my BFF Stacy Axan and between the quick whit and banter of the two of them I was left in tears, laughing for hours. So it’s no surprise that his personal charm would translate easily into the gorgeous art he creates for Boys and Teen rooms.

When I started this podcast I knew I had to have him on, not only because he’s such a wonderful creative soul, but because I’m fascinated by how he has created a profitable niche for his art. This is something I wanted to share with the younger artists out there, that finding a niche and mastering your craft in that niche, can be a very viable way to make a living as an artist.

Aaron has designed for major retail companies such as Target, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Z Gallerie just to name a FEW! He’s also been featured on Apartment Therapy, HGTV, MTV Cribs….designed for celebrities etc…the list goes on and on! So how honored am I to have had the opportunity to pick his brain on this Episode AND even more honored that he is donating 20% of the sales from his New Rough Game Sports Collection (for the month of April) to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship!!! WOW!

Speaking of the Scholarship, I have received the applications and they are ALL SO GOOD!! I have already selected the recipient of the Dance Scholarship and I can not wait to share her story and that of the selected Visual Artist with you! Look for a future YouTube video on that! The Scholarships for 2019 will be awarded on June 4th and of course I’ll be posting about that here as well!! It’s going to be so fun to follow these young creatives on their amazing journey’s! Thank you so much for supporting this Mission to Support The ARTS!!

I hope you will really enjoy this Episode with Aaron and there is a pretty funny Bonus Episode at the end where we talk about ‘The Squirrel’ Soooo cute!

Other places you can Follow and Support Aaron Christensen:

https://www.Embellishmentsstudio.com

https://www.Facebook.com/AaronChristensenArtist

https://www.Instagram.com/AaronChristensenArt

https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/aaron_christensen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristensenartist

https://twitter.com/AChristensenArt

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE!

Shop The Rough Game Sports Collection

PS If you Like these Episodes it would mean so much to me and help spread the word if you would Subscribe to my Channel!!

xoxo Mari

March's Featured Artist - Bridgette Thornton - Episode #13

Introducing the very lovely & talented Bridgette Thornton of Paint & Petals! Bridgette is my Featured Artist for the month of March! You can now Listen and Watch the Full Episode HERE! While you are there I would love it if you left a comment, gave it a thumbs up, or even better, subscribed to my YouTube Channel. All those things will help spread the word about these amazing artists who are sharing so much great advice!

Bridgette Thornton of Paint & Petals is a very successful commercial illustrator. Have you ever wondered how artists collaborate with large retail companies like Anthropologie and Serena & Lily? Bridgette has collaborations with both and she’s sharing how she made it happen!

In this episode we talk about her tenacity and how she was able to connect with these brands and build a successful career as an artist licensing to them.

Bridgette's joyful and colorful floral paintings translate beautifully onto her own line of stationery, greeting cards, wrapping paper and textiles. We talk about the specifics of how she creates those items as well as what it's really like to work with large home decor companies.

She also share some incredibly helpful resources for any artist looking to make a profitable living from their craft. She is lovely and positive and her advice at the end is incredibly inspirational.

As this month’s Featured Artist, 20% of the Proceeds from the Sale of Bridgette’s ‘Sage Print’ will go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship. Thank you so much Bridgette! I am also excited to share that the deadline for submissions for the 2 visual arts scholarships will also be coming up this month. I can’t wait to see the art these young artists are creating!! Stay tuned for that!

Other places you can Follow & Support Bridgette Thornton:

http://bridgettethornton.art

https://www.facebook.com/paintandpetalsart

https://www.pinterest.com/bridgette_thornton

https://www.instagram.com/paintandpetals

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE WITH BRIDGETTE THORNTON HERE

Introducing Interior Designer - Kerrie Kelly - February's Creative Entrepreneur

Episode # 12 Is LIVE with the very talented Kerrie Kelly!

It’s such a small world when you meet someone through social media and become good friends only to find out later that you both went to the same college and have a love for the same things. That’s how my friendship with the beautiful Kerrie Kelly all began. I knew when I started this podcast I wanted to have her on the show because she has been so successful with her Interior Design business on many different levels.

Have you ever wondered how designers create their own home decor product lines or how they collaborate with big brands? In this interview with Interior Designer Kerrie Kelly, she shares how she connected with home decor companies such as Feizy Rugs, Coyote Outdoor Living, Go Home, LTD. to design collections for them.

That's just the beginning. We also talk about the many avenues an Interior Designer can branch into and the multitude of different projects she's been involved in, including being a spokesperson for Zillow, a home contributor to Style Magazine, national board member to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a member of the editorial board of Furniture, Lighting & Decor Magazine. Kerrie also shares a wealth of great advice for young designers and anyone interested in living out their dreams as a creative entrepreneur.

You can Listen & Watch Episode 12 HERE

Other places you can find Kerrie Kelly:

https://kerriekelly.com

https://www.instagram.com/kerrielkelly/

https://www.facebook.com/kkdesignlab

https://www.pinterest.com/kerriekelly/

https://www.houzz.com/pro/kerriekelly/

Introducing February's Featured Artist - Kristi Kohut of HapiArt

Episode # 11 is LIVE and it is full of Inspiration!

She's been named one of "The 7 Next Big Thing Artists" by Elle Decor Magazine and once you see all her beautiful artwork, you'll know exactly why.

If you ever wondered what it would be like to live a life as a full time mixed media artist then this is the episode for you! Kristi Kohut had a very successful career in the world of advertising but when her son was born she knew it was time to follow her passion of creating art. Through many hours of trial and error, infused with a lot of Play, her artistic creations began to take form, many of them 3 dimensionally.

In her interview we talk about how she creates her colorful pieces of art and sculptures which is a process unlike any I've ever heard about.

We also discuss her creative approach on how she sells her art to collectors and interior designers. This inspiring creative journey through the eyes of Kristi Kohut will make you want to surround yourself with her Colorful ART!

As this Vlogcast has evolved I’ve examined different ways to include the artist in the Give Back component. Not only is the Featured Artist sharing valuable advice to younger creatives, they are generously offering 20% of the Sale of a selected piece on their site to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship. This offering is only good for the month they are featured. I’m thrilled to announce that this gorgeous piece by Kristi Kohut is our selected piece of art. You can purchase this piece HERE. Titled ‘Be Vibrant’ - so perfect for the month of LOVE!

Other places you can follow and support Kristi Kohut:

https://kristikohut.studio/

https://www.facebook.com/Hapiart/

https://twitter.com/Hapiart

http://hapiart.tumblr.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hapiart/

https://www.pinterest.com/hapiart/

LISTEN & WATCH EPISODE # 11 WITH KRISTI KOHUT - HERE

Introducing The Brilliant Erin Summer - January's Featured Creative Entrepreneur!

EPISODE #10 is LIVE and you are all in for a real treat! Erin Summer is an Art Director, Content Creator, Photographer, Color Enthusiast and Crazy Dog Lady! What’s not to love about all of that?!

Erin and I met on Instagram and I instantly fell in love with her colorful, quirky, playful graphics and gifs.

But come to find out that is her New Account. Previously Erin created some of the most gorgeous feather accessories I have ever seen! @ErinLightFeather on Instagram Unfortunately (or fortunately) a health issue forced her to reinvent herself into her new career as the Creative Art Director of Erin Summer where she creates graphics and branding for companies big and small.

On the EPISODE we dive into how this transformation happened for her and the amazing companies she now works with. Erin shares some really wonderful advice on how she overcame a difficult challenge to find her true purpose as an artist and creative entrepreneur.

We also talk about the different platforms where an artist can sell their work such as Red Bubble, Society 6 and ETSY. Super interesting!

Erin is a beautiful soul and it was a true pleasure to have the opportunity to interview her…there’s a pretty funny blooper at the end of the episode too! Please enjoy EPISODE 10 and make sure to follow Erin Here:

Website: www.erinsummer.com

Instagram: @erinsummer_

Shop: Erin Summer Society 6

My 'Artist In Residence' Experience - Graduate Hotel, Berkeley

I recently had the most wonderful experience as an artist in one of my favorite towns in California, Berkeley. I discovered the charming boutique hotel, the Graduate, when moving my daughter into her dorm room at UC Berkeley this past fall. Not only is the hotel right next door to her dorms but it is incredibly charming and loaded with character!

You know when you walk into a hotel and there is an Ashley Longshore painting in the entrance, you are in for an intriguing experience! Once the Durant Hotel, now given new life as the Graduate Hotel, it is full of quirky college themed items based off of the 1968 movie The Graduate which takes place at UC Berkeley (although some of the scenes were actually filmed at USC - fun fact).

The rooms are fully appointed with everything you need and the attention to college themed detail is impressive. I’ve been an Interior Designer for almost 15 years and I can honestly say this hotel is at the top of my list when it comes to clever design. As an artist, the design is incredibly inspiring as well.

The mix of old world ikat rugs and houndstooth blankets, with original art and lamps that appear, a-hem…, ‘multi-functional’, one gets the impression that the person who stays here is well read and well traveled.

When checking in to the hotel you at first don’t realize the the entire back wall behind the reception desk is actually hundreds of National Geographic magazines! Come on! Who thinks of this stuff?! I die!

Of course there is a fun Bar & Grill next to the lobby I just had to do a quick sketch!

Also in the lobby, they have the most adorable vintage bikes you can use. In Cal Bear colors of course!

The campus of Berkeley is simply beautiful and loaded with history. Did you know there are 41 libraries on campus? So no excuses for not having a place to study. If it were me I would live at the historic Doe Memorial Library! It’s just so, so charming and cozy!

UC Berkeley

As a proud parent of UC Berkeley student, I’m looking forward to many more visits there and discovering more of the wonderful attractions Berkeley has to offer. While staying at the amazing Graduate Hotel we also discovered some super places to eat and shop, but that’s a post for another time. We will definitely be going back to stay at the Graduate, Berkeley not only for it’s great location to everything but because the place is so warm and inviting, the staff is so kind, and it feels like home away from home…and it didn’t hurt to know that the urinal in the men’s bathroom is Stanford red… OK I may have taken a picture of that too!

Happy New Year! Meet January's Featured Artist - Gina Julian!

I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year but with the incredibly talented, abstraction artist, Gina Julian! You can listen, and watch, her EPISODE HERE!

Gina and I became friends via Instagram a few years ago. I’m so drawn to beautiful, colorful art and her work does not disappoint! Before she created her latest OP Art series I was fascinated by her colorful portraits, which come to find out, are all created on her computer! Amazing!

In her interview she shares a lot of helpful advice for artists and how to promote and sell your work. I loved her tips and plan on incorporating them into my own business.

Gina is my First Featured Artist of the New Year and I couldn’t be more honored to share her work with you! Because Gina is the featured artist, two of her beautiful Origami Art Prints will be available in the in Give Back Category of my online Shop for the month of January, 2019. The proceeds from the sale of these monthly artist prints go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship. The first of these scholarships will be awarded this Spring!

Happy New Year everyone and please enjoy this very colorful and fun interview with artist, Gina Julian!

LISTEN (& WATCH)THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places you can find & follow Gina Juilan:

Website: http://www.GinaJulian.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.c.julian

Instagram: @gina_julian

December's Featured Creative Entrepreneur - Interior Designer Abbe Fenimore

I can’t think of a better, more creative person, to end 2018 then my dear friend, the very talented Interior designer, Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25! Listen & watch her Podcast Episode Here.

Abbe’s GORGEOUS home office! Just a small taste of how talented this lady is!

It was such a treat to interview Abbe for this month’s Featured Podcast Episode because I have been a huge fan of her beautiful designs for a very long time. In the episode she very generously shares what it's like to own a design business, from how she began, to what it's like on a day to day basis.

Abbe is one of the very few designers that actually inspires me so much that I want to paint her rooms.

I also asked Abbe about her advice for someone who is thinking about pursuing a career as an Interior Designer and she shares a wealth of helpful ideas. It’s soooo good! We discuss several of her projects, her upcoming book, and her Design Trends and Predictions for 2019! (and it’s not what you might think.)

Among a very long list of successes, which she is very humble about, Abbe has been named the Best Interior Designer in Dallas, Texas since 2012. Her bold, colorful and sophisticated style has led to her being featured in Apartment Therapy, Rue Daily, The Washington Post, The New York Times, HGTV, Better Homes and Gardens and many more shelter publications. You can view them HERE.

This was a project we collaborated on. I designed the watercolor fabric for her drapes in this beautiful home she designed. You can see more pictures of it HERE.

I hope you will find a little time, perhaps when your wrapping all your holiday gifties, to listen (and watch) her Interview. This episode is especially insightful if you are interested in Interior design; becoming one or hiring one. Happy Holidays and Thank You for supporting the ARTS!

Other Places You Can Find Abbe Fenimore - Studio Ten 25

Website: http://www.StudioTen25.com

Facebook: Studio Ten 25

Twitter & Instagram: @StudioTen25

Shop: http://www.ShopTen25.com

Pinterest: Abbe Fenimore

LISTEN & WATCH TO THE FULL EPISODE WITH ABBE FENIMORE OF STUDIO TEN 25

December's Featured Artist - Mark Bryan

Welcome to December! This month's Featured Artist is the very, VERY talented, Mark Bryan.

Some art is pretty to look at. Some art is an optical illusion. Then there is art that makes you think. Mark's art is the latter of the three. Every painting takes the viewer deep into a story of what dreams, maybe nightmares, are made of. Add the fact that Mark is a true Master at his craft, it becomes hard to believe that some of these creatures may not actually come to life at any moment!

I first saw Mark's work at our mutual friend's printing shop. To see one of his pieces in person is quite an experience. I was so intrigued by the subject matter that I remember asking our friend, "What do you think he means with all this?" He replied, “You’ll have to ask him.”

There is so much going in on his paintings, I just had to know more. So I asked about who he was and when I realized he lived very close to me I was hoping I could have him as a guest on my podcast. Much to my surprise, he graciously said yes!

You see, I think Mark is kind of a big deal. He is very accomplished and has exhibited his work all over the world. He has created numerous book covers and has been the featured artist in several magazines including Juxtapoz and several others. He has a MFA from the prestigious Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles and started his career working with the early founders of the Chicano Art movement (Los Four). You can read his impressive biography HERE.

Some of Mark's work will definitely hit a nerve and make some feel uncomfortable. It actually did for me at first but after I interviewed him and I understood how all of his life's experiences would lead him to being this type of a painter, it all made complete sense. Mark's work makes you feel and question and think about things. He is, in a way, documenting current events and presenting his opinion on them in the form of art. This is something I really love. Free Speech at it's finest!

So maybe you won't agree with what he's saying with his art or maybe you'll be like many who thank Mark for "painting the way they feel". Which ever side you're on, this is noteworthy art and I feel incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to meet and interview him.

Beyond some of his more famous political satirical paintings, there are other more surreal, whimsical ones that I like so, so much. The two below are some of my favorites!

That’s why I’m so excited that for the month of December Mark has graciously offered these two prints for sale in the Give Back category of my shop. He is also generously waiving his commission so that 100% of the proceeds can go to The Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarships. Did I also mention what a kind and exceptional person Mark is?!

I sincerely hope you will have the chance to listen, and watch, this super interesting interview with the very talented Mark Bryan.

If you're looking for a great gift you might also consider adding Mark's book to your library! You can purchase it HERE.

Other places to follow Mark Bryan:
Website: http://www.artofmarkbryan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtofMarkBryan/
Instagram: @markbryanart
If you live on the Central Coast you can see Mark's current exhibit of paintings in person at Frameworks Gallery in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Love Lou Lou Podcast Episode 7 - Interview with Artist- Mark Bryan