A little back story:
Before I even knew I liked to paint I had been fascinated by Claude Monet and his artwork. Being a native Chicagoan and visiting the Art Institute of Chicago on numerous occasions when I was young gave me access to seeing a lot of his work up close and in person. It was always the brushstrokes that amazed me, and how every time I saw a piece it was like viewing it for the first time. I think it was here that the seed was planted and my fascination with painting sat patiently waiting.

So when I was required to take an Art History class in college and it came time to write a research paper on an artist, the obvious choice for me was Claude Monet. I learned so much about him as an artist, as well as his technique, and just so much more.

It was still another few years until I started painting, but the very first technique I tried was impressionism. Though I have found my own style and my own way in painting, it is Monet I go back to when I need some inspiration, some encouragement that I am on the right path as an artist. Because just standing in front of his haystacks series makes me feel like that little girl again who for the first time is seeing a painting up close and in person. It centers me, and though being inspired by what is going on right now is important, I think if we take a look back to what has led us up to this point in art that we will all find new morsels of inspiration.

Here is one of my first attempts with impressionism…

image from Art of Nonconformity

I found Chris Guillebeau’s awesome website The Art of Nonconformity after finding a link over at Jess Gonacha’s site to one of his free manifestos – 279 Days to Overnight Success. There is such a wealth of knowledge on his site, and some really cool travel tips. I may have just become a reader, but since last Monday I am now someone who visits the site daily. Go check it out…

I found Lara Brehm’s lovely pattern work through Illustration Friday a few weeks ago and just fell in love. I really love her patterns, and her illustrations. I have found myself really being inspired by her patterns lately and the color combinations I have found subconsciously showing up in my work along the way.

You can check out more of her patterns and illustrations over at her blog: larabrehm.blogspot.com

She also has such an amazingly designed website: www.larabrehm.com

Not sure what has been drawing me to this time period lately, but the 1920′s have me intrigued. Mainly the fashion from the 1920′s. This all started as I am currently working on series that involves woman in different time periods in my research of the twenties I fell for the style, and so want one of these dresses. One website I found really helpful was 1920′s Fashion in Womens Clothing.

Here is a little sneak peek of what I am working on that includes 1920′s flapper style…

Happy Monday everyone! Another week begins. I thought I’d share something I found last week, a new mag called Parasol. I love how it features artists, fashion, photography, design and it’s free!! What could be better than that. Go download it…now! There is no better way to start off your week.

My favorite article which they all were, but if I had to choose the one that really stood out was Elle Moss’ photography. love it! Oh yeah there is a set of photos in there with butterflies. (I heart butterflies) Enough from me go check it out already.