1. Delightful Bubblegum Pink Bouquet by KreatedbyKelly (love the pink buttons)
2. Japanese kimono Mini granny bag, Plum Blossom White and Red by tagodesign (what a great purse for summer
3. I Trusted, But I Did Not Verify – 6×6 Original Painting by Janet Nelson (I am really digging the pop feel of this piece)
4. Rare Red Tab Key Typewriter Bracelet by lizzybleu (I bought a similar one for a coworker a couple years ago, these are so nicely made. I have been longing for one of my own ever since)

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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…

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Pepperminte’s shop: art by Caitlin Shearer

1. cecil – original painting (Really love the expression on her face)
2. cignet queen – print (I am drawn to black and white paintings lately)
3. red dress – original painting (I like that it’s see through)
   
4. secrets – print ( I really love the use of the black hair on the light background, and the yellow bow)
   

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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

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The bird theme happened quite by accident. I must subconsciously have birds on the brain this week.

1. Pauline gets a tan original painting by HeatherFuture. (all her artwork is so much fun)
2. Demented Birds Nest necklace by diamondmarine (I love bird jewelry and this one has some much dimension)
3. Birds in Flight purse by Nena Soul Fly (I am such a purse collector. This one may join my collection soon.)
4. I Think They Want Hugs original illustration on moleskin by unconventional ida (I am a big fan of her artwork, and these are affordable and useful.

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