Featured Etsy Shop - WO STUDIOS

FANTASIES

Click on the above link to see and learn more about this striking piece of art)

Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART

 Painting by Destiny Womack - dWo - 16x20

I happened to run across this fantastic artist when posting in the Etsy forums for shops who wanted their Etsy minis on my blog.  I was immediately entranced with all the vivid colors and shapes of Destiny's  paintings, so I asked her if she would like to be featured.  Happily, she said YES.

Be sure to check out the "June Specials", that are running in WO STUDIOS!

Be sure to read her interview below and then pay a visit to her Etsy shop, WO STUDIOS to see more of her contemporary paintings.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have created many different forms of art my whole life. It was just something that was in me begging to come out - I started painting when I was younger, but it wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I started becoming very serious about it... it was something that just called to me .

 How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

It was hard, and I tried everything, but the first time I got myself covered in paint I was hooked. Something about taking something that is a liquid and turning into something with such depth really did it for me.

THE WAY TO PARADISE

(Click on the painting's title above to learn more about it)

SALE - Original ABSTRACT Modern Contemporary Fine ART Painting by dWo - LARGE 36x24

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I find it all very enjoyeable. The best thing for me is to just let go and lose myself in the painting in the beginning, and then the finished product is my next favorite part.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I would choose a kiwi.... because at first glance it is something unique and different, a little scary to take in but when you bite into it, is a wonderful new experience sweet and delightful, and nothing like it appears at first.

MY SECRET GARDEN 

(click on the above title to learn more about this print)

by dWO

FREE SHIPPING - 11x14 Abstract Contemporarary Modern Surreal Floral Fine ART PRINT

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be, and why?

I would choose music. I have always had a deep love for it, the composition of music, the writing of the lyrics and perfecting vocal technique. Music can move your soul just as much as looking at a painting

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I want to convey that you don't have to have a literal object to tell you what to feel or see when you look at a painting. I want my art to be a glimpse into my imagination and hopefully it leads others to take a journey through theirs.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don't be afraid to be different, and let others into your world. Even though you may think your world is a little strange, unusual or just downright scary, don't be afraid to share it with others. The best part about any art is being able to see the world and feel it through someone else's eyes.

Great art and interview, Destiny!  One can really use one's imagination when looking at your paintings.  Each person, I'm sure, sees something different when they look at your paintings!   That's what makes them so  unique!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - Artist, Painter, Illustrator, Gwen Duda at GwensArtDreamscape

Gwen Duda Fine Art Original Oil Painting-titled While I Lie Here...

I'm happy to weclome Gwen Duda, a fine artist and illustrator to be a featured artist here on DZFANTASY. Gwen creates her paintings using oils, acrylics, watercolor and more as her mediums.  Be sure to pay a visit to Gwen's Etsy shop....GWENS ART DREAMSCAPE!  You will find a wonderful variety in her subject matter.

But first....take some time to read Gwen's interview below.  I always find it fascinating to learn a bit about the artist behind the wonderful creations.

What led you to start creating your art?

I was just doing it without any outer motivation. It was totally inner driven. I have always been creating, as a young child as far back as I can remember.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Oils are luscious, mysterious. Acrylics are fast and immediate. I like both. I would love to sculpt, work with glass, metal, clay. I would love to design clothing work with textiles. Papers are beautiful. I would need nine lifetimes to even feel slightly satiated creatively. For now I paint and to get proficient in that skill one does have to study in that area. Painting is the medium that allows me to convey emotions, to help the viewer experience their own life, their own responses, their own emotional terrain. I think that is why I stay focused on it.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Just that, the engagement of the viewer and how it interacts with their world view, their emotional terrain.

Gwen Duda Original Acrylic Painting titled- While the Cat is Away

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art, what would you choose and why?

*laughing* Hmmm, maybe grapes in that you can drink them juiced, ferment them to wine and they change your perception, eat them and be refreshed, or be more than sweetened having them as jam or jelly. My work is eclectic, yet has an similar emotive ability through all my work.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

Music - I think it is even MORE communicative in that it needs no language to convey its message or to connect.

Gwen Duda Fine Art Original Oil Painting 16 in x 16 in Sunflower - Direct from Artist

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?

Each piece has it's own value, its own message to the viewer, and I let it be between them.

What advice do you hve for other artists/crafters?

I paint, I create because I have to. It's part of who I am, it's genetically imbued in my cells I guess you would say. Each has to determine for themselves why they do what they do and why they want to continue or not. Keep the flame alive and don't look to the outside for validation of your work. It's nice if you get it but it won't motivate you consistently. Good luck and good art to you!

Gwen, thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and artistic creativity with all of us.  You not only express yourself well with a brush, but also with words.  Great thoughts and paintings!
 
To learn more about Gwen and her creations, be sure to visit her links below:
 

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GWEN'S WEBPAGE

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - BLUE BIRDS AND BLOSSOMS

Berries purple pink fuschia warm scarf hand knit

by

Romy

WELCOME, Romy and her Etsy shop BLUE BIRDS AND BLOSSOMS.  When you pay a visit to Romy's shop, you will find not only a wide variety of handknit scarves and neck warmers, but also her delightful, original fine art....STILL LIFE, ABSTRACT, LANDSCAPES and more! 

First, let's take a moment to learn a bit more about this talented artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Like many people I did a lot of arts and crafts when I was a child. I think my mom probably still has some of my childhood drawings from when I was about 5 years old.


In college, I studied earth sciences, never took any art classes, as I was planning to work in the science field. I guess you could say through a twist of fate I wound up working as a photographer. Science became the hobby and art became the career. From there I just kept expanding into different art mediums… photography, painting, fiber arts, etc.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I think the mediums choose me. Seems like I'm drawn to them, the creative energy seems to flow through me to whatever medium - like an urge to express that energy.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

The whole process… from being inspired and coming up with ideas for new pieces, to creating those pieces, and finally hearing from collectors how much they enjoy that artwork in their home makes the circle complete.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Had to think about this one… I'd say a wild fruit tree. They grow as part of the local ecosystem and according to the local micro-climate conditions. Wild fruit trees aren't dependant on all the inputs of fertilizer and stuff that a cultivated fruit tree is, they adapt to whatever is available. Times when everything they need is in abundance they give sweet and tasty fruit that you can't find in any store.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Probably either clay, mosaics, or landscape design. (Guess I couldn't choose just one - laughing). I enjoy working with my hands and also enjoy working with the earth. When I see a bare patch of ground in the garden I imagine all the beautiful flowers and edibles that can grow in that space.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

My personal belief is to try to contribute positively to the world in whatever I do. Through my art I try to convey the beauty and simplicity of the natural world… as our lives get more hectic, complicated, and technologically advanced I find myself longing for the simpler things in life. So through art, I try to give the viewer not only a positive place to escape to for a moment, but a space to explore their own personal connection with the natural world.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Believe in your abilities… always keep learning, growing, and experimenting with your art or craft. As far as the business side goes… continue to educate yourself on running a business. Realize that it takes a lot of discipline and perseverance to be self employed, and it takes even greater perseverance to be self employed in the arts field.

GREAT, interview, Romy!  I love how you express yourself, not only in your creative talents, but in your words as well.
 
To learn more about this delightful artist, visit her links below.  Romy has also started "featuring" other artists (myself included), and you can read about them on her blog.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOPS - MEREDITH COLLINS & FIX DESIGN

Art Nouveau inspired silhouette

by

Meredith Collins

Ta Moko 1, oil on canvas original painting

by Meredith Collins

In this "artist feature", I am showing the work of Meredith Collins, who is a very talented artist as you can see by her original oil painting shown above entitled TA MOKO 1. Above that photo you will see another side of Meredith's creativity.....her "Art Nouveau inspired silhouette created in felt.

Meredith has two shops on Etsy, FIX DESIGN, which is where you will find her felt shapes of leaves, butterflies, feathers, birds, silhouettes and more, which you can purchase to embellish your own creations, and her other shop, MEREDITH COLLLINS, where you will see her original oil paintings. Let's learn a bit more about Meredith by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I’ve been drawing since I could clutch a crayon in my hand (my left hand, incidently). Painting followed shortly after, but what really kept me going as a kid was my massive pencil case full of felt pens. I always knew I would go to art school and do the gallery/exhibiting thing. The thing that’s taken me by surprise is my relatively recent love of all things crafty! My sister (www.twolimeleaves.wordpress.com) is a genius quilter and crafter and it was her that really got me into it. Before that I guess you could say I was a bit of a purest snob! No longer!

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Oil paint is glorious! Nothing compares, so that’s an easy decision. On the crafting side of things I love the feel and application of felt. Its extremely versatile and pleasantly tactile

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

It can be enormously satisfying to create something out of raw materials. A blank canvas to a mesmerising face, or a square of red felt to a pile of luscious flowers.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

An apple- Simple, divine, and balanced.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I would love to add sculpting to my repertoire. I used to make all sorts of creatures from DAS when I was a kid, but its been a while since Ive had my hands in clay.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

That life is beautiful and worth celebrating.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep doing the best you can do. Create with your heart, not your mind. Listen to the critics but remember only the good comments! Someone once said that critics are to artists what a bicycle is to a fish. I like that!

Thanks, Meredith, for sharing both sides of your creativity with everyone, and giving us a bit of an insight as to what makes you the talented artist that you are.

You can visit either of Meredith's shops on Etsy by clicking on the links below.

FIX DESIGN BLOG

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - TARA CREATIONS

ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING- Make Way

The work of this "budding young artist", as Tara of TARA CREATIONS on Etsy calls herself, is quite wonderful! I think her abstract paintings have a magical quality to them with the colors and designs she creates. You will want to be sure to visit TARA CREATIONS to see for yourself just how beautiful they are. First, let's learn a bit more about Tara as she tells us about herself in her own words below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Nilgiris (meaning the Blue Mountains) is among one of the most popular tourist attractions in southern India. It’s a hill station blessed with natural creeks and rivers, gorgeous flowers and gigantic trees with almost all the shades of green that you can ever see on earth, and I was blessed to be born there. My earliest work in school, that I remember painting, was that of a leaf and then a tree. I believe my scenic motherland led me to create my art. Painting and drawing always has been a part of me since my childhood. It’s in me and always will be. My art teacher in school, my parents, my sister and my brother have played a great role helping me develop my art through their constructive criticisms.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I mostly did sketches with pencils in the past. These days, I work with Oils and Acrylics after being exposed to some of the greatest artists’ works that are found online, which turned into great inspirations for my medium of work.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Frankly speaking, the actual process of painting is the most enjoyable because I just am out of this world when I do it. I am at a state of peace and joy when I do it and never want to stop. (That is- if my one year old doesn’t wake up from his sleep in the middle of the night!!) Now that I have started to sell my paintings to others, I believe I am being able to share the same feelings of joy and peace to those of you buy, or just even stop by at my online stores to admire them.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Orange! It’s so colorful that it pops out amongst others and has many nutritious benefits too. So is fine art. It mostly is colorful; a painting with warm colors that can warm up a room can do the same to your spirit.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I would have been a graphic artist- because that’s something that amazes me and there again you have an endless possibility of bringing your imagination to life and play with a million shades of colors and an added benefit - actually edit them until you are satisfied.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I enjoy creating my artwork; I am at a state of peace and am happy when I create it. Hoping to pass joy and peace to all the wonderful people who can appreciate or admire my work. Happiness is very contagious!!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I am a budding artist and don’t have any great advice for others- but here is what I believe artists and crafters should do- Keep dreaming, keep creating!!

TARA, thanks for sharing your wonderful work, and also for giving us a bit of an insight as to what makes you the delightful artist that you are.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - HJM ART GALLERY by HELEN JONOW MIQUEO

Huge Original Landscape Red Poppies Painting - Night California Poppies

by

Helen Jonow Miqueo

"This painting is for your soul! Freshness and eternal freedom of this artwork will inspire you and make your walls truly alive!"

Helen is definitely an inspired artist with her colorful, abstract paintings! They will truly make a wall come alive, as she states in her description above! I'm very happy to have Helen and her wonderful artwork out here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist. Be sure to pay HJM ART GALLERY on Etsy a visit. First, lets learn a bit more about Helen and her creative talent.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I can say that I have been painting since I was born. As long as I remember, I have been creating something. Creativity was always in my family. My grandfather wanted to be an artist, but World War II interrupted his dreams. My grandmother was an incredibly talented woman who created very beautiful, intricate embroidery and crochet-work. My mother is an architect. Following in my family’s steps, I am also an artist.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Over the years I have been trying and experimenting with many different mediums and techniques: oil, tempera, gouache, acrylics… I settled on acrylics. I create my pouring paintings by mixing acrylic paint with water and pouring the mixture onto the canvas, creating free-flowing shapes and forms. This technique requires a lot of flexibility from a painting medium and acrylics are just perfect for it. The main advantage of acrylics is that they are water-based and can be used as watercolors or as an opaque medium. Drying time is excellent as well as their tolerance for correction.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love it all: from mixing the paint to the final touch ups.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Interesting question. It would definitely be a multi-layered fruit with many different hidden elements. When the paint mixes, it creates many different shapes, shades and forms. Every time one looks at the painting, something new is discovered. So, the first thing that comes to mind would be a pomegranate.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I think it would be photography. I took a photography class in college and was fascinated with the ability of light to capture, convey and preserve for eternity the fleeting moments of life.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

My art doesn’t have a specific message, but it has a meaning. The meaning of my art is my imagination, and through imagination people can connect with each other on a different kind of level. I also hope that people enjoy my art as much as I have enjoyed creating it.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Never give up! Art is a tough business with a lot of competition. It is so easy to get discouraged and give up. No matter what others say or advise you to do, believe in yourself and stay the course.

Helen, great art and advice! I don't know how anyone could look at your colorful, imaginative paintings and not see "joy" in them. They are wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone.

To learn more about Helen and her art, be sure to visit the links below.

HJM BLOG

SPRING FLING PART II - If you are looking for SPRING, you'll find it on ETSY!

SPRING FLING - PART II

Come join me in the second series of delightful, colorful spring items from a collection of shops on ETSY. Whether you live in an area where it finally looks like spring has sprung, or you live in a warm climate all year long, I'm sure you will enjoy what the following shops have to offer.

This is SPRING FLING - PART II. I will have a SPRING FLING III out here in the next week or two. ENJOY!!

Girls' Peach Gown with Ruffled Overskirt and Gold Accents, Size 4

SHOP: Needful Things of Salem
Baby items, children clothes, stuffed animals and more

SKETCHY PETALS PRINT

SHOP: ALISHA VERNON

Sketchy petal prints and abstract prints

Crochet Necklace--3 Tiered Bright Amber Yellow with Bead

SHOP: SUMPIN ELSE

Handcrafted custom gifts, journals, cards, boxes, frames and more

Garden Green Floral White and Brown Spring Flowers DiY Adjustable Silver Tone Circle Ring

SHOP: SPARKLE ME

Rings (Kawaii, gothic, elegant, geekery) necklaces, magnets and more

GISELLE NECKLACE
SHOP: KRISTEN ANN
Earrings, Necklaces and Bangles

Flower Photo Note Card Sets

SHOP: PAST PERFECT
Fine art photo prints and cards

Handpainted Original Puzzle Charm SPRING DELIGHT

SHOP: PIECES OF ME by LMG DESIGN

Jewelry, Charms, stationery

Daisy the Any Occasion messenger dog
SHOP: WISH WITH ME
Soft sculpted dolls, animals, crocheted bags

TWEET TWEET BIRDIES

SHOP: COTTAGE DAY DREAMS

Handmade cottage-style tablecloths, aprons, comforters, quilts, pillows and more

DARLIN DIVAS Hand Painted Wooden Wall Letters shown in Storybook font

SHOP: POSH DOTS

Custom, Handpainted Wooden Letters and Decor

Paper Crochet Single Egg Holder

SHOP: MY THETA

Crochet and Fiber Goods

Iris Flower Art-Turn the Tide

SHOP: ALL KINDS OF ART

Artwork, Pins/Jewelry, Purses, Fiber Baskets and more

Diane, Her Iris Vase and Her Dog - set of 5 magnets

SHOP: TAMER HAMMER

Whimsical paintings, greeting cards, magnets and more

Mesh Cap with Flower - Ivory - Newborn to Child Sizes - Perfect Spring or Summer Cap
SHOP: CHARBRIDGE KNITS AND GIFTS
Fun, whimsical handmade knits for kids of all ages

Scrabble Tile Pendant - Bunny Rabbits and Carrot

SHOP: SQUARES OF FLAIR

Scrabble Tile Pendants

SPRING BIRDHOUSE

SHOP: PURPLE SMURPLE

Handpainted items

Kiwi - ceramic necklace

SHOP: 3 SQUARES

JEWELRY: Metal necklaces, glass necklaces, earrings and more

IMPRESSION

SHOP: DIAMOND SEEDS

Unique handcrafted Jewelry

Silver Filigree Leaf Spring Necklace blue green pink antiqued

SHOP: UNORIGINAL SINNER

Unique Clockwork Steampunk Bohemian Victorian Jewelry

Give Me A Boost Frog Vase

SHOP: LISA D. POTTERY

Raku Pottery

SPRING FLING....SIGNS OF SPRING ON ETSY...!

WHERE OH WHERE IS SPRING? It wasn't outside my window this morning, not with 4" of heavy wet snow out there . Well....maybe...that IS spring in Wisconsin.

SPRING is definitely popping out in many of the shops on Etsy. I have gathered together some delightful, colorful items from various Etsy shops that have a wonderful "springy" look to them, and have brought them out here for all to enjoy in a SPRING FLING!! This is the first group of shops, to be included in the SPRING FLING, I will be adding another group of shops within the next week or two, so do stop back!

I hope you enjoy the lovely collection of spring items below. To visit any of the shops just click on the shop's name below the little photos.

Home Garden Decor Floral Bee Skep Bee Hive

SHOP: BARBARA LUCORE

Floral wreaths, arrangements, necklaces, pendants and more.

Spring Will Come - Digital Painting - 11 x 14 matted
SHOP: ART2ART COLORADO
Paintings, Collages, Digital Art, 3D Assemblage and more

Green Ruffle Leaf Necklace

SHOP: STOKES GALLERIES

Nature Inspired Polymer Clay Jewlery

Abstract Butterflies Tie-Dyed Silk Scarf

SHOP: MADE WITH LOVING HANDS

Handpainted Silk Scarves

Pink Paper Butterfly Necklace

SHOP: PAPER DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Origami earrings, necklace,

Aqua Earrings

SHOP: DESIGNS BY TWILIGHT

Jewelry - Earrings and necklaces

The BLANCHE in Wonderful Stripes

SHOP: CHICKY BAGS

Colorful, fabric handbags

Deep Red Lily Earrings

SHOP: TABBY TOO

Garden Inspired Jewelry

FAITH - An angel of courage keepsake

SHOP: PAMELA JEAN'S KNITTING GARDEN

Lovely keepsake angels, and knitted hats

Birth of a Fern

SHOP: URBAN DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography

Ballerina Dance Flower Earrings

SHOP: CYNENSEMBLE

Unique Jewelry for Unique People

FLORA HEADPIECE

SHOP: TALKING TO UNICORNS

Beautiful hair decorations for the dreamer in you

Handmade HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER, Fused Glass and Copper, LAVENDER
SHOP: GLORIOUS GLASS GARDEN
HANDMADE Stained Glass GARDEN Bird Baths and Feeders

PinwheelBloom VickieBag

SHOP: MILLIE FERN

Handcrafted Originals, Bag, Plush Toys and more

Lavender Smocked Bishop Dress

SHOP: AMBERLY JOY

Children's clothes, smocked dresses, hair accessories

3 Vibrant yellow Spring daffodils handknitted in knitted vase

SHOP: NIFTY KNITS

Hand knitted flowers, jewelry and collectibles

Fresh Flowers Shabby cottage chic chipped sign

SHOP: SIGNS BY DIANE

Shabby and cottage chic vintage inspired wood signs

Sweet Leaves - Blossom Blue Branches (set of 3)

SHOP: JANE JOSS

Original floral designs

White with Light Pink Polkadot Flower Loop Bow and Light Pink Interchangeable Crochet Headband

SHOP: CHICY CREATIONS

Chic Hairbows, Tutus and more

Spring time Dichroic ring

SHOP: STU STU STUDIO

Affordable Artistic Giftable Glass Jewelry & Home Decor

Isadora Dances on the Twillight Seashore-SEA POPPIES BOBBY PINS/BROOCH-Satin, Organza, Tulle, Chiffon, Svarowksi Crystal

SHOP: FLYING BUTTONS

Happy Hair Accessories, Fun Jewelry and Unique Goodies!

Iggy the Inchworm Handmade Lampwork Bead

SHOP: MAY BEADS

Handmade Lampwork Beads and Jewelry for Kids and Adults

Sealife Glass and Charm Necklace

SHOP: ROZZYTOZ

Jewelry and other beaded goods

Adorable Easter or Spring Greeting card Spring Flowers

SHOP: PERCIVAL ROAD DESIGNS

Collage and Handmade paper goods

Spring Pixie in Blue Heather

SHOP: PIXIE BELL ELFINWEAR

Whimsical Knits For Mischievous Imps!

Mosaic Birdhouse Bird Feeder

SHOP: KAYZKREATIONS

Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass for Home, Garden

THANKS, to all the lovely shops who have participated in this feature...more shops will be coming soon! I'm sure the shop owners' would appreciate any comments you may have.....so leave them here.