Ben Strawn

For a few years I have been watching from afar-the developments of a fellow painter from my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas- his name is Ben Strawn. I am completely enamored with his style-and especially the series of work I've posted here that are painted and manipulated on several layers of plexiglass. I found a great interview with him here(click 'about')-view more artwork here...purchase prints of his work here. Swoon*

Posted images copyright Ben Strawn.

Simpli Jessi

Sometimes, I can't believe how much I love handmade dolls. If I had any real sewing skills...and some patience... I think I would really enjoy making them! I especially heart the big personality's of Simpli Jessi's dolls. Those big glasses, big pensive eyes...and their little "o" mouths make them seem like they are all very surprised to see you! (I'm also a sucker for yarn hair.) Visit Simpli Jessi's blog for more. Xo

Ida

Sold(left) Oli(center) Irma (right)

Henri

Francoise

Andy (left), Sold (center and right)

Kelly Neidig

I've been admiring these landscapes by Portland, Oregon artist, Kelly Neidig. They are available for purchase through her Etsy shop...they are all small works- under 12" x 12". I find their simplicity paired with a juicy colorful painting style totally irresistible! Its funny...simplifying in artwork seems so easy...but really I find it to be the most difficult of all tasks!

River
8"x 8" oil on canvas.

Creek
12"x 12" Oil on wood.

Salmon
8"x 8" oil on canvas.

Rust
8"x 8" oil on canvas

Flying Rhymes

This artist just caught my eye on the front page of Etsy--Flying Rhymes. I'm really smitten with her Half-Moon necklaces-especially love the styling peeking out from the ruffly shirt! She also creates all kinds of home goods-and a few wearable pieces with her sweet Scandinavian hand-printed patterns. xo

Half-Moon Necklace-Softy Deer
Half-Moon Necklace-Softy Moon

Half-Moon Necklace-Softy Dog

Butter Yellow shirt with handprinted trees S/M

Violet Shirt size m hand printed and painted

Sid Sargent Retrospective

If you're somewhere in Northwest Arkansas tonight... stop by DDP Gallery to view a very special retrospective of the life's work of a truly original outsider artist, Sid Sargent. Sadly, Sid passed away last year, but she was so well-loved...really a town legend...that her friends, family and collectors came together to share her work in commemoration of her artful life. I would give anything to be there tonight....Thursday the 5th, 5-8pm (runs through the 28th) at DDP Gallery-just off the downtown Fayetteville Square. 7 E. Mountain Street. ddpgallery.com

*Cool side note: Sid and her artist son, Eugene Sargent
are distant relatives of the great John Singer Sargent.

Sid Sargent (in a hat of her own creation) and friend.

Emilie Faïf

These fabric sculptures made by Emilie Faïf stopped me in my tracks this morning. These pieces were created for and inspired by the works of Parisian fashion designer, Isabel Marant. They set my mind reeling... found thanks to Bientot Demain...again. xo

Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

found this via Free People Blog.

A Year of Color- Valentine DIY

Hello and welcome February! I am thrilled to be participating in Kari Ramstrom's special year- long blog, A Year of Color. Today you can find a tutorial I shared with her on creating my clear vinyl Full Heart Valentine Ornaments and Full Heart Cards-a kind of found confetti-shaker card. This blog is so wonderful as there are several artists assigned to each month- with a different color theme...complete with tutorials and inspiration boards. Its a super steal at only a dollar a month and can be joined by purchasing a membership here. Get an idea of the projects and themes completed so far by viewing the Flickr pool! xo