Angelia's Art

Welcome to My Madness

2015-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

I think it's important to establish right from the beginning that this blog pertains more to what happens before the art is created. I understand your curiosity about my methods and I promise to discuss it from time to time, but quite frankly, talking about my art bores me to tears. Maybe it's not so much that I'm bored, maybe it's more that truth be told, I don't completely understand the process myself. Once the first paint hits the canvas the methods are mostly out of my control. We'll talk about that another time.

What I can tell you about my art is that it's always a manifestation of my life. My thoughts, my emotions, my faith, my interactions with others - these things tell the story of who I am and are integral to my creativity and what you ultimately view on the canvas and in the journals. I'm honored that you've stopped by for a glance and I hope you'll return. Maybe you'll even be able to leave me with some insights - I'd be honored to hear from you.

Commission: Pair on a Pear

2010-12-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

Once again, I was given free reign on this Christmas gift commission. The order: "A pear to hang in the kitchen". I'm happy to announce that the gifter said "I'm a rock star!". His wife phoned to tell me how much she loves it. Her only problem now - If she's going to buy the purple sofa or the orange one! I love these client friends and their spirit of joyful abandonment when it comes to decorating their new home!

"Pair on a Pear" 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas

I can't wait to see this painting in it's new home, and I can't wait to see which sofa gets added to the adjoining living room!

Commission Completed!

2010-11-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

It's been a few months since I've posted here, but I really have been painting! I just completed this 3 commission set of 36" x 48" acrylic paintings. These are my take on an old subject.

"See No Evil"

"Speak No Evil"

"Hear No Evil"

The happy owners proudly hung their new paintings in the foyer, and they look marvelous! It was a real pleasure to complete these - on to the next paintings!

I've also been busy with my art journals and journaling blog. Have you seen that blog? Stop on over here, I'd love to see you there!

"The Coming"

2010-06-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy my first art video!

New Basquiat Documentary!

2010-05-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

Jean-Michel Basquiat's energetic, graffiti style art has had a definite influence in my work. I'm excited to see a new documentary is out that contains information I'm unfamiliar with. I'm looking forward to seeing this film!

See another clip and read the article here.

This is my tribute to Basquiat from my banner, "A Tribute to Artists"

"Unity"

2010-02-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

This is my newest painting, "Unity". "Unity" was created as a direct result of many conver-sations I had with Mr. Angel Tenes, Executive Director of Unity Corps. Unity Corps is a progressive non-profit organization promoting the oneness of humanity. Their mission as stated is, "to seek out those individuals and groups who support the aims of racial (ethnic), religious (spiritual), and sexual non-discrimination, and to provide for the peaceful promotion of human unity via the arts, assemblage, literature, media, and other means of goodwill." I was honored to design "Unity" in support of the unity movement.
"Unity" is rich in color and symbolism. Among other symbols, the painting includes hummingbirds (messengers of hope and jubilation), ivy (connections and friendships), and Morning Glories (affection). More obvious symbolism includes the hand gesture of peace and the opposing hand gesture which is the sign of unity. My trademark dual face, butterfly and pendant are other integral symbols in this painting.

Visit the Unity Corps Website

Angelia Goes Abstract

2010-02-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

This post was still living in my drafts, but I thought even though January is long gone, I would share what I did with the first 30 days of 2010!

"Perception of Power"

I love January. January is about new beginnings and new possibilities. This January, I discovered new possibilities in going abstract!

I made a trip to my local Pat Catan's craft store and bought a 11" x 15" Canson 90lb watercolor pad, a couple tubes of acrylic in lucsious colors I couldn't resist, and a couple canvases. I could hardly wait to get home to pull my treasures out the bag and get

started.
There's something to be said for even the ritual of preparing to paint. My winter painting area is actually in my living room. ( I have a beautiful studio but can't afford to heat it in the winter - but that's another blog post.) I carefully cover my work service - a large, walnut writing desk purchased years ago at an antique shop, with a plastic tablecloth and begin gathering the essentials for a successful session. These items include a mug of rinse water, assorted brushes, a bottled water and a mug of coffee, and my cell phone.

Having gathered all the necessities, I'm ready to find something interesting to listen to via my laptop. Usually it's music although sometimes I will listen to lectures. After I finish with that, I address my blank support. I rub my hands across the surface in a subconscious effort to "connect" with the paper. Then I look through my paint and the 3 or 4 colors that "speak to me" are pulled from the group and placed on the table.

"Sins of the Father"

Something exciting happened this year, though.

Instead of taking the usual route of selecting a brush, I dipped the fingertips of both hands into my water and gently began moving them around my paper to moisten the surface. Before I knew it, I was compelled to put paint directly onto my fingers and paper and let art totally create itself from my subconscious.

Using this method to paint is extremely satisfying and I highly recommend giving it a try. It's much like finger painting and is a great way to reawaken the
imagination and get out of a rut. I think you might be surprised at the spectacular images living just inside your subconsious mind.

Color My World

2010-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Northeast Ohio in February SUCKS. Every day is cold, gray and depressing. Even the songs of the few birds who have insisted on staying through the winter lack enthusiasm. I glance out my front window as I type this, and the only hint of color I see is a royal blue "mystery" object on my neighbor's front porch. February in Ohio causes one to build exceptional mental health skills or to become an alcoholic. At the moment, I'm not sure in which direction I'm headed. I have used the word "megatini" twice in 2 days, so you be the judge. The fact that I'm a 1st born, Scorpio perfectionist with a Type 1 personality is on my side. If the world can't give me color, than I'll give it to myself in the form of markers, watercolor and acrylic paints. From cerulean to ultramarine blue, from magenta to crimson red, from viridian to grass green and cadmium yellow, there shall be color! I shall lovingly create with all of these colors until every fiber of my being is absorbed in happiness and I'm unaware of the cold, bleakness we call reality. February in Ohio? I can do this! Now where did I set that drink?

Art As Film - "Chocolat"

2010-02-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

We all have them - the movies that we've watched dozens of times if we've watched them once. Sometimes they're funny. Sometimes they're bizarre. Sometimes you need a box of tissue and a rainy afternoon to help make the experience complete. But the movies that call to us over and over again all have something in common - a successful creative team.

Each aspect of film making is an art in itself. There's writing, casting, costuming, acting, directing, set design, musical score, and editing to name a few. Loving attention to each area results in a successful team and lasting impressions in the hearts of the masses.

In honor of Valentine's Day, I offer "Chocolat" as my first favorite film. It's a great story, the characters are intriquing, and it's beautifully filmed in France. Chocolate has never looked better than in this film, and when you add Johnny Depp to the mix there's nothing but finger licking goodness.

THE PLOT (Taken from Wikipedia)

Vianne Rocher, (Juliette Binoche) like her ancestors, drifts across France. In the winter of 1959, she travels to a tranquil French village, where she and her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol) open a small chocolaterie. The store imbues both wonder and angst within the classical villagers as it opens during the forty days of Lent.

Soon, Vianne's allure and confections enlivens a married couple's aphrodisia, encourages an elderly man's secret love, brings rapport with a willful diabetic, and comforts an awkward woman who longs to leave her drunk and abusive husband. Nonetheless, the devout village mayor, Comte Paul de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), sees Vianne as an immoral provocateur and quietly contests against her. The battle peaks when a band of river gypsies camp on the village outskirts and Vianne finds a mutual attraction with the Manush Romani (Gypsy) Roux (Johnny Depp).

This clip from "Chocolat" contains some of my favorite scenes. Enjoy!

UPDATE: May 1, 2010 Video clip removed by Youtube due to copyright infringement claims. Here's an image of the video box instead.

Inspired By - Jean-Michel Basquiat

2010-02-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

Jean-Michel Basquiat
Dec 22-80 - Aug 12-60

I came across an old Basquiat calendar not long ago and was reminded of the great affinity I have for him.

His bold use of color combined with simplistic representational images make his paintings extremely appealing to me. He was also known for using words in his paintings, and he often crossed out some of the words to emphasize a point of view. I also went through a period of writing in my paintings, but where Basquiat generally used single words and phrases, I was more prone to writing commentary.

From what I've read about him, Basquiat had a great sense of humor and was fond of jazz - particularly Miles Davis. He was intelligent and thoughtful, and unfortunately, quite the drug addict. He succumed to his heroin addiction and sadly died of an overdose in 1988. I note that he would have just turned 50 this past December, and I wonder how his work would have progressed over the years. I think I would have enjoyed hanging out with him for a day during one of the brief periods when he was off the drugs.

Basquiat Quotes:

"Believe it or not, I can actually draw."

"I am not a Black artist, I'm an artist."

"I don't listen to what art critics say. I don't know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is."

Read more about Jean-Michel Basquiat:

http://www.johnseed.com/basquiat.html

February 1st - Blog Challenge

2010-02-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ok. It's February 1st and for some reason that escapes me, I told my friend, Heather, (who shall forever be referred to from this point forward as HP) that I would blog daily for the month of February. Of course, this was prompted by her own stated commitment to do the same.

Now, HP didn't actually CHALLENGE me to blog daily, but after she patiently listened to me complain about all the reasons I hate blogging, she stated several good reasons to blog anyway. I'd love to pass them along to you, but I'll be damned if I can remember even one.

So.....because I am a woman of my word, here I am typing aimlessly to nobody in particular and with nothing of any significance to say. But let the record show, it is February 1st and I DID post a blog. One for me!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2009-06-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2009

Today is my mother's 75th birthday. She's not here to celebrate the occasion with us, but I sang "Happy Birthday" to her this morning. I could feel her smile - I know she would be pleased that we remembered, and somehow I know that she is all right and reaping the rewards of an earthly life devoted to the love and kindness towards others that she rightly taught her children.

Mom's entire life was dedicated to helping those in need. Whether it was a hug, advice or a hot cooked meal that was needed, she was there to give unselfishly of herself to the betterment of others. She always marked a special occasion with a card. Sympathy cards, birthday cards, wedding cards, thinking of you cards - you name the occasion! We have lovingly joked that Hallmark stock must have dropped dramatically since her departure from this earth.

I miss Mom terribly, and as I sang "Happy Birthday" to her this morning, I selfishly asked her to show me a sign. I was watering my son's vegetable garden, and suggested that maybe she could send a hummingbird my way. After a few minutes, I forgot about the request and continued watering. After several hours, I returned home - no hummingbird nor any other incident that I could contribute to "a sign" until I opened my email.

Since joining Fine Art America in March, I have been anxiously awaiting the sale of my first print and it finally happened this morning with the sale of "Grand River Lighthouse". Was it the "sign" that I asked for? Maybe not, but I'm going to take it. She was always my biggest fan and I would like to think that she sees how hard I've been networking and trying to promote my artwork. At any rate, she would be happy to know that it made me feel good to think she had some part in my good fortune.

So here's to you, Mom. Happy 75th Birthday, and in my heart, many more.

The Beauty of Blooms

2009-05-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2009

I love flowers. From early on, I was drawn to their beauty like a moth to a flame. The times I can remember really getting into trouble, flowers were involved.

On more than one occasion, I can remember picking flowers that were not in our yard and having to make sorrowful apologies to the owner whose land I had unknowingly trespassed upon. What 6 year old could resist picking a lovely bouquet of bright yellow daffodils from "Flowerland"? Flowerland was the official name given to what was unknown to me, to be someone"s back yard. Walking through "the woods" behind our house and emerging on the other side, were wondrous beds of flowers of all shapes and sizes. It was miraculous to visit Flowerland. Each trip revealed new blooms of every size and color imaginable. After all, it was only a handful out of the massive sea of yellow that I plucked them from. Fortunately for me, the owners, flower lovers themselves, were always understanding and I was never traumatized from any repercussions.

Now I have my own Flowerland filled with flowers of every size, shape and color. My niece told me that her 6 year old son has requested to come see "Aunt Ang's Flowers", and I may pick blossoms for the house without any fear of repercussion. Currently, the Irises and Clematis are in full bloom and their stunning beauty continues to fill me with wonder and take me back to those childhood memories of flowers.

Anthology of Friends, Volume I

2009-05-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2009

I am very pleased to be part of the book, "Anthology of Friends". This book is the first publication from Ovation TV Community and includes over 30 artists.

Artists from every genre are included in this book including black & white and color photography, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, and digital art. Styles range from realistic, surrealism, abstract, and everything in between.

"Anthology of Friends" got it's start on the OvationTV Community website Message Board. "Funkyiron" started it with a simple message, enticing many subsequent replies. As a result, artist, Michael E Riffel became the editor and compiled our many different art forms into this subsequent book.

Ovation TV is broadcast worldwide and is dedicated to the arts. Their programming includes everything from artist and musician documentaries, concerts, ballets and more. Check your local listings for more information on this wonderful TV network.

Here are my pages from the book. To preview more pages or purchase the book, here is the link: http://http//www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/612899

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

May 10, 2009

I miss my mother every day. She left from this earth on the cold, gray morning of March 18, 2008, after a life dedicated to serving others and touching everyone she knew with love, laughter and wisdom. I miss being able to call her on the phone to share my latest endeavor or ask specifics on a recipe. I miss seeing her face light up when we came face to face. I miss her cheering me on with each new accomplishment. I miss her cheeseburgers and fried potatoes with onions. I miss her hugs and kisses. I miss her stories. I miss her laughter. I miss her more than any words can say.

But being my mother's daughter, I have learned to focus on and be grateful for what I have and not what I long for. What I do have are fond memories spent with Mom, and all the wisdom that she passed on to me. I have the knowledge that she is no longer suffering in her physical body, and I have the understanding that love never dies. I have the memories of every act of love she ever showed me. I have the memories of others who share their stories how she helped them through a crisis. Sometimes I have the memory of spending time with her in my dreams that seems every bit as real as my daily activities. I have my brother and sister and Mom continues to live through our conversations about her and the recollection of all those past events that bind us together forever in love. I have my list of "Momisms"

One of my "Momisms" is what she had to say about Mother's Day. "Treat me right the other 364 days of the year and you won't have to worry about Mother's Day!" That was Mom! And every Mother's Day I would call her and say, "I know you don't care about Mother's Day, but I wanted to call and say happy Mother's Day anyway". She would chuckle and repeat her Mother's Day "Momism" and we would both chuckle about it. I had the good fortune of sharing many chuckles with Mom. We had our share of tears, too, but the chuckles are what we recall the most. Fun, laughter, love and good times were what Mom was all about.

So on this Mother's Day 2009, being my mother's daughter, I pass along this bit of wisdom: Love One Another. Our time on this earth is but a blink of an eye. When all is said and done, all you really ever have is love. And love lasts forever. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you.

Backfield In Motion

2009-05-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2009

"Backfield In Motion" is 3rd in my newest series of abstracts.

Inspiration came from the slew of chocolate coconut eggs I've consumed over the last month and the thought that I'm going to grow a gigantic butt if I don't stop eating them! Part two of my inspiration came from my sons trying to recall all the lyrics to Sir Mix A Lot's ,"Baby Got Back", rap song. (They succeeded!)

So, yah........."baby got back" and that "backfield" is in motion!

Orioles

2009-05-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

May 6, 2009 I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The joy of having the first orioles come to my feeder is overwhelming. They are just so beautiful. Their neon orange feathers are as close to tropical as we get here in Ohio. And they're quite vocal, too. Their distinctive whistle can be heard throughout the neighborhood, and since I've put the feeder up, I have learned some of the other chirping sounds they make.

Their feeder is at one end of our deck, and our grill is at the other end. Yesterday afternoon, I lit the charcoal and began to do my best Bobby Flay imitation. I had my Caribbean jerk chicken breasts, burgers, and bacon wrapped steaks ready to grill along with a couple potatoes. I had rubbed a little oil on the skin of the chicken, and as soon as I started placing the meat on the grill, it started smoking up a storm! About that same time, one of my oriole friends came through and decided it was time for a snack. He was NOT a happy camper! The smoke was, of course, coming directly at him and he let me know it was not acceptable. He sat on top of the lattice and began a rapid-fire disapproving chirping at me before flying off into the nearby trees.

After about 15 minutes or so, the smoke finally died down to where it was lightly swirling around the grill. My oriole friend returned, perched on top of the trellis and gave a few light chirps of approval before hungrily devouring more grape jelly. He and his friends visited quite a few more times before the sun began to sink behind the distant trees. Each time they arrived, I marveled at their beauty and wondered when our hummingbirds would arrive at their feeder. I can tell it's going to be a colorful spring and summer

"Ego's Last Stand"

2009-05-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

May 4, 2009

This is the 2nd painting in my newest Abstract Series. It represents the struggle of fighting Ego. Ego has a life of it's own. It's strong willed - it's a survivor.

In order to achieve a higher level of consciousness into a transformation of pure love, Ego must be abandoned.

"Crushed"

2009-05-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2009

This is the 1st in a new series of abstract paintings that I'm working on.

I haven't painted abstracts in about 5 years, and I was feeling the need to refresh my choice in colors and style. I think that I've been using the same basic palette of colors long enough that it's beginning to feel stale.

I need a change - and I think that will be reflected in this newest group of abstracts that I'm working on. My plan is to use a limited number of colors in each painting and to mute those colors a bit from my usual boldness. I may even delve into some earth tone paintings! Stay tuned......

Editing

2009-05-01T07:22:00.001-07:00

May 1, 2009

Yesterday was our 32nd wedding anniversary. We didn't do anything spectacular. We had a quiet lunch at a local sports bar and went for a ride in the country. Exhausted from carbohydrate overload, we came back home and snuggled down for a nap. We didn't do anything spectacular to mark the occasion, but we did share a lot of smiles and laughter remembering our past together.

32 years is a long time. That's a whole lot of days, hours, minutes and a whole lot of choices made. That's a lot of meals, a lot of work days, a lot of growing and maturing. During that time we raised two boys into men. We made it through driving permits, unstable girlfriends and the teen years. We fought breast cancer and won. We fought other cancers with dearly loved family and friends and lost. We had our moments with each other when each of us wondered separately what the hell we'd gotten ourselves into. We had our angry, fed-up moments, but we had even more tender, heart felt moments.

And that brings me to editing. When we walked down memory lane yesterday, it wasn't the hard times we recalled. It wasn't the hard work of raising a family or the sadness of loosing our loved ones we recalled. Our memories have been edited to nothing but the good times - the laughter shared with friends and family. The joyful times of spontaneous trips through Pennsylvania, the impromptu excursions with the boys, the surprise 25th wedding anniversary party that my husband planned, the joy of Christmases with the boys - those are the moments we recalled. And maybe that's what a fulfilled life is all about - editing. Editing the painful, sad times and moving forward leaves a wealth of happiness behind and something to lean on when times get tough. Good editing leaves life's unnecessary scenes out of the picture and leaves behind the essential elements for viewing. Viewing nothing but the essential picture, our life together has been spectacular!

Weather and Art - Part Two

2009-04-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

April 28, 2009

Spring gently nudges winter aside and the landscape begins to awaken from a long slumber. Dull, cold grays of sky reluctantly give way to bright, cool cerulean. Umber trees and earth breathe new life as sienna, and mounds of cad yellow, magenta, crimson and periwinkle slowly begin to dot the scenery like blobs of paint on a palette as trees, shrubs and flowers spring into bloom.

Like the landscape, two-legged and four-legged creatures of every shape and size emerge from the cover of winter and breathe new life into the landscape. Birds sing feverishly as they call to mates and begin building their nests. Squirrels scamper along budded tree limbs in a game of tag and children squeal gleefully as they mimick the squirrels in their own game of tag. Adults begin to survey their respective yards, picking up twigs, weeding flower beds and shoveling fresh mulch. The sound of mowers penetrates the air and the smell of freshly cut grass mingles with the aroma of freshly lit charcoal as the season's first barbecues get underway.

These are the colors and excitement that live in my paintings. These are the colors that have always stimulated my vision and driven my life's purpose as an artist. Bright, bold colors are the color of happiness, love and laughter. Cerulean is the color of the sky as a four year old Angelia walks hand in hand with Mommy to the post office. Cad yellow and magenta are the colors of the daffodils and phlox that Angelia admires as she skips home from kindergarten. Crimson is the color of tulips and Daddy's truck, and periwinkle is the color of my easter basket and one of my favorite colors in my 64 Box of Crayolas. These are the colors of my life.

Weather and Art - Part One

2009-04-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2009

As the weather has turned cold, gray and damp once more, it's given me cause to reflect on how weather affects my art.
Nothing is more conducive to my artistic creation than inclement weather. Cold, snowy or rainy days are a definite catalyst for pulling out the canvas, paints and brushes. Today is no exception as I quickly flashback to the mounds of snow we had just a few short weeks ago.

I am not a fan of cold weather although it does have it's perks. There's a nostalgic comfort in piling on the bed with journals, markers, colored pencils, paints and canvases in front me. With the TV tuned into a movie or favorite Sirius Radio station and a hot, steamy mug of coffee, I have everything I need to be fulfilled in my temporary den. As the creative juices begin to flow, I am transported back in time and for a brief moment, I feel like a teen again.

I live on the south shores of Lake Erie in northeastern Ohio and what is known as "the snow belt". Our proximity to Lake Erie gifts us with lake-effect snow and what generally totals 100 + inches of snow per season. The season generally lasts from November through April. That's a lot of gray and a lot of cold and that translates into a lot of time spent in my "den" creating.

It's not snowing today, but it is cold. The snow shovels have been put back into the garage for the season, and the local weathermen have predicted a perfect, sunny weekend with highs in the mid 70s. Until then, I'll play with my art supplies and dream of sunny skies and the warmth of the sun on my face.

Newest Painting

2009-04-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2009

This is my newest painting titled "People Are Changing". This painting is a 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas.

"People Are Changing" was inspired by the song Crystal Blue Persuasion by Tommy James and The Shondells. "...A new day is dawning. People are changing. Ain't it beautiful. Crystal blue persuasion..."

No effective change can occur without people becoming elevated to a higher level of consciousness, and change must first occur within every individual. Until the transient nature of the physical is realized, a spiritual evolution can not be achieved and the higher vibration of true, unconditional love will remain evasive.

Fortunately, as the lyrics state, "people are changing". As more and more people learn to live in the "now" and look beyond the temporary, material nature of this physical existence, a higher spiritual awareness is emerging. That can only lead to a better place for us all.

April 16, 2009

2009-04-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

OK. so here I am, the last person in the free world to launch a blog. I have no clue what I'm doing, so if it all turns out ok, it's just beginner's luck!

It's finally warm AND sunny today, so I'm not going to devote much time to computer related tasks. I am going to sit on my deck and enjoy feeling the sun on my face. After that, I'll have some lunch, play in my flower beds and then take some photos of my newly finished painting, "People Are Changing". I'll get it posted to my website, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Ok..........so I WILL be devoting more time to computer related tasks.......