Share the Love Friday: VW Bus by MagicMarkingsArt

Maybe because the weather here is now in the 90's, or because I just need to get out on my board more often, today's 'Share the Love Friday' is another VW Bus, but this time with a surfboard. It's like peanut butter and chocolate, a Coke and a smile, a chocolate doughnut and chocolate milk - can't beat this combo! And yes, it's no coincidence that all of those examples have chocolate or some form of sugar.

Back to sharing the love - Cathie Carlson creates hand painted works of art and home decor based on her appreciation for her seaside environment. She also loves making customized gifts and paintings for weddings, holidays and other special occasions. Check out her Etsy store!

Data: 36" x 36" Abstract now available

"Data" is a 36"x36" abstract interpretation of the digital age. This modern piece would be the perfect addition to a home office, living room or study. Visit my Etsy store to see it and other available works.

Gator: Huge Dramatic Abstract Now Available

This 48"x48" bold abstract lives up to its namesake! Dramatic in both size and technique, "Gator" could easily compliment that large, bare wall calling for decoration. Check it out on Etsy!

One Day Sale! Red Flowers in Grass 48"x24" Original Painting

Here's a chance to save $125 on an original piece of art. Check out Red Flowers in Grass on Etsy - on sale today only!

Poppies: An Adventure in Landscape

My latest painting came from an idea that I saw in a children's book. The colors and the gentleness of the scene is what compelled me to do a landscape - a first for me.

When I finished, my first thought was that this would look really good in my daughter's room! She didn't want to sell it but when I explained that another little girl might like it for her room, she wanted me to give it a try and put it in the online store. Go check it out on Etsy!

Share the Love Friday - VW Bus by Hanna at GekkoSilkArt

Sure, it doesn't sound as smooth as "Share the love Saturday", but I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to share this screen print created by Hanna at GekkoSilkArt. Check it out on Etsy!

It reminds me of the bus my brother and I painted when we lived in Hawaii. Makes me want to put my surfboard on the truck and head to the beach!

A red decorated volkswagon camper van - handpainted on silk.
Measurements, including cream coloured beveled mountboard are 6'x8'inches ( 15x20cm).

See the resemblance?

Unfinished business

I'm at a wall - can't turn left, can't turn right. These canvases are staring me down, but I'm drawing a blank. I know the inspiration will come to me...unfortunately, it takes its sweet time.

What unfinished projects - art or otherwise - do you have on the back burner, but you know you'll have to finish one day?

Not sure about the portrait orientation for the one above...I think I've painted myself into the proverbial corner.

And why did I make the background on this black?? And yes, the picture is crooked. So frustrated with the painting, it doesn't even bother me.

"Like" me on Facebook, Support Small Business

Psst...yeah, you...take this note...

Remember in elementary school when you used to pass notes in class, especially to the cute girls/boys? It would say something like, "Do you like me?" and then have boxes that say, "yes", "no", and "maybe"?

Well, this note doesn't have a "no" or "maybe" option...like me, on Facebook that is! Check out my new fan page!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brilliant-Modern-Art-Ryan-Loerzel/155093291218913?sk=wall or you can click "like" in that nifty new Facebook box on the right side of this page.

What's in it for you?
You might ask what you'd get from 'liking' my page. Well, you'd be supporting a new small business - and doesn't that feel good? I've had a small art business before (custom stained glass) and that was before the big push to market online. There are so many more options today to get the word out, so by liking my page, you'll be spreading the word about my art - so thank you!

You'll also have a chance to win cool prizes like prints of my artwork, and give me honest feedback on my paintings. I'm figuring out how all this stuff works, but I have big plans and I'd love to have you along for the ride!

I'm trying to get to 25 "likes" by Tuesday, March 29. Nothing like a little goal to stay motivated!

Thank you! And really, I like you too!

Red flowers in grass

It's hard to come up with unique names for paintings when you're finishing them at 2:30am and inhaling fumes. That reminds me, I really need a box fan for my painting space!

Let me know what you think of this one! You can also find it in my Etsy store.

Live Flowers as Art and Inspiration

On Monday, my family and I spent the day at the Walt Disney World parks. We were lucky enough to catch the Flower and Garden Festival, where not only hundreds of different types of plants and flowers are methodically staged throughout Epcot...they are also creatively morphed into Disney characters! This display no doubt put my garden, and yard in general, to total shame.

I'll post some pics of my garden - one of my other hobbies - in the coming days. Man...I sound like I'm an 80 year old woman (no offense to that demographic intended, but I'm a 30-something guy who still retains his man card)!  Whatever. I guess that's what being 'retired' does to you. Remind me that I need to catch the early bird special at Morrison's Cafeteria tomorrow. But I digress.

Paying attention throughout the day to where inspiration may surface is the key for me to move my art forward. To evolve the techniques, my planning thought process, my courage to try something new (for me). And I add that 'for me' in there because I feel like everything has been tried, right? Every technique, every color combination. However...I have not tried everything. So when I take a technique and use it through my perspective, I'm able to cultivate something completely unique.

In your creative process, or even day-to-day living, where do you find your inspiration? Is it at the Morrison's Cafeteria? If so, I'll see you there at 4:45 sharp!

Taking it from the top

It's fitting that my first blog post is about making some canvases. That's where it all starts for me. While I'm stretching the canvas across the frame, I'm already thinking about what to paint. Abstract...floral...nude (just kidding, Mom!).

I usually work on my canvases in batches. Since the equipment is loud, I don't want to wake the kids up at night. I reserve the quiet act of painting for the late evening/early morning hours. It's when my head is clear and there is no distraction. The ideas flow freely as I listen to music, or sometimes even an audio book.

When is your most creative time of day? When is your mind in that Zen-like state when you have some of your most inspired thoughts?