Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Perfection!

Sometimes, things come together so perfectly that you can't help but feel like it was meant to be. This piece is exactly that. The idea formed so completely in my head, but I never imagined that the final piece would come out looking so exactly like what I imagined (only better, because it's real!)
I'm floating through artistic Heaven right about now. :)

Much love!

Friday, March 25, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We have a winner!!!

I know I'm suppossed to announce it tomorrow; but since the contest is now over, I'm in such a great mood, and I have some time to spare; I guess I won't leave you in suspense any longer!

Congratulations Blair! You won my four pack of art cards! Hope you enjoy them! :)

And, a million thanks to everyone who participated! Be sure and stay tuned...I really like giving stuff away, so there will probably be another contest again soon. :)

Much love to all...

I've been featured!!!

Please check out my very first ever Blog feature!!!

http://oneheartsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-her-words-lauren-synder-recycled.html

I am so beyond excited right now! Doing a little happy dance!

...annnnddddd it's now 12:00 pm! I've just picked our winner for the Giveaway! But you'll have to wait just a little bit longer to find out. :)

Love always!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Facebook Fan Giveaway!

In honor of reaching 50 Facebook fans I'm a hosting a lil giveaway here on my blog.
So, what's up for grabs?
A set of four of my brand spankin' new Art Cards! Beautiful prints of a few of my favorite artworks, mounted on sturdy 140lb watercolor paper mini cards.



Here's the rules and such...

1. This giveaway is only open to Facebook Fans...so, check out my Facebook Fan page and Like it if you haven't already (www.Facebook.com/LaurenSnyderArt)

2. Leave a comment on this blog telling me which of my pieces is your favorite. One comment per person please.

3. You have until Friday March 25th, 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) to leave a comment here. I will be picking the winner using Random.org and announcing the winner on Saturday March 26th.

Best of luck everyone!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A picture is worth a thousand words...


Every one of my pieces is personal and every one has a story. Whether it's an emotion or mood or a specific event in my life; every one of my pieces comes from a very personal and special place in my life.
That was always one thing I loved so much about art; was the stories behind each piece. Whether the art was pulled from the story, or the story grew as the piece evolved...there always was a little part of the artist's life and spirit in everything.
And, there is one of my pieces in particular that I just feel like I want to share it's story.

The Honeybee

About a month before my birthday, almost five years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of enduring long hours of painful treatments that "might" prolong her life she opted to spend her remaining days at home, surrounded by family and friends. It was a very sad, but special time for us. At the time, I was lucky enough to have a very flexible work schedule and I was able to be with her for at least several hours almost every day of that month.
During this time, a friend of my grandma's came over to read to her one day and spend some time with her. While they were talking, she asked my grandma how she would come back to us. What sign would she give us to let us know she was at peace. The answer was instantaneous...she said to look for a honeybee.
At the time, I didn't think much of it; but the day after my birthday my mom called during my lunch break to tell me that my grandma had passed away. I told my mom I needed to grab some things from home and that I would be right over. I was only at my house a couple of minutes, and when I walked out the door to get into my car; there on the door handle was a single honeybee.
It made me smile through the tears, and ever since that moment, honeybees have always had a special place in my heart.
My grandma was a charismatic, loving woman; who inspired my creative side in so many ways and every time I paint a honeybee...I do so in honor of her.

In the works...



Playing around with some fun new stuff...embracing my more abstract side. :) Can't wait to see what happens...

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Art Cards



A fun little experiment with some new mini prints of my work. :) Stay tuned...

Friday, March 11, 2011

Newest Listing!


My newest listing!!! "The Lover" Check it out at my Etsy shop.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

When Inspiration is Dead on...


It started around Christmas time last year, when I was trying to come up with ideas for handmade gifts for my friends. I was painting personalized frames and I needed an idea for one friend and for some reason, the one thing that stuck with me was how much she loved the art of Dia De Los Muertos and Sugar Skulls. So, I painted her a frame with two sugar skulls on it.

I had such a great time with it, that I decided to paint some more and work the theme into some of my mosaic art. I am so fascinated by the majesty and the beauty of sugar skulls and the entire idea of the Dia De Los Muertos celebration.
I want my pieces to evoke a sense of celebration and fond remembrance of the departed. So, while yes...they are technically paintings of skulls; I want them to feel alive, happy, beautiful, and unique.
I think that part of the reason this entire genre enthralls me so much, comes from a quote that I love by Thomas Campbell, "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." I find that the memories I carry for the ones I love that have passed away are as strong and beautiful as they were when they were alive, and in that sense...they are always with me.
And, I think that is what I am trying to evoke in this set of works...to paint something that in all manner of thought, points to death and loss and sadness; but with colors and designs and themes that suddenly make it alive, happy and full of energy.
It's an idea that I think my brain is constantly trying to express through art, because I have not yet figured out how to properly articulate it. But, it's something along the lines of finding the joy, finding the happiness in every moment; because there always is some.

And, judging by the number of skull sketches I have on my desk at the moment; I have a feeling that I'll have many more in the works very soon. (The one pictured above is my current project...The Lover) Much love to all...and may you always live luminously!

Monday, March 7, 2011

A side dish of Craftiness...



It's funny how re-awakening my creative spark has helped me open up creativity in all aspects of my life. It's as if even the most mundane of chores and activities have a new opportunity to get crafty and creative.
One thing I've gotten back into is creative gift giving. I used to love hand making gifts, making personalized cards and getting clever with my wrapping ideas; but at some point...I kind of lost the fun in it. I don't know why; but I do know that ever since starting my Etsy shop and working constantly on my mosaics...that fun spark is back and better than ever! :)
This past weekend I went to a baby shower and decided to make a diaper cake; but instead of the traditional cakes, I opted for four mini "cupcakes" on a platter. Using diapers, burp clothes, washcloths and hair bows; I was able to make a very cute little setup.
Then, I decided I was having so much fun; I hand painted a card to go with it.
And, like the story goes in "If you give a Mouse a Cookie..." one thing just kept leading to another and I've now made cards, gifts, and creative little "extras" for every holiday, birthday, event in all of March and April.

I love it when my mind is a whirl with so much creative energy! It just keeps me feeling so energized and happy, no matter what else is going on in my life. So, here's to getting creative!
Much love to all and hope you're creative spark is ever glowing!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

A little something for me...


Tonight I finished the piece I've been working on for myself; the portrait of my son. It was not only meant to serve as a means t step back from all the "creating for sale" stuff I've been doing lately, but to also experiment with some new techniques I've been wanting to try out.

And as soon as I placed the last tile in place, I instantly fell in love; unfortunately so did my husband, who now wants it to hang in his office at work. Which means I really need to get started on the car themed one I've been promising him for months, quick before he sneaks away with this one.

This was the perfect ending to a long day...and I can't wait to display this piece somewhere in our home; heck I may even just hang it here in my studio to help motivate me when the creative juices run dry.

But, it's goodnight for now, I'll worry more about hanging it in the morning. Much love all.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Tuesday Mornings with Treasuries...

A few lovely collections for your consideration; from the fine folks of the Norfolk and Chance team on Etsy. Click, view, comment and enjoy!

Aqua and Orange

Oh Man!

Flow

bluegreenyellow

What says Spring?

Rhymes with Funny-Buckle

Eat me Up

Outlaw, Part 2

Unfocus