Japanese Kokeshi Doll Paintings

I thought I would share two of my latest Kokeshi Doll Paintings . . . .

Kokeshi Mother and Baby

Based on a traditional wooden Japanese Kokeshi doll design depicting a mother holding her baby. Painted in shades of blue with golden flower detailing in acrylic on 24 x 12 inch box canvas.

Currently for sale through ArtGallery online: https://www.artgallery.co.uk/work/95863

Kokeshi Mother and Child

Continuing on the same theme I painted this second canvas that depicts two dolls portraying a mother and her child.

This canvas compliments the 'Mother and Baby' artwork above and the two make a lovely pair hanging together (as they are doing in my hall at present).

This is painted in shades of deep red onto 24 x12 inch box canvas and is also for sale in my gallery at ArtGallery: https://www.artgallery.co.uk/work/95864

If you have time to take a look at my ArtGallery links check out the 'test drive' application that allows you to test any painting in a number of different room settings . . . it's a fun way to see how a painting may look in your home

 

. . . and the Matching Cushions

Here are the complimentary cushions that match my Butterfly design Wall Hanging that I featured in my last blog.

Made in the same silk-like bronze upholstery fabric and appliqued with the blue butterfly motif, I think you will agree they would make a great addition to any room.

Each cushion measures approximately 16 x 8 inches (40 x 20 cm) and is lightly filled with polyester wadding and backed in the same bronze printed fabric.

Here is the link to the item in my Etsy Shop where you will also find a close up picture of each cushion:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/102307136/butterfly-design-decorative-cushion

Wall Hangings 2 - new design

Large Butterfly design Fabric Wall Hanging - my latest creation

This is a beautiful and unique piece made from a lovely silk-like bronze coloured upholstery fabric that has a lovely sheen and printed tree design, this has been appliqued with a blue butterfly motif creating a beautiful original design.

The Hanging measures 26 inches high x 20 inches wide (66 x 51 cm) and is filled with a single layer of 6mm thick polyester wadding to give a quilted effect and is backed in a complimentary beige coloured brocade upholstery fabric. It has a reinforced hanging bar and two copper ring fixings at top.

This is a one-off piece currently for sale in my Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102306603/large-butterfly-design-fabric-wall

Design Process - Part Three

The finished article 

So here they are the finished articles - my Kokeshi doll mugs reproduced from my original designs; and below my 2012 Kokeshi doll calendar.

The mugs have been produced in five different styles, each with a different colour interior: black; dark blue; deep green, bright red; and vibrant orange.

I love the orange one best and keep one as my inspiration mug on my desk.

 All are for sale in my Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/deejavuart?section_id=11741840

Design Process - Part Two

Following on from my previous post, these are how my simple Kokeshi doll paintings looked with the backgrounds removed . . . . . .

A really good start that made me start thinking of greetings cards, postcards, printed fabric, wall decals. I ruled out greetings cards because I already have a range using other Kokeshi images, and the postcard idea is still lurking around in my mind, a pack of one of each design might be quite cute?

I loved the idea of having fabric printed using a repeating selection of the images, this really appeals to the crafting side of me, I could make some fantastic cushions. The idea led me to start putting the images together in random patterns  . . . .

Unfortunately to date I have not found a fabric printing supplier willing to print in a small enough quantity to make this idea financially viable. The same goes for wall decals . . . but I still think these would make great images for a child's room.
I haven't given up hope for either idea so watch this space :0)

Many an hour playing around with designs produced numerous variations of images, some worked, some didn't, but I was convinced that I should use them to create some new products.

After much deliberation, testing, and the creation of sample products, approximately one year after putting brush to canvas I had final products delivered to my door. Always an exciting time!

I will feature the finished articles in my next blog and you can decide for yourself if I made the right choices

  . . . . till tomorrow

Take care

Dee

Design Process - Part One

My design process tends to be quite organic, it all starts with the artwork for me, I never have a product in mind, it is all about the painting, and just sometimes the images just lend themselves to other uses, and once my mind starts working around the possibilities the ideas just keep growing.

Most of the product ideas I have never make it past the design stage, time to do research into some of the weird and wonderful plans knocking around in my head is a major stumbling block. And financial viability is another. I don't have the resources to mass produce items, and to be honest I don't really want to. I like the idea that I can sell limited edition pieces, that my buyers are getting something special that can't be bought anywhere else. But creating items in small quantities is expensive and quite often not cost effective . . . . so that is where many of my ideas die, simply as ideas.

If you are familiar with any of my paintings you will know that some of my pieces are based on traditional wooden Japanese Kokeshi dolls, usually on the larger scale to create statement pieces. The eight miniature designs shown here really came about because I was bought a pack of very small canvasses (7x5inch) and I decided to see if I could recreate the Kokeshi doll image in its simplest form without losing any of the character of the dolls . . . . you will have your own opinion on whether or not I succeeded.

Individually the paintings are bold and fun, but once all were complete I realised that it was bringing them together that really gave impact . . . . leading me to consider using these designs for a new product range.

Many an hour was spent playing with the images, removing backgrounds and creating images using different combinations of dolls. The pictures featured here are of the original canvas paintings, I will show you some of the design ideas in my next blog . . . . .

Artwork in Progress - Start to Finish

This is an experiment I undertook several years ago to create a 'time-lapse' effect record of my artwork by taking photographs at several stages throughout progress on the piece.

I really like these pictures, not because it is a painting of my daughter on the train but because it allows me to view my art from an outsiders point of view . . .

These photographs were displayed on my website for some time, but I came across them again recently hidden away in amongst my many folders of pictures so I thought it was time to share again.

I found the process quite difficult as it meant forcing myself to stop painting at regular intervals. All artists are different but I think being engrossed in a piece of work is probably a common trait, once committed to a canvas I often find it very hard to stop . . . .

Hence this is an exercise I have never repeated, though often when I stand back and look at a finished piece I wish I had . . . . next time maybe!

I hope you enjoyed the show :0)

Wall Hangings - a new work of Art?

If you are looking for something different to decorate a room or cannot find the right artwork to compliment your space why not consider a wall hanging. They can be a real feature and give a room a contemporary feel.

As promised here is my latest design for a Fabric Wall Hanging that matches the two cushions featured in my previous blog post.

It is made from the same lovely heavyweight upholstery fabric with a black and white floral motif. The appliqued flowers are made from a vintage seventies bright orange fabric giving the whole piece a retro feel and creating real impact.


The hanging is quite large measuring 17 inches wide x 22 inches high (43 x 56 cm) and is filled with a single layer of 6mm thick polyester wadding to give a quilted effect and is backed in a complimentary black fabric. It has a reinforced hanging bar and two copper ring fixings at top.

The hanging and matching cushions are currently for sale through my Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102306725/bold-flower-design-fabric-wall-hanging

Silhouette Tree Collection

I thought I would share my silhouette tree collection with you.
I love painting trees, there is something beautiful and inherently fascinating about them and even in their simplest form create a really strong image. I take a lot of pleasure in growing the image, the form of the trunk and lean of the branches that can instill a sense of movement down to each individual tiny branch that if misplaced can upset the whole effect of the painting.
Painted in acrylic on box canvas, my silhouette tree collection is my attempt at painting a tree for each season, with the bold, single, tree silhouette emboldened by the evening skies depicting each of the seasons.

All four paintings can currently be viewed at ArtGallery online: http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/dee_summers

Crafty Cushion Creations - Bold Orange Flower Design Decorative Cushions

As much as I love painting, I do love to create also.

Cushions are great fun to make as the options for style, size and design are limitless. I tend to use remnants and off-cuts of vintage and new fabrics - anything that takes my fancy really. Friends and family find me bits of material they think I can use and I am also lucky enough to live near a fabric store that sells end of roll remnants where I can pick up some great material - normally just enough to make a couple of cushions - which is great, I don't like to mass produce (it gets boring!) plus it means that I can sell one of a kind items.


My designs tend to be quite bold, I like to create items that are really decorative, a feature piece that will stand out and look beautiful.

These cushions are made from a lovely heavyweight upholstery fabric with a black and white floral motif and has been appliqued with a beautiful eye-catching bright orange flower design

Each cushion measures approximately 16 x 8 inches (40 x 20 cm) and is lightly filled with polyester wadding and backed in the same black and white fabric

They are currently available to purchase in my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/102307066/bold-orange-flower-design-decorative.

I have also created a matching wall hanging using the same material - I may feature this in my next blog as they look lovely together, I was tempted to hang it on my own wall, but for the moment it is up for sale.

Make Facebook Work for your Business

 

I have recently signed up for the Facebook app Mywebees, it enables you to add a website to your Facebook page and promises to increase your visibility and get more likes for your page. 

I have used the app to put my Etsy shop onto Facebook, take a look here: http://apps.facebook.com/Mywebees/deejavu-FreeVersion/

It's very easy to set up, and if you use their 'like to get likes' philosophy you will get additional likes to your page, hence, a wider audience . . . . not a bad idea. Basically you can select and like as many of the businesses who have signed up, in turn other members will like your page.

I have been very selective about who I have chosen to like, but I have gained more likes than I have given and seem to have increased traffic to my site (of course this may not be down to this application at all). I haven't found any disadvantages, so if you are looking to increase hits on your site it may be worth a look.

To register just click on my link above and then select the 'powered by mywebees' logo at the top of the page.

Big Etsy Contest

My butterfly design wall hanging is featuring today in the Big Etsy Contest, why not take a look and vote for your favourite items from a range of selected Etsy shops: http://etsycontest.com/index.php

If you own an Etsy shop you can sign up for free for the Big Etsy Contest, competitions are run every day with items selected from a variety of different shops who have signed up for that particular competition. Just check out the link above for details. You can sign up for any upcoming competition with space still available, numbers are limited so you need to sign up early for upcoming contests. Each contest has different criteria for entry, some are based on price others particular themes, so you are sure to find a contest that suits your products.

I think it is a great additional advertising feature for your store generating numerous views. Plus it is a great feeling when your item is winning ;0)

Artist of the Year Competition

The ArtGallery.co.uk Artist of the Year Competition 2012 is now on. The winner will receive a cash prize of £1,000, be invited to exhibit in the main gallery room at the ART GALLERY, Tetbury, and will feature on the website as Artist of the Year.
There are some fantasic artists on this site and I have already voted for several pieces.
And while you are there you could check out my work, I am currently featuring in their New Artists Gallery: http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/dee_summers.
Voting is easy, there is a 'Like' button under every work of art on the site, just click on it and your vote will be registered. You will also find a nifty little feature when viewing any artwork where you can test drive the painting in a number of recreated room setting so that you can have some idea of what the piece would look like in your own home - a fun little gadget.

Can you identify the original?

 I thought I would do something different for today's post . . . . let's play spot the difference.

As you are aware from my last post I love the work of Edward Hopper, and seeing as I am not rich nor famous enough to own an original I decided to pay my respect to the master by producing a reproduction of his famous Night Shadows etching.

If I do say so myself I am not a bad forger, so my quiz of the day is can you tell which of these pics is the original artwork and which is my lovingly created reproduction that is currently hanging on my lounge wall?

Edward Hopper Retrospective

 

 

 

'Nighthawks' Edward Hopper 1942

I love Edward Hopper and to see Nighthawks up close and personal as they say would be an amazing experience. Having missed the 2004 Exhibition at the Tate Modern I thought I had missed my chance, so imagine my delight at the news that the Grand Palais in Paris will be holding an Edward Hopper Retrospective between 10th October and 28 January 2013 (http://www.rmn.fr/english/les-musees-et-leurs-expositions-238/grand-palais-galeries-nationales-257/expositions-258/edward-hopper-2926)
The exhibition will be divided chronologically into two main parts: the first section covers Hopper’s formative years (1900-1924), comparing his work with that of his contemporaries and art he saw in Paris, which may have influenced him. The second section looks at the art of his mature years, from the first paintings emblematic of his personal style - House by the Railroad - (1924), to his last works (Two Comedians -1966).
All I need to do now is save up the pennies

Is there such a thing as too much social networking?

I've just joined Pictify - http://pictify.com/user/DeejavuArt
Is there such a thing as too much social networking? - I can confidently say that I probably spend more time online blogging, tweeting and generally updating than I do actually painting.
Is that a good thing?
Some days I find it frustrating, but it is sort of addictive, and if you are serious about getting your artwork noticed it is now deemed as essential. After all, How many artists do you know that do not have their own website, or online gallery page, or blog, or Facebook page . . . . exactly my point . . . if you are not online you are invisible . . . sad but true

Art Knows No Bounds

All artists and art lovers should check out this great Facebook community http://www.facebook.com/ArtKnowsNoBounds. Artists can upload two pics per day  - a great way to share and promote your artwork. Plus a great way to see some fantastic work by really talented artists. All you have to do is click on the 'like' button and you become a member of the community, numbers are growing by the day so check it out and promote it to your friends.
If you know of any other Facebook communities that are worth a look please let me know

Facebook Apps

Don't you just hate Facebook apps that don't seem to work properly . . . . grrrr
I have downloaded the 'Suggest to Friends' app on my facebook page, it seems simple enough, it allows anyone visiting the page to share it with all their friends . . . . great for spreading the word it seems.
But every time I try to use it I get an error message that tells me to try again later . . . . . but trying again later really isn't working. Now I know the app works as I have seen positive messages about it on other pages, so what is going wrong? Any suggestions welcome :0)
I could remove it altogether but I just want it to work . . . rubbish

First blog thoughts

I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time but where would I find the time in amongst Facebook updates and twitter feeds, let alone updating both my websites and keeping my various art profiles up-to-date, but then where else am I going to put those retrospective comments, not current enough for a status update and too extensive for Twitter . . . . so here I am and these are the various avenues where you can find me on the web:
www.deesummers.me.uk - my personal art website
www.deejavu.co.uk - home of deejavu art and design
www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/dee_summers - online art gallery where you can find some of my work
www.etsy.com/shop/deejavuart - my Etsy shop
Facebook: DeejavuArtandDesign
Twitter: @deejavu

I think that's it for now, there's probably a few more links that I have forgotton but I will leave you to check out these first.

I'm not sure I will be posting every day but shall see how it goes.