New Blog and Websites

I know that I haven't been on this blog in a while...I finally got around to listing my new websites and information...someone else is now using my old website address, so I'm trying to get all of my info. updated so that I am no longer hooked up with that old address.

My new website: http://www.alivewithcolor.com/
my new art/photo shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AliveWithColor
my new jewelry shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BohemianIce
my new art blog: http://evabarkman.wordpress.com/
my new Christian art blog: http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com/

Beautiful Rusty Iris

Besides art and photography, gardening is one of my favorite things to do. This is a recent photo of my rust and gold colored iris which is planted in my front garden. To me, the intricate beauty in the world around us is total proof that our great Lord exists. Nature is just one of the many blessings that He has given us that I totally treasure.

Orange Cat

Here's an old friend of mine, Orange Cat. I did this painting about a year and a half ago. I was going through some of my digitals today, making family photo prints for my family members, and I came across this old guy. I remember having fun doing this one. I really liked the way the cat turned out. I have to say that he's probably my best cat painting. I am halfway working on another one right now, in between doing the covered bridge and several other art projects that I have started. I can truthfully say that I am never bored! :-D

More Inspiration

A few posts ago I told you about some of the things that inspires me in my art. Well, here is another one....the waterways....it can be oceans, lakes, rivers.....I just love them. I love to watch the play of light on the water, the way the water reflects the colors in the sky, the things of nature around the water. For instance, the way the sun reflects on the rocks and the way that the wind blows the grass and trees, and even the little fish that you can see by the shoreline. All of these things, put together, inspires my art.

This photo is of the beach near us called Walnut Beach. It was taken at a moment when the light illuminated the water and shoreline to resemble glistening diamonds.

This photo, as is most of my photography, is available in a variety of sizes and on a variety of papers. Contact me with any questions. You can purchase an 8x10 by clicking on this link.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=362172

Ohio's Covered Bridges in Art

For many years, Ohio's covered bridges have been a part of the area's history and charm. Their distinctive individuality and construction have been a thing of beauty. There is a tour map that you can get that takes you to each of these bridges in Ashtabula County. This county is known for it's abundance of covered bridges.

It's not a surprise that you can find art done by area artists depicting these historical treasures.

Covered bridges do make an interesting subject.

This picture was taken by me about 2 years ago while taking a ride outside of Jefferson. I am using this picture as a guide in my newest mixed media painting.

I have a lot of work to do considering that there are several exhibits that are coming up in the next few months. This piece will probably be one that will be exhibited.

Would you like to teach an art workshop?

At a recent meeting of my area art group, I was given the 1st vice president position in charge of art programs. I am really looking forward to this job which starts in September. So, I'll be looking for any local artists who will want to donate there time to a one time workshop to teach about their art. Anyone interested in the northeastern Ohio area, please feel free to contact me.
This would be a good opportunity for an artist to show there work and teach about it. Good promotion and will look good on your resume.

Contact me @ neohioartist@yahoo.com

Inspirations

What inspires art? It's different for everybody. For me its the beauty in the spring flowers, the arrival of the new birds (their song is like a symphony), the first buzz of the hummingbirds and bees, the hurried scurry of the chipmunks, the things of nature. I also get inspired by the sound of the ships horn as they come into the harbor, the light mist that sits gently upon the lake, the multi-colored sunset glowing across the water.

Spring is my favorite season. It's when I feel alive. It's an emotional awakening from a dreary winter that lasted just a bit too long. Not that I don't find beauty in the glistening snowflakes and the illumination of light through the icicles hanging over my door. I just really needed spring to come around.

Nature inspires me. I am in awe of God's creation.