For my latest series of Affectionate Animals, I wanted my paintings to feel classic and timeless. That’s why I used vintage photographs as the source images for the paintings! Aside from the scene from I Love Lucy, which turned into the Bear Hug portrait, each of these photogrphs is from relative unknown photographers, images I simply found off the internet. (more…)
Archive | Inspiration
What do you do when a child gets Type 1 Diabetes?
The moment I learned that Melissa’s two-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I wanted to bury her in the biggest hug. But, since they live 1,000 miles away, I painted her a picture instead.
I’ve never met the Wilsons in person, but we’ve known each other online for years. The more I talked with my friend about the struggles her family was facing, the more I wanted to do something to help. The Wilson family has health insurance, but it barely covers their expenses, and they quickly blew through their savings in order to get the appropriate medications and treatments for their little girl.
Just because we are part of an online community, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a Real one. So I created the Love Little Violet fundraiser. A swell of encouragement rose up to support the Wilsons, and a few donations trickled in. Online community can be amazing and full of love.
But it still wasn’t enough. So I decided: it was time to do more. (more…)
Paint Away The Pain: On Hard Times and Creating Art
Elune and I are discussing artwork and the creative process. She asks me: “Have you ever used art to paint your way out of your hardest times in life or your inner struggles?”
This past year, I addressed some painful issues: depression, financial insecurity, old wounds, and disillusionment with church leadership. These topics probably seem even heavier when juxtaposed against the lighthearted and fanciful style of my artwork. How does my life experience inform my artwork? How can someone who thinks about such dark things create such whimsical pieces?
I’m not sure I have an answer. (more…)
((new portrait)) Breadcrumbs of Hope
Marianne is fighting the fight of her life. Her sweet baby boy has cancer.
Hugo was diagnosed with cancer just days after his first birthday, and a tumor was found on his kidney. There is a lot of hope in Hugo’s story, but his ongoing battle remains a difficult trial for his family to endure.
I knew I had to do something.
So I asked Marianne for a few photos, and I used one of them to create this painting. (more…)
Radio Lab, Musical DNA, and Surprising God
My hands are in the sink. I am washing dishes. My family is off playing Nintendo. I am blissfully alone, and my mind is open. Radio Lab is on NPR.
The interview is with David Cope, a composer. When faced with musical writer’s block, Cope built an analytical computer program, named EMI (Experiments in Musical Intelligence). EMI is able to ascertain patterns unique to each composer run through its system. After analyzing scores of music, Cope applied algorithms from these composers to other works of music, giving them new and amazing life. (more…)
((new portrait)) A Narnia Portrait for Deena, evoking the Armor of God
When Deena contacted me to commission a portrait of her kids, she wanted something that evoked “the armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18). I loved the idea of merging a portrait that captured this tender moment in her kids’ lives with the eternal hope of strength for their future.
Instead of painting something like the dozens of diagrams explaining the Armor of God that I’ve seen in Sunday school over the years, I wanted to find a way to capture the feeling of a warrior, while retaining the whimsy of childhood. (more…)
New Artwork: In the Foothills of the Headlands, silhouette painting with Beatles Yellow Submarine inspiration
I loved the Beatles movie The Yellow Submarine from the moment I saw it. The pop art in that movie has had a huge influence on my own artwork ever since high school. My favorite Beatles album is Revolver, and I also love St. Peppers and Magical Mystery Tour. If I was a Beatles song, I’d probably be Blackbird.
Anyways…
Here is my latest painting. I’ve had it rolling around in my brain for quite awhile. I’m happy with how it turned out, and I am anxious to do more paintings like it. I haven’t settled on a title for it yet, so for now I’ll dub it: “In the Foothills of the Headlands.”
COMMISSIONS
If you are interested in commissioning a painting like this, the cost would likely be $300-$500…there is a LOT of design and detailing that go into this work! I’d be willing to do a single sihouette in this style with a white (ie unpainted) background for $100. Contact me if you’re interested in any commisions. Goldenavalon (at) gmail (dot) com.
By Erin
8/2/2013