Artist Love: Maya Klauber of WaterCollars

Guys, I'm beyond happy to share this talented artist with you.

Located in New York City, artist Maya Klauber of WaterCollars creates custom watercolor and mixed media portraits of your beloved pet(s). Working from your favorite photo, Maya beautifully captures the personality of your pet to create a treasured keepsake. She even painted portrait of my little Bosco! I'm so in love and can't wait to find the perfect frame for it!

Art Scene

Some people probably shy away from giving art as a gift, but I say why not?! Especially if you really know someones style/taste and think they would love "that" print, go for it! Chances are they'll love it too! And if picking out a specific piece seems too tricky, gift cards or store credit to the artists shop is always a great idea too! And then they can have the trouble of picking out a fab piece! ;)

Or just buy some for yourself! ;)

I've rounded up a few of my favorite prints... and I actually have a few of them! Can't wait to add a few more to my (slowly) growing collection!

The Fields Abstract // Golden Days // Elephant // Ranunculus Bouquet
Love Garden // Paris Watercolor // Love Never Fails // Wild Elk
American Bison // Single Pink Ranunculus // Bananas // Floral Skull
Amour // XO // New York // Watercolor Florals // Wild Love // Abstract

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+ Head on over to Always With Yoo for a chance to win a print & mug from my shop!
+ Have you started on your gift wrapping? Download some printable Holiday tags here.
+ Need more gift ideas? Or fun, festive DIY ideas? Check out this post.

Artist Love: Diana Willard

Guys, it has been a really long time since I've done an Artist Love post! Let's change that! Okay?  I've been a fan of Diana's art & blog for a while now and I'm so happy she's here sharing her fantastic work and talking about her new collection! (Hint: She's even giving away one of her paintings! Keep reading to find out the details.) Take it away Diana...

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Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a little about yourself...
Hi! My name is Diana and I’m a painter living and working in San Francisco. Up until a year and a half ago, I was studying medicine in Los Angeles, but I decided to take a year off to pursue art, one of my long-time passions. And then I couldn’t resist taking another year off… I’m currently in my second year of working as a full-time artist, and loving it!



Tell us about your process. What inspires your work?
I think a lot of my recent work focuses on the theme of home. I’ve moved around a fair amount (Connecticut, the Bay Area, Seattle, Los Angeles), and I think my landscape paintings especially play off of these experiences -- they’re kind of simultaneously excited by the adventure and craving a more settled home.

Do you have a favorite medium to use?
I love acrylic paints. They dry very fast, which forces me to work quickly and spontaneously. Otherwise, I might agonize over a painting forever! (Although to be honest, I still do that sometimes!)



You have so many great pieces! Do you have a favorite?
Thank you so much! One of my long-time favorites is The Madonna, which has been traveling with me through four different moves. I recently broke our mirror (sadness) and hung Madonna in the empty space. I still wander back to that spot expecting to see my reflection…but now instead I see a portrait of a strong and self-possessed woman looking back at me! It’s kind of a fascinating little psych experiment I’m playing on myself. I imagine only good can come of this.



What can we look forward too? Anything new in the works?
I’ve just released my newest series of paintings this week, which I’m really excited about! My Postcard Project (photo below) is twelve miniature paintings based on a memory or place that is significant to me. I chose to work small because I love the feeling of holding something beautiful in my hands, and because I wanted the paintings to be like little windows onto their scenes. I hope they are able to brighten people’s days (or their home!), and remind them of the special memories and places in their lives.





Just for fun, how about some rapid fire questions? Answer with the first thing that pops in your head. GO!



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I absolutely love Diana's work! Her pieces are just so refreshing and she has such a great eye composition and color combinations! My faves are Fireflies and January... and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! She's one talented lady! Another thing I love.... her postcard series is affordable! Each of these paintings comes framed and matted, and is packaged with a little written story about the painting. Making it possible for anyone to own an original work of art (even a tiny one)!


For more about Diana Willard's artwork:
+ Visit her shops - Esty // Society6
+ Get inspired & stay updated on new collections - follow her blog.
+ For daily happenings and a peek inside her studio - follow along on Instagram

Artist Love: Kit Chase

Okay, how cute is that bunny floating away holding the balloon string?! Or the giraffe star-fishing! I'm dying from cuteness over here! 

I stumbled upon the magical artwork of Kit Chase a few weeks ago and I'm beyond happy I did. I'm absolutely amazed and LOVE her work! Just browsing through her shop, Trafalgar’s Square, and the whimsy of her illustrations will whisk you back to your childhood where your dolls could talk and stuffed animals were your best friends.

If you're looking for adorable artwork, you have to check out Trafalgar’s Square. There are so many wonderful prints to choose from and they would make the perfect addition to any nursery or children's room!


Artwork via Kit Chase

Artist Love: Lana Moes

Artist Lana Moes recently got in touch with me and I'm so glad she did! She has such an amazing talent and I'm excited to introduce you all to her work.....

HI LANA! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR WORK WITH US. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF...
I was born in Russia and moved to Florida 15 years ago. I love everything here: sun, water, weather, long sandy beaches, bright colors, but mostly the opportunity to do what I love the most - travel and art. My deepest inspiration and passion about art comes from traveling and experiencing different cultures. I hope that my creations can provide a special memory for your viewers or simply take them on a journey to a new place.

I go to sleep dreaming about my art. I wake up and the first thing in my hand is a cup of coffee in one hand a paintbrush in the other. I can't wait to paint, and can never work within a normal schedule of hours. Art for me is not an 8 to 5 job, rather it is a lifestyle. I'm very passionate about it and I love to inspire the viewers with my artistic vision. I consider the "heart" of my work an ongoing series of figurative, fashion, and abstract paintings.



TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROCESS. WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR WORK?
My work always comes from my own life experiences and emotions, and often reflects issues I am thinking about or struggling with at the time. Making art is for me a transformative process that helps me clarify and better understand my own experiences. I use the female figure almost exclusively because that is the perspective from which I view the world.



DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEDIUM TO USE?
I have been experimenting with mostly watercolors and acrylic. I especially like the challenge of painting with watercolors. By it’s nature it is a spontaneous and somewhat uncontrollable medium. The outcome of a watercolor painting is hard to predict at the beginning of the process and I have to trust my instinctive and subconscious approach based on my art education and years of experience.



WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? CAN WE EXPECT ANY NEW PIECES?
I just completed two series of paintings inspired by a recent trip to Paris and London and have already sold a few pieces. It is always a mystery (and a joy) for me to see two buyers, one from Ireland and another from Australia, buying in the same day, two pieces from the same collection. I believe people find the love and sweet memories I put into them. It's a wonderful way to see the global connection that exists through art.

I am also excited about my upcoming trip to Russia in the Fall. I’m looking forward to seeing friends and family and even more excited to share this trip with my husband. You can expect a new series of art in my store, Russian inspired with possibly new colors... or a new motif. Stay tuned!

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Thank you so much Lana!!  Pink Peonies and Tulip Mania are two of my favorite pieces! Can't wait to see the next series!

If you love Lana's work as much as I do, you have to check out her Etsy shops (illustration/watercolors and abstract acrylic/oil paintings) and be sure to follow her blog for the latest updates.


Images via Lana Moes

Artist Love: Sarah Otts

These gorgeous paintings by Sarah Otts are keeping me inspired this Wednesday morning. I'm in love with the thick dabs and smears of paint and her color palettes are just amazing! Oh, and how about those pops of metallic by using gold leaf... I love the contrast it adds. I'm completely smitten with her work!

Head on over to her site to see more...


Images via: Sarah Otts

Artist Love: Sarajo Frieden

Happy Monday, friends! Hope you all has a wonderful Easter weekend!

I recently came across the work of LA based artist Sarajo Frienden and was instantly smitten. The palette, textures and organic shapes are just so beautiful and inspiring. Her work instantly put a smile on my face.

See more examples of her work here and here. She clearly she has a very creative mind.

Images via: Sarsjo Frieden

Artist Love: Yago Hortal

How about some visual eye candy for your Tuesday! I'm totally loving these explosions of color by Yago Hortal. I wish the first (or second) painting could find its way into my home. :)

You can check out his amazing portfolio here.


Source | Yago Hortal
 

Artist Love: Sara Singh

Hello, hello! Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Let's start the week off with some beautiful illustrations.
Right now, I'm obsessing over illustrator Sara Singh. Isn't her work wonderful? I love her mix of ink lines and blending of watercolors.

See more of her gorgeous work here.

Image Source | Sara Singh

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Also, if you have a minute, could you please take this little survey. I want to make Creative Index even better in 2013 and would love to get your input!! Pretty please, with a cherry on top! ;)

artist love: charley harper

I am head over heels for Charley Harper's illustrations. (He has lots of great ones, but today I'm focusing on the Holiday-themed ones....)

Harper (1922-2007) was a Cincinnati based artist who illustrated lots of books and magazines, but he is probably most recognized for his nature-inspired work for parks and zoos. Unlike realistic wildlife art, his is flat, simple and fun. I love his modern take on nature and how geometric his work is.

He was once asked to describe his unique visual style, his response: "When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures."

Isn't his work wonderful? Makes me all warm and happy. Such a great source of inspiration!


Source | Charley Harper

artist love: matt w. moore

Loving the explosion of colors and geometric shapes in Matt W. Moore's compositions.

Matt is the founder of MWM Graphics, a Design and Illustration studio based in Portland, Maine. He works across disciplines, from colorful digital illustrations in his signature “Vectorfunk” style, to freeform Watercolor Paintings, and massive Aerosol Murals. MWM exhibits his artwork in galleries all around the world, and collaborates with clients in all sectors.

There's so much energy and passion in his work... I would love to walk by and see these on the street! Truly an inspiration!

To view his amazing portfolio, visit his website.


Images via Matt W. Moore

artist love: suzanne mcclelland

I cannot stop staring at these gorgeous mixed media works by Suzanne McClelland. They are definitely keeping me inspired on this rainy (and chilly!) Tuesday afternoon. She has several different collections, but I'm absolutely loving this one! I love the dark colors!

Want to see more? Head on over to her website... it's full of amazing inspiration.


images via suzanne mcclelland

artist love: cate parr

Seriously, how gorg are these illustrations? I'm totally loving these watercolor beauties this Tuesday morning!

Cate Parr (originally from England) is based in Los Angeles and is the talented lady behind these fashion illustrations. I've always been a big fan of watercolor, but sometimes it can be a little too delicate... and I love how she keeps it vibrant and chic!

Her talent is amazing! I really need to snatch up one of her prints!

For more on Cate, visit: website // etsy // twitter


images via : cate parr

artist love: jenny vorwaller

I have another fantastic artist to share with you this morning!

Jenny Vorwaller is based in Seattle and uses painting as a daily meditation. She uses an intuitive approach to allow the process to become the subject of her work. Music serves as a foundation, often influencing a departure from reality in restful, lyrical and energetic compositions.

I'm obsessed with these color palettes! And what I LOVE even more.... it's very affordable!

For more info, visit: Society 6 /// Facebook /// Twitter


images via: jenny vorwaller

artist love: Sally King Benedict

Hello and Happy Monday! Hope everyone had great weekend and all the Momma's out there had a fabulous Mother's day!

It's been a while since I've done an Artist Love feature (or really any post for that matter)... So what better way to help these personal and creative blues, then with the work of one very talented lady, Ms. Sally King Benedict.




I absolutely love Sally's work! Her pieces are just so fun and refreshing and she has such a great eye for texture, composition and color.

Want to see more? Check out her super cute website... it's full of more eye candy!

(Images via Sally King Benedict)

artist love: david mramor

These gorgeous paintings by David Mramor are keeping me inspired this gloomy Thursday afternoon. I truly love mixed media work. He starts with a printed canvas and then adds layers of acrylic, oil, pencil, marker... even spray paint.

See more of his amazing work here.

(Images via David Mramor)