Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Have you discovered Etsy yet?

I am absolutely in love with this website. I knew my addiction had started to take hold last night when I was shopping for Christmas cards. I thought, "this is something that would be great handmade," and immediately put down my purchase and went home to look. Haven't found our cards yet but I am on the hunt!

Along with Etsy I'm a big fan of Imagekind for prints. Artist Rising also does prints and sells originals as well, but I am still looking around to get a better idea of the site. Along with these sites are a number of climbers (new ones yet to take hold) and old ones that probably need revamped (Yessy.com, I'm thinking of you). Zatista.com has great potential but I think the commission is a bit high for an online site (18%!).

After rattling off these names quickly I think this might be fodder for a links gadget and maybe a more involved post than my 5 minute morning spit out. Hmmm....

Kate

Monday, November 30, 2009

Three Little...Doggies?





I am shipping these off today along with Night Watch to some new clients. The little dog portraits were only 4" x 4" and were a lot of fun to do. They were the last pieces I did before moving my studio around and thereby creating one big...MESS. 9 o'clock last night I decided to shut the doors and not look until tonight when I can get back to work.
Friday is the first art reception I've actually attended since Abby was born (1 year on the 18th). The Annual Library Showcase is here and I've been progressively getting more and more excited to go. Don't know what I'm wearing, don't know what frame my new piece Autumn Leaves is wearing, either, but it's a show! I can't wait to see my art buddies again.
I'm about to start experimenting with some tempura techniques this week. I am in between planned paintings right now so I'm going to see what I can come up with using a mixture of egg yolk and acrylic. I'm hoping for a glow comparable to that of gloss medium but with a different blendability. I suppose you will find out how it goes later on in the week!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Literature & Art

I was at the local college recently inquiring about an English degree and the assistant chair of the department mentioned a class in the coursework that involves the link between literature and art. This intrigued me, as when I read a great work the imagery can be very vivid. Even more so, it can be inspiring as well.

Let's take one recently made well known again in popular culture - Beowulf - but let's put the movie aside. Reading the vivid descriptions of this monster my mind goes wild. Emerald greens, deep crimson reds and burnt umber mixed with iridescent golden hues. Facing a stagnant pool of inspiration maybe all we need to do is pick up a good book. Reading a great piece of writing does not have to stop at high school.

What good piece of writing have you read that inspired some fantastical artwork?

On another note, I did want to mention an artist I found on etsy.com. Ironside Impastos (Jan Ironside) has some great work using an impasto technique and lots of color, which I love. Check her out: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ironsideimpastos.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Another Saturday Morning Musing

I love art of all media. Even more than painting myself, I enjoy looking at the work of other artists and am continually enthralled by the talents of others. I am annoyed when I hear an artist claim that there is a substantial difference between craft and art (this no-go ranks in with politics and religion to me). What is fine art other than the craft of applying paint and creativity? And if you made this distinction then what is mixed media?

We can all learn something from one another. I do not count myself among the professionals but I have been blessed to sell a few. I fear that once someone thinks of their work as professional they may be less inclined to grow, and right now that is what I strive for most. I am afraid to be stuck in one tradition or style. I think to excel in your own particular painting you need to study all work.

I'm fascinated by art quilting. I think the artists who create these fabulous works of art must have a finely honed sense of color theory. Unlike a painter, who can create their own hues with some dabs of paint, a quilter is left with an already created stash of fabric from which they must assemble a creative work of art. Work ranges from the traditional patterned quilts with various shading and color transitions to full out artistic objects in fabric. Ai Kijima has some fascinating quilt art made from fusion techniques.
Anyway, time for my second cup of coffee. Good morning all!
Katie

Friday, November 27, 2009

New Painting

This one measures in @ 4" x 5" and is a mini-painting painted on the sides. Easily suited to a small easel or framing. I'm about to start working on some mini-ornaments made from portraits. Abby is first up!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Finished Autumn Leaves/Sleepy Hollow's Head


20" x 24" and completed with time to spare for Thanksgiving. I started this before Halloween and so it has a darker feel to it, but it is a great size and is currently hanging in my living room waiting to be framed for the Winter Artist Showcase at the library nearby.
Hope you like it!

Where is your muse at 3:30 am this morning?

Mine is probably still sleeping upstairs. I woke up at 1:30 this morning as if it was morning and have not quite gotten sleepy again yet (I am going to suffer for this tomorrow). Since I'm not liking the idea of pulling out all my paints and getting to work just to fall into a coma mid-painting, I thought I would work on the blog.

I've been aware of the painting-a-day movement for some time, but never really paid a lot of attention to it. An art teacher I used to study under, Roger Lawrence, told me on more than one occasion that the only way to improve one's technique is to study and work daily at the craft of being creative. Lately I am beginning to take this to heart and am thinking of at least working on a one painting a week project. Perhaps this will grow into a one painting a day project sometime in the future.

While doing research on this trend I came across a fine artist in every sense of the word. His work is beautiful, and even with my amateur eye I can tell his technique is finely honed. Undoubtedly his work is probably well known in knowledgeable circles already, but I live in my own little cocoon and so have only come across it now. The link to Julian Merrow-Smith's site is: www.shiftinglight.com. The name of his one a day project is the Postcard from Provence series. Love his work. LOVE IT.

Ok, my eyes are starting to blur. My guess is sleep is finally deciding to return to this forgotten dreamer. 'Til next time!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Finished Boston Portrait


It's 8" x 10" on canvas...I am thinking of framing it in a rustic frame but I'm not sure. Right now it's unframed sitting on my bookcase. I really like this painting even though it's not my usual style. I limited my palette and tried to concentrate the detail on the Boston herself... her name is Moxy, btw.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Boston Terrier Portrait

This is early on in a piece I'm working on based off of my Mom's rambunctious Boston.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Night Owl Original 20 in x 30 in on canvas




FINALLY a finished piece! Still working on the autumn themed piece I posted earlier. It will be up soon. In any case, I'm actively working on the studio site http://www.bunschotenstudio.com/ and people can now purchase straight from my site via paypal. Shipping will be invoiced separately until I can get the shipping calculator to work. You can also purchase via my etsy shop where you may have more options for purchase. www.etsy.com/shop/katiesstudio. As always prints are available on Imagekind but I don't yet have a decent enough photo to post this one up. No natural light today!


Please let me know if anyone has questions - a note to artists - I noticed another artist used yola.com to create a *free* site and I was able to do so as well. This is a great site to make your web presence, especially since most of us lack a substantial marketing budget. ;-)

Friday, October 16, 2009

Picture of WIP


Many apologies for the glare - I took this really quickly this morning on my way out the door and didn't wait for proper lighting!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Fall Leaves

Have a new work in process I'm wrapping up and should be up hopefully by this weekend. We are going to 'Bama to visit family this weekend so if I don't get it up in time then it will be next week!

Have a few low key showings locally - I'm taking some time off to get some work finished.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Update

I've signed up for Artworks Cincinnati as a Secret Artist. Details and a link are up on my website now (which I have put back up).

I'm on facebook privately and am thinking of adding a page for the studio. Seems like that is the thing to do lately.

Lots of goings on - in the past few months my studio was actually disassembled and I'm in the middle of relocating it to another part of the house. Bear with me as I get back up to speed :-).

New projects going on include a piece I will be working on of an Arabian from my childhood. I hope to have it up within the next month.

For now, you can look over the new site and links www.bunschotenstudio.com. Hope everyone has a chance to stop over!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Abby Sketch


I'm working on a sketch of Abby (my daughter). I'm posting it here as a pen and ink but it is still in process so this is not the final image!


I'm actually trying to decide whether this will be a watercolor or leave as a pen and ink. Hmm...you can see the original image on The Abby Blog!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Better picture of PIM


Arabian Sold

Hi everyone!

I didn't expect the feedback from Arabian but it was great! He has already sold (before I even varnished!) and is heading out to IL today or Monday.

If you were interested in this piece drop me a line and I can do a similar commission - not the same as I don't re-do original work but it can be similar!

Thanks again!!!!

Katie

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Arabian


This one sits @ 24" x 30" and is unframed. I am finding lately that I am enjoying a return to my roots - painting horses...

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A fellow blogger...

Hi everyone,

I was featured today by this great blogger...

http://francaldwell.blogspot.com/

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Poetry In Motion, Acrylic


Sorry for the poop quality of the photo - it's overcast today and I wanted to get this up, but I'll be replacing the image and adding it to the website as soon as I get a better photo.
This piece is HUGE to me - 30" x 40"! I started it last year and sat it aside to get an idea of where to go with it, and I just finished it today. This is not the whole painting, it's a close up of the subject.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

My Walls Are Bare

So I stripped the walls of my house so I would have some work to display at Rabbit Hash. Now my walls look bare! We are working on painting our kitchen and doing some other maintenance and after all the walls have nothing on them, our old curtains are still waiting on replacements (I have a very hard time decorating - surprised?), our kitchen cabinet doors are off... wow... my house is in desperate need of TLC! I would have had pictures to show but I forgot my camera! AGH!

The show was fun. In the true spirit of Rabbit Hash, there was the occasional four-legged visitor as well. The refreshments were great and I met some dutchies as well! I wish my dutch was still up to snuff because it made me very homesick for our home overseas - I miss Holland the most at those times.

Abby is doing great - she was the belle of the moment when we went to hang our work Monday. Everyone loved her and she didn't even blink at the hammers when they were hanging the work up. I told them it's because she has Sadie, the beagle, also known as the I'm gonna strike you deaf telling you how much I love you when you get home dog.

In other news I'm working on a painting of poppies for a dear friend - TAS director Teressa Barnhill. I'm going to be represented by Transition Art Studio here soon which will give me more time to paint and more direction in my marketing. We had a meeting last week and I feel like I can move forward with a lot more focus and inspiration. They are currently accepting applications for new artists and I am excited to be accepted.

Ok, back to poppies...

Sunday, April 12, 2009

No One's Home


Another watercolor. I'm using this as a study for an acrylic painting I'm going to make from it. I like this one but I used Sepia toned ink instead of my regular black, and it just doesn't have the effect I look for. I think it will make for a striking acrylic, however.


I'm off to sketch out my underpainting. By the way, I hope everyone is ready for the Rabbit Hash Show. I keep talking about it because this will be my first show of the new year and for a long time - I took a sabbatical while I was pregnant with my daughter (you can read about her in the Abby blog).


Thanks!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Kiki's Pursuits

Collectively called Kiki's Pursuits, I named the picture with Kiki (my cat) "Kiki Plots Her Escape" and the one with the bird "Kiki's Motivation". Kiki likes to look out my bay window and plot her schemes to steal the birds from our pear tree, and one day it seemed that she and the bird were having a face off which I had to paint. Driptych.Each piece is 12" x 12" and has a deep gallery wrap (1.5"). They are both signed on the back and the picture continues around the sides.

I took this picture before hanging because while I have them I am hanging them... somewhere. Until I hang them I don't want to put holes in the wall, so you get a lovely view of my floor. Congratulations ;-).

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Little Bird


About this one: Little Bird, 2009. Image is about 6.25" x 9.25". On 185 lb cold press 9" x 12" paper.I'm not known for my watercolors but sometimes it calms me to paint small watercolor sketches. This sketch was done in pencil first, then laid over with #3 Micron pen and painted with a mix of watercolor pencil & Grumbacher opaque paints.


With this being a quiet Sunday I thought it would be a perfect day to fiddle with a few watercolors. I left an approximate 1" margin around the edge.
It was a perfect project for a quiet day after the crazy week I've had (really... if there was a word past crazy I would use it).
Hope everyone is doing well - I've left framing my work for the Rabbit Hash Show to the absolute last minute (again) so I might end up just hanging gallery wraps. If there is an unframed piece you want to see then get in touch somehow and I'll arrange to show it to you.
Happy Easter-Coming-Up week!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Reverting to baby speak

The longer I (a) am around Abby, and (b) am out of school the worse my grammar gets. Pretty soon I will be communicating with a series of unlinked nouns, non-conjugated verbs and hand movements.

Paint I do. (While throwing a thumbs up.)

Catch you laters.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Elizabeth Graf

I have been following this artist on Etsy, I love her work and added a link to her store. I love her tetra paintings - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5629664

Friday, March 27, 2009

Abby!!


I took some pictures the other day of my little girl - I don't know if you have seen the picture in my blog of her early days, but this one is at 3 1/2 months. She loves her Poo Bear - he has a rattle inside.
It may seem like this is totally unrelated to my art (I do post unrelated things sometimes if they strike my fancy) but I have noticed a surge of inspiration since she was born. I think seeing how everything is brand new to her replaces some of the magic in the world that I no longer noticed. I am definitely thankful for our little angel!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

How Dreary Is This Rain?

It's rotten, is what it is - I haven't gotten any new pieces posted because I've been working on getting the ones I finished thus far varnished. Apparently my studio room was getting crowded. Too much creativity?! Never!

Monday, March 23, 2009

I Need Buttons!

Recently I have found myself being pulled inexplicably towards mixed media work. I have this vague idea in my head of doing a piece made entirely of buttons but am finding it difficult to collect enough unique buttons myself...

If anyone has any idea of any neat places to find buttons OR you have some mismatched ones you don't want, let me know! In the meantime maybe this idea will stew enough to get some more traction.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Curly Q


Gallery wrap 1.75" - sides painted black with detail. Signed on the side. Triptych. You can either hang separately (with space between) or frame/join them together. Each canvas is approximately 12" x 15.75" for a total size of approximately 12" x 47.25". It will have a gloss finish.
I had this idea for a triptych while I was working on the giraffe paintings. I have been playing with this idea of geometric line and shape to enhance my subject. Sometimes I think my true subjects get lost when my work becomes too busy, and the simple lines, to me, complement the tree and add clarity to the piece.
Now if I can get the panorama function on my camera to work, I'll get a better picture uploaded. For now it's a smidge skewed. :-)
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

My Paintings Look Sexy In Frames

Ok am I a total narcissist if I've been playing on Imagekind putting all my paintings on virtual prints in virtual frames and different mats? I am? Doh!

Seriously, though, this site offers a great service to artists who otherwise might not have the *substantial* money to invest to order print set ups, scans, etc at a commercial printer. I encourage everyone to check this site out...

As a side note, you can also order a sample kit which you can show your clients. It includes samples of all the different papers they offer prints on. Until then, you can play with my gallery!

Friday, March 20, 2009

What a Week!!!!!

So Marco's car went kaput this week. Got it fixed which was no small task and then it had a "mysterious" oil leak. Got that fixed, got fed up and just bought a new car. This was a weeklong drama. At least we helped the economy!

I'm working on a new piece which I will have up shortly after it dries, etc... On the upside the weather has been BEAUTIFUL and I can not wait to plant our garden this year. Does anyone have an idea about when we can plant without worrying about more freezes?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Prints Available

Hi guys,

I'm going to be making prints available through my website for my clients. To reach the print gallery, click here.

I'm working on a new piece which will be up very soon. Hope everyone is doing well & talk to you later.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Night Watch


I'm out of canvas. You get canvasboard until my Blick's order gets in. This is a small 5" x 7" I painted today to express an idea. It would have been on canvas except for the earlier explanation. I'm trying to get as many painted as possible before my next block hits, which happens about once a year and lasts however long it lasts...

Orient I 16 in x 20 in


Unframed acrylic on canvas. 16" x 20". Gloss finish. This piece has many metallic/iridescent value paints, which may appear slightly different in person.
**This is what I get for falling asleep during Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations episode in China. **

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

It's Spring!

Ok, so it might turn cold again.. em... TOMORROW... but for today I got to hang in the yard amongst the roses (starting to bud) and the trees and bring Abby out for the first time in her play-yard. Enjoying this short burst of warm (73 F) weather makes the rose thorns in my hands worth it (I spent the afternoon pruning, late as I am).

No, I am not a green thumb. I am a brown thumb slowly trying to make my way to a muddy green.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Four O Five - New Piece


Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas. A painting of the clock in Hyde Park in Cincinnati, OH.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

heading out today

Ok, so I'm heading out today to run some errands and I had a scary thought. I don't know what the weather's like. That's right, folks. I've been holed up so long indoors I'm not sure if it's cold, warmish or a mix of the two. Abby was sick so I kept her home.

I'm starting to see why I've been so artfully productive. Scary.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Updated site

I've updated the studio site. Hopefully for the good.. if not, don't tell me..

Funky Giraffe

Another one on the site - Funky Giraffe 20x24 inches. Made this one for the Fringe Fest application, we will see how it does!


Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Transition Art Director in 5 Person Show @ Redtree

A great friend of mine and the director of Transition Art Studio will be in a 5 person show at Redtree Art Gallery in Cincinnati in April. Check out the invite and attend opening night April 10 from 6 - 10 pm. Learn more about Red Tree Art Gallery by visiting www.redtreegallery.net.

Ok, so poop. I am having trouble getting the attachment to work. Email me if you want the flyer!

Cincinnati Fringe Fest & Call to Artists

Cincinnati's Fringe Fest application is out for all you alterna-creatives out there. I'm submitting a few of my pieces but if you are interested you can get more info by going to www.cincyfringe.com.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Giraffe 2009


I know I emailed the list yesterday to let everyone know about my newest painting, Vibe, but I just finished another one! Those who know my work know this is rare (I have a tendency to allow my paintings to gestate for months on end), but I finished my newest piece, Giraffe, today and had to post it before my intentions faded away into the ether...

Saturday, February 28, 2009

City Vibe & Other News


Hi All -


I'm attaching my newest piece which I call "Vibe of the City Market." I got the idea when I was at Findlay Market last year with one of my very good friends. It measures 16" x 20" and is unframed.
There have been a lot of posts on the blog, which I continually try to encourage everyone to frequent. Not all of them have to do with art (ok, so I get bored) but I do update it often. Check it out and try to add your comments to a post! :)
OK, so in other news: BCVAA is hopping and the weather is cold. Yeah, that's what I got. Talk to you soon!
-Katie

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sunday Morning Reflections

Hi All,

I'm working on a new piece that has been sitting in my mind for a while now. I'm not going to give any details, but it has me reflecting on how many of my artist friends (and others) are hurting right now. It sometimes makes me not want to paint... the news definitely puts a damper on creativity.

Somehow people have to stay positive, and know that this will not last forever. We are all in the same boat, and while I can't say I harbor no great resentment towards those who instigated this crisis, causing their country to be so weak right now, I can just say there is no use crying over spilled milk. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I will say that those who had a part in this are no better than traitors. Strong words for me, but I can't be nice right now about those who let greed get in the way of conscience then shirk responsibility in fixing it.

-Katie

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Tulips are sprouting

The tulips outside have broken ground. While I love my tulips, I wish I knew plant speak for please, little flowers, not yet! This warm spell is not real!!!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Call To Artists

Just a quick note while I'm still officially out of the house ~ I have applications for artists who want to participate in the Burlington Chalk Festival ~ comment to this post if you'd like one!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Etsy.com & Wintering in the South

I am posting from my snug little spot in Florence, Alabama. While my artistic colleagues, spouse and other Cincinnatians are hibernating in 4 (yes, 4!) degree weather, snow and ice covered grounds, and electrocuting each other with each touch, I am visiting my parents in a comparatively balmy 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

I'm trying out an Etsy showcase today. My public shop is visible here. It's a neat little website and I get emails from people who like my work pretty frequently. As far as web traffic goes, I've gotten more feedback from this site than any others I have posted my work to in the past.

I'm reading a book on Churchill & his contemporaries. Churchill enjoyed painting as well - more on that another time.

-Katie

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Vote for Best Of Cincinnati

Arts Organizations are listed, too... check it out (if you vote for every category you are a saint):

http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/best-of-21-best-of-cincinnati-2009.html

-Katie

Sunday, January 25, 2009

My Wine Education

A local blog I really enjoy reading - she gives some great wine recommendations and frequently has local tastings listed. What goes together better than wine and art? Even better, you can subscribe to email feed...

www.wine-girl.net

Just Another Sunday Morning

I'm sitting here, coffee in hand, waiting on some danish to finish baking, and wondering when I'll be able to get back in the studio yet again. I think there is some supreme being conspiring against my artistic efforts this week.

There was the comedic collapse of the easel and now I'm redecorating the office. Not to mention the run of the mill challenges that go along with using my plein air easel as a temporary fix. Constantly needing to tighten the screws and other machinery makes having an unbroken creative process a myth.

In any case, I had the pleasure of hearing from Jessica Daman, a jewelry artist who has just moved to the area. You can view her jewelry here: http://www.sugarmountainjewelry.com/. I'm adding a permanent link to her site under a new section I'm adding; Regional Artists. Jessica also is a commanding mosaic artist and everyone should check out her site. ***Note to regional artists: if you want a link to your work, just send me an email or comment on this post. No requirements except that your work is clearly artistic & not a crafts site.***

I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around what shows I'll be participating in this year. I will probably be sitting out most of the festivals just because of the baby-artwork setup challenge, but I may participate in Art Off Pike again. It was a favorite the year I did participate - I met a lot of great artists and being setup in close proximity on a gorgeous day gave you a great opportunity to take a look around yourself and get your fill of artistic inspiration.

In any case, I'm off to admire our other paint job - the walls of the studio/office. Cheers!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Rabbit Hash

The BCVAA is putting together details for their show in Rabbit Hash, KY in April. More details posted when I get back from my February meeting but what I do know is that it is member only!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A New President and a New Start

After watching bits of the inauguration yesterday I feel refreshed and rejuvenated to create. It truly was an historic moment in history and I have hope for a renaissance of patriotism in the modern age.

Perhaps jadism will take a back seat and volunteerism, civility and heroism will take the front, who knows. This artist feels inspired, that's for sure.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Transition Art Studio in the News

I keep a link to Transition Art Studio on my page. The director, Teressa Barnhill, is a fascinating artist and the studio sponsors my artistic endeavors as well.

Check out the article on Teressa and the studio on Cincinnati.com.

Cheers,
Katie

Monday, January 19, 2009

Girl At Play - Finally A New Piece!


Hi All,

My first new piece of 2009. Girl At Play - 20" x 30".

-Katie

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Back in the Studio... With Complications!

I'm officially back at work, painting and trying to keep a good flow while being a new mom (which, may I say, is the best experience of my life - except at night when she won't sleep). I started back at work on a piece I started originally in October, Pumpkin Farm.. it has a decidedly fall feel to it but I'm continuing because I love this piece and want to be able to have it online before the end of the month. I'm also toying with some new painting ideas, implementing new subject matter and possibly some new techniques.

While all of this sounds great, my easel collapsed on me last night... one screw must have been missing in a strategic location, and its brother decided to give up the hard fight mid-painting. What a shock! Of course, any excuse to go out and buy a new one is fine by me, so until then I'm making do with a table easel and my desk. Not the best solution, but temporary all the same.

The BCVAA has been hopping lately, and I've volunteered to be on the judge's panel during Burlington, Kentucky's first ever chalk art festival. Don't have a lot of details, but the date will be May 9 & I'll blog more when I know more. Until then, I've got it listed under my exhibition schedule.

Hope everyone is doing well and happy painting~

Katie