Owner: Chaos In A CATbox URL:www.catboxartstudio.blogspot.com Join Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:32:02 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Inside the CATbox art studio! The latest on the artwork of Cathy Ashworth, my paintings, what I'm up to, where to find my work and whatever else may come up. It's all about the independant artists' life! Site statistics:Click here
A Small Smattering of Likes 2007-03-15 01:00:00 I hope smattering is a word. For me it translates into a few things that I like! See some of my smatters below that currently reside with me. My boudoir chandelier! A fabulous artisan crafted corazon!My bathroom chandelier - I LOVE chandeliers! An artisan crafted chair titled, "The X Chair". The 'x' stands for Xacto. This chair has at least 75 Xacto knives embellishing it throughout.Okay, smattering over! Read more:Small
Artist Admiration! 2007-03-09 23:34:00 Can I just say that I adore the art of Mark Ryden? He just has it all - imagination, creativity and genius brush strokes! I admire his work so much, that I like to challenge myself and "duplicate" one of his works. I'm most enamored with his "Blood Show: Miniature Paintings of Sorrow & Fear" which exhibited in Los Angeles in 2003. I've been kicking myself ever since because I didn't get off my a*s to go see it! This week I decided to paint something for me and decided to "duplicate" his painting entitled, "Wound". The only print material I had to work with was a postcard that had about a 3" x 3" image of "Wound" and a printed image from the internet. Neither one was very good. I stared at his website alot! I'm pretty pleased with the results although, it is somewhat small (about 5" x 7"). I've entitled mine, "Bloodbath". The painting below left is another Mark Ryden that I "duplicated" in 2003 (again, from his "Blood" show). His was entitled, "Rose" and I've entitled mine, "Sara Read more:Artist
Playing with Pendants 2007-03-07 00:03:00 I've been playing around with one-of-kind, hand painted pendants. I think to wear a piece of art is just the coolest thing! I decided to try something a little different, and to stick with a familiar image I love! I'm very pleased with the way this little batch turned out and the super shiny, resin finish makes them so pretty! Instead of "normal" fruit, I went for abnormal fruit, a black apple and yellow strawberry. As for the familiar image I love, the sacred heart. To take a decent photo of these little suckers was hard and I have to say, they look so much better in person - really! I've listed this batch in My Etsy Shop. I hope they do well and if they don't, I won't hesitate to hang any one of them around my neck. Especially the sacred heart. I'm a sucker for a fabulous, flaming heart! Read more:Pendants
The Artists' Reception 2007-03-05 03:07:00 Yesterday was the artists' reception for the "Saints & Sinners XX" exhibition. I decided to take my camera and attempt to capture a bit of the event, as well as the ambiance of the host, the Folk Tree. The only true way to capture that is to visit in person. It's very easy to spend many hours discovering the most eclectic and one-of-a-kind treasures sure to be found in this most unique space! If you can't make it in person, you can always click here for a virtual, Quicktime glimpse into this most funky place!This photograph is of the actual shop portion of the Folk Tree. This photograph is of some very lovely clay ladies to be found! This photograph is some of the most exquisite and artful paper mache to be found by the artist, Joel Garcia. His work IS amazing! All of the remaining photographs are of the "Saints & Sinners XX" exhibition.With the exception of the photograph below, he really isn't part of the exhibt, but my partner in crime! Since he was in the doorway (to the exhi Read more:Artists
, Reception
Happy Anniversary! 2007-03-02 00:55:00 This month marks my ten year anniversary of exhibiting my art at the Folk Tree in Pasadena! To celebrate this monumental event, I'm displaying a bit of what you might see (unless it actually sells by this Saturday, that would be nice!) should you decide to visit, "Saints & Sinners XX". The official opening is this Saturday, March 3rd (and runs through April 7th). Plus, this is my very first blog attempt, another anniversary you could say! Read more:Anniversary
, Happy
, Happy Anniversary
Quietly Creating Simple Art 2007-03-17 05:16:00 On Tuesday I had a bout with a case of the mini spring cleaning rant disease! I had to clean up my studio, throw things out and rearrange the furniture a bit. I had to do this in order to make a mess again (or maybe I should of said, so I can create again). It's about the only way I can get anything accomplished. Makes no sense to me, but, I've accepted this is the way it is and I am very much used to it! So, since Tuesday's clean-up, I have been quietly creating simple, quick, sometimes often the same subject matter, paintings and pendants (with slight differences of course). The first two revolve around, for me anyway they do, the Mexican holiday, Dia De Los Muertos. I love this holiday and paint my own images of it often! Although these two paintings are certainly no great masterpieces, I like the simple, bright imagery. I have the original paintings and decided to place prints of both images in my Etsy shop. "Near Death""Death Dares Me" I then painted two more pendants with simp Read more:Creating
, Simple
Experimenting With Spring 2007-03-21 20:12:00 I decided to attempt to paint something in honor of Spring
, well, sort of. I attempted to paint something completely not me, in a somewhat different style and more simplistic. The results are below, "Ready, Set, Spring". It wasn't easy at all! I guess that I have developed a style of painting over the years and to stray from that is difficult! I've attempted this before, with so-so results. I did seek the advice of an artist friend to find out how she paints (so loose). Her simple advice was, "get yourself some very long brushes, hold them by the ends and paint". Well, she was right, it was very loose and I wanted to fix all of my loose strokes! With "Ready, Set, Spring", I was somewhat loose (I didn't use long brushes though) and used different color combinations that I normally don't use. I ended up painting the little owl twice and he, to me, is the loosest part of this painting. I'm not totally in love with this piece but I do like it. I like that it's different from what I n
In My Own Thoughts 2007-03-27 01:02:00 There are so many artists' that I admire with many different styles. I have to admit, that there are times where I say to myself, "I wish I could paint like that", or, "Why didn't I think of that"? More often than not, something always comes out of those thoughts. I attempt a different style, use different colors, or, try to duplicate a piece of art I like. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, right? Well, I think I like it even better when I try to duplicate something and it doesn't even resemble what I've attempted to duplicate. Case in point, the painting below. "In My Own Thoughts" can be found hereI was going to include a photo of the piece I attempted to duplicate, but, decided not to. Why bother? My painting doesn't even come close to what I originally intended to do. Besides, this means this is my original, no? That's even better!
Painting A Palm Frond - Ay Yi Yi! 2007-03-29 21:53:00 The project for the week - get the palm frond painted and finished - FINALLY! I've had this palm frond since last August, I think. It was delivered to me by my brother who received it from my sister who lives in Huntington Beach. She saw this partial palm frond, I have no idea where, and thought it would make a great canvas for me to paint for her. She offered to pay me, but, that didn't even inspire me to get it painted. So, with her approaching birthday, I thought, I'm painting that damn palm frond! So, that's what I did and I must say, it came out pretty well! Since my sister gave me no clue what to paint, I decided to paint a sort-of-mermaid that would fit in with the beach life that she lives. The texture of the wood was surprisingly smooth and I roughed it up just a bit with some sandpaper and it painted up great! The frond is about two and half feet long by about a foot and a half wide. I managed to lose a few of the thingies that fling out from the sides, no matter how car Read more:Painting
Meet Miss Neko 2007-04-01 23:41:00 Here she is............Neko! Just one of the feline stars featured on my website. This is the way she spent this Sunday morning. On a table that is situated under a window, just for her I might add (and no, she is certainly not spoiled!), the curtains drawn and the window open. This is feline sunbathing at it's finest! I couldn't resist and just had to grab my camera and take a few pics of her. As you can tell, little Neko has grown up just a bit since this picture. She is just the sweetest thing! My only plan now is to figure out how to get her out of the grips of her owner so that I can have her all to myself.......................wishful thinking!
I've Gone To The Birds! 2007-04-06 23:59:00 Or, maybe I'm reverting back to my childhood, when we used to go camping, and I would wear my t-shirt that had this HUGE owl on it! If only I could find that picture. No wait, maybe it's a good thing I can't locate it! So, what is the deal with me and the owls? I never paint owls, or birds for that matter. Well, whatever it is, the owls I've painted lately kind of remind me of my old, worn out t-shirt from moons ago. I think they're kinda cute and almost illustration like! This one is titled, "Where Have All The Leaves Gone"? and can be found here. I think the blue one might be my favorite. It may have to do with the fact that this blue color reminds me of the Tiffany box blue color. Ya can't go wrong with that color! And this one you would think (if you really knew me) would be more to my liking because of the colors. Nope. Not so. I do like it, but, I'm sticking with ol' Tiffany blue above.This one is titled, "Where Have All The Blossoms Gone"? and can be found here.What w Read more:Birds
An Artist Discovery! 2007-04-11 07:29:00 I was so excited when I stumbled across... The official website for the artist, Patssi Valdez! I have no idea why I did a search on her name tonight, but I did, and whoola, her website! It's about time! I have done a search on her before in the past and thought, "Why does she not have a website"?, "How could she not have a website"? Well, as of today, she does. Yay! I love her art! I could go on and on about it, but it really does speak for itself. It looks as if her website is still under construction, but, it's definitely worth a look-see.About nine years ago I took a papier mache class with this master and it was a small class, maybe eight to ten students. Sitting right next to me? Yup, Patssi Valdez! And what a nice gal she was. I remember her sharing her insight on being an artist and what she does when she has a block, although, she did state she didn't really believe in the artists' block. Funny, as I was checking out her website, I didn't see her project she made in that Read more:Artist
, Discovery
Illustration Friday: Fortune 2007-04-13 23:01:00 My very first IllustrationFriday
submission! "Fortune
"I decided to submit this illustration (a very rough illustration) of a pin design that was done for the company, Pin USA. I was contacted by a rep from the company who asked me to put my own spin on a design that had already been previously established. The pin was to be a limited edition of 500 design for the Year of the Pig 2007 and it would be for the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City.
Painting Of The Day! 2007-04-17 22:11:00 "For Klimt" A combination of a likeness of the artist, Frida Kahlo (who I adore!) with the background inspired by the artist, Gustav Klimt. All done with acrylic and metallic paint on an oval, beveled edged pine wood placque. Plus, Frida's been adorned with a satin patch flower and leaves. Lovely! Read more:Painting
Illustration Friday: Remember 2007-04-28 18:10:00 "Remember
" This week's submission to IllustrationFriday
is a painting that I actually entitled, "Remember" and was painted shortly after 9/11. It was created especially for an art auction with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the families of 9/11.
Cooking: It's Just Not My Art....But, If I Have To! 2007-04-27 09:03:00 Since it's officially the NBA Playoffs (40 games in 40 nights), my dear, significant other asked me if he could come over, watch the games and would I make him dinner on these nights. I didn't hesitate, and gave him a big ol', "Sure, I can do that, it'll be fun". And he knows all too well that I really don't like to cook. Since he does most of the cooking (and I usually do the clean up), I thought, what the hell, I can do this. And I did! I had to document this just in case I need to use it against him. You know, when he tells me I don't cook. I can send him this link and say "See? Remember this"? And now, my cooking experience consisted of the following: On my stove above is a meal consisting of ground beef enchiladas (about to go in the oven), spicy ground beef for soft tacos, enchilada sauce and refried beans. To top off our enchiladas, tacos and beans is the above that sits on my counter. . . . . waiting. Ta Da!!! The final plate above (that got devoured)! Can I just say how
The Transformation Of A Sketch 2007-04-24 19:38:00 The sketch below was one that I did last year of a likeness of Frida Kahlo that I entitled, "La Pintura Mi". Whenever I have an idea, I usually, and very quickly, sit down and sketch it out. If I'm lucky, I actually have a sketch pad to do this on. Alot of the time, I just grab a piece of paper and do my thing. I sketch out my idea and toss it into the "idea drawer". I have quite the pile of papers in that drawer! The sketch below was one that was done in a sketch book and is one that I actually kept. I have maybe a half dozen sketches that I have kept. They normally get tossed out (after I've painted the idea) because they're so very, very rough and unworthy of keeping. This sketch I actually liked better than the painting and hung on to it. So, I decided to pull it out of its sketch book, scan it and play around with it in Illustrator for awhile yesterday. After much tweeking with it, I just simply "inked" it and liked the results alot! It looked to me so very different from wha Read more:Transformation
An Art Outing: Mark Ryden's, The Tree Show 2007-05-01 08:08:00 This past Saturday me and my plus one went to go see the Mark Ryden exhibit, "The Tree Show" on the last day of its display in Los Angeles. This was the first time I have actually seen his work in person and I must say, it was very impressive and inspiring. The attention to detail is just amazing and the brush strokes - there are no words! Usually at this kind of exhibit they have discreet lines on the floor in front of each artwork and you're not supposed to cross these lines. I learned this the hard way at MOMA in San Francisco when I was viewing a Frida Kahlo painting and I crossed THAT line! I was practically on top of her painting, but, I had to see it upclose! Anyway, before I started my jaw dropping, I made sure and looked down at the floor first. Ta Da! NO LINES! This meant I could get as up close and personal as I wanted....which I did! I took lots of photos and since I didn't upload them correctly, they're not in a very good order. I suppose that's not the point. The po
Geisha Art 2007-05-04 03:21:00 A completed painting for today's post. "To Be A Geisha
"Acrylic on 6"x 12" x 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas.I haven't quite decided yet where the original painting will end up, but, I did do this with her.
Who Does This Star Belong To? 2007-05-05 07:36:00 I think you know who you are! And how did you manage to keep this from me for so long?oooPssst.....you too can have your own star, click here.
An Etsy Interview: One Of The Best I've Read 2007-05-11 05:17:00 OI really enjoyed reading this interview today with Etsy's Featured Seller,ashleyg. I found it very real, down to earth and hopeful. It's a great insight into an artist who is making a living doing what she loves! The best part of it all? She encourages others to do the same and proves that it is possible!
What Color Are You? Take The Quiz! 2007-05-14 07:28:00 Apparently, my color turned out to be Blue and that IS funny! Blue is one of my least favorite colors, but, I think the description fits. I'm not real sure about the intuitive part though. For me, that can be hot and cold. The quiz can be found here.o0 BLUEYou give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive.Find out your color at QuizMeme.com! Read more:Color
Illustration Friday: Citrus 2007-05-16 17:35:00 "Grapefruit Half"OA favorite citrus (in any form!) done pretty quick with acrylics on a 5"x 5" wood art panel and varnished with lots of gloss - it ended up looking like a kitchen tile! Read more:Citrus
, Friday
, Illustration
Illustration Friday: Signs 2007-05-21 03:22:00 "Hoping For A Sign"O The theme this week for IllustrationFriday
is "signs". This is an acrylic painting that I did some time ago and thought it appropriate for the theme; not your typical sign!
My First Attempt At Collage Art 2007-05-18 20:13:00 I've never been one that's been a big fan of collage art. It always looks so messy and unfinished to me (probably because I can be such a precise painter). My mind was changed when I discovered this artist, Anahata Katkin - I really like her work alot, everything about it! So much so, that it inspired me to try my hand at collage. Before I did that, I sent her an email and asked if she could recommend a good book. Amongst the many things she told me, she said that she never read any books on the art and that she just went for it and did her own thing. She did give me a few good resources to check out which proved to be very worthy (including a couple of artists' who's work I liked very much too).The photo above is the work in progress. I started out big, the canvas measures 18" x 24" x 1 1/2" . I have no idea why I started out big, but I did! I did the background with different shades of turquoise blues, whites and golds. I used a few different stamp shapes to add pattern and color Read more:Collage
, First
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