creative chaos - aka: a tour of my studio

This is my studio.  It's located in the back of my friend AL's house -- in what some people call a "garage".  Yes, she is a VERY nice friend to let me take up  10' x 18' of valuable storage space to pursue my art.  In case you are not quite sure of what you are looking at in the picture above, let me take you on a quick tour: 

Social Networking

How do you keep up? I don't think I can.  I need to hire someone full time just to network. Don't get me wrong, I love my FB -- It's great to keep up with old friends and I am finding it's also important for making new contacts.  I've hesitated on bringing Skårt to Facebook.  I didn't want to force my friends to become my fans.  So before I take it to the feed, I'm blogging here first, this is to get my already fans to become FB fans.... 

Click on the link below to become a fan and then pass it on to all your FB friends.  If you have any of my art in your house I would love for you to upload some pictures to the site. 

I'm still learning and figuring it all out so please leave your comments with any helpful hints or suggestions.

New Skårt: Football Reception

Football reception is for your future Sporto --- colors can be customized to match your room or your favorite team.  Click here to view options.

Horse-N-Around

"Wild Horses" - 30"x12" on wood

"Horse Pattern" & "P.T." Pillows

"Sadie" - Acrylic print on paper

I have  created a new series of prints on paper and pillows based on some of the horses I met over Christmas holidays at The Husband's Sister's barn.  These prints have a decidedly more realistic look to them.  The style idea came from a wonderful Art director I work with who was looking for a present for her 10 year old daughter.  It's a bit of a departure from my usual whimsical look, but they still embody a very modern aesthetic.   The pieces will be available in limited quantity on my Etsy site.

"Available Online and at Select Retailers"

I printed the tag line on my promo cards months ago because I thought it sounded good.  I also knew at some point I would gather up the courage to start approaching those "select retailers" to see if they would be interested in carrying my art.  

I am now proud to announce that if you live in the Los Angeles area you can now purchase and view Skårt live and in person at La Bella Cosa.  A wonderful, family run, high end, high design store in the Helms Bakery complex in Culver City.   

LA rains inspire my newest piece: Poppy Poppies

I bought my rain boots a couple of years ago - on sale - for use on a set I was working on that involved a lot of water and mud.

Living in Los Angeles, I rarely get a chance to wear them.  This January the rains came and the boots were on my feet for a week straight.  One morning I was looking down thinking how cute they were.  I started sketching simple flowers.  I started with Tulips and somehow segued into Poppies.  The end result ...

I present Poppy Poppies.  12"x12" panels with a light grey background and vibrant flowers outlined in black.  This will also be available on paper (and possibly in pillows!) 

Inspiration: Woodland

A friend of mine is getting ready for a new addition and is in the oh- so-fun stage of planning the nursery decor.  She has a crib and a rug from Pottery barn.   

Here is a little idea board based on forest/woodland themed decor.  (For some reason I have the theme song for "The Green Forest" Running through my mind as I made this) 

Squirrel Harvest & Dancing Leaves - brought to you by yours truly at Skårtshop.com

Forest Scene Decal- There are many different designs and customizable colors out there.  This one is from designedDESIGNER on Etsy.

Forest Friends Lamp - made by Carter, available at Amazon for $44.95

Collection of adorable (mostly handmade) woodland creatures: Plush Owl is by Lams & Ivy, The Fox, Bear, Racoon and Squirrel are handmade and available at Sleepy King on Etsy, The Turquoise owl with rosy cheeks is also available through a shop on Etsy at Pipoca Handmade.

DIY Deer head out of foam core - you can get directions and templates HERE

Craft/Work Desk - Ecofriendly and made by Igloo Play

Creature Crib sheet - From Eddie Bauer's Enchanted Hollow collection - available at Amazon

and now, I leave you with this: