When a Computer Screen Becomes Your Canvas and a Mouse Becomes Your Brush

Digital illustration is a relatively new form of art that allows artists to bring to life a fictional world developed in the mind of an artist. Franklin Haws forms images that creatively reflect human emotions and the illusion of reality into original works of art, utilizes digital tools like a computer and mouse.  It may sound easy, but it takes years of training and experience to develop skills as an Illustrator.

“As a digital illustrator, I've created art for children and adults. My topics include animals and wildlife, cars and airplanes, funny monsters and cuddly cats and dogs” said Franklin Haws, Illustrator. “I find true pleasure in creating illustrations based on stories and family appreciation for what is most important to them”.

Franklin’s imagination shines through in this exhibit with his illustrative construction of fictional children’s book characters and his creative interpretation of real-life objects. Franklin’s artwork appeals to all ages and provides amazing examples of how imagination can be expressed in the form of original artwork.” Denise Baerg, Chair Savage Arts Council.

Savage Arts Council is excited to share their first illustrative collection of work from Franklin Haws, an award-winning, professionally trained artist from Shakopee MN. Savage Arts Council organizes rotating City Art Wall Exhibits to provide the community free and accessible opportunities to experience fine art close to home. The community is encouraged to stop by Savage City Hall and view Franklin Haws’ exhibit now through December 30. Exhibit artwork and artist commissions for pet, hobby and home Illustrations are available for purchase and make great holiday gifts.

Franklin Haws Info:      http://www.franklinsartwork.com/
https://www.facebook.co m/pages/Franklins-Artwork/213795005382464
franklins-art-blog.blogspot.com

Why a 1970’s Instamatic Camera inspired Todd Jacobs to go to Africa

Remember when you had your first camera? Depending on the decade you were born, it may have been a Brownie, Button, Instamatic, Polaroid Instant, Disposable or Digital Camera. In Todd Jacobs' case it was an Instamatic camera that turned 50 this year. Similar to today’s camera phones, this camera introduced many youth to the art of capturing a moment in time and giving us memories that last a lifetime.

Todd’s first subjects where amateur images of his childhood family pets and backyard nature. Today, despite raising three sons and working full time Todd’s passion, training, modern equipment and technical skills have advanced him to the level of a professional photographer. This has led him to expand his subject matter to landscape and nature from around the world, including an amazing collection of African landscape and wildlife photography.

 “I am often inspired to create my artwork due to stress.  When I need to relieve some stress, I will go on a photo hike and get caught up in the creative process.” ” – Todd Jacobs, Photographer. “When I work on and finish a piece I feel like I was born to do this.” 

Todd prefers digital cameras to film because it allows for quick adjustments in the field. He rarely touches up his digital photographs, instead spends his time focusing on capturing images so the viewer can really see and understand the person, place or thing being photographed at that moment in time.

You might have to dig through some attics and basements to find an Instamatic camera, however young people can easily pick up a phone camera and begin capturing their family pets and backyard nature, and possibly be  inspired, like Todd Jacobs was, to create your own art with today’s technology.

When Small Things from Nature Become Bigger than Life

Joy Hart’s exquisite oil paintings, inspired by nature, on exhibit at Savage City Art Wall now through October 31.

(An exert from a press release I did today) Joy Hartl takes tiny items from nature—like birds, butterflies and flowers, and magnifies them into large, realistic oil paintings. She finds inspiration from color and light, which is evident in her exhibit presented by Savage Arts Council at the City Art Wall in Savage City Hall now through Oct. 31.

Joy has been creating original oil paintings in her Prior Lake studio for the last ten years and is constantly experimenting with new creative approaches and methods. She is a classically trained artist that studied at Minnesota River School of Fine Art, workshops at Scottsdale Art School and with great artists including Joe Paquet, Patricia Geisheker.

“More than a decade ago, I began intensive study to help me unlock the subtle beauty created by nature. If my efforts allow you to see the beauty of a flower in a different way, appreciate the illusiveness of a cloud or admire the majesty of a sunset…then it is worth all those untold hours spent in front of an easel.” – Joy Hartl, Oil Painter

More Information

Hartl Info:                            http://joyhartl.com/

Savage Arts Council:       http://savageartscouncil.org/

Why Buy Original Artwork?

Sometimes the ordinary just isn't enough. Whether you are decorating a room, trying to find the perfect gift for someone special or are seeking inspiration to keep you motivated, original artwork can be your solution. Original artwork comes in a variety of art mediums, price points, colors and designs that can reflect your personal style.

Many people enjoy art in their lives, however are perplexed by the term original art, and wonder why something original is preferred over reproductions or mass-produced artwork found at the large chain stores. Here is a Q&A to help us understand the value of original artwork.

Q. What exactly is original art?

A. Original art is one-of-a-kind artwork created by an artist. Typically original art needs to have at least one of these three components: 1. a completely new piece created by the artist, 2. an original idea or viewpoint portrayed in the artwork, and/or 3. original use of one or more mediums to create the artwork.

Q. Why should I buy original artwork?

A. Owning a unique piece of artwork can be a great investment, both in defining your own unique style, and giving you a potential long-term investment opportunity. You also help the economy by shopping locally, and directly impact the artist’s ability to continue to produce new original artwork.

Q. Can I afford original artwork on my budget?

A. Original artwork comes in many price points and price is not necessarily a factor in the quality of artwork.  Often higher priced artwork is from an experienced artist who has already been recognized for their artwork. Lower priced artwork may simply mean that the artist has not been discovered yet, has too much inventory, needs quick income, or is at a stage in their career where it is more important to get artwork into buyer’s hands so they can become recognized for their work. Look around and you will find something you love in an affordable price point.

Q. How do I tell what is ‘good’ original artwork?

A. Original artwork is like you – original. Accept the fact that art is subjective and if you like the artwork, it is good! Look for artwork that gives you an emotional connection. Does it surprise you, make you think, laugh or cry? A more objective approach is to look for an artists’ technical expertise in their chosen art medium. Depending on your style, you may prefer artwork that throws technical expertise out the window, yet offers intriguing context that gives you another viewpoint to explore. Your taste and design style is all your own. Do not let others influence the kind of original art you like.

Q. How do I incorporate original artwork into my life?

A. Original artwork can easily be incorporated into your home and lifestyle in many ways. You can take your original artwork with you wherever you go in the form of wearable art like artisan jewelry, and fine crafted accessories. You can showcase your style with high-impact statement paintings, photography and fiber arts, and create great conversation starters with three-dimensional artwork like hand-blown glass, fine crafted furniture and sculpture in your home or office. Wherever you are, you can enjoy original artwork.

Q. Where do I find original artwork?

A. Explore your local area and discover wonderful original artwork at art fairs, artist studios, galleries and neighborhood boutiques. All of these places are great for finding one-of-a-kind artwork, and can also be the best places to discover emerging artists. It is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and you will take home your own unique artwork that you can cherish for many years to come.

Why an Artist Uses a Spray Bottle and Blow Dryer to Create Fine Art

Rick Mittlestadt exhibits fine art paintings at Savage City Art Wall now through October 3.

When Rick Mittlestadt fills his spray bottle with water and plugs in the blow dryer, it only means one thing: it is time to paint. Rick, a professional artist from Prior Lake, will be exhibiting his acrylic and watercolor paintings from now through October 3 at the City Art Wall at Savage City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage MN. Visitors can view his traditional landscape and his abstract paintings that are often created with the help of spray bottles and blow dryers.

Rick, a professionally trained artist and former art instructor, has more than 40 years of experience in multiple art mediums including drawing, water color and jewelry making. His most recent works have focused on acrylics, which is an adaptable paint medium that is works on a multitude of surfaces, can create sharp edge lines, use thick or thin paint layers and it is easy to clean. Acrylic paint does have challenges however; it dries very quickly and that is why it makes sense that Rick uses a spray bottle to keep the paint wet as he works on it, and a blow dryer to quickly dry the paint if it gets too wet.

“I think of my artwork as a theater production in which the viewer is expected to temporarily suspend disbelief.  For the viewer, my artwork becomes a momentary distraction—a gift of enchantment, amusement and emotional connection.”  - Rick Mittlestadt, Artist

Savage Arts Council organizes the City Art Wall Exhibits to give the community a free and accessible opportunity to experience fine art close to home. The community is encouraged to stop by Savage City Hall and view Rick Mittlestadt’s original paintings know through October 3.

City Art Wall Exhibit – Rick Mittlestadt

September 3 – October 3, 2013

Savage City Hall Lobby

6000 McColl Drive, Savage MN

8am - 4:30pm M-F

Free

More Information

Mittelstadt Info:               https://www.facebook.com/mittelstadtartwork

Savage Arts Council:    http://savageartscouncil.org/

Email:                             SavageArtsCouncil@gmail.com

Facebook:                     https://www.facebook.com/SavageArtsCouncil

Twitter:                           @SavageArtsOrg

Journey into Scott County Minnesota and Discover Fine Art

Fourth annual Scott County Art Crawl 9am – 5pm, Saturday October 5, 2013

Spend the day enjoying a self-guided fine arts tour in Scott County, MN on Saturday October 5, 2013 from 9am – 5pm during the Scott County Art Crawl. Your journey will weave between urban areas, scenic rural settings, and charming small towns along this 50 mile route, where you will discover 35 fine art artists along 18 Art Stops in the communities of Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee.

The Scott County Art Crawl is designed with four delightful Art Stops in shopping areas in Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee, along with 9 artist studio locations where you will find high-quality original fine art created by a local artists.

“The Scott County Art Crawl is a fun day filled with exploration and discovery of original high quality artwork and emerging artists”, said Heather Mathews, Savage Arts Council Board of Directors. “This is a day that celebrates the fine art created right here in our own back yard.”

The Scott County Art Crawl includes a variety of art mediums including paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, glass art and much more.  Artwork is available for purchase during the art crawl with diverse prices ranging from $5 - $1,000.

“I have participated in the Scott County Art Crawl every year and really enjoy being able to connect with art lovers as they discover all of the wonderful fine art in our area.” – Denise Bunkert, Artist, Painted Places 

Scott Count Art Crawl

October 5, 2013

9am – 5pm

Communities of Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee

More information and maps available at local businesses and online at http://ScottCountyArtCrawl.org.

Additional Information

Web:     http://ScottCountyArtCrawl.org

Email:     SavageArtsCouncil@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/savageartsorg

A Soulful Afternoon of Art in the Park

I just spent an enjoyable afternoon at a sculpture garden park. The park, called Caponi Art Park, is in Eagan MN - only 20 minutes from my house, but I had never been there before. I will go back.

Art and nature are such an amazing combination. The calmness of walking through the woods coupled with the stimulation of contemplating a piece of art made for a very poignant afternoon.

This park has a resident sculpture artist, Anthony Caponi, , who has created some of his sculptures to fit into the landscape. If you are not careful, you can walk right past the sculpture pieces. I felt I was on a treasure hunt looking everywhere. My curiosity was high and my brain was very active as a meandered along the grassy paths discovering new art in all kinds of places.

According to the park’s website, "The Art Park is an extension of Caponi’s teachings, which emphasize the role art and creative expression play in the well-being of the individual and community. Anthony Caponi, park founder, sculptor and retired professor, used this philosophy to organically integrate art, life, and nature into a 60-acre sculpture."

I’m involved in an environmental learning center and park in my city and this gives me pause to reflect on how we might be able to bring together artists and nature to help raise awareness and understanding of the impact we have on the world around us.

I hope my soulful afternoon will inspire me to new ideas on how to bring art into people’s everyday lives and encourage the Artie in them to come out!

See pictures from the park in the Artie in Us Face book page, under the album titled Caponi Art Park.