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.

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