Abstract Photos Abound at Boundless

So I am still on a floral kick and I am re-inventing my more traditional approach to photography-- sort of really starting to let myself run a bit wild. This new series takes two separate and unique original photographs and melds them into one image, using the digital darkroom to accentuate and alter texture, light, shadow, and color (crayons, anyone?) into some fantastically abstract pieces. To unify these images, one photograph is the same in each; the other photograph is different. Can you find the heart shape in each? Stop by Boundless Gallery and check these out--you won't be disappointed!

Florals on Cherry Vanilla

Ah...here they are, three more of my Flower Blossoms On Cherry Vanilla. They are available as single 5" x 7" paintings for $12.00, or in doubles (diptychs) for $20.00 per set, or as a triptych for $30.00. If you would like to purchase more than one in a different combination than I have listed on Etsy, just click on "contact" beneath my avatar to use the Etsy convo option and I will create a listing especially for you!

Flower Blossoms on Cherry Vanilla

Newly arriving to Etsy...Flower Blossoms on Cherry Vanilla. More are on the way!

Flower Shop Dreams

I am really loving these florals! Flower Shop Dreams is my latest attempt to entice an early spring for 2009. When I began this painting, I was going to expand upon my Midnight Beach Abstract Series by doing something similar on a larger scale. Guess what? I find that with abstracts, I am happiest with my work when I work on whims instead of plans. The canvas tends to be where I am most spontaneous, because quite frankly, I tend to plan out most everything I can in my life (which may be why I am challenged at times by toddlers...a shocker I'm sure for those that know me ;o)

The energy of this piece truly took on a life of its own, governed by the color, placement of shapes, lines, and overall movement. "What if I do this?" became the primal force that possessed me. And you know what? I liked it. I loved the freedom of expression that took hold of me, plans be damned. And I hope you like this piece too.

Flower Shop Dreams, 2009. 24" x 20" x 3/4" abstract floral acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas. Price: $225.00.

Flower Blossoms On Citrus Series

It's here! No, not Spring...but this is an excellent way to celebrate an early arrival! My new series on Etsy, Flower Blossoms On Citrus, is now available. I had so much fun creating these little gems that I plan on expanding them to larger pieces. The application of the paint creates a fascinating marbelized effect that truly adds depth and dimension to these florals. And with this series, I adore the citrus color of the orange backdrop, which really makes these flowers POP. So c'mon...add one to your home or workspace. I promise it will brighten it up!

Each painting is 5" x 7" on canvas board, with blank paper on the back to personalize with your message. Price for each is $12.00. The complete series--all 3 paintings--is $30.00.

Coming Soon To Etsy...

Floral Blossoms On Citrus...

Only available in my Etsy Shop

I'll let you know as soon as these beauties post.

Deep Midnight Florals

I normally do not offer framed paintings, but with this set I have made an exception. Deep Midnight Florals are my latest pieces. They are 5" x 7" abstract floral mixed media paintings on canvas board. Each painting is on a double black mat with a white frame, making these very simple yet elegant floral pieces. The canvas board is wrapped with fine art paper containing real bamboo leaf inclusions--love this paper!--and I designed the flowers on that backdrop. Each frame is approximately 10.75" x 12.75" x 1.25", with total dimensions for both about 21.5" x 12.75" (if hung vertically; if displayed horizontally, dimensions are about 10.75" x 25.50".) Price is $110.00 for the set, shipping included.

Another Egret?

Yes, I admit it: apparently I have a "thing" for painting egrets. But hey, in my defense, egrets have fantastically graceful lines that swoop, curve, and can move from bold to delicate in one mere brushstroke.

So here it is...another mixed media piece whose central figure is offset by papyrus paper and paper made with bamboo leaf inclusions. This piece has a bit of an Asian feel to it. Originally I planned to feature an Asian elephant abstract but in the end the figure of a flying egret demanded my attention. I decided to heed the call.

Of Water And Air is a 16" x 20" mixed media abstract, representing the grace and power of a great egret in flight. I will post this piece on Boundless Gallery tomorrow (1/15).

Secret Garden

Here is my latest piece, Secret Garden. As you can see, this is a continuation of my affair with fine art paper :o) This work is truly an exploration of mixed media and collage, as I have utilized my own hydrangea photographs, fabric, paper, acrylic paints, and molding paste.

Secret Garden is 18" x 15" on hand-stretched (by me) gallery wrapped fabric, which was archivally treated prior to beginning the collage. The fine art paper has real flower petal and bamboo leaf inclusions, making for a wonderful collage "springboard" of ideas. Some of the paper is tissue-thin, which I took advantage of to add interest and allow the pattern of the fabric background to show through.

As I worked with the collage, the hydrangea photos became graceful trees, with their stems twining like tree trunks, alluding to the roots below. It seemed to be similar to the way a child might see these gargantuan flowering shrubs in a garden. The rest of the piece evolved from the hydrangeas, with various textures and shapes positioned to lead the eye through the imagery.

This piece was incredibly experimental for me, and I had quite a bit of fun finding my way through it. Secret Garden will post for sale tomorrow (Sunday Jan. 11.) Be sure to stop by Boundless Gallery and check it out!

Boundless Gallery Best Seller

January 2009 has been an absolutely amazing month so far. Not only have I had 3 sales in 5 days, but as of today I am officially a best-selling artist on Boundless Gallery!

Why is this so significant for me? It was only in January of last year (January 23rd, in fact) that I posted my first artwork online. You see, I left the "day" job I had in September of 2007 to pursue this dream of being a professional artist. Not only was the prospect of changing careers a bit daunting, but it was also incredibly liberating. However, aside from creating, I knew absolutely nothing about selling online, being in business for myself, or how to market myself. So I read everything I could find, via online searches, business magazines for artists such as Art Calendar, artist sites such as Empty Easel, and reading and participating in social networking on sites such as Art Scuttlebutt and Boundless Gallery. I also invested in a personalized art coaching session, which helped me maximize my portfolio as well as provide me with several handy online marketing tips.

And oh yeah, through it all I was raising a toddler...! What was I thinking????

But the things in life you work for, the things you earn through blood, sweat, and tears...those are the things that have meaning, and at times help define the person you are or can be.

And I am a professional artist!

http://www.catherinejeltes.com/

Crane--GALLERY ZOO ART by Catherine Jeltes. This piece was one of my first sales, and named Piece Of The Day on Boundless Gallery in 2008.

Serendipity--Mixed Media Diptych, 2009

As promised, but just under the wire...Serendipity is my first completed art work for 2009. Serendipity is a diptych (2 canvases) on gallery wrapped linen which has been primed with clear acrylic gesso, allowing the color and the texture of the linen to come through. Each panel is 20" x 16" x 1 3/8"; total dimensions are 20" x 32" x 1 3/8" (panels may be hung farther apart to cover more space.) Each piece is ready to hang (hanging wire is on back.) Price is $275.00; shipping is $30.00. If you live in St. Louis, contact me for reduced or even free :o) shipping charges.

http://www.gallery-zoo-art.boundlessgallery.com/

Midnight Beach Abstracts--New Art Card Series

Happy New Year!! I am starting off 2009 by hitting the ground running (and not just after my toddler ;o) My latest art card series is now on Etsy, titled Midnight Beach Abstracts. You know how the beach looks late at night with the moonlight gently caressing the surf? That feeling of complete calm that seduces you as you breathe the tang of the salty air and get lost in the rhythm of the tidal dance? Those are the feelings that emerged as I put brush to canvas for these small abstracts.

There are three paintings in this series: each one is an original 5" x 7" abstract acrylic painting that presents like a card, allowing for a written message to personalize the back. Each painting in this particular series may be purchased separately for $12.00 each, or the entire series of three paintings can be purchased for only $30.00. Stop by my shop on Etsy and check them out!

http://www.galleryzooart.etsy.com/