Green Goddess Necklace

It has been a while, but I am finally adding new jewelry to my shop. Leave it to a nice relaxing vacation in Virginia to provide some quality creative time!

Green Goddess Necklace is the first new piece. I love the combination of green and copper, which brings to mind a time of gods and goddesses in ancient Greece, flowing togas, laurel wreaths, and marble columns.

Featured Piece on StudioHaus's Blog

StudioHaus has featured one of my jewelry pieces on her blog. Check out Briny Blue Sea Necklace and vote for a prize to be given by StudioHaus on Thurs. I am so honored to be featured!

Blooms in Violet and Blue

Here are some more abstract acrylic florals to add to my art card "bouquet". Blooms In Violet is a mixed media piece, painted on 5" x 7" canvas board that is wrapped in fine art paper. This particular background is quite effective for these types of florals as it lends a quaint botanical charm to the image. Blooms In Violet was inspired by a wedding favors commission I am working on. Maybe that is why it seems to have somewhat of an "air of
formality" about it. Blooms In Blue explores my love of blue. Perhaps the casual feel of this piece developed from my associations between blue and relaxation...and maybe my love of blue jeans!

Gallery Zoo Art Designs

So I have finally gone and jumped in head first once again. I have opened another shop on Etsy. This one, Gallery Zoo Art Designs, is all about jewelry--specifically, gemstone necklaces and bracelets. I am not a big jewelry wearer, but I do love the casual piece or 2 that goes with nearly everything...something that screams "C-A-T-H-I". I love simple, and I love earthy. You will not find any bling in this shop, unless your idea of bling is Mother Nature. I will attempt to add stock on a fairly consistent basis, though painting takes precidence. My current pieces are Just Beachy, Picasso Pebbles, and Mountain Sunrise. So if you are in the mood to browse, please stop by. I'd love to know what you think.

Morning Glories

For those of you as enamoured of "blue" as I am, you will adore this little blue floral painting. I love how the blossoms are off-set by the green gold background, which I gave a bit more texture to (adding to the contrast.) My favorite aspect of these florals, however, is the wispy-white centers of the flowers that seem to evoke a lazy summer day of cloud-gazing and letting all cares drift along with them.

Morning Glories is a 5" x 7" abstract floral painting on canvas board. As with all of my 5" x 7"'s (art cards), there is blank paper on the back for personalization.

Floral YUPOs

Here are two new absolutely vibrant abstract florals on YUPO paper. As I've said before, no other ground captures the pure color intensity of paint quite like yupo. The colors in both of these paintings are far more "knock your socks off" in person than can possibly be relayed via computer.

Flower Patch is 11" x 14". This piece is an interplay of the complementary colors of blue and orange in various hues and textures. As a composition, those two shades showcase the crispness of the weave texture in the foreground with the watercolor-like background. Together they compliment the floral imagery dancing throughout these "patches."

Of Flame is also 11" x 14" and is somewhat of a fantasy piece, using flames and fire to illuminate and almost appear to give birth to the three white blossoms. Much as it is easy to lose oneself when staring into a campfire, Of Flame represents our visionary capabilities when we truly free ourselves of the day to day bindings of routine and open ourselves to whatever possibilities are out there. (It is also just a really, really, cool painting!)

Both pieces come with a FREE 16" x 20" acid-free white mat. See Boundless Gallery and/or Etsy for details.

Fire Blossoms On Turquoise

Here is my newest art card in the Fire Blossom series...Fire Blossoms On Turquoise. There is only one of these little gems, so hurry to Etsy and have a peek!

Kiss Of Spring

After almost a month of waiting for a delivery of my "out of stock" canvas order, voila--my second large triptych. Kiss Of Spring is my artistic embrace of these warm "teaser" spring days we have been getting here in Missouri of late. You know what these drops of climatic bliss are--the warm, mid 60 degree-ish days smack in the midst of bitterly cold winter days or weeks that seduce you into believing spring is just around the corner? That yes, you will in fact be able to allow your toes to see the sun? When dressing to go out merely consists of sunblock, shorts, and a tee--shoes optional? When, much like an alchoholic in a bar, you will be able to puruse the neighborhood garden shop for your favorite annuals and perrenials--and then actually plant them?

To say that I have been fascinated with florals to the point of obsession of late is not quite accurate. Utterly and completely consumed is more the state of my artistic frenzy. And I am not complaining. Right now, these florals are the ultimate in creativity for me, tempting any size, any color, any composition...therapy for my artistic soul, as it were. Here are a couple of 5" x 7" beauties as well. I call these particular blooms Fire Blossoms. With their white-ish petals and fire-y centers, how can I call them anything but?

Kiss Of Spring, 2009. 20" x 30" abstract floral triptych on gallery wrapped canvas.
Fire Blossoms On Chocolate, 2009. 5" x 7" abstract florals on canvas board.

Blue Florals On Lemon

Here are the latest 5" x 7" paintings in my series of florals, titled Blue Florals On Lemon. Each painting may be purchased individually, or in a diptych or triptych. My personal favorite is #1. Check them out--you are sure to get an early taste of springtime!

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 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.

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/

The Heroine's Overture

Here is my most recent posted piece, The Heroine's Overture. It is my first triptych, where one image continues across three separate canvases. I enjoy the dramatic quality creating across multiple canvases brings to a piece--I will definitely be exploring more pieces such as this. Each canvas measures 20" x 10", for a total size of 20" x 30" (canvases may be spaced farther apart for a larger size.)

So what is this painting about, exactly? For me, it is an exploration of line, color, and movement--an abstract visualization of the type of music used for a heroine. Here I see energy, life, courage, determination, yet something larger than herself that she must face or overcome that will mold the change or shape the destiny of the heroine. This piece depicts the triumph of the heroine. All of my art at this point reflects the positive element in life, nature, and the human character.

The Heroine's Overture By Catherine Jeltes, GALLERY ZOO ART

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

Deck The Halls With Dirty Clothes And Cookie Crumbs

I love this time of year. Yes, I am one of those weirdos who actually thrives on more stuff to do, who enjoys creating hand-made gifts, baking cookies from scratch, and devising new arts and craft projects for my two-year old that does not involve pulling apart the ornaments and dropping them into a freshly peed-in potty. The beauty of the holiday season is that I get to do all of the things I normally do as a mom, wife, and artist, only now I can listen to festive music. There is something quite sublime about baking to the tunes of "Silent Night" while my toddler zips from room to room with his Fisher Price popper toy (you know--the one that "pops" the colored balls as it is pushed or pulled, creating just enough of a commotion that you want to march into the manufacturer's office and beat them to death with it) shrieking "CUTTING THE GRASS!" Even I have to admit that laundry strewn from room to room on my as yet unvacuumed floor really adds a nice touch to the holiday decor. Now where is the cat?

Perhaps my favorite part so far is having had the opportunity to really hone my photo shop skills. Spending over two hours removing myself from my son's Santa picture taught me many things. Along with improving my technical skills, I now realize I no longer need five cups of egg nog to look three sheets to the wind. Bonus!

Somehow, I have no doubt the secret national anthem of moms everywhere on December 26th is "Happy Xmas (The War Is Over)".

Holiday Art Card--Red Series 1, Tree By Catherine Jeltes

www.galleryzooart.etsy.com

No Small Affair With Paper

I absolutely adore paper of all kinds--crisp brilliant white; slick, shiny YUPO; brown Kraft; fancy, textured fine art--the list is endless. Whenever I find myself seeking a creative spark, nothing jump starts it faster than browsing the scrapbook and fine art paper section of my local art supply store. There are so many color combinations, patterns, textures, and thicknesses--from whisps of tissue thin rice papers to chunky woolen fiber papers--that the closet door to my inspirational creativity is ripped from its hinges and the contents of its infinite possibilities are scattered about for my choosing.

One of my favorite ways to use fine art paper is as part of a mixed media painting. Fine art paper contains visible fibers such as yarn and cotton, and often uses natural items such as leaves, flowers, and tree bark to enhance pattern and texture. These patterns and textures lend themselves to unique backgrounds and provide interesting depth and dimension to pieces. Often, the paper itself inspires the subject of the piece, rather than serving as a mere addition. Though I am just beginning my exploration of mixed media in larger paintings, my art cards (5" x 7") illustrate the use of fine art paper in smaller mediums.

Even my art photography is touched by my obsession with paper. Did you know that aside from being printed on canvas that photos can be printed on museum quality velvet fine art paper--a cotton fiber paper that lends a marvelous texture and visual quality to the image? This paper looks and feels professionally luxurious, and is a great surface for creating prints of my original paintings. When framed, the paper elevates these prints to a unique and professional artwork in their own right.

The beauty of fine art paper is that the creative uses are as limited as the imagination. Fine artists and photographers may use it for mixed media, art mats, or frames, while others may use it for book covers, gift wrap, or even as a way to enhance a piece of furniture. Who knows--maybe one day my paper obsession will lure me completely away from acrylic painting. But for now, I will keep my options open.

Reflection

It is easy to believe in myself as an artist and mother when things are going well. On the other hand, believing in myself when things are less than stellar takes some effort. As an artist selling solely from online galleries, it is important to consistently produce new work to attract potential buyers and maintain the interest of current collectors/customers. Along with this comes the need to market, market, market...not to mention photographing and editing all new work and listing it for each online gallery.

Now in my former "regular" day job career, all of my work resulted in a steady pay check. Easy, right? We are raised to believe if we work hard and do good work, we can get paid and thus make a living. Naive me, I discovered that it is necessary to change this mentality when self-employed. My own self-discipline and drive to succeed constantly motivates me to work towards my artist goals. When buyers are few and far between, or I've entered juried competitions and my work is not selected, it is a challenge not to turn that energy back on myself and question my choices. Am I any good as an artist? Can I provide for my family doing this full-time? And then the big one...Am I being a good mother if my self-imposed work ethics are compromising my energy to be the parent my son needs?

Each day I contemplate these things, and each day I laugh with my son and try to reflect upon how fortunate I truly am. And then I face the easel again.

From the Mouths of Babes

Tonight my husband and I were sitting on the floor of my son's room while he picked out a bedtime book. In the process of selecting a story, he--how shall I say this--released a bit of air. He turned to us and said, "Oh, excuse me. My bottom burped!"

Needless to say, I remained on the floor for a good long while.

Art Cards

Not long ago I was out shopping and needed to pick up some greeting cards. I am always in awe of the prices for mass produced paper cards. Seriously? Five dollars for a card? Don't get me wrong--I love the sentiment and thoughtfulness that cards express. And because of that, I save almost every one since I can't bring myself to toss them. Needless to say, I have a lot of storage space that will make nice fuel when I can no longer afford to heat my home.

Honestly, I would rather put the money I would normally spend on a card towards the gift. That way, the recipient gets a nice gift, the landfills have one less card to digest, and most importantly, I don't feel as if I am out five more dollars. (Even if I am, I don't notice it as much, and somehow I have more money for Starbucks.)

Then I got inspired. What if I created an art card? It would be an original painting--not a reproduction--the size of a standard greeting card with room for personalized messages on the back that (and this is the best part) would be both a card AND a gift? What could be more fun to create as an artist that would not only be a GALLERY ZOO ART original but also affordable?

So GALLERY ZOO ART Art Cards were born. I decided to create them in series of threes, so they can be gifted individually or as a set. They are painted on canvas board, so they are flat and easily frameable, and they are a standard 5" x 7" size. Every material used is completely archival (acid free) to stand the test of time, from the canvas to the paper to the glue.

Now I know some smartee out there (yes, you know who you are) will say that these Art Cards cost more than five dollars. And they do. But you have to remember the key phrase...the Card is the Gift. And then twelve dollars for an original painting seems like a steal (and believe me, it is.) So take the money you save by not buying a paper card and buy something for yourself. You undoubtably deserve it.

Find GALLERY ZOO ART Art Cards only at www.galleryzooart.etsy.com