Birthday Sale On Boundless Gallery

I am celebrating my birthday this month (and no, I am not thinking about my age, but I am proud to know that I have earned each and every one of my gray hairs :o)--not that I will ever admit again that I have any!) Thru June 1st, all GALLERY ZOO ART pieces on Boundless Gallery are 30% off the listed price. Use coupon code BIRTHDAY at check-out to receive the discount. My latest art is included in this sale, so if you have been looking for an opportunity to save some money on art by Catherine Jeltes, here it is!

A Primal Energy

I decided to take a quasi-break from flowers (though not truly...I still painted them while I was painting this different piece) and get back to my animal/wildlife roots.

About a month ago I did a quadtych art card set entitled "African Wildlife." Another artist mentioned that before seeing the size of the piece (each of the four paintings was 5" x 7") he thought that it was larger, or at least wanted to be. I had that impression as well, so I developed my triptych Savannah around the image of the mother elephant and her calf hurrying back to her side. I used the colors of the art cards as a base for the abstract background to create a sense of the African savannah--it's energy, wildness, and yes, peacefulness. Various waterfowl (not necessarily a true to size ratio!) added the tranquility to the scene I needed, which helps to balance the energy of the elephant calf panel. Each primary figure in the end panels (the heron in flight in Panel 1 and the baby elephant in Panel 3) are moving towards the middle panel which helps to keep the viewer's eye in the image. All figures are drawn toward the central figure of the mother elephant, another symbol for Mother Earth.

The tree canopy created a particular challenge for me, as I was stuck here for some time trying to determine how to develop this area of the painting. It went through several changes until I settled on using mixed media. To do this, I cut sections of fine art paper with real bamboo leaf inclusions into large-ish palm leaves and glued them in place. The color was still too bright for the painting, so I applied a gentle orange wash to stain the leaves before adding cobalt teal for more depth and contrast. I then sealed the paper with a gloss gel medium.

I love the background of the first panel--its contrasts, textures, and translucency--all off-set by the crispness of the sillouettes of the water birds. I think I may very well explore this theme another time :o)

Burst

At long last I finished my biggest triptych thus far. Burst is a celebratory piece, a tribute to the energy and botanical explosion of pure and simple beauty that is springtime. I have to admit that it took several weeks to complete, and not just because I have been working on several pieces at once. The technique I use to form each flower allows for the creation of only several at a time--each flower must dry first before others are created nearby. This drying process takes around 24 hours, so you can imagine with a painting this size how much time was involved!

Burst is 20" x 44"--HUGE--and the thing about multiple canvas pieces is that each canvas may be hung closer together or farther apart, depending upon your spacial needs. It also makes it much more cost effective to ship, as I can send a fairly large work without having to charge freight.

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.

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.

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.

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/

Work in Progress--Serendipity

Here is my latest work in progress, titled Serendipity. This piece is going to be a mixed media diptych, 20" x 32"; this is panel one (20" x 16".) It is painted on gallery wrapped linen (depth is 1.25" thick) primed with clear acrylic gesso which allows the color and texture of the linen to show through. I love creating pieces with linen as the ground because it establishes a very different sort of setting for the painting than canvas. I become immediately engaged with more than the visual--it invites me to touch, to breathe the scent of clean fabric...well, you get the idea (hopefully without thinking I've imbibed too much holiday spirits.)

This first panel of Serendipity has been created with a fine art paper (ah, yes, another love) that contains tiny, unwoven strands of yarn in yellow, blue, red, and green. On top of that I have applied a wide strand of some sort of open-weave raffia (I've had it for so long that I honestly can't recall what exactly it is, only that it is still wonderful stuff) and then drizzled white and black paint about in a random pattern. This piece is about texture with a fiber-feel, with strands of color and lines unifying the energy and movement that goes into the process of creating a design for weaving or knitting (or anything, really--my inspiration happened to be loom-weaving.)

I hope to have Serendipity's second panel completed by next Sunday (January 4th.) Look for it on http://www.gallery-zoo-art.boundlessgallery.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/

Sale At Boundless Gallery

For interested readers...

There is an Early Shoppers Bonus (read "sale") on my site at Boundless Gallery. Go to www.gallery-zoo-art.boundlessgallery.com for 30% off any purchase $100 or more.

Click on "Coupon" or enter code EarlyShopBonus at checkout.

Sale good through December 15, 2008.

Happy Holidays from GALLERY ZOO ART!!

Mandarin Duck Abstract

At what seems like long last here is my lastest piece, Mandarin Duck Abstract. It has a contemporary feel to it--a bit of modernism mixed with a bit of impressionism and expressionism. Ducks are just fun birds; who can't get into a good mood when watching a duck? And Mandarin ducks are so exquisitely colorful that I felt compelled to go wild and play with the pallette a bit.

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

Snap Out Of It

For those of you looking for humor, sorry--this one's not it.

It is so typically human of us to get caught up in our day to day routine--to be slammed into a tunnel vision so encompassing that everything else falls by the wayside.

Kids have a way of taking you there and then at the moment you least expect it, snapping you out of it. My favorite, however, is when I have my own Snap Out Of It Moment.

When we got to the park today after our typical run-to-the-park-with-the-stroller, I heard a call that immediately nabbed my attention. High in a cypress tree was an absolutely gorgeous red tail hawk, calling. She launched herself out into the clearing and flew, low enough to see the whiteness of her belly and underwings. She continued to fly and circle the park around the playground--sometimes in wide circles, and other times smaller ones, vocalizing most of the time. It was incredible to watch, made more so by the fact that we live in the city. My son was equally enthralled, for about the proper amount of time expected for a two year old to pay attention to anything.

I continued to search out the hawk the entire time we were at the park. It is easy for me to get lost watching the rhythm of the flight--the patterns, the calls, the beat of the wings. It reminds me of how simple life can be, and how with practice, repetition, and perseverence I can have an impact--just like the ripple in the pond. No matter how small, I count. I want my son to learn this too. And if he learns it from a hawk, so be it.

Painting is Egret In Flight by Catherine Jeltes, 2008, GALLERY ZOO ART.

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

New "Scape" Photograph

Today I added a new photograph to my "Scape" Series. This photography series celebrates the detailed minutia that comprises the whole--the ordinary that we take for granted when our eyes place it as merely part of a larger whole, instead of a part of that larger whole. Captured in this form of abstraction, these details become the landscape of the subject--hence, the name "Scape" series.

Cranescape (2008) is the latest in this series, detailing the dramatic placement of an African Crowned Crane's feathers in sun and shadow. I love this photograph because it epitomizes the grace and beauty of this bird in its creation of dramatic abstraction. I did minimal editing in the digital darkroom, as I prefer to leave the image untinkered with in its elegant simplicity.

Check out the entire "Scape" Series at http://www.gallery-zoo-art.boundlessgallery.com/

Blue Kid, Green Mommy

My two and a half year old son is currently in the habit of identifying people on the playground as if they were crayons. "Where did the Blue Kid go?" or "Where is Green Mommy?" is what I often hear as he refers to his new playmates of the day. Asking him to call them by their name usually results in him screaming as loudly as only an uninhibited toddler can "BLUE KID COME BACK!"

Sometimes I find myself thinking of my art in the same way (ie. "where's the blue painting with the dancer?" instead of "where is Flux?") I think that is my way of beginning the break-up phase. When I paint, I begin a very intimate relationship with my creation, as most artists do. The art becomes a part of me, and the process of creating it envelops darn near everything I do until it is finished. Then comes the Honeymoon Phase, when I display the painting for a period of time, satisfied with my efforts and admiring each brush stroke, the gradation of color, and the rhythm of line and movement. (If I am not "in love" with my art, I do not put it up for sale--it is that simple.) It is only by associating each piece in a more abstract way--by color, by number, etc.--rather than by title that I am able to emotionally disentangle myself from it enough to market it.

Does my son call me Running Mommy or my husband Biking Daddy? No. We are simply Mommy and Daddy, the labels through which all else falls neatly into place.

And it is perfect.

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

Journey To Africa

Today one of my dearest friends is embarking on the journey of a lifetime. She is traveling to Africa--more specifically, to Tanzania--to support the global conservation efforts of the Saint Louis Zoo. Not only will she be serving as a liason between the zoo's WildCare Center for Cheetah Conservation but she will also be setting up an art exchange program between fourth grade students in Tanzania and here in St. Louis, Missouri. This art exchange program hopes to increase environmental and animal conservation awareness in youngsters on both continents, laying the groundwork for future generations to be predisposed to the vital importance of global conservation and local conservation in their own communities.

To learn more about the Saint Louis Zoo's WildCare Center for Conservation, go to http://www.stlzoo.org/.

Have safe travels, girl--and may you return with lots of inspirational photographs for your favorite artist :o)

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.