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/