Tag Archives: artist

The Art of Motherhood

*“Fragrant Flowers” alt v 1 by Liz Jardine*

It’s no secret that mothers make the world go round! With Mother’s Day upon us, it’s time to celebrate all of the mothers & mother figures and everything that they do!

We especially wanted to celebrate our artists who are mothers, and we asked them to reflect on their role as an artist and a mom. Their beautiful responses share the ways in which motherhood has shaped and inspired their art, and how their journey as a mother and an artist may not be so different.

Corrie LaVelle

“The parallels of motherhood and artist are easy to draw. Both are the complete surrender of oneself. Both roles require stepping outside of ourselves and squarely facing the world. To stand as the bronze sculpture Fearless Girl does, with both hands on hips and modeling a strong woman to our sons and daughters. To act as a gate keeper showing bravery and strength, while balancing protection and promoting independence. To be a mother and an artist requires humility, and to confront our fears of failure as parent/artist. These roles require sacrifice and vulnerability. Both mother and artist can be fulfilling beyond expectation. Now as my children have grown to teenagers, I am beginning to see the rewards. To be able to take a few steps back and look at the fruits of my labor in my children and my art is the ultimate reward. To see a creation that I can be proud of makes the journey even more rewarding.”

Leah Rei

“Motherhood has been the most challenging and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. Now that I have a daughter, everything feels more significant. I want to show her that she can make something out of nothing as long as she puts her mind to it. Every time I paint a piece, it feels that much more important to pour my heart into it so she can see how rewarding it is to work with passion. I’ve always wanted to create pieces that were joyful. Now more than ever, I think it’s important to be a source of joy and compassion.”

BethAnn Lawson

“In my otherwise tidy house, my quiet hoarding lives in drawers. There isn’t a drawer in the house that isn’t stuffed full of my children’s art, created over the last 20+ years. I sometimes think to myself, “I literally have no more room for the art!” Then I stop to wonder how I could ever live without it all. Fortunately, growing up hasn’t put a dent in the young creatives I’ve nurtured into this world. My oldest, a 23 year old college student, has a pen and ink drawing on the refrigerator at this very moment. It’s partly my fault……. I hope, selfishly. It’s at least partly my fault that they continually think outside the box; never cease to amaze and astonish me with their ideas; delight me with their fresh young minds and their pencils and brushes and paints and photos and music and little films of road trips and backyards. How boring life would be without art. How lucky I am to be inspired by the very ones I hoped long ago to inspire.”

Laura Van Horne

“Motherhood is all I have ever wanted. Being an artist is all I have ever wanted. Having both of these things in my life feels like such a dream. When I first was pregnant with my son, I was so prolific, painting day and night with worry that once he was born , I would have to hang up my “artist” hat for a very long time. I felt devastated to tuck all my art supplies in the garage, but at the same time absolutely elated to turn my focus on my new little one. But my mind would not let go of painting. As time went on, I slowly snuck supplies back into the house and found ways to paint when he napped or at the end of the day. Eventually I had a mini easel set up next to mine and we would do our own projects next to each other. It is funny, I went through this same pattern with baby #2 and #3. I thought “who on earth can possibly paint with 3 little kids at home?”. However, if your passion is strong enough you will make it happen. I feel like motherhood has made me a better artist. I have been more productive with the time that I have, and these kids have given me so much inspiration in many ways. I have used images of my daughter in a recent series of work, and have used her poetry in my collage pieces. My son constantly collects objects or shares ideas for my mixed media pieces. These kids are just an extension of me and a little bit of them is in every painting I make. I feel so fortunate to get to live such a full life.”

Ruth Fromstein

“The ART of MOM: A new blank canvas, ready for layers upon layers of color, texture and movement, figuring it out as I go, working from my heart. Taking risks with love and passion, embarking on a journey of meaning and discoveries in the process. Learning when to take action and when to “let it be”. Making interiors come alive! I want my contributions as a mother and artist to lead to unexplored horizons and endless layers of a satisfying life.”

Julie Denise

“I didn’t begin painting until after having my children. I was 41 when I bought my first canvas and set of oil paints. I’d always drawn a lot growing up and wanted to paint, but was fearful I wouldn’t be good enough, or that I wasn’t a “true” artist, and so put it off. It was actually having my kids that unleashed my confidence and creativity. Amazed by these funny, beautiful beings that came from my body, I felt I had to continue creating!”

Wishing mothers of all kind a very happy Mother’s Day!

From The Studio of Patti Mann

Get to know Third & Wall artist Patti Mann! Patti was born in Seattle, Washington but grew up in Los Angeles, California. She also lived in Colorado, Tennessee, and Ohio, and currently resides near Buffalo, New York.

Patti has been drawing on every available surface ever since she could hold a crayon, and has always known that she was first and foremost an artist. She majored in Fine Art at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, CA, and attended the Otis Parsons Institute of Art in Los Angeles, but family obligations drew her onto a different path for many years. She never stopped doing art while she raised a family and worked a variety of jobs, including (but not limited to!) data entry in a cancer research institute, a horse groom for a well-known Malibu riding stable, a racehorse hot walker at Hollywood Park Racetrack, receptionist, executive assistant, production artist and marketing manager. For the last 16 years Patti has been a Production & Creative Specialist with Third & Wall Art Group, of which she was a founding member.

Patti’s preferred media currently are watercolor, graphite, and pen & ink, but she loves to explore mixed media, acrylics, and occasionally oils. She has exhibited her work in group and solo exhibitions in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Commissions keep her busy, and her works appear in numerous private collections. She has illustrated the book “A Journey Worth Taking: A Collection of Animal Stories” by Norma Vermeer.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

Since my studio is actually my front room, I make some coffee, get some atmospheric music going on Pandora (usually lo-fi, Celtic or Viking music), do a few warm-up stretches (not really), brush my cat, walk my dog, throw some peanuts outside for the squirrels, waste time on social media, and when all other procrastinatory options have been exhausted, I start making art, usually just minutes before I have to go to work…

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I always have several paintings going at once, in addition to several that I started years ago sitting unfinished and lonely in a dark, forgotten corner. Some day, some day.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

I have far too many dream projects. I dream of illustrating children’s books, painting giant glorious murals, painting wondrous things on wood furniture, painting portraits, and creating rich, compelling horse, botanical, insect, closed world and animal paintings that exist somewhere between realism and invention.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

I would love to paint with Third & Wall artist Liz Jardine so that I could wonder at and absorb some of her incredible techniques and skills, rich artistic vision and astounding prolificness. I’m also currently into Charles E. Burchfield (b. 1893 – d.1967), a Western New York watercolor painter, who painted amazing, interpretive watercolors of his beloved Nature, and of daily life. He didn’t aim for photographic realism, but strove instead to capture the emotion and feeling of his chosen scene. His style is unique and unmistakable.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I love to get outside into Mother Nature and get really up close and personal with leaves, bugs, flowers, and all the mysterious macro-worlds that exist outside that no one ever notices. Sometimes I browse Instagram and Pinterest for ideas – there’s an incredible treasure trove of art out there that offers inspiration and motivation. If I’m feeling really stuck I will sometimes draw from one of the many drawing prompt lists available online to lubricate my imagination. I occasionally take online painting and creativity tutorials (but I never finish them).

“Art classes, museum and gallery visits, and meditation are other tools that help me access the great inspiration bank. The best way is to simply quiet one’s mind, engage in mindfulness and the wonder of Right Now, and open up to the vast source within and without.”

How has your art evolved over time?

I’ve evolved from tighter realism to a more flowing, intuitive painting style that still incorporates a good underdrawing and some representational aspects. About ⅔ representational and about ⅓ transitional!

What do you like most about your work?

I like that my work evokes not just a visual object, be it an animal or a person or a flower, but the essence and life of that object. Simple, yet it speaks.

What is one word that best describes your style?

My style varies depending on the type of art I’m making, but generally I’m a stickler for a good underdrawing, which is the framework for the painting that fleshes it out. If the drawing isn’t good, the painting isn’t going to look right. Currently with my watercolors I’m combining realism with a more loose and painterly flair, and I’ve been experimenting with adding metallic foils to my watercolors.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Something I’ve been thinking about is how miraculous urban wildlife is – the everyday animals we ignore daily that live and survive around us in abundance. If you slow down and simply observe, you will see the beauty, struggle and fight for life in each creature – the glorious iridescent neck feathers of the common city pigeon, the agility and grace of the squirrel, the cleverness and intelligence of the raccoon, the affability of the adorable opossum, the industriousness of the tiny vole…I want to find a way to paint and honor those urban animals that many of us consider pests, ignore, or even hate. I have some ideas. Now to find the time!

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I’m definitely an early-morning person, that is my most productive and creative time. I work a full-time job during the day so an hour or two in the morning is my most precious time I can set aside to create, experiment, and dream.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

I usually just put it away and forget about it for a while, and work on other projects. I can usually come back to it days or weeks later with a pair of sparkling fresh eyes. Watercolors are especially touchy – you have to be much more careful with them, unlike the freedom of painting with acrylics – if you go too far with applying watercolor pigment it’s harder to reverse and alter it like you can with malleable and quick-drying acrylics. If this happens, I usually just end up cutting up the paper for scraps or recycling it.

What is up next on your easel?

I’m pondering creating some fish, bird and other animal paintings and incorporating gold, copper and silver metallic leafing. I’m also experimenting with some yoga figuratives, and more contemporary nude figures. Also, I’m percolating some fun juvenile art.

I’m open to more ideas – what do you want to see me paint for your projects or markets? Let me know in the comments!

What to read next…

From The Studio of BethAnn Lawson

Less Is More: Embracing Minimalist Design

Staying Grounded With Warm and Earthy Hues

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Ruth Fromstein

Meet one of Third & Wall’s newest artists, Ruth Fromstein! While currently residing in San Diego, Ruth has had a close relationship with art since picking up a brush and canvas while a child in small-town Wisconsin. Creating has been the only constant in Ruth’s life and an important form of self-expression.

While her Bachelors degree is in Vocal Rehabilitation, it was the various art classes that inspired her. She experimented with drawing, design, art, metals, and weaving. Her art took inspiration from her love of dancing, hiking, backpacking, and nature, imbuing her work with movement, life, and a palate as varied as an expansive field of wildflowers gracing the horizon. Ruth is constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques striving to embody in her work the beauty and excitement of the world she sees around and within herself. Creating images that dance and play in the viewer’s imagination, her abstract paintings have been described as anything from tranquil and relaxing to thrilling and startling. She embraces her brush as her dance partner, and, with it, swings across the canvas in a chorus of control and spontaneity. While Ruth paints with a goal, she is always excited to stumble into new territory as the materials she experiments with lead her in unexpected directions!

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

I take a deep breath and evaluate what I had done the previous day, looking at my work with fresh eyes.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I like to work on multiple paintings at one time, usually at least 4.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

It would be cool to paint a mural.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Oh my goodness… who to choose? A master like Monet or Angus Wilson, or a painter I would like to take a class with? How about my incredibly talented friend from high school, Leslie Stewart? I choose them all!

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I frequently get inspired when I go hiking. I am influenced by my surroundings as well as my own thoughts and feelings.

How has your art evolved over time?

My work continues to evolve as I experiment with new techniques, colors, and tools. I enjoy learning from other artists who introduce me to new processes then I like to take the information and apply it to my paintings in interesting ways.

What do you like most about your work?

I like that my paintings pull the viewer in and take them on a journey. I enjoy looking at my paintings, and every time I do, I see something different.

I like the variety of work that I create. I am attracted to color, texture and movement.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Only ONE? Contemporary

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

My head is exploding with ideas, however, I need to see if these concepts will successfully translate onto my canvas. Follow along and see what emerges!

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

My mind is fresh in the morning, and I like the natural light that shines through my windows.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so what do you do?

Oh, yes! Sometimes I need to tuck a painting away and pull it out another day, or rotate the orientation. Other times, it is best to simply “paint over”.

What is next up on your easel?

I have one of those “tucked away” paintings waiting for fresh inspiration, as well as an abstract landscape and floral.

The images featured here are available in our Print-On-Demand collection. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Stacey Pollard

Meet our new artist, Stacey Pollard! Her paintings usually involve landscape, either as a study of shapes and compositions or of structures in the landscape. Since moving to Seattle, Stacey has been drawn to the varied architecture and light of the Pacific Northwest. Her paintings start with photographs as reference, and she quickly edits the composition, adding layers and materials. Building up the textures and glazes is an exciting process for her every time! Stacey likes to walk the line between an accurate depiction of what she saw and a more emotional reading of the scene.

What do you do when you get to the studio in the morning?

I stop on the way and get my coffee–have to have it in my hand even if I don’t drink it. Then I turn up the heat and get my playlist going.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I usually have two or three going at once, all at different stages.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Not really–I’m having fun with what I’m doing now.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

I would have to go back in time to hang out in Richard Diebenkorn’s studio–I’ve always admired his work.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I take photos when I’m out and about–whatever scene catches my eye. Then I take them back to the studio to find the shapes and compositions–different ideas appeal to me at different times. Once I get a painting started, I put the photo away and just refer to the painting itself–that’s when the really exciting stuff happens.

How has your art evolved over time?

I started out as a painter and printmaker–I think my paintings are similar to the collagraph plates I used to make. I still like to layer on the textures and colors. The subject matter has changed a bit, but they still start with something representational, and then I abstract them.

What do you like most about your work?

I like that they are interesting to look at up close and interesting to see from far away. The texture is fun to create, and the layers of glazes and brushwork also seem to hold up.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Abstract landscape–not one word but that is the best I can do!

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I’m always looking for the next great composition–one that really resonates when I see it. Those are the unforgettable images or scenes I know I have to paint.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I like to paint in the afternoon.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Of course! When I can see it starting to happen, I have to set it aside and let it simmer for a while. Sometimes I just have to give up and start over, but then again some of my best pieces were saved at the last minute!

What is up next on your easel?

I’m working on three pieces at the moment–I’ve been experimenting with underpainting and some different textures. It’s hard to take my time on these–I’ve got so many ideas I want to try!

From The Studio of Nancy Ngo

We would like to introduce you to our newest artist at Third and Wall, Nancy Ngo! Born in Chicago but transplanted to Arizona as a young child, Nancy grew up learning an appreciation for contrasting landscapes. She developed an eye for the difference in the way light reflects on different terrains in the country. Nancy returned to Chicago after high school and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis on Painting and Art History from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. And once again, she moved back to Arizona where she currently resides with her culinary artist husband and their three daughters.

Nancy’s awareness of the play of light and shadow and its effect on color plays an important role in her work today. The dichotomy of the natural desert landscape of Arizona versus the urban downtown environment of Chicago led her to a certain “no rules” style of painting. Her paintings are highly textured and raw, sometimes with an unfinished quality in which the work holds a kind of potential energy and freedom. Nancy continues to explore new avenues in her work, even with new materials. She is fascinated by the discoveries made while creating each new piece of art, allowing her style to change often in order to keep her painterly freedom.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

It depends on the day of the week… ship day, prep day, planning day or painting day. Obviously, my favorite days are when all the canvases are prepped, then I get started painting right away! If nothing is prepped, I like to take care of regular business stuff, checking emails and updating my planner and goals for the day or week, and then I can get to work.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Too many! If I have an order, I will work on a painting start to finish with no interruptions. More often though, I have so many ideas, sometimes I prep too many at once and have them sprawled out all over the studio.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Anything extremely large scale. I love to work BIG.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Oh my gosh, alive or dead? I’m inspired by artists of all genres… Kandinski, Egon Schiele, Michiko Itatani, Judith Godwin, Agnes Martin, David Hockney, Christine Tarkowski, Mike Kelley, Susanna Coffey, Bruce Nauman, Wolfgang Laib, James Turrell, Bill Viola… I could go on and on and on.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

If I am away from painting (on vacation) for a while, I usually come home and paint in a frenzy. I also like to look at magazines of all kinds.

How has your art evolved over time?

My work is ever changing. It’s often reflective of, or in response to, what’s going on in my life. I think it’s definitely become more complex. I’m trying to simplify it again.

What do you like most about your work?

The layers and heavy textures.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Dynamic

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I’ve been wanting to explore figurative work, but it doesn’t come to me as easily as painting abstracts.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Any time I can get in the studio.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes! If I think a painting becomes overworked, I paint over nearly the whole thing with white and leave only my favorite moments.

What is up next on your easel?

A few abstracts and a portrait… maybe.

From The Studio of John Burrows

Meet our artist John Burrows! After becoming infatuated with the arts at an early age and studying at the Los Angeles Art Center College of Design, John worked at two architectural firms and started his own commercial interior design company in 1975. He enjoyed design so much it became his business while art became his passion. After 35 years, John closed his design office to pursue his art career full time and has never looked back.

John initially used acrylic paints but later switched to oil paints and, once again, he never looked back. He loves vibrant oils and the fact that the paint stays wet while being worked. He loves impasto painting with large brushes that enhance his impressionistic works. To be even more expressive, he started applying paint with large drywall knives, which he calls “blades.” This allowed his paintings to became even bolder with movement and texture. His paintings range from abstract expression to pure abstracts. He never gets tired of experimenting with new materials and techniques while also constantly engaging with and learning from other artists.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

My studio is in my home so it is always there, calling me. Quite often I go to Starbucks for a latte before I start painting.

: “Guardian Angel”

: “Poolside 2”

: “Ocean Fence” by John Burrows

: “On the Beach”

: “My Secret Spot” by John Burrows

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I work on only one painting at a time.

“Fall at Soba Commone”

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

I love working large. A small painting for me is 30 x 30. Most of my paintings are over 1200 square inches. I’ve had a few commissions in the past that have required a very large canvas. One was over 7,000 square inches. I love going large.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Gerhard Ricter or Edgar Degas

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Observing nature and touring galleries, appreciating other artists.

: “Invincible”

: “Emergence”

: “Every Which Way” by John Burrows

: “Coming Home”

: “Tribal”

: “When Harry Met Sally”

How has your art evolved over time?

My original focus was on architecture, then on ethnic figures and I was using large brushes. Now I focus on abstract impressionism using large blades in order to avoid detail.

What do you like most about your work?

“Boom Times II”

“Boom Times I”

The whimsy, the expressionism and the lack of detail.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Energetic

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

More minimalism

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I usually start in the morning after a run to Starbucks.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Sometimes the idea I had in my head turns to mud in reality. I’ll spend all day trying to save it but once it goes south, it’s a waste of time. I will scrap off all the paint and use that canvas another day.

What is up next on your easel?

I have several ideas in my head but I usually wait for the whimsy to take over.

: “Dock Tight”

: “OK Finish Line”

: “Lady of the Lake”

: “Aerial”

: “Chutes Up” by John Burrows

: “Stealth”

: “The Big Reveal”

: “Bow Spray” by John Burrows

: “Jewel of the Sea”

From The Studio of Leah Rei

Meet our artist Leah Rei! Leah has been creating from a young age which led her to study Fine Arts with an emphasis in Painting at Arizona State University. She finds a great deal of inspiration in nature, and is often drawn to creating works that honor this. When in need of a muse, Leah takes to the trails, hiking to clear her mind and refocus. Working mostly in fluid acrylics, her art is an exploration of color, light and texture with the desire to represent all that inspires her with a sophisticated and thoughtful touch.

What do you do first when you get to the studio?

Turn on the music! Nothing gets me into the “zone” faster than finding just the right station to paint to. Painting in the “zone” feels almost like a runner’s high. Everything is working in harmony: your body, your mind, the paint. The gratification of finding that place of creativity is indescribable. I hunt for the “zone” every day.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

As many as possible! I find myself needing to have multiple pieces going so I don’t get too attached to any particular one. This is not to say that I don’t put great amounts of care into my works, but rather that when I become too attached, I lose the ability to see the piece clearly, to make changes, and, more so, to be surprised by where the piece is taking me. Creating each piece is like going on a journey, the best sights to see are the ones you didn’t know were there.

: “Spring Air”

: “Summer Sunkissed”

: “Nexus III” by Leah Rei

: “Spring Blooms”

: “Blushed Bouquet”

: “Wild Flower Bouquet”

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

“Drifter”

Hmmm… tough question. I love working large. If I had a dream project, it would be something big, site specific, and where a lot of people can enjoy it. By site specific, I mean creating a piece for a specific location, wall, building, etc. It can be a lot of fun drawing inspiration from your surroundings and creating a special piece with this in mind.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Helen Frankenthaler. I am drawn to her confidence, large works, and need to express what she saw and experienced. Mrs. Frankenthaler once said about her own works, “my pictures are full of climates, abstract climates. They’re not nature per se, but a feeling.” I feel similarly about my own pieces, as they are an expression of nature not necessarily a direct depiction.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Getting outside, fresh air, and nature. My strongest ideas come when I make room for them. A lot of times this is about slowing down and getting in a good hike.

How has your art evolved over time?

I have always had a need to create in me. I started taking art more seriously in high school before deciding to study it in college. Because art has been so prevalent in my life and education, my early works were more technical and somewhat realistic. Over the years, my work has become more and more of an expression of what I see and feel. I am grateful to have such a foundation and technical background but what good is having rules if you can’t break them.

: “Floral Notes”

: “Peaceful Views”

: “Traveler”

: “Cool Breeze”

: “Entwined” by Leah Rei

: “Seasons Come”

: “Blue Magnolia II”

: “Tipping Point” by Leah Rei

What do you like most about your work?

“Meandering”

That I get to be the one to make it. I feel incredibly lucky every day that this is my career.

What is one word that best describes your style?

I am not sure one word is enough but if I had to choose probably fluid.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I have been thinking a lot recently about how creating is a balancing act. There is a duality that I find fascinating. Art and creating at its best is found in the space between intention and intuition, calculated and spontaneous, vulnerable and strong, knowing and discovering.

: “Hydrangea”

: “First Blush”

: “Sterling Impressions”

: “Warm Waves” by Leah Rei

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

“Whistful”

Early in the morning or late afternoon/evening. The light is amazing.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Absolutely! Sometimes I just have to put that piece away and get some distance. Looking at it, studying it, hemming and hawing does not get me any closer to completing a piece. Pieces that I am stuck on go in a different room, out of sight, out of mind. I then get to find them later and be surprised by what they have to offer.

What is next up on your easel?

Lots and lots! I have been thinking about a series of landscapes that work with the idea of duality, made up of marks both spontaneous and intentional. Additionally, some more abstract pieces that are light, bright, and airy.

: “Amarantine”

: “Lilacs”

: “Content”

: “Distant Light”

Decorating with Jewel Tones

**featured piece is “Peacock Blossom” by Liz Jardine**

Lately we’ve grown inspired by a rich and vibrant color trend that is shaking up the neutral color palettes: jewel tones. Using these deep colors in your space will give you the feeling of cozy luxury, especially when pairing them with velvety texture, bold pattern, and metallic accents. Each jewel tone can bring a different energy into your design, so we thought we’d share some of our favorite gem-inspired colors and ways to add them to your space.

Sapphire

Adding a sapphire hue can bring a soothing touch of glam to a space. Blue is great in rooms for rest and relaxation, such as a bedroom, and adding elements of sapphire is a bold way to activate your Zen. Paint your wall(s) this blue-gem color or add sapphire furniture and decor for a striking transformation.

Magenta

For a fresh burst of energy in your room, try magenta or a sweet, pink jewel-tone. Balance out the bright and vibrant hue of magenta by pairing it with other jewel tones, such as soft amethyst, cooling aquamarine, or rich ruby red.

Amethyst

Decorating with shades of amethyst will bring drama and elegance to your space. Mixing a deep, saturated jewel-tone with softer colors can help lighten up a space, and using a decadent purple in a room with a lot of sunlight can keep it from feeling too dark.

Emerald

Green brings a sense of healing to a space, and decorating with emerald tones can evoke calming and nature-inspired luxury. Even better, this dazzling green hue will pair perfectly with shimmery gold accents or deep blue colors.

Ruby

For a striking and warm color, go for a ruby red. Adding this rich jewel tone will instantly energize your space, and because red is such an activating color, using it in dining area or living room will make your space feel social and inviting.

Whether you choose one vivid gem color to set the mood of your room or mix them to transform your space into a beautiful jewel box, finding the perfect jewel-toned art piece will add a touch of elegance to your walls!

From The Studio of Scott Brems

We are excited to introduce one of our newest artists, Scott Brems! Scott studied painting at Arizona State University and Scottsdale Artists’ School, and he works in acrylic and mixed media painting in his Arizona studio. His work explores the deeper emanations of the natural world, breathing new life into traditional landscape. Enriched by a lifelong relationship with the American West, Scott’s naturalistic reimaginings reach beyond the visual experience to evoke the visceral. We love the bold brushstrokes and colorful shapes in his work, which encompasses a diverse range of styles.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

I usually turn on music and evaluate the current paintings to get my direction for the day.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I like to have several paintings, 5 or 6, going at once.

: “Reticent I” by Scott Brems

: Reticent II

: Reticent III

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Passages

One dream project is a painting expedition involving a mobile studio and outdoor adventure. It would be the painting studio meets Desert Solitaire.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Edward Abbey

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

My favorite inspiration and ideas often come to me during hypnagogia–the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep.

: Red Seven

: Blue Horizon

: “Traverse I” by Scott Brems

: Blush

: Traverse II

How has your art evolved over time?

I started with a traditional background and education, which I still draw from when creating contemporary abstract work.

The Chant

What do you like most about your work?

I like the fusion between traditional and contemporary elements.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Eclectic best describes the variety of work I create.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I have some ideas incubating that involve using new mediums and materials.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Discipline is healthy. I try to keep a regular 9-5 schedule in the studio.

Guardian

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

This is why I like having several pieces going at once; I can move on to another painting. However, I do take a break when needed and get out of the studio, and then I come back with fresh eyes.

What is up next on your easel?

On deck is a series of contemporary figures.

: Traveler

: Mercurial

: Silverscape

All of these images by Scott Brems are available in our Print-On-Demand collection, and stay tuned for new images on our site. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From the Studio of K. Nari

Meet one of Third and Wall’s newest artists, Nari! Originally from Seoul, Korea, Nari moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was eleven years-old. With a naturally creative talent, she studied fine art throughout her childhood and into college. Her career as an artist has taken her from editorial illustrations for magazines and publishing & record companies to becoming an independent artist, currently. The subject matters Nari enjoys most are florals, abstract, transitional, and landscapes, but she also enjoys exploring a variety of other subject matter. Textile design, fashion and interior design are the primary inspiration for her artwork.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

I make my parlettes and make sure the canvases are prepped and ready to go.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Usually two to three.

: “Amaryllis” by K. Nari

: “Azalea Spectrum” by K. Nari

: “Scarlet Summer”

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

“Iridescence Peak”

I’d like to paint large-scale murals

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

I would paint with Michael Bond. I would like to see and learn his painting techniques.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I look through interior design and fashion magazines and sites.

How has your art evolved over time?

With an illustration background, I used to do a lot of portrait painting. Now I love painting floral, abstract, and transitional art.

What do you like most about your work?

The movements and layers of paints.

: “Jeweled Horizon” by K. Nari

: “Destination” by K. Nari

: “Felicity”

What is one word that best describes your style?

Modern

: “Flicker”

: “Aqua Fields”

: Botanical Illusion

: “Blue Magnolia”

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

“Rolling Hill”

I would love to explore textile design.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Mid morning and late evening

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes! I walk away and work on something else until I figure it out.

What is up next on your easel?

I am recreating an abstract painting on canvas, which was originally done on paper in a smaller size.

All of these images by K. Nari (and more!) are available in our Print-On-Demand collection. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From the Studio of Linda Stelling

We have another artist to share with you! Growing up in an artistically-rich family of painters, craftsmen, musicians, and floral colorists, Linda Stelling was bound for the art world. Her art career has taken her many different places, and now she is continuing the work she began as an abstract expressionist many years ago. She is fueled by her interest in color and the dream studies she has been exposed to for so long. Linda is in the studio every day, and when she’s not, she is planning and studying for the next artwork.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

Stretch! I stand all day so it’s important to me to maintain flexibility.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

It depends. Sometimes I concentrate on only one, especially if it’s really big, but frequently I have several going at a time. If something stays in the studio unfinished too long, I tend to change it.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Yes, to be given the opportunity to create for a really large space. I like my work to have ample room to breathe. A nice large, open museum would work.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Monet for sure. He and I have many of the same artistic principles and very much the same vision. We share a similar color palette, subject matter, philosophies and family values. He and I share a love of gardening and of a simple beautiful flower.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I am always looking and thinking how my internal experiences can meld with my external creativity and perceptions. I often take my dreams and use part or all of the memory to form the beginnings of an idea for a painting. I try to parley the connection of our mental health, to our creative selves; which I feel we all experience on some level.

How has your art evolved over time?

For many years, I painted on a commission basis, which proved to be an incredible training ground. I was able to work quickly and produce just about anything. When I stopped, I was temporarily lost. It was only when I began listening to myself and not caring what anyone else thought, that I began to be truly satisfied with my own work.

What do you like most about your work?

My work has so much energy and life. I am a colorist by nature and I enjoy making the color move to what has been described as a “Psychic Vibration.”

What is one word that best describes your style?

Expressive.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Anything curvilinear delights me!

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Morning and afternoon – until I lose the light.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Turn it upside down!

What is up next on your easel?

I’m developing an abstract series based on Monet and his gardens at Giverney.

Linda’s work is available in our Print-On-Demand collection. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From the Studio of Dina D’Argo

Dina D’Argo

Let us introduce you to one of our newer artists, Dina D’Argo! Originally from San Diego, Dina now lives near Nashville and enjoys life with her horses and dogs when she is not in the studio. With bold brush strokes, lush colors, and textural elements, Dina D’Argo captures the grace and beauty of her subjects. An animal lover and horsewoman, her focus is on celebrating the bond between ourselves and nature. Dina works mainly in acrylic on canvas, with a refined yet dramatic blend of abstract and representational styles.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

My studio is on the rural property where I live. I like to have my animals around me when I work, so I let the dogs in, get their beds situated near the windows where they like them, and I bring my 2 horses in from the pasture so I can easily see them grazing and relaxing in the yard.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Coastline II

I use many layers of color and also a number or texture products. I usually have one piece that I am really concentrating on, but possibly 2 or three more either in “prep” or “finishing touches” stages.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Yes; My husband (who is a writer) and I are planning to collaborate at some point to create a book of equine stories and artwork inspired by mythology from different cultures.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

I prefer to paint alone, but I would love to walk in the desert finding old bones and sticks with Georgia O’Keefe.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Connecting with nature; just looking at the sky or the relationships of color, shape, and light found on our beautiful planet.

How has your art evolved over time?

Winter Birds and Branches

Over time, my work continues to become less defined and more intuitive. Simplification has become appealing to me, and I am compelled to “pare down” the subjects in my images yet still retain a sense of complexity in the overall composition.

What do you like most about your work?

To me, my paintings are simple on the surface, but have a strong sense of emotion to them.

I think I paint “feelings” more than images, and I love that people can connect in a powerful way and feel inspired or understood by one of my pieces.

Radiance

Leaving

Coastal Viewpoint II

What is one word that best describes your style?

Organic

Integrity

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I would like to explore simplifying the landscape down to just the bare minimum of color and line, while still capturing the essence of the subject and the emotional connection to it.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Afternoon into evening is my favorite time to paint, as I have a beautiful view of the sunset out over the horse pastures. But any unfettered studio time is precious.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

This is a big challenge for me! I have found that rather than trying to force myself when “stuck”, the resolution will often come if I just relax and let it happen spontaneously. I am working on being more forgiving and flexible with myself, and allowing myself to put a piece aside if it isn’t flowing easily. But I haven’t gotten there yet 😉

Last Day of Summer

What is up next on your easel?

Two very different things are “in the works”: One is the second in a series of loose landscapes focusing on a brilliant sun, as in my “Last Day Of Summer” piece. The other is a figurative piece I was asked to create for our community on the Tennessee/Kentucky border to celebrate the solar eclipse.

All of these images by Dina, and more, are available in our Print-On-Demand Collection. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From the Studio of Julie Denise

We have been so busy at Third and Wall that we haven’t had a chance to update our blog in a while. But we are back and excited to introduce one of our artists to you!

Meet Julie Denise! Although originally from California, Julie has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1991. Julie paints from the landscape, combining gestural brushwork and knifework into a distinctive, semi-abstract style. With a detailed eye for composition and light, she captures the spirit of the landscape she paints.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

I open the window, turn on the fan, and make some tea. Then I select my music. Billie Holiday is a favorite, especially on rainy days in Seattle. Or a collection of women jazz vocalists.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I like to focus on a single work at a time, but there are times when I’ll have two or three paintings going.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

I’d like to paint something enormous that is luminous and inspiring. An abstract landscape that is life size—one you feel you could walk into. And I’d like it to live in a public space where many people could experience it.

**featuring “Territory” by Julie Devine**

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Oh, that is a good question! There are so many artists I’d love to paint with. If I had to choose a living painter, my first thought is Eric Aho. He paints these amazingly gestural, bold landscapes that bridge traditional and contemporary art. If I could paint with an artist who has passed, I might choose to paint in plein air with Van Gogh. I adore his tree landscapes and his aim to paint the life energy of his subjects. Louisa McElwain would be another contender. She painted Southwest canyon vistas on giant canvases in plein air with a speed and confidence that is astounding.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Recently I’ve been paying a lot of attention to composition. When I see something in nature that interests me, I photograph it, then work with the photograph online or in sketches. I also like to look at master works and determine why they work so well. I read this excellent book a couple of years ago – Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne. He demonstrates several successful strategies for arranging objects in a landscape. I think about these a lot as I’m planning a painting. If the composition isn’t strong, why bother creating the work!

How has your art evolved over time?

I trained at Gage Academy of Art and started with an academic approach to painting. I paid close attention to achieving a likeness of my subject, creating a sense of depth, light, and temperature. I painted carefully and focused on observation and color mixing. Gaining these skills takes time. Once I felt I had these under my belt, I experimented on my own. I travelled to Southern California and New Mexico and saw work inspired by Russian impressionism. The paint was bold and thick, the style was expressive, and yet the work remained true to the effects of light. I also spent time with Abstract Expressionist works. Joan Mitchell, Arshile Gorky, Lee Krasner, and Perle Fine are some of my favorite artists in this style. What I admired most about the art I saw was the confidence and bold use of paint. Over time, I have found my expressive style.

What do you like most about your work?

I like the shapes in my work. I also like the confidence and the gestural quality of the paint handling. I like the subtle shifts in color temperature that create vibrancy.

What is one word that best describes your style?

I think of them as “spirited.” I hear “luminous” come up a lot from collectors and people who follow my work.

Someone once described my work as “spiritually kind.” I love that description!

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Yes, right now I’m exploring large rocky landscape formations. I’d like to explore these on a very large scale.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Anytime is a good time.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes. It happens less often now that I spend a lot of time working out a composition before I begin to paint. But when I get stuck, I take a look at the work in a mirror. Sometimes seeing it backward will reveal problems in its composition. The mirrored image helps me see the image with fresh eyes. I’ve also been known to take it to my kids for their insight. They are very candid, and my older son has a good sense of design. He’ll say things like “this part looks good, but it’s messed up here.”

What is up next on your easel?

A wolf portrait that’s being commissioned, and a semi-abstract, horizontal mountain landscape in a high color key.

Julie’s paintings live in international private collections and have been exhibited in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s Group Health Hospital has acquired several pieces of her work for their permanent collection.

All of these pieces featured and more works by Julie Devine are available in our Print-On-Demand collection, and some of her originals are also available on our website. Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

A Seattle visit from artist Lisa Ridgers!

Penny Alspeth, Lisa Ridgers and Aimee Clarke in the 3&W showroom

Penny Alspaugh, Lisa Ridgers and Aimee Clarke in the 3&W showroom

Recently we had the pleasure of hosting one of our most sought-after and prolific artists, Lisa Ridgers, along with her longtime partner and business manager Penny Alspaugh.

Lisa has been a Third & Wall artist for almost 10 years, but her home is in England, so this was the first opportunity she’s had to visit our showroom in the Emerald City. Since Lisa’s stateside visit was such a rare and beautiful thing for us, we made the most of it!

Lisa Ridgers

Although technically she was on vacation, we talked her into touching up some canvases. She was more than happy to jump in with her paintbrush and paints!

Lisa, Penny and Aimee reviewed all of the fantastic new Ridgers art that recently arrived from the UK. Lisa’s newest works are large and vibrant, with a range of inspiring color palettes that satisfy and transcend the wide and ever-changing range of interior decor trends. They include delicate figuratives, bright modern abstracts, and even traditional and transitional landscapes.

: “Retro Fit” by Lisa Ridgers

: Country Setting I

: Seaside

: Remembering You

: Geometrics by Lisa Ridgers

: Dreaming in Blue

: Rhythm & Flow (16)

PennyLisaAimeeBrad

Lisa’s agent Brad Huff joined in on the fun as they toured the Third & Wall showroom and artwork.

And then it was time for everyone to relax at a fun and casual lunch around our conference table. Those of the 3&W team that hadn’t met Lisa and Penny yet had a great time getting to know them.

Lisa Ridgers with some of the 3&W team

A BIG thank you to Lisa and Penny for crossing the pond to come visit us and meet the team!

From The Studio of Jill Martin

Jill Martin’s ethereal imagery is bright and soft, glowing with clean hues and a dreamy appeal that few can resist.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

Check my email, read some news, then spend some time cleaning up my painting table which I always leave messy from the day before.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I’ll prep several canvases at once, but I tend to focus on just one or two paintings at a time.

Merriment II

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

To paint 5 or 6 large paintings of different types of couples.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Very hard to choose. I could learn so much from Alex Kanevsky, Julie Heffernan, and Kent Williams.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

How to paint the figure not in an impressionistic or gestural way but like a blurry photograph. – early Gerhard Richter’s work.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I’ll paint whenever, but the light in the studio is usually best midday and afternoon.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes, I do get stuck sometimes and keep redoing areas over and over. At that point I have to not look at the painting for a few hours or a few days. Then when I go back to it I have a fresh perspective which hopefully makes it easier to see what needs to be done.

What is up next on your easel?

A large abstracted landscape.

: “Stele”

: “Persimmon Jump”

: “Atmosphere”

: “Brisk Winds”

: “Excitement”

Jill Martin’s original works, posters, and print-on-demand imagery are available from Third & Wall Art Group. All images © Jill Martin and published/distributed by Third & Wall Art Group.

Featured Artist: Lisa Ridgers

Artist Lisa Ridgers

We see the paintings and we know the artist’s name, but we don’t know anything else about the person who created the art, how she works, or how she is inspired. We recently caught up with Lisa Ridgers in her studio to find out from the top-selling artist herself – how does she create all those gorgeous paintings?

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

Usually I crank some tunes and jiggle around a little bit to get warmed up, inspired and loosen my muscles

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

It varies but normally two or three.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Yes, I would LOOOOVE to work on a piece for P!NK. Sounds a bit weird, I know, but I really admire her talent and her authenticity, the lady rocks!

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Well, if I had powers of resurrection, definitely JMW Turner. One more just to be greedy……I would also love to paint with Sarah Stockstill, her work has always inspired me.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Yes, I currently am intrigued by all the digital work that artists are now doing and would like to learn some new skills, incorporating something along those lines into my work.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Morning……my brain fritzes out in the afternoons.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes, I sometimes used to fight pieces to the death but now I take a different approach. I turn them around and they face the wall until I am ready to work on that piece again…some sit for weeks at a time.

What is up next on your easel?

I am playing around with a new “urban” look but have to work out some kinks yet…should be a fun day 🙂

Lisa Ridger’s original works, posters and print-on-demand imagery are available from Third & Wall Art Group.

: “Sailing Away”

: “Mystic Scape”

: “Elegant Moment”

: “Cityscape”

Summer Fun!

I’m so excited about these new images from Liz Jardine. Don’t they just scream summer!? I love the silhouetted rides against the woodgrain-inspired background. Dreaming of fun-filled days running from ride to ride, stopping for ice cream, elephant ears, and corn dogs along the way.

~ Aimee Clarke, Creative Director

: “Vintage Ferris Wheel” by Liz Jardine

: “Vintage Rollercoaster” by Liz Jardine