Subconscious Inspiration Infiltration

Earlier today I was having a contemplative moment at my desk, reflecting on what have been the most inspiring moments of this last week, and I could not stop thinking about these gorgeous and otherworldly fiery-red orange flowers growing on the wall around my neighbor's yard. I have walked over and admired these flowers, which I was told are a form of jade vine, over and again for the last ten days or so that they have been blooming. I've been so obsessed I even had an impromptu photo shoot and have made a few hula hoops videos using these flowers as the background as well - I literally cannot get enough of them!

Too bright for words!!

It gets even better though, 'cause I know I'm not alone.  I see lots of different neighbors stopping by to look or take pics or videos or going out of their way to pull their car over to admire. It's like we all want to take part in the natural beauty unfolding in our midst. 

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So anyway, like I said, I keep going over to look at these flowers and when I try to figure out how to incorporate them into my Inspo Saturday segment, I absent mindedly turned around and, bam. There they were showing up in my painting without me even realizing where the inclination to use such tropical chroma came from. I had been subconsciously inspired this week in such a brilliant and flashy way! Inspiration:sometimes it hits when you least expect it.

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I'll be working hard on this painting next week!

Here is my current painting along with the Pantone postcards I use to select painting palettes. Just look at how similar they are to the flowers! 

(PS Don't worry, I didn't kill these flowers, they fell off naturally. I no longer pick flowers as I think the bees need them ten times more than we do)

Like progress shots? Follow my @caleighbirdart Instagram for regular updates.

Have you ever been surprised to discover a subconscious inspiration infiltration in your own work or life? Please share your experience in the comments!

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originally published: November 5, 2016

Handmade Sketchbooks

A couple of years ago I was trying to find some travel sized sketchbooks for my new found love of white and black charcoal on toned paper. I had begun forming this sort of technique the year before that, but was in grad school and wasn't really drawing on the go too often, so the big fancy colored paper from the art stores that I cut to size myself was perfect. Later on, when checking local art stores and even online for sketchbooks with my favorite paper, I could not find ANYTHING that contained multi-toned, nicely toothed paper and could actually fit inside an average sized tote bag. 

Although I am prone to always asking, 'Can I make/do/fix that myself?' at the prospect of any new purchase (thank you for that, mom), I had never considered making my own sketchbooks. It was simple economics really, sketchbooks aren't expensive - why take the trouble?

'Cause if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself!

After a little research, I finally decided to bite the bullet and create my own, and I honestly love them ten times more than I even expected. These sketchbooks hold my favorite paper and because they have their binding on the short side, I never have issues with my hand not have space to move. Love it. 

So to kick off a BRAND NEW semi-weekly blog segment, 'Tutorial Tuesdays', I am going to walk you through the step-by-step process of creating beautiful sketchbooks like those pictured above, utilizing any kind of paper your creative heart desires. 

I'll be using cloth-covered foam board for my upcoming tutorial, but the world is literally your oyster when it comes to book-making materials; here are a few brilliant examples from some other artists to get your creative juices flowing:

Any kind of random funky patterned paper would made great book covers 

Cannot believe the level of adorableness in this walnut shell book

Seeing these reinvented material projects and a bunch more I Pinned makes me look at each scratch paper or found object in my studio just a little differently...

Mind = Blown

I can't even begin to understand how these woven binding techniques are accomplished - so impressive! It's one of those things that builds on itself over time, I'm sure.

Vintage pattern cloth covers?! >>swoon<<

Perfect for thrifted or upcycled leather scraps! 

Tune in next Tuesday for the launch of my two part Bookmaking Tutorial either right here on my blog or on my Facebook page Caleigh Bird Art 

Make sure you never miss a thing! Click [here]   

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Check out these other incredible bookmaking links:

http://hubpages.com/art/bookbinding-techniques-ideas-instructions-creative-leather-journals

http://meetmeatmikes.com/25-ways-to-make-book-by-hand/

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*Click images above for sources, and follow this Pinterest board for more high quality crafty art inspo

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originally posted: October 22, 2016

Plants as Inspiration for Figures

'Room to Grow' 2014

I spent a few hours in my garden today, but instead of working on my beets or green onions, I decided to give a little love to my decorative and indoor plants, which they sorely needed. I noticed the dirt getting quite low in a few of their pots and figured the nutrients in the soil had pretty much run its course. Poor little guys! 

The dirt had gone down almost an inch!

Much happier with full, fresh, composted soil.

As I was enjoying feeling my hands in the dirt and admiring the intricate geometric patterns and striking colors within these favorite studio companions, I started to remember just what had inspired me to do my grad school thesis project about human bodies juxtaposed with succulents and other plant life. The little fat fingers and petals of these succulents look and feel so much like animalia rather than plant creatures, and working with them today just brought all those energized and full-of-wonder feelings back.  

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Succulent buddies lined up in front of my big basil bush

These little guys are so otherworldly!

The similarities between us and plantlife are present because we are all connected; the same matter, the same energy is what makes each creature on the planet, and after we expire, we will all become the same dust. 

Ready to come back in and cheer up my studio!

'Bell Pepper' 2015

If you want to learn more about any of the paintings pictured here, you can also view the full gallery and artist statement from my Figure & Flora exhibition. 

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originally posted: October 19, 2016

Got That New New Feeling

Hooray! Nothing like getting a brand new box of perfectly printed business cards in the mail! I feel like such a pro...;)

But seriously though, I designed them myself and got this handsome logo made for me on Fiverr.com (Ounaaa is the creator's name; go to him for minimalist logos!), and I'm super proud of my cards and the website they represent.

If you haven't yet, go take a quick peek at what I've been working on and feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. Thank you!

New Website!

I am thrilled to announce the launching of my brand new website dedicated solely to my custom pencil and conte portraits, suitably named Custom Fine Art Portraits!

I have dedicated myself this entire year to creating the very best art-commissioning experience possible, and am already starting to feel a good measure of success. In order to build up a respectable portfolio I have been drawing an abundance of portraits for fun as well as for an ever-increasing clientele and now have many examples of my graphite portrait drawings in the Gallery. 

So head on over to the new site and check it out. Any comments here or on the contact page are greatly appreciated!

www.customfineartportraits.com

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originally posted: September 15, 2016

Madre Chocolate Art Exhibit

My first art show since moving out to Hawaii was a big hit! I was invited by Madre Chocolate, a local bean to bar chocolatier, to have a solo show for the First Friday Art Walk in July. It was an extremely memorable night and I got to have ten of my figure and portrait drawings up for viewing for an entire month.

I want to send an extra big thank you to all who were able to attend and to the folks that brought me my first leis as well. I look forward to finding other venues to show in; if any of my Honolulu pals have any suggestions I'm always open! 

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originally posted: August 9, 2016

Life Drawing

A few sketches from a weekly live figure drawing session I've been attending here in Honolulu. Unfortunately, none of the poses are as long as I'm used to, but it's fine for keeping my quick sketch skills sharp.

These are charcoal and white chalk, around 6x9 inches. You can see more here and learn how to make your own fabulous sketchbook here.

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originally posted: March 17, 2016

Studio Escalier in Argenton Chateau, France

As I am about to begin the sixth and final week of this heavenly program nestled in the French countryside, I can't help but look back fondly on the previous five weeks and be amazed at how quickly they have gone by. My fellow art students, the ambiance of this picturesque, stone walled town with its abundant fruit growing on countless trees, and, of course, the traditional atelier classes held in the converted attic of a 250+ year old home have all contributed to a dreamlike experience I will never forget. Timothy Stotz and his wife, Michelle Tully, are the most knowledgeable, patient, and supremely skilled teachers one could ask for, and are the cherry on top of this magically crafted, old-world-esque, studio art workshop program. The camaraderie and encouragement of the other students, as well as our delectable weekly potluck dinners, have made me feel more comfortable and welcome than I could have ever expected, especially being so far from home.

On top of this serendipitous atmosphere, I have learned a great amount regarding figure painting from life. Tim and Michelle have taught me so much about mixing skin tones and really rounding and forming the figure in a true and fantastic way. I am more confident regarding how to portray light and atmosphere using hue, value, and chroma than ever before and can't wait to apply this new knowledge to my own works back home. Their artworks stand as a huge influence and inspiration, and having them give their weekly demonstrations and lectures has been incredibly helpful and insightful. 

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originally posted: October 8, 2015