Art, how to make it your own. The quest to be unique! “Three Amigos” 4 by 6 watercolor $30.00

So many days I struggle as an artist to truly create something that is fresh, new and unique. I’m not alone in this daily struggle. It’s a common topic of conversation in Artist circles. Of course, like most people, I’m influenced by everything I see and hear. And, like so many people, these images, colors, or symbols will appear in my work. This is not because I lack an imagination but because I share a connection or a sense of belonging with these images. It is a way to describe a little bit of myself. Some folks call it collective consciousness others think that this is “voo doo” – “new age” crap. Call it whatever you wish, Artists often need to paint in a series or paint similar subject matter to find their unique voice.

We’re living in a time of information and unlimited access to visual stimulus. All you have to remember when you sit down to paint is: nothing is “new”. All subjects have been painted. You need to just make it your own. While even Matisse and Picasso challenged each other for years by painting similar subject matter; some say this helped each artist develop their inner vision. Others might call it their own method, technique or style. This technique can be useful to the solo painter as well.

Give it a try, the next time you’re struggling with what to paint, try painting a common object and do it in a way that describes your interpretation. You are unique! Allow this uniqueness to surface and make your Art memorable.

“Koi Fry” 4″ by 6″ watercolor on 300 lb wc paper $30.00

“Humming birds and Morning Glorys” Oil on gallery wrap canvas 8″by 8″ $75.00

This painting is in oil on gallery wrap and still wet so it tends to reflect back into the camera, It looks better then this (really).   I guess I’ll have to wait till the paint dries and re post it.

I like painting birds and I love these small little hummers, especially when they visit my Heavenly Blue Morning Glories,

I have painted so many hummingbirds over the years. Now, I find myself painting them a little different each time.  I guess in hopes of giving them some individuality.

“Shanti’s Hummer ” watercolor on paper 9 ” by 12″ $95.00

I love painting humming birds so I decided to invent one.  This little painting is painted for those that long for spring in the middle of winter.

 

Fairy Dust

3 1/4 inches by 12 inches an appropriate piece for St Patrick’s day.
$45.00

Koi Spirit “revisited”

I decided to paint a few more fish into this painting.  This is a watercolor on paper.

12 inches by 18 inches.  $250.00

“Koi in blue” 8 by 10 oil on gessoed wood

This is a little sedate in terms of color but I like the way it came out.

75.00

Tribute to Monet # 14 Oil on canvas panel

This serene water painting is an Oil painting done on a canvas panel. The size is 24 by 30 and can be purchased for only $400.00. As it’s on a panel it can easily be mailed directly to your home ( continental US) for $5.50 USD.

This painting is part of my ” Tribute to Monet” series, it’s slightly more grayed down than many of my usual more colorful water paintings. I think the warm yellows are set off very nicely by the grayed down blue of the water.

Spring Koi an original watercolor design by Shanti Marie

actual size of the art work is 12 by 12 inches, watercolor on 300 lb hand made rag paper. $200.00

Equinox’s Morning Flight

11 by 15 inches watercolor,gouache, tissue paper, on illustration board.

$100.00

Spring Awakening Koi

5.5 by 10 inches watercolor on paper $25.00

Lynn’s Tooth Fairy

75.00 plus 5.5 for shipping.
Watercolor on paper 11 by 14 inches

A tooth fairy for a very special person.

American Kestral ( A watercolor 15 by 22 inches)

Beautiful watercolor of an American Kestral overlooking a misty view.
$200.00

Amy’s Hummingbird

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration.
The Hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.

This little humming bird was inspired by my daughter, Amy. It has the look of her Tattoos. Its 6 by 6 inches painted in watercolor on paper. This little guy is a bit stylized and different from the many hummingbirds I’ve painted in the past. I hope you like it. Yo may use this image if you make sure to give me credit for the painting.

Young Love ( Koi)

16 by 20, oil on canvas $300.00
Two small Koi find each other in a big pond.