Countdown to Spring in Turquoise

shades of turquoise

Color is a critical factor in our happiness: many research studies have been performed trying to understand the impact color has on our lives:

• happiness
• appetite
• motivation
• sleep
• romance

A few months ago I wrote about color psychology and how color inspires me: I can't imagine a colorless world!

We make color decisions every day:

• what color sweater should I wear with these pants
• should my new glasses have brown or red frames
• do I want pink or yellow flowers
• what color should I paint my walls
• does this tie match my shirt

But did you know: turquoise is a universally flattering color! The color of the ocean, turquoise matches all skin and hair colors and appeals to both men and women:

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being.

~ Pantone 

While you might think of turquoise as a spring color it can be worn year round, and looks lovely in your home - think pillows, bed linens, eye shadow or nail polish, a vase, new coffee cups: turquoise is everywhere! There are many shades of turquoise, from sky blues to watery blue-greens to deep greens: one will appeal to you!

So is this long winter making you blue? Brighten your days and your spirit by bringing some turquoise into your world!

    Shirley

Green Art: Re-purposed Coffee Capsules

I'm so impressed by the creativity of artists with the vision to re-purpose used every day objects into art! These artists recycle, upcycle and reuse things that would otherwise just end up in a waste site.

While I was browsing through Pinterest I came across art made from used Nespresso capsules: instead of throwing the empty, used coffee pods away, the artists clean and re-purpose them into fabulous green art!

What is green, or environmental, art? Green art is the artist's vision and expressions using recycled, re-purposed or sustainable materials.


Audrey Hepburn sculpted out of Nespresso capsules.

Audrey Hepburn by Ricardo Bellino

Nespresso Santas stand ready to organize your important papers and receipts.

                               from Bijou Lena Cafe

Strings of light fashioned from Nespresso capsules brighten a dark corner.

by Deco Debrouille

This beautiful lavender necklace is made using Arpeggio capsules: the pin says you can custom order in the capsule color of your choice!

by Nadine GUIMBERTEAU

A bold and colorful bracelet made of flattened coffee capsules is available in a variety of color combinations.

from www.recyclart.org

I love seeing all forms of artistic expression. And I especially love seeing artists turn trash into treasures!

Pencil Art

When you saw my title Pencil Art you probably thought of drawings made in pencil. But I'm fascinated by another type of pencil art: art made out of pencils.

I recently discovered photos of these pencil sculptures made by Jennifer Maestre. I'm inspired by her creativity, and I think you will be too!

Jennifer is a young artist from South Africa who attended university in Massachusetts. Her original inspiration for pencil art was sea urchins. Trained in glass work, Jennifer experimented with using first nails, then discovered pencils for making her art.

See some of Jennifer's pencil sculptures below, or visit her website to find out more about Jennifer Maestre's art and exhibitions: www.jennifermaestre.com.

My 2014 New Year Resolution

My goal for 2013 was to become more active on social media:

• I've started blogging again
• I opened Twitter, Pinterest, and Google + accounts 
• I'm trying to share more with you on Facebook - like this photo from my friend Phillipe Petit

Why did I want to become more active on social media? Because I find artistic inspiration in my interactions with friends, places, and foods; and want to expand my horizons to new inspirations. Social media is a way to connect and engage with new friends: people I might never meet in my offline life.

In 2013 I was inspired to create a series of four orchids of Vietnam. I don't often depict nature, I more frequently create stylized impressions of nature and figures. But I've very excited to share that my Orchids of Vietnam series received such positive feedback that I'm going to paint and exhibit more orchids in 2014.

My 2014 New Year Resolution:

I feel this is the year my art is going to breakthrough: 

I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen!

             Happy New Year       Bonne Année      Feliz Año Nuevo

The Mexican Poinsettia Christmas Tradition

Wintering in Mexico I've become accustomed to poinsettia plants - native to Mexico - growing in the wild in tropical forests. The bright red and green colors of the poinsettia have made it a traditional Christmas plant in the US; in Mexico it is commonly called Noche Buena: Christmas Eve in Spanish.

Long dark nights and bright sunny days give the poinsettia its bold red leaves, and the plant is now grown commercially in California, Egypt, Australia and Malta.

In Mexico, poinsettia's are sometimes planted at the end of each vineyard row because they are susceptible to some of the same molds and diseases as grapevines. A diseased poinsettia plant alerts the vintner to possible disease in the grapevines, similar to how roses are planted at the end of each vineyard row in other parts of the world.

tip:
To keep your poinsettia plant blooming indoors, place it in a sunny window and keep it at a temperature of 65-75°, and slightly cooler at night; water when dry to the touch.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season,

      Feliz Navidad!   Joyeux Noël!   Merry Christmas!

Holiday Art Sale

Dear Friends,

During the month of December I'm happy offer a 20% discount on all items in my online gallery: 

www.ShirleyMonestier.com/store

Each piece of my artwork is original, affordable and available for purchase. Browse the categories in my art gallery. Contact Me if you would like to purchase an original and affordable artwork.

I look forward to hearing from you. Happy Holidays, 

Shirley

Colors on Canvas

I’m departing France for the winter, and looking forward to returning to our condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We have wintered in PV for 11 years, and enjoy not just the warmth and beauty of this charming seaside village, but also the lively art scene.

I have found friendship and a common bond at Colors on Canvas PV with a group of women artists painting and living in Puerto Vallarta who create original acrylic and oil paintings.  The goal of our group is to promote exhibitions and donate proceeds from the sale of our paintings to the local library, Biblioteca Los Mangos.

Our next exhibition is later this month:

ART EXHIBITION TO BENEFIT BIBLIOTECA LOS MANGOS

Friday, Nov. 29th from 6 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 30th from 2 – 5 p.m.

 Sunday, Dec. 1st from 1 – 3 p.m.

 Sala Bernice Starr, Biblioteca Los Mangos (Library) Ave. Francisco Villa 1001

The decline of public funding for the arts and for libraries is something we care deeply about. By exhibiting and selling our art at the Los Mangos library we hope to be able to share our talents and love of the arts and give something back to the Puerto Vallarta community that has been so welcoming to us.

If you aren't able to visit our exhibition in person, please show your support for public libraries and visit the Colors on Canvas website and LIKE our Facebook page: and we hope you’ll find some artwork for your home!

This year I’m excited to be exhibiting 7 pieces (all are acrylics on canvas):

MILTONIA ORCHID,  28 x 20in : 70 x 50cm

MILTONIAOPSIS ORCHID,  20 x 28in : 50 x 70cm

BEAUTIFUL ORCHID, 16 x 32in : 40 x 80cm

SWEET NECTAR, 30 x 30in : 77 x 77cm

MADAME BUTTERFLY,  16 x 16in : 40 x 40cm

NIGHT FISHING UNDER PURPLE MOON, 22 x 15in : 50 x 38cm

ABSTRACTION IN COLORS, 92 x 183in : 36 x 72cm