Pen and Think

Pictures from an Exhibition: Malvern Retreat House Art Show

2012-02-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

Today was opening day for the Malvern Retreat House Art Show in Malvern, PA. Over 80 artist from around the country were invited to display work at the show which runs through this Sunday.

A bit of background: this is an annual show that lasts only a week or less (previously it was held at Immaculata University, but scheduling conflicts with the school caused the organizers to move it to this new location). Buyers come in, take stuff off the wall as they buy it, and then more stuff is replaced on the empty space until they run out of new art. This year it is taking place at a catholic retreat house and the artwork is hung up in the different rooms in the house as well as in the hallways. Artists bring four larger works and up to ten "minis" (must be under 8x10 inches framed). I have 14 artworks in this show.

My work in hanging on the right panel (not including artwork on the bottom left). I don't know the name of the artist who designed the face on the left but it was REALLY impressive in person. I'd love to take it home with me.

artwork by my friend Thomas DelPorte

I also ended up buying a small etching by artist Katy Winters called "Fox and Hound". I didn't find a picture of it online, but you can see some examples of her work here.

Now Showing

2012-01-31T16:59:00.000-05:00

I will be one of over 80 regional and national artists displaying work at the first annual Malvern Retreat House Art Show. Artists for this year were invited from the most successful of those participating at the 2011 Immaculata Art Show. The Immaculata show has changed venues to Malvern due to scheduling conflicts with the school.

Malvern Retreat House Art Show
Feb. 1 through Feb. 5, 2012.
Malvern Retreat House,
McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center,
315 South Warren Ave., Malvern, PA;
Wednesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.;
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 4 pm.
Artist Reception: Friday, Feb. 3rd, from 5pm - 8pm.

Artwork will be displayed on the walls of the Retreat House and buyers can take home the artwork as they purchase it so the early bird gets the worm. I'd advise to get to the show early if you are a serious collector. There is a lot of very strong art at the show in a wide variety of styles as well as price ranges. In addition to the originals, they also are selling binned unframed originals and prints. They will also have a special section of miniature art (sizes with frames are under 8 x 10 inches).

To view a facebook photo album of the artwork that I will be bringing to the show, click here.
RSVP to the event on facebook.

Latest Artwork: The Alpaca

2012-01-31T13:12:00.000-05:00

"The Alpaca"
6x9 inches
Ink, coffee and red wine on paper

"Wildly Human" update.

2012-01-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Today I dropped off "Totem I" and "Totem IV" at the List Gallery at Swarthmore College for the upcoming "Wildly Human" group show which starts Feb. 2 and runs through March 2. PLEASE NOTE: I have a correction to those who got my newsletter earlier this week: "War Horse" will NOT be at the "Wildly Human" show, just "Totem I" and "Totem IV". "War Horse" ended up being too large for the space they had allotted. Instead I will be submitting "War Horse" to my upcoming "Yellow Springs Art Show" at the end of April. See lynnetteshelley.com/exhibitions.html for info on all of my upcoming shows.

"Totem I" by Lynnette Shelley

"Totem IV" by Lynnette Shelley

Latest Artwork: "Goldfish"

2012-01-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

I need to create more smaller works for some spring art shows so last night I started another mini artwork, which I finished up earlier today. It's ink, iridescent gold acrylic and coffee on 6 x 9" cold-press watercolor paper. See pics below. I scanned it to show the details but I also took a photograph, which shows the metallic gold effects better.

photograph of "Goldfish", Mixed Media on Paper

Scan of "Goldfish", mixed media on paper

In addition, I have been researching the three hares motif found in in art and architecture sites throughout the globe and across religious groups. It's an archetypal and ancient image of three hares entwined in a circular pattern, joined by their ears, which forms a triangle in the center of the image. This type of thing, of course, is right up my alley, and I am in the planning stages of an artwork based off of this image. I just got a new shipment of wood panels that came in the other day, that I'll probably be using.

Latest Artwork: "And the hound followed the voiceless dancer to the moon (The Italian Greyhound)"

2012-01-25T10:36:00.001-05:00

"And the hound followed the voiceless dancer to the moon (The Italian Greyhound)"
11x14 inches
mixed media and collage on wood panel

The title comes from a poem by James Wright.

I took these photos this morning but lighting was not great so I'll need to take some more. Right now the colors are bit off.

The three artworks in the series together:

2012 Winter Art Exhibitions & Events

2012-01-24T21:26:00.004-05:00

I've been busy working on framing and finalizing some artwork all week as I have two very important art shows coming up shortly. Info below:

Malvern Retreat House Art Show
Feb. 1 through Feb. 5, 2012.
Malvern Retreat House,
McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center,
315 South Warren Ave., Malvern, PA;
Wednesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.;
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 4 pm.
Artist Reception: Friday, Feb. 3rd, from 5pm - 8pm.

The first annual Malvern Retreat House Art Show features more than 80 local and regional artists, who represent the best in painting, sculpture, photography, pottery and glass, and other media, will exhibit.I will be bringing 14 original artworks to this show as well as a selection of archival art prints in a variety of sizes and prices.

To RSVP to this show on Facebook, please click here.
To view a photo album of all my available artwork for sale at the show, please click here.

"African Grey Sunset" by Lynnette Shelley
20x16 inches, mixed media and collage on wood panel
On display / sale at the Malvern Retreat House Art Show

Wildly Human Group Art Show
Feb. 2 through April 2, 2012
McCabe Library,
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA.
Artist Reception: February 16th at 4 PM.

McCabe Library, Swarthmore College, presents Wildly Human, a selection of artworks that reflect the ways in which animal imagery expresses varied aspects of humanity. The exhibition will take place February 2-April 2, 2012. The exhibition includes works by approximately ten invited established and emerging artists from the mid-Atlantic region. Dating from the Middle Ages, bestiaries are illustrated compendiums of both real and mythological animals, usually with moralistic, symbolic, or mythical implications. "Wildly Human" moves beyond the moralistic purposes of the traditional bestiary by probing deeper into animals' unique ability to express a complex psychology that resonates with our human existence.

For this show I will be bring three artworks, including "War Horse", "Totem I" and "Totem IV".

1/28/12 UPDATE: I have a correction to those who got my newsletter and blog post earlier this week: "War Horse" will NOT be at the "Wildly Human" show, just "Totem I" and "Totem IV". "War Horse" ended up being too large for the space they had allotted. Instead I will be submitting "War Horse" to my upcoming "Yellow Springs Art Show" at the end of April. See lynnetteshelley.com/exhibitions.html for info on all of my upcoming shows.

"War Horse" by Lynnette Shelley. 30x22 inches, mixed media on paper.

Work in Progress: Italian Greyhound (Title TBA)

2012-01-23T11:56:00.000-05:00

I started a companion piece to "All Things That Love the Sun (The Brown Hare)" yesterday, featuring an Italian Greyhound as my subject. I still need to come up with a title, but some work in progress photos are below:

Latest Artwork: "All Things That Love the Sun (The Brown Hare)"

2012-01-21T18:34:00.000-05:00

My latest artwork takes its title from a Wordsworth poem. "All Things That Love the Sun" measures 14 x 11 inches and is mixed media and collage on 2-inch deep wood panel. Mixed media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, paper,ink, coffee, red wine and acrylic gel medium.

View more of my artwork and artwork sales onlineat www.lynnetteshelley.com

"All Things that Love the Sun"

(from Resolution and Independence)

by William Wordsworth

All things that love the sun are out of doors;

The sky rejoices in the morning’s birth;

The grass is bright with rain drops; – on the moors

The hare is running races in her mirth;

And with her feet she from the plashy earth

Raises a mist, that glittering in the sun,

Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run

Please click on an image to enlarge.

Latest Artwork: "The Sacred Observer (The Red Fox)"

2012-01-20T11:29:00.001-05:00

FINALLY finished with this piece last night. I'll probably go over it one more time with some matte gel medium as a final finish over it, as well as paint the sides gold, but in the meantime, here are some photos.

24x24 inches on 2-inch wood panel.
Mixed Media and Collage (mixed media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, paper, ink, coffee, red wine, acrylic).

Please click in an image to enlarge.

Invitational Art Show at Malvern Retreat House (Feb 1-5, 2012)

2012-01-19T13:17:00.001-05:00

Art Show Announcement:

February 1-5, 2012

Invitational Art Show at

Malvern Retreat House,

McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center,

315 South Warren Ave., Malvern, PA;

610.644.0400.

11 AM to 8 PM daily

Invited artists are chosen from the most successfulartists at the 2011 Immaculata Art Show.

I will have four large artworks plus ten minis andfifteen prints for display / sale at this prestigious art show.

Click here to RSVP on my Facebook Event Page.

PRESS RELEASE FROM MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE

Our first Invitational Art Show will be held

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 through Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

Wednesday -Saturday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sunday -- 11 a.m. - 4 pm.

in the McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center

The art show is open to the public, including supportersof Malvern Retreat as well as those community members who have never enteredour grounds. Art sales from this free event are 35 % tax deductible and willbenefit our programs and highlight our retreat house, our 125 acres for quietreflection, and our special mission.

More than 80 local and regional artists, who representthe best in painting, sculpture, photography, pottery and glass, and othermedia, will exhibit.

These include painters Judy Antonelli, Richard Bollinger,Michele Byrne, Matiko Mamaladze, Victor Mordasov, and Howard Watson; sculptorKlaus Ihlenfeld; and photographer Harold Ross

Special Events:

Thurs, Feb. 2, 1-3 p.m. Matiko Mamaladze demonstrates herpalate knife painting technique, Listen while tasting an exquisite peachpastry. $30.

Fri., Feb 3, 1-3 p.m., Judy Antonelli demonstrates hernew technique of pastel over watercolor painting. Refeshments included. $15.

Fri, Feb 3, 7:30 p.m. Richard Bollinger presents Visionsin Art and Life. Free.

To register, call 484-321-2534

Below are some of the artwork that I will be presenting for sale at the show. Please click on an image to enlarge.

Work in Progress: Red Fox (title to come) pt II

2012-01-18T09:47:00.000-05:00

I have to start a commissioned piece later today, bu in the meantime, I have some more photos of another artwork that is currently in process.

24x24 inches on wood panel

Work in Progress: Red Fox (title to come)

2012-01-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

I am a happy camper as a couple of big boxes arrived the other day full of wood panels that I had ordered from the art supply store. First up, is a new piece on 24 x 24-inch wood panel of a red fox. It's going to be finished in the faux mosaic style I have been developing as of late. Earlier I stained up a bunch of paper for the background with tea, coffee, ink and red wine and it's just waiting for me to finish up the foreground image. Tonight I started the sketch of the fox with oil pastels and colored pencils. I should have more to show in a couple of days.

Work in progress photos below:

Latest Artwork: The Imbroglio

2012-01-14T16:18:00.003-05:00

An Imbroglio can mean a disagreement or a complicated state of affairs, as well as a confused heap. I wanted to do some more knotwork type of work and I thought that title was perfect for this.

The creatures in the artwork are supposed to be these weird bird animals but another artist mentioned they look like cockatrices (also known as basilisks), which are legendary creatures that are essentially two legged dragons with rooster heads and claws. If they look at you they kill you or turn you to stone, like Medusa. The only way to kill them is to have them look in a mirror (thus petrifying themselves) or with the call of a rooster. A weasel is also immune to their powers.

According to the Mythical Creatures Guide:

The Cockatrice can cause death with a single glance. Reports indicate that anything catching sight of the lethal bird's eyes is turned instantly to stone. Just as deadly is their poisonous saliva which can fell even an elephant.

Also known as a Basilisk, a Cockatrice has the head and feet of a cockerel and the tail of a serpent. The Cockatrice is believed to be the product of a seven-year-old cockerel's egg, laid during a full moon and then hatched for nine years by a serpent or toad.

There are a few ways to protect oneself from a Cockatrice. One is to carry something reflective - like a mirror - and turn the creature's gaze back on it. Another is to keep either a weasel or a cockerel nearby. The weasel is said to be the mortal enemy of the Cockatrice, While the crowing of the cockerel is even more effective as it causes the Cockatrice to have fatal fits and ultimately thrash itself to death.

26 × 20 inchesmixed media on paper
Mixed media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, acrylic, 18K gold, sharpie.

Work in Progress: The Imbroglio Pt. III

2012-01-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

I am just about finished with this artwork. Today I just have to complete the coloring on the two "juvenile" creatures on either side of the main two bird / dragon / cockatrice creatures as well as the sun in the background. Which is just as well as I have a new commission to start next week, and I've sold another large artwork and need to get cracking on some other large pieces (as well as a few minis) for upcoming shows.

Work in progress photos:

Work in Progress: The Imbroglio Pt. II

2012-01-13T11:36:00.001-05:00

I got some more work done on "The Imbroglio" yesterday. I got the left-hand-side bird creature mostly finished and started work on the right-hand-side bird creature. I also added 18K gold to the tongues. Another artist on a forum mentioned she thought these guys look like cockatrices. While that was not my original intention when I drew them, I have to admit they do resemble the legendary creatures. A cockatrice has a deadly glance that turns one into stone, much like Medusa. The only way to kill it is to have it look in a mirror or by having a rooster crow.

Some photos below. Still much to be done... hopefully will get some decent time in on this later today.
20 x 26 inches.

Work in Progress: The Imbroglio

2012-01-11T09:57:00.001-05:00

I have a ton of big art shows coming up shortly so I am hard at work creating new pieces. I realized I had not created any Celtic-y looking artworks in a little while so I decided that my new artwork would be a nod in that direction again.

"The Imbroglio"
Work in Progress
26 x 20 inches.

Please click on photo to enlarge.

In the news

2012-01-10T12:06:00.001-05:00

There is a small mention of me in today's Examiner. The article is in reference to the recent benefit print and logo I created for CAPIC Cats, a cat rescue group in New Jersey, where I adopted my kitten Magnus. 50 percent of the proceeds of the print sale are donated to CAPIC.

Read the article here.

Buy the benefit print here.

Magnus (age 7 months)

Latest ATC: The Swimmer

2012-01-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

For those of you not familiar with Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) they are miniature works of artcreated on 2 ½ X 3 ½ inches or 64 X 89 mm card stock (or about the size of amodern baseball card).

Artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann is credited in many circleswith popularizing the modern artist trading card in 1996 by holdingtrading sessions in Zurich, Switzerland. To see some examples of ATCs or to read up on the historyof ATCs in general, please visit the original ATC trading card site on theinternet.

ATCs have been popular amongst artists since this time as a way of trading art with each other. I recently joined an ATC group with some fellow artists whom I'll be trading with. I made my first one for an artist working out of Indiana last night. I thought I would try doing one in my paper mosaic style. It's a bit of a challenge to work on such a small scale but I think I am happy with the results.

"The Swimmer" (ATC)

2.5 x 3.5 inches

Mixed Media and Collage on Wood Panel

TONIGHT: Opening reception at Nichols Berg Gallery, Philadelphia

2012-01-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

Jan. 7 - 30, 2012:

"The Highlights of 2011" GroupShow

Nichols Berg Gallery,

8611 Germantown Ave.,

Philadelphia, PA;

206-380-4070.

Special opening and "Lucky New Year" party on January7th, 6-9pm.

Featuring work by :

Harry Hasheian

Robert Finch

Jeff Dion

Lynnette Shelley

Dora Ficher

Clarissa Shanahan

Scott Nichols

Melissa Lomax

Christian Patchell

Jo Freehand

Gina Gruenberg

Evan Stallone

Patty Castner

Pat Spainhour

Crista Matteson

Larry Calkins

David Forlano

among others..

...

Nichols Berg Gallery will also be offering all thedelicious foods that promise to bring you good luck, long life and muchfortune.

Latest Artwork: "All At Sea"

2012-01-07T15:55:00.002-05:00

I spent that past few days working on another mythological-inspired artwork. I decided to make another hippocamp, one of my favorite chimeras to depict. This piece will most likely be a part of my folklore-themed show this spring in Philadelphia. See all of my upcoming events here.

This one measures 18 x 24 inches and is on 2 inch deep wood panel. Media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, ink, tea, paper, acrylic gloss.

Please click on an image to enlarge.

First artwork of 2012: Lusus Naturae (Loch Ness Monster)

2012-01-02T13:53:00.004-05:00

Just finished this last night. I may add an acrylic gloss / varnish over top later but I took these photos first. I will most likely be entering this into a big group show that starts later this year, along with a couple of other pieces. More on that later (if I get in :)

My version of the Loch Ness monster is a sort of mix between a kelpie and a plesiosaurus, two of the creatures often associated with the Nessie folklore.

From Wikipedia

According to the Swedish naturalist and author Bengt Sjögren (1980), the present day belief in lake-monsters is associated with the legends of kelpies. Sjögren claims that the accounts of lake-monsters have changed during history. Older reports often talk about horse-like appearances, but more modern reports often have more reptile and dinosaur-like-appearances, and Sjögren concludes that the legends of kelpies evolved into the present day legends of lake-monsters where the monsters changed the appearance since the discovery of dinosaurs and giant aquatic reptiles from the horse-like water-kelpie to a dinosaur-like reptile, often a plesiosaur.

Lusus Naturae (Loch Ness Monster)
22 x 30 inches
Ink, Red Wine, Oil Pastels on Fabriano watercolor paper

Free Print Contest Winner

2012-01-01T10:48:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Stephen Schrum, who is the winner of my annual Holiday Print Giveaway. Stephen will get a print of his favorite piece, "Augury Ex Avibus".

Work in Progress: Lusus Naturae (Loch Ness Monster) pt II

2011-12-31T12:01:00.000-05:00

I got some more work done on my new artwork depicting my take on the Loch Ness Monster (which is a sort of mix between a kelpie and a plesiosaurus, two of the creatures often associated with the Nessie folklore). I hope to finish this by New Year's.

Work in Progress: Lusus Naturae (Loch Ness Monster)

2011-12-27T12:13:00.001-05:00

I started a new artwork a few days ago, first staining the paper with various colored inks as well as red wine, and then starting the pencil sketch. Now I am currently inking in the artwork and I expect to be at that for a few more days. "Loch Ness Monster" measures 22 x 30 inches and I will most likely (if I am happy with it when it's completed) be submitting it to an art show in 2012.

Here are some photos of the work in progress.

New Prints Available

2011-12-20T20:23:00.001-05:00

I've made four new archival art prints available today via my Etsy storefront as well as my own website.

Artworks available as Giclee prints now include:

War Horse

12 x 16" on watercolor paper, $60

Click here to purchase on Etsy

African Grey Sunset

8x10" matted to 11x14", $30

Click here to purchase on Etsy

The Muse (Portrait of a Cat)

8x10" matted to 11x14", $30

Half of Sales Price benefits CAPIC CATS, a charity based out of NJ

Click here to purchase on Etsy

Portrait of a Sea Otter

8x10" matted to 11x14", $30

Click here to purchase on Etsy

Latest Artwork: "The Muse (Portrait of a Cat)"

2011-12-20T11:11:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned earlier in my blog, I will be one of 60 specially invited artists to participate in the first annual Art Show at Malvern Retreat House from Feb. 1 - 5, 2011. This debut show was created by former artists and jurors at the annual Immaculata University Art Show, which has gone on hiatus. For the February exhibit, the most successful artists from Immaculata's show in 2011 were invited to participate in the launch of the Malvern Retreat House's art show.

What this means for me is I wanted to have a bunch of new artworks ready for display, including some smaller works. Since I was having so much fun with the paper mosaic technique on artworks created earlier this week, I decided to make another one in small size for the upcoming Malvern show.

But I also wanted to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. In late November I had adopted a kitten from a cat rescue group called CAPIC CATS in New Jersey. One of the women who organizes rescues had asked me to create a logo for them. I designed one yesterday based off the artwork posted below (which was inspired by my new kitten, Magnus). In addition, I am selling archival art prints with half of the proceeds to benefit CAPIC CATS via my shop on Etsy.

Here are photographs of the original work.

"Muse (Portrait of a Cat)"
8 x 10 inches
Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood Panel

To purchase an art print of the above work, with 50 percent of the sales price benefiting CAPIC Cats, please visit my Etsy shop.

Latest Artwork: "Portrait of a Sea Otter"

2011-12-18T17:23:00.000-05:00

I was asked to do a last-minute commission for Christmas the other day so I spent the whole morning and afternoon putting together this new piece. If you are interested in commissioning me to do an artwork please email me to discuss rates.

"Portrait of a Sea Otter"
8 x 10 inches
Mixed Media and Collage on Wood Panel

Please click on an image to enlarge.

Latest Artwork: "African Grey Sunset"

2011-12-17T09:56:00.001-05:00

"African Grey Sunset"
20 x 16 inches
Mixed Media and Collage on Wood Panel
(media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, ink, tea, paper, and acrylic gloss

Work in Progress: Grey Parrot Pt III

2011-12-16T23:16:00.000-05:00

I my new parrot artwork finished tonight, but as of yet I only have one bad photo of it in bad lighting. I'll get a better tomorrow, hopefully, when I can use natural lighting.

In the meantime, here is a couple of shots of the work from this morning, and the last photo is the finished piece from tonight.

I am still debating titles, but another artist suggested "African Grey Sunset" to me, which I like. I also kind of like "African Grey (with Red)". But I'm leaning more towards the first title.

Better photos to come tomorrow!

Work in Progress: Grey Parrot pt. II

2011-12-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

I didn't get as much progress on this latest artwork as I would have liked yesterday (I had two design jobs I had to complete), but you can see how the parrot is a little more filled out now. I also know what I am going to do with the background now, which will hopefully look really cool if I can pull it off. I should be able to get much more work done on this today.

Work in Progress (Title TBD)
20 x 16 inches on wood panel

Work in Progress: Grey Parrot

2011-12-13T22:02:00.002-05:00

I don't have a specific title for this new piece yet, but today I started an artwork depicting an African grey parrot. It's 20 x 16 inches on wood panel, oil pastels and colored pencils so far. I'm still thinking about what I want to do with the background but I have a few ideas in mind. It's probably going to most be a monochromatic artwork, but I may change my mind.

I am going to apply to a group show at a museum and the deadline is coming up so I thought I'd try to get a few more pieces done by then so I can pick from among the best to send in with my application.

Please click in an image to enlarge.

Latest Artwork: Little Magnus

2011-12-11T19:18:00.000-05:00

I am waiting on a new shipment of large sheets of Fabriano watercolor paper to start a couple of larger works, including one of the Loch Ness Monster. In the meantime, I made a smaller ink work last night for some upcoming shows in 2012.

"Little Magnus"
6 x 9 inches
Ink / Tea / Pastel on Strathmore watercolor paper

I loosely based this off of a photo I took of my new kitten, Magnus

Latest Artwork: "War Horse"

2011-12-08T10:24:00.000-05:00

I finally finished up "War Horse" last night. I think it's a little bit of a departure from some of my other works but I think I am pretty pleased with it overall.

"War Horse"
30 x 22 inches
Ink / Red Wine / Coffee / Acrylic and a little bit of colored pencil on Fabriano watercolor paper

Please click on an image to enlarge. Original is for sale. Email me to inquire.

Work in Progress: War Horse (part II)

2011-12-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

It may not seem like much, but I did get a bunch of work in on my new artwork "War Horse" last night. Due to the technique's time-consuming process, even a small area takes a long time to work. That being said, I should hopefully have this artwork completed within the next two or three days.

Photos to follow. Please click to enlarge.

"War Horse"
(Work in Progress)
22 x 30 inches
Ink / Red Wine / Coffee on Paper

Work in Progress: War Horse

2011-12-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about doing this piece for a while now and had even prepared the background on the paper a month or so ago, using ink, coffee and red wine. However, I finally started the over drawing the other day. I'm only a little bit into it so far, as you can see. It's a fairly large piece at 22 x 30 inches, since the cross-hatching effect is a time-consuming process, this may take a little while to complete. The lighting was not very good when I took these photos but it should give you an idea of what I'm working on.....

Latest Artwork: "The White Raven"

2011-12-03T14:10:00.000-05:00

8 x 8 inches on 2-inch deep wood panel
Oil Pastels, graphite and colored pencils with a clear acrylic gloss / glaze brushed on top for protection.
For Sale.

Annual FREE Print Giveaway

2011-12-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

It's time for my annual free holiday print giveaway formy loyal facebook fan page friends.

You MUST be a a member of my fan page in order to beeligible. So please "LIKE" me if you have not already on my facebook fan page.

TO ENTER TO WIN A FREE PRINT YOU MUST:

1. Email me at redeye@designbyredeye.com with FREE PRINTin the subject header

2. Go to www.lynnetteshelley.com/store.html andselect your top three choices in order of preference for my 8x10" printsand include this in the body of your email message.

3. Include your mailing address so I know where to mail aprint. I will ship globally so everyone, no matter where, is eligible as long as they "like" me ;)

4. Make sure you are on my facebook fan page list. If youare not you cannot win the print.

The Winner will be notified on Jan. 1 via email as wellas an announcement posted on my facebook fan page.

Good luck!

December Shows

2011-11-29T10:38:00.001-05:00

I have no less than four shows to choose from this December. Please visit my website for a detailed list of all upcoming art shows.

My Animalia solo show at the Painted Bride in Philly will be having it's second art reception this Friday, December 2nd from 5 to 7 PM. In addition, two group shows I am participating in with have their opening receptions this weekend. The Chris White Gallery at Shipley Lofts in Wilmington, DE, will have their reception this Friday from 6 to 9 PM. I have four artworks there and will be making a mad dash from my Painted Bride show to Shipley so that I can put in an appearance at both of them. In addition, on Sunday I am participating in a group show at the Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center in Philadelphia from Noon to 3 PM. I have three artworks at this show. This is the center's annual holiday party as well, so I hope to see some of you there to kick off the holiday season. And finally, another group show that I am in, "The 5 Agents - Wu Xin" at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester, PA, is ongoign through December 16th. The theme of this show is the five elements.

Details:

Through Jan. 6, 2012
"Animalia" Solo Art Show at the Painted Bride Art Center, Cafe Gallery, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. First Friday Art Reception: December 2, 2011 from 5 to 7 pm. This is an Inliquid-sponsored art show.

Through Dec. 16, 2011
Group Show "The 5 Agents - Wu Xin" at the Chester County Art Association, 100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382; 610-696-560.

Dec. 2-Jan. 27, 2012
Group Art Show at Chris White Gallery at Shipley Lofts, 701 Shipley St., Wilmington, DE 1980. Opening reception is December 2nd, 6 to 9 PM. Part of the Wilmington Art Loop

Dec. 4-Jan. 29, 2012
Annual Holiday Group Show at the Manayunk Roxborough Art Center (MRAC), 419 Green Lane (rear), Philadelphia PA. Opening Reception on December 4th, Noon to 3 PM.

More Magnus

2011-11-27T12:53:00.000-05:00

Ok so I am trying to get some work done and I end up taking photos / videos of my new kitten Magnus instead. I promise to get my unproductivity in check by Monday.... ;)

Meet Magnus

2011-11-25T22:12:00.001-05:00

Yes, this is the obligatory post where I introduce my new kitty cat, whom we adopted today from Capic Cats in New Jersey. Please bear with me ;) He's six months old, a Maine Coon (or possibly Siberian Forest Cat?) mix. Although you can't see it so much in these photos, he's a black smoke color. He's super soft and VERY gentle. We have him in our bathroom now as we acclimate him to his new surroundings but he's been super sweet and gentle as we've petted him, and has doesn't use his claws at all when he's playing with you. I think he'll be big when full grown because he has big paws, but only time will tell.

I'll try and get some better photos later as these are just quickies I did with flash. The last two photos are by Hope Valenti from the CAPIC Cats rescue group.

New Art Licensing Deal

2011-11-23T16:19:00.002-05:00

I can officially let the cat out of the bag today: Ihave signed an exclusive license for the use of my artwork as cross-stitchpatterns with Gecko Rouge, an UKbased company that offers designer and contemporary patterns for shipmentworldwide. They are signing A LOT of my artwork (20-plus pieces, with more to be possibly licensed in the future). I will letyou know when they are up on the site forsale.

Show Recap: Thinking Plague, Hamster Theater, Red Masque, Syrrah at PhilaMOCA

2011-11-22T10:11:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday I had the honor of performing with some amazing bands at the PhilaMOCA performance space. Several months ago I had been contacted by Mike Johnson from Thinking Plague, one of my favorite currently active avant progressive rock bands, to help set up a show for them, as well as his other group, Hamster Theater, for a small tour he was organizing on the East Coast.

I contacted Andrew Miller from Sunny Day Music, a local booking agent who is "prog-friendly", and he got the performance space at PhilaMOCA for us. I also contacted PA band Syrrah to open the show as I had seen them once before and thought they were both talented and a fun live act to watch / listen to. Two of the band members from Syrrah also perform in a web TV series / mockumentary about a fictional progressive rock band from the 70s, co-written by the awesomely talented Gina Andreoli and Christopher Martson. The show is called Gemini Rising and it's absolutely brilliant. You can see some of the first season here, and the second season is currently being written. Brandon Lord Ross, from the Red Masque, will actually have a small role in the second season as a musician in a kraut rock band (think Kraftwerk). The first season has two fantastic videos that are both hysterical and fabulous (with awesome music) at the same time. Check out the video "Electric Lady of the Lake" here.

All the bands at the show put on great performances (special props to Thinking Plague's vocalist Elaine di Falco for performing despite being very sick at the time). I was glad to see some audience members had traveled down from, in some cases, great distances just to see this rare lineup of bands. The venue had a lot of charm as well (it was a former mausoleum showroom that was turned into an art gallery / performance space), and it was much nicer to hang out there than some of the clubs the band has played in the past.

My band decided to unveil a new song at this show, called "The Wendigo", which we are going to record for a new album in 2012. It seemed to be a big hit as a lot of people were discussing it with us afterwards so that's a good sign. Sometimes you practice a song so much you can't think of it as how somebody else might hear it.

I took a few photos of the show below (unfortunately, I did not get any of Syrrah), and former Red Masque keyboardist / concert harpist Nathan-Andrew Dewin (now Leaflight) took photos of my band. You can see full band photos from the show here. We also videotaped the show and will be uploading video to youtube in the next few days.

Please click on images to enlarge.The full photos set can be viewed on The Red Masque's facebook fan page here.

Hamster Theater

Thinking Plague

The below photos are of The Red Masque, by Nathan-Andrew Leaflight:

More photos of The Red Masque here

And, I have a video clip of our set, from the drummer's POV (Videotaped by our drummer Steve Craig), during the song "The Spider is the Web". More video footage will be uploaded, and from the front of the stage, soon. But in the meantime, enjoy this clip:

TONIGHT: Opening reception at the CCAA, West Chester, PA

2011-11-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the opening reception for a new group art show that I am in at the Chester County Arts Association in West Chester, PA. The show is called 5 Agents: Wu Xing and features artwork that has a theme of the five elements. I chose water and submitted my artwork "Go! Fish". All works is for sale. The reception is tonight from 5 to 8 PM and the show will run through December 16th.

Chester County Art Association, 100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382; 610 696 - 5600

"Go! Fish", Ink and Tea on Paper, 6 x 9 inches matted and framed to 9 x 11 inches approx.

Rip, Harley Cat, 1996 to November 14 2011

2011-11-14T13:39:00.018-05:00

Today was one of the worst days of my life. I had to let my little guy go. Last week, I brought Harley, my 15-year-old cat to the vets as he had stopped eating. He had also gone from 19 lbs in May of this year to a little over 13 lbs as of last week. I had brought him in September about his weight (which was 16 pounds at that time) but since he had been put on a diet for his weight and since his bloodwork was normal, they thought he was OK but just to keep an eye on him.

I took him off the diet food a few weeks ago as I thought he looked too skinny, except for his belly fat. Last week, when I brought him in, they ran some more blood work and thought he might have cancer as his belly looked bruised looking and was anemic (at this point they were thinking skin cancer, but nothing was positive). They gave him some fluids, antibiotics and steroids and told me to see how he was on Monday. He was scheduled to go in and get an ultrasound tomorrow (Tuesday), but he went downhill very fast over the weekend. I knew this morning that I would need to call in and have him euthanized as he obviously dying (just lying around and having some trouble breathing, though otherwise he did not seem to be in pain).

I had sat up with him for the past two days petting him and talking with him and getting him to drink some water (though he still would not eat food. The last thing he ate was half a jar of meat baby food on Friday, which he'd only eat if I put some on my finger and held up to him for him to lick.) He'd have periods where he'd perk up and be almost normal, albeit weak, but then he would lie around and breathe heavily and I knew I couldn't pretend he was going to get better. His belly had also turned purple and swollen, and his paw pads and the inside of his ears were almost white because of the anemia (normally his paw pads were almost red).

Last night I petted him and he was purring and seemed pretty peaceful. I made him a nest of blankets near my bed and put the space heater on near him and got his favorite toy, as well as his water bowl nearby. I'd wake up and check on him every hour or so to see if needed anything. Sometimes he'd be awake and watching me, and other times he's be lying around breathing heavy. he'd drink the water from the bowl if I put ice cubes in it and brought it closer to him. I know he'd want some water if I saw him looking at the water bowl. I'd grab it for him and put it near him and he'd look at it for a bit and then drink from it. I'd pet him and soothe him while he was like that and he seemed calm. I even slept on the floor beside him for a couple of hours when he seemed like he needed the company. I would have brought him into my bed but he seemed so fragile and I was afraid either my husband or I would roll over on him or disturb him in our sleep.

I was hoping he'd die at home, in familiar surroundings, instead of having to put him in the carrier and drive to the vet's (which always traumatized him). He had gotten so weak I thought the stress of the car ride could kill him. As I was deciding what to do, Harley seemed to faint and I thought he was going. After a few minutes he revived and was almost perky. I called the vet's to see what I should do - bring him in or let him stay in familiar surroundings. It was a judgement call, though the vet said if he was not in any pain then I could leave him.

But soon after he perked up, he started meowing really loudly, with a cry I had never heard from him before. he was obviously in pain. I now felt terrible as I felt I misjudged the situation. He started clawing the floor and arching his back and gasping for air, His whole face grimaced and his teeth bared. Eventually his mouth closed to more normal size, but with his tongue hanging out. He kep gasping loudly but there would be longer and longer pauses between gasps. His eyes were open wide and dilated. A few times I thought he was gone but then he gasped again. Then after a little while of no movement I bent over to him to see if he was still alive. He suddenly gasped again and sat back up and looked around.

At this point I put him in his carrier while he just meowed and tried to struggle, however, once inside the carrier he seemed to calm. My husband called the vets and told them we were coming in. I had my husband drive the car while I sat in the back seat with him. I took the top off his carrier and put my arms around him while he snuggled into me. When we got to the vets they told me his legs were too swollen to give him a catheter so they could inject him with a sedative before they put him to sleep. So I had to say my goodbyes there to him. He was awake and calm and looking around. It broke my heart to leave him in the vet's arms looking after me while I walked away. They carried him away then and they put him to sleep in surgery and gave him a heart stick to stop his heart. It was the only thing they could do for him. Harley left this world around noon on Monday, November 14. 2011.

I feel so terrible. I put some photos below of my buddy over the course of his life. He gave me unconditional love for almost 15 years and I will miss him.

Please click on images to enlarge.

1997

1997 (about 5 months old) - chewing on my hair

1997- note the red oil paint spot on his ear from getting into my paintings

circa 2003?

Circa 2006 or 2007

April 2011

circa 2008?

2009

2010

May 2011

April 2011

2007 or 2008

2008 or 2009?

2008 or 2009

2007 or 2008

2009

October 2011

November 2011, a few days before he died.

November 2011

Latest Artwork: "In the Wake of Poseidon"

2011-11-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

I have to go drop off some work today and on Monday for a couple of different art shows coming up. I'll have more details in a bit but in the meantime, here are some photos of an artwork I completed last night, which will probably be going into one of them. This one features a hippocamp, one of my favorite mythological creatures to draw. They were the sea horses that pulled the sea god's (Poseidion) chariot through the water. They are usually portrayed as half horse / half fish and sometimes are shown with wings as well.

"In the Wake of Poseidon"
Mixed media (graphite, oil pastels, colored pencils, and acrylic gloss medium) on 8 x 8 x 2 inch wood panel.

Latest Artwork: "Harley"

2011-11-10T18:04:00.001-05:00

This has been a rough week as my cat has been sick and the vet thinks he may have cancer. I have had to do a bunch of expensive tests to determine if he does or not; in the meantime, I have to hand feed him since he won't eat by himself. I've had Harley as a constant companion for almost fourteen years now so it's pretty tough to see him so sick (he used to be a big fellow at 19 lbs. and now he's down to a little over 13 lbs.). Since I've never done a portrait of him, I decided I should do one. I used a photograph I took of him when he was feeling better as inspiration.

"Harley"
8 x 8 inches
Mixed media and collage on wood panel

The real Harley Cat (circa April 2011):

Some photos from earlier this week:

Latest Artwork: "Arctic Wolf"

2011-11-08T17:28:00.002-05:00

8 x 8 inches, mixed media and paper collage on 2 inch deep wood panel.

Lakota Wolf Preserve

2011-11-06T17:31:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I took a visit to the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, NJ. It took a bit longer to drive there then I had anticipated but it was worth the trip. The preserve is located on the grounds of Camp Taylor and features, in addition to the wolves, a few foxes as well as bobcats. Several wolf types were represented - including arctic, tundra, and timber wolves.I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

I took some photos, a few of which came out decently, considering I am not a good photographer... ;)

Please click on images to enlarge.

Pictures from an Exhibition: "Animalia" at the Painted Bride Art Center

2011-11-05T11:04:00.002-04:00

I took some photos last night at the opening reception of my "Animalia" solo show at the Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia. "Animalia" was put together by the Philadelphia arts group, Inliquid, and it runs through January 6th. This is probably the most high profile show I've done so far, so I'm pretty excited to have work at such a prestigious venue as the Painted Bride.

Please click on pictures to enlarge.

Photo by Gloria Rohlfs

Latest Artwork: "Animalia IV: Black Footed Ferret"

2011-11-04T15:15:00.000-04:00

Fourth artwork in my new mixed media series depictingendangered animals.

Mixed Media and Paper Collage on Wood Panel

Media includes: acrylic, graphite, colored pencils, oilpastels, ink, tea

12 × 12 inches on 2 inch deep wood panel

Original is for sale. Please email redeye@designbyredeye.comwith inquiries or visit www.lynnetteshelley.com to view more of myartwork and artwork sales.

According to the Black Footed Ferret RecoveryProgram:

On September 26th, 1981 the black-footed ferret was rediscoverednear Meeteetse, Wyoming giving hope to a species that wasuntil then considered extinct.
There are only three ferret species on Earth; theEuropean polecat, the Siberian polecat, and the black-footed ferret. Theblack-footed ferret is the only ferret species native to North America. They have been classified as an endangered species in theUnited Statessince l967. They are classified as Endangered D on the IUCN Red List ofThreatened Species.

According to Wikipedia:

The Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes), also known asthe American polecat or Prairie Dog Hunter, is a species of Mustelidnative to central North America. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN,because of its very small and restricted populations. First discovered byAudubon and Bachman in 1851, the species declined throughout the 20th century,primarily as a result of decreases in prairie dog populations and sylvaticplague. It was declared extinct in 1979 until Lucille Hogg’s dog brought a deadblack-footed ferret to her door in Meeteetse, Wyoming in 1981. That remnantpopulation of a few dozen ferrets lasted there until the animals wereconsidered extinct in the wild in 1987. However, a captive breeding programlaunched by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in itsreintroduction into eight western states and Mexico from 1991–2008. There arenow over 1,000 mature, wild-born individuals in the wild in 18 states of the USA, with four self-sustaining populations in South Dakota (two), Arizonaand Wyoming.

ANIMALIA at the Painted Bride, November 4-January 6 2012

2011-11-02T09:05:00.002-04:00

InLiquid at the Bride presents:

ANIMALIA
Work by Lynnette Shelley

November 4 -- January 6, 2012

Painted Bride Art Center Café Gallery

First Friday receptions: November 4 and December 2, 5-7 pm

Gallery Hours: Tues. -- Sat. | 12pm -- 6pm

More info:

PAINTED BRIDE:
http://www.paintedbride.org/events/animalia-work-by-lynette-shelley/

LYNNETTE SHELLEY
http://www.lynnetteshelley.com/

"Animalia III"

"Animalia II"

ABOUT
Across cultures around the world the animal kingdom has remained a fascinating force throughout time. With ANIMALIA, Lynette Shelley's rich illustrations take inspiration from the myth, magic, and mystery the many motifs used ubiquitously in legends and folklore. Individual narratives are nuanced within the tone of each piece. The works are intertwined through a contrast of bold, confident lines and ornamental, delicate detailing. This contemporary reinterpretation holds onto its primitive roots as much as it gives way to fantasy. Ultimately unfolding into a jungle of their own, these new founded allegories speak to our collective unconscious and explore our place inside them.

Lynnette Shelley is a Delaware native who moved to the Philadelphia area in 1999. Having a great love animals, fairytales, and world mythology, Lynnette fuses these influences into her unique illustrations. Her artwork strikes a primal chord in many viewers, with almost Jungian associations found within. Her animal art and creature illustrations are both primitive and sophisticated, and have been likened to images from an undiscovered ancient civilization or culture.

Shelley's artwork has been displayed nationally as well as at various regional venues, including the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, the Nichols Berg Gallery in Philadelphia, and various space in the surrounding area. The appeal of Shelley's creature drawings have ventured beyond gallery walls, from the Toronto Film Festival to the science fiction conventional, Dragon Con, in Atlanta, GA. In addition to her fine art pursuits, Lynnette is also the co-founder of The Red Masque, an original avant rock band signed to an experimental label based out of Colorado. Lynnette currently lives and works out of Ambler, PA.

InLiquid has chosen ANIMALIA to complement the world premiere stage adaptation of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, presented by Gas & Electric Arts and The Painted Bride. Director Lisa Jo Epstein brings puppetry and live klezmer music to create an imaginative, contemporary holiday performance.

Latest Artwork: Karen's Totem

2011-11-01T14:38:00.000-04:00

I finally finished up my commissioned artwork yesterday. (See previous post for some work in progress photos as well as a little more background behind the artwork).

This artwork was made by special request by a client who wanted a piece to represent her personal animal / totem / spirit guide, which is comprised of four animals in the process of metamorphosing into one another: a cobra, a golden eagle, a wolf and a monarch butterfly.

If you are interested in some commission work, please contact me.

Karen's Totem
13 x 19 inches
Mixed media on paper

Latest Artwork: "Red Gryphon"

2011-10-31T23:12:00.000-04:00

I finished up the commission I was working on earlier tonight, but I still need to photograph it and have the client look at it. In the meantime, I also completed another mini, a scan of which is below:

"Red Gryphon"
6 x 9 inches
Ink and Tea / Coffee on 140 lb. cold-press Strathmore watercolor paper

Please click on picture to enlarge.

Latest Artwork: "Black Devilfish (The Angler Fish)"

2011-10-30T23:12:00.002-04:00

Just made a new mini today:

"Black Devilfish (or The Angler Fish)"
6 x 9 inches, ink / tea / white pencil on 140 lb. cold-press watercolor paper

In the truth is stranger than fiction department (from Wikipedia, but documented elsewhere as well):

"Some anglerfishes, like those of the Ceratioid group (Ceratiidae), employ an unusual mating method. Because individuals are presumably locally rare and encounters doubly so, finding a mate is problematic. When scientists first started capturing ceratioid anglerfish, they noticed that all of the specimens were females. These individuals were a few centimetres in size and almost all of them had what appeared to be parasites attached to them. It turned out that these "parasites" were highly reduced male ceratioids. At birth, male ceratioids are already equipped with extremely well developed olfactory organs that detect scents in the water. The male ceratioid lives solely to find and mate with a female. They are significantly smaller than a female angler fish, and may have trouble finding food in the deep sea. Furthermore, the growth of the alimentary canals of some males becomes stunted, preventing them from feeding. These features necessitate his quickly finding a female anglerfish to prevent death. The sensitive olfactory organs help the male to detect the pheromones that signal the proximity of a female anglerfish. When he finds a female, he bites into her skin, and releases an enzyme that digests the skin of his mouth and her body, fusing the pair down to the blood-vessel level. The male then slowly atrophies, first losing his digestive organs, then his brain, heart, and eyes, and ends as nothing more than a pair of gonads, which release sperm in response to hormones in the female's bloodstream indicating egg release. This extreme sexual dimorphism ensures that, when the female is ready to spawn, she has a mate immediately available.[4] Multiple males can be incorporated into a single female."

Work in Progress: Karen's Totem (a Commission)

2011-10-28T16:56:00.000-04:00

I sometimes do commissions for people, particularly if the subject matter seems like something I could do justice to (email me if you would like to inquire about your own commission). A couple of months ago I got a very interesting request from a woman who wanted to see if I could draw her animal totem, which she had dreamed about. Her totem consisted of a wolf, a golden eagle and a cobra all morphing into one another. In addition the eagle's wings were patterned like a monarch.

I don't mind saying that this was a challenge for me to draw, to make it look right without looking ridiculous or unnatural. The client and I went through a couple of sketches to get the right composition. Compositionally, the sketch the client ended up agreeing to looked different than what she originally envisioned, but I felt that it was a stronger choice, that it got across the spirit of her vision, as well as had a better aesthetic feel to it.

Below are some work in progress photos of the beginning phases of the coloring process. I'll post the final photos when I'm finished and the client approves.

A big inspiration to me during this process, was an artist whose work I fell in love with as a teenager - Susan Seddon Boulet , Her artwork with Native American mythology, world folklore and shamanistic dream journeys was something I really admired.

Latest Artwork: Animalia III (Polar Bear)

2011-10-27T10:31:00.002-04:00

I also was able to finish the third piece in my new endangered animal series, Animalia, the other day. "Animalia III" features a polar bear. I'm considering doing a black footed ferret for the fourth one, as was suggested by someone on my facebook fan page, which I think is a good idea. I probably won't get to it for a little bit though, as I need to work on a commission.

According to the National Wildlife Federation:

"Polar bears are in serious danger of going extinct due to global warming. Rising temperatures cause sea ice to melt, especially in the summer months when the polar bears are the most active. Polar bears depend on sea ice as habitat for hunting and dens. As available sea ice decreases, polar bears have to swim farther to find suitable habitat and it takes much longer to find a meal. Compounding the problem, sea ice loss also impacts polar bears main food source - seals."

Animalia III: Polar Bear
Mixed Media and Collage on Wood Panel
12 x 12 inches

Animalia I, Animalia II, and Animalia III

Latest Artwork: "Hoot Owl"

2011-10-26T23:52:00.000-04:00

So I decided to make a Hoot Owl mini (also known as a Barred Owl), just because they are awesome.

"Hoot Owl"
Ink and Tea on 140 lb. cold-press watercolor paper
6 x 9 inches

"Animalia" Solo Art Show at the Painted Bride (November 4-January 6 2012)

2011-10-26T11:27:00.003-04:00

I have a major art exhibition coming up shortly. The Painted Bride is a very well respected arts event in Philadelphia and I'm honored to be showing work there. Info below:

InLiquid at the Bride presents:

ANIMALIA
Work by Lynnette Shelley

November 4 – January 6, 2012

Painted Bride Art Center Café Gallery

***** First Friday receptions: November 4 and December 2, 5 – 7 pm ******

Gallery Hours: Tues. – Sat. | 12pm – 6pm

More info:

PAINTED BRIDE:
http://www.paintedbride.org/events/animalia-work-by-lynette-shelley/

LYNNETTE SHELLEY
http://www.lynnetteshelley.com/

Facebook event page: click here

Latest Artworks: "The Unruffled Eagle" and "Flora and Fauna"

2011-10-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

I had some good news the other day. I have been accepted into the 2012 Historic Yellow Springs Art Show in Chester Springs, PA. Yellow Springs is a prestigious annual juried art show held every year in the spring. This year it will be April 28th through May 13th, with a preview party held on April 27th. Much like the now defunct Immaculata Art Show, I will need to bring four larger pieces and ten "minis" for sale. With this in mind, I started working on some more of my mixed media mini ink pieces, because, in addition to Yellow Springs, I was invited to participate in the inaugural edition of a new annual juried show, put together by former Immaculata artists and jurors, which will take place in early February (I'll be posting an announcement about this soon). This new art show will also need four larger artworks and ten minis. So after I finish up my current projects, I am going to have to work on mostly minis for the next month or so.

Two down so far:

"Flora and Fauna"
6 x 9 inches
Ink and Tea on Paper

"The Unruffled Eagle"
6 x 9 inches
Ink, Tea and White Charcoal on Paper

Latest Artwork: "Animalia II (Siberian Tiger)"

2011-10-22T00:58:00.001-04:00

For those of you following my blog, I had mentioned starting a new artwork series (Animalia) featuring endangered animals. My first in the series was a mixed media piece depicting a Woodland Caribou. Today I created my second Animalia, this one featuring the Siberian Tiger.

"Animalia II" measures 12 x 12 inches on 2 inch deep wood panel. Media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, graphite, acrylic, ink, coffee and paper collage. Original is for sale. Please email me at redeye@designbyredeye.com with inquiries.

About Siberian Tigers
The Siberian Tiger or Amur Tiger is critically endangered. According to Tigers in Crisis:

"It is estimated the wild population of Siberian tigers at around 350-450 tigers. Almost all wild Siberian tigers live the Southeast corner of Russia in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range east of the Amur River. Their former range included northeastern China and the Korean Peninsula, and as far west as Mongolia. They are the largest of the tiger species and can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 700 lbs. The Siberian –or Amur- tiger is considered a critically endangered species with the primary threats to its' survival in the wild being poaching and habitat loss from intensive logging and development."

Below are some photos of the work in progress as well as the final artwork.

Animalia II and Animalia I

Latest Artwork: "Animalia I (Woodland Caribou)"

2011-10-21T11:32:00.003-04:00

"Animalia I (Woodland Caribou)" is the first in a new series of mixed media / collage paintings featuring endangered animals. The next one may feature a tiger or a polar bear.

12 × 12″ on 2" deep wood panel. Mixed media includes: graphite, colored pencils, oil pastel, acrylic and paper collage (paper is stained with inks and red wine. I had a hard time photographing this and getting the colors to look accurate. The background is more of a buff color, rather than the ivory you see in this photo. Original is for sale. Please email redeye@designbyredeye.com with inquiries or visit www.lynnetteshelley.com to view more of my artwork and artwork sales.

Migratory Woodland Caribou (also known as Forest Caribou) reside in Canada and the northern reaches of the United States, but is currently endangered because of habitat loss and environmental stresses.

According to Wikipedia:

“In the United States the woodland caribou is one of the most critically endangered mammals, with only a few woodland caribou found south of the Canada border each year. In the US there is only one naturally occurring herd of woodland caribou in extreme northern Idaho, eastern Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, of about 40 animals. There is, however, a concerted effort on the part of the North Central Caribou Corporation and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to reintroduce a herd of around 75 animals from the Slate Islands in Lake Superior to northern Minnesota. However, the high incidence of whitetail deer and wolves in the region will likely prove quite problematic.”

Here are a few photos showing the initial stages of making the artwork, and then the final artwork itself. Again, colors are not showing up well here. I forgot to photograph this before I applied the final glaze on the painting, which is making it tough to photograph without glare. The colors are warm buffs, browns, greys, blacks and some blue and lavender. The background is not a cold white like seen on some of these photos and I've left some areas of the natural wood show through on the antlers and in the caribou's fur. I'll have to see if I can get another photo which shows the colors a little better. I also still need to paint the sides of the panel (most likely gold). Or I may gold leaf the sides. Still debating.

Winetober Fest is THIS SATURDAY

2011-10-12T18:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to see me at this past weekend's Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts. It looks like a record number of people came out to the annual outdoor arts festival and the weather was perfect. For those that missed me, I'll be attending another outdoor festival (Winetober Fest) this coming Saturday, October 15th from 1 to 6 PM in Skippack, PA. You can buy tickets online here until October 13th at Midnight. Tickets are $25 dollars in advance or $30 at the door and get you wine and food samples as well as access to all the arts vendors.

In addition, for those of you in the area for Winetober Fest, my solo show at Schang-Hai Gallerie is ongoing until October 31st. Schang-Hai is located just minutes from Skippack and near Route 73 in Skippack Village. More information here.

Additional info on Winetober Fest:
Guests of Winetober will enjoy wine and food samples, music and art exhibits. Skippack Village will host multiple covered venues for the Pennsylvania. Wineries. Burgundy colored mum placed street side will mark the tent covered venues which will host a few Pennsylvania wineries perfectly paired with food samples, live music and art exhibits.

Check in at Tara's Country Cottage to get your wrist band. 4038 Skippack Pike, Skippack PA 19474 (In front of Skippack Pizza)

PARTICIPATING WINERIES: Adello Winery, Antler Ridge Winery, Birdsong Winery, Blue Mountain Winery, County Creek Winery, Sand Castle Winery. Additional wineries and vendors will be announced prior to the event and listed in guide book.

ENTERTAINMENT: Wine Fest will feature live music by a variety of acts.

TICKETS: Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Advance tickets are available for purchase online or in person at Taras Country Cottage. Advance tickets will be available for purchase online until October 13 at midnight. All tickets ordered online must be printed at home.

TIME OF EVENT: 1:00pm - 6pm and Wine Check closes promptly at 7pm.

HOTEL PACKAGES: Make it a vacation! Overnight packages are also available atHoliday Inn Lansdale1750 Sumneytown PikeKulpsville PA 19443267-646-1003

Latest Artwork: The Watering Hole

2011-10-06T10:31:00.000-04:00

"The Watering Hole"
20 x 26 inches
Mixed Media on Paper

Mixed media includes oil pastel, colored pencils, acrylic, gouache and liquid gold leaf.

For Sale: Please email redeye@designbyredeye.com to inquire or visit www.lynnetteshelley.com to view more of my artwork and artwork sales.

Work in Progress - "The Watering Hole"

2011-10-05T10:48:00.000-04:00

I finally had time to sit down and work some more on my artwork "The Watering Hole" yesterday; hopefully I can finish it up either tonight or tomorrow, as I have a commissioned artwork that I need to start shortly. In the meantime, please enjoy these work in progress photos.

Please click on an image to enlarge.

Go! Fish May Go Global if you Cast your Vote!

2011-10-04T15:15:00.000-04:00

I normally don't do these online art contests, however, there is a first time for everything! I entered a contest over on Saatchi Online to be a part of an art show at Saatchi Gallery in London. To be a part of the show, I have to get past a first round of online voting, before moving on to another round in which a guest judge will determine who are the top winners. I submitted my artwork "Go! Fish" for the drawing challenge. You can vote for my artwork here.

Go! Fish

This Weekend!

2011-10-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

This weekend will be a very busy one for me and my artwork. On Friday, October 7th, I'll have a reception at Schang-Hai Gallerie in Creamerie, PA from 7 to 9 PM for my current solo exhibition there. The solo show runs through the month of October. The reception will feature free food, music and a raffle / door prizes. Prizes include a 12x16" archival art print of my artwork "Leaps and Bounds (The Impala)". Link to the facebook event page.

Artist Lynnette Shelley at Schang-Hai Gallerie in Creamerie, PA

Then on Sunday, October 9th, I will be participating in the Chestnut Hill's Fall for the Arts outdoor art festival from 11 AM to 5 PM. This annual Philadelphia festival will feature over 150 regional artists and craftsmen, as well as live music, food and other entertainment. Link to Fall for the Arts Facebook page. Look for my tent on the 8400 block of Germantown Avenue, in space no. 147.

Chestnut Hill's Fall for the Arts. Photo provided by the Chestnut Hill Business Association.

Digitalis Magazine Featured Artist Profile

2011-10-04T10:44:00.001-04:00

Digitalis Magazine, a new quarterly arts magazine, has published a small article on me today as their featured mixed media artist. Check it out here: http://digitalismagazine.com/1451/meet-mixed-media-artists-lynnette-shelley/

Pictures from an Exhibition: Schang-Hai Gallerie

2011-10-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

My solo art show at Schang-Hai Gallerie in Creamery, PA (near Skippack) runs through the entire month of October, and the art reception is First Friday, October 7th. Hope to see some of you there!

The below photos were taken right after I hung up the show last night. There is more artwork hanging than what you see here, but not all the photos were usable. Please click on photos to enlarge.

RAIN DELAY: Oktoberfest rescheduled for tomorrow

2011-10-01T09:10:00.001-04:00

ATTENTION: OKTOBERFEST has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Sunday October 2nd, 10 AM to 5 PM. The weather forecast for tomorrow is much brighter -

New Details:
Sunday October 2, 2011
10am to 5pm
Along Butler Ave and the side streets
Plenty of free parking

Since I'll be at Oktoberfest tomorrow, I will be at POST at Crossroads TODAY (see previous post for details). Look for me this afternoon if you want to stop by.

Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge

2011-10-01T08:34:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday I went to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware with my parents. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

I took some photos while I was there. They are not the greatest photos in the world, as I am not the greatest photographer in the world (to put it mildly!) but I thought I'd share some of what I took. I need a better lens to take some of these shots (that is why some of the shots are a little blurry). But a few came out nicely in spite of my lack of camera skills.

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Me up on the birdwatching platform: photo by Mary Shelley.

Me up on the birdwatching platform. Photo by Mary Shelley.

The 'rents.

This Weekend: Oktoberfest, POST and Solo Show at Schang-Hai Gallerie

2011-09-30T22:54:00.000-04:00

October is shaping up to be a very busy month for me, with five different art shows. Just this opening weekend, I have three different shows going on. Here is what is planned:

October 1, 2011, 20th Annual Oktoberfest, on Butler Pike between Main Street and Lindenwold Ave., Ambler PA. 10 AM to 5 PM. I'll be vending both original artwork and prints at this all-day street festival.

October 1-8, 2011: Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), at .Crossroads Coffee, 6156 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. POST is the largest tour of studios and creative workspaces in the region. Artists that don't have public studios will also be exhibiting at various venues around the city. As such, both myself and another POST artist will have our artwork featured at Crossroads over the weekend. I'll be popping by the cafe on Sunday, the 2nd, to talk with anybody who wishes to talk with me about my art.. In addition, the artwork will hang up in the cafe until the 8th. All artwork is for sale.

October 1-31, 2011: Solo show at Schang-Hai Gallerie, 4136 Creamery Road, Creamery, PA. Artist Reception is First Friday, October 7th, from 7 to 9 PM. The reception will feature free food, music and a raffle. One of the prizes includes a matted 12x16" archival art print of my artwork "Leaps and Bounds (The Impala). I just finished hanging up the show earlier this evening and took some photos, which I will post later this weekend. In the meantime, you can check out the facebook event page.

Artist Profile: Handspring Puppet Company

2011-09-28T19:19:00.000-04:00

Someone showed me this video today on an online forum and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. If you like puppets, or horses, or just creativity in general, watch the entire video. It's absolutely amazing.