Tuesday, April 27, 2010

People's Choice Award

Sunday, April 25th marked the last day of Everything Equine 2010. Late in the afternoon, the votes for each artwork was tallied.  Excitingly, my photography print "Fair Parade Percherons" was honored with the highest number of votes in the category "Seriously Now." Receiving the "People's Choice Award" is gratifying as it is completely based on public votes. I truly value everyone's support on this journey towards my long-time dream.



Equally as thrilling, the weekend at Eveything Equine proved to be a monumental resource of networking. A special thanks to my new connections, which includes Sally (Designs by Dannie), Dianne Dakowicz(Equixotics and Custom Design Art) and Rick Brown ("Schoolhouse Designs" - who I will likely form a partnership with very soon to produce my artwork on magnets and tiles!). All of you shared valuable insights, suggestions, and experiences and I want you to know how much I appreciate your candor. Perhaps this weekend even marked the beginning of new friendships!

Another inspiration was meeting Eliza Lockhart, a young artist advocate for Spanish Colonial horses. Through her equine photography (Spririt Pony Photography) on bookmarks she illustrates the beautiful power of art, reminding me of Winooski’s Year of Art initiatives for positive community development through artistic expression. Much like the phrase “Knowledge is Power,” I believe that art is a powerful asset to humanity: dynamic, expressive and empowering. Art invokes the beauty of our world. My hope is that my art serves as a meaningful ambassador for the beauty of the natural world, including animals. With Vermont’s annual Green Up Day just around the bend, I urge humanity to remember the intrinsic value of each plant and creature on earth and act accordingly to preserve it. I hope Nature is ultimately awarded the “People’s Choice.”

As always, “Art” is in the “Heart,”

- Karen

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Exhibiting Art at Everything Equine April 24 & 25!

This weekend marks the debut of a new exhibit at Everything Equine, an annual expo full of seminars, demonstrations, vendors and everything related to horses, held at the fairgrounds in Essex. The Everything Equine Art Extravaganza showcases horses in photography, posters and mixed media (paintings, drawings, etc).

I submitted two photography prints, "Lunch Buddies" and "Fair Parade Percherons" as well as two acrylic paintings "Thoroughbred Champion Fusaichi Pegasus" and "Stallion at the Sea."

The exhibit is open for viewing on Saturday from 8:30 - 5:00pm and Sunday from 8:30 - 4:30pm. People's Choice Awards will be given in each category based on public vote.

Everything Equine is one of the largest horse events in New England, so it is very exciting to participate in one of their exhibits. I will also be volunteering a couple hours for the art event so hope to see you there!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Thank You with a Smile

Thank you to everyone at VSAC who stopped by my booth at the employee Spring Craft Show this past Friday. Your support and feedback is incredibly helpful and I really enjoyed hearing why you liked certain art pieces.

Considering it was only a 2 hour show, I think it was quite successful, with more than a dozen magnet sales, a pre-order of my art print "Cloud Ballet," and sales of a matted photo print and a framed photo print. The latter has Japan as its final destination! A possible commission opportunity of a custom painting also surfaced, which would be an exciting new challenge.

Many thanks! I look forward to dazzling all of you with more art in the coming months.

As always, thank you, with a smile :)

- Karen

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Magnet Art Sneak Peek!


Starting tomorrow, Friday April 16th, these original, hand painted magnets will be available for sale. Each one was meticulously painted by me using fine art acrylics to create miniature paintings on magnets. They are all painted freehand - no pencil drawing and certainly no stencils!
Although the craft show at VSAC is only open to employees, if anyone is interested in purchasing magnets, please contact me at (802) 338-0217 or at natureheartstudio@gmail.com. I am accepting custom magnet orders ($7 - 10 based on design).

Sunday, April 11, 2010

A Name Begins a New Chapter

Welcome Friends,

Here it is - my first blog posting for my new art "business." After intense brainstorming and inner battling of words and phrases, I sought the advice of my friends on Facebook to jumpstart my confidence on a NAME. Who would have thought the decision of a company name could be so emotionally grueling? Yet it feels very permanent, much like naming a baby or a new pet. My original favorite was "Heart of Nature," but it turns out that there are already (at least) two art-related businesses in the online universe utilizing that title. Then my friend Jon Pringle, also a photography enthusiast, suggested "Nature Heart."

And so here I am, in the local coffee shop (Block Gallery) preparing for the "beginning." Creating art has been at the heart of my being since my earliest years. In the summer of 2009 I entered my first art contest - the Champlain Valley Fair's exhibition - and brought home a 3rd place for my photo "Fair Parade Percherons" and Honorable Mention for "Dragonfly Trio." This provided the needed catalyst for me to stop and say, I can try this. I will do this. A few months later, I heard that my workplace was holding a Holiday Craft Show for employees. Excitingly, several hand painted ornaments and photography prints were sold to friends and co-workers.

More and more people ask me "can you do this for me?" and I realize now that why not pursue a dream? Art is who I am, it is fundamental to my self happiness. As an outlet in a daily cubicle setting, I tend to doodle on post-its or create mini "paintings" on white boards around my department. I long to do more. Much more.

Hence, now "Nature Heart Studio" is born. I hope it will have your blessings...it is truly my infant child... :)

I hope you will follow me as I continue down the journey of artist, love and the heart of nature...

...truly..."art" is in the "heart"...
Karen Lloyd