It seems that the whole world is in love with everything "vintage" these days. This is a term we use when something is not quite an antique,(100 years or older) but it is still cool and old, or retro-looking. The term Vintage is sometimes used in conjunction with a year when pertaining to wines or cars...but I am talking about our fascination with objects and art that meets Dictionary.com's definition, "representing the high quality of a past time, of lasting interest and importance, venerable classic."
| In my world, vintage maps make my heart go pitter-patter! I have recently begun to scan and "restore" vintage maps for use in art. I love the fact that as the world changes, maps must get updated. Each one represents a snapshot of the world a that particular moment. This must be frustrating for cartographers. My maps can be found in my Zazzle shop "Mapology" and in my Society6 shop. Click the picture to open that site.
|  Oh Canada |
 On Zazzle |  Finding Paris Together |
Personally, I am enjoying the latest trend of Vintage-look photography. I purchased a calendar for 2013 (one of the best ways to obtain a collection of works from an artist or photographer) from Rachel Burbee AKA Vintage Skies. I love the current trend of mixing inspirational quotes with vintage-look photography. The result is beautiful and serene. I also admire Rachel's photography of vintage items such as, "Retro Love."
 Autumn Circles |  Retro Love |
Another photographer/designer who I adore is Katy McDonald. Her collection on Society6, "Art by CMcdonald," is totally young and fashion forward, yet gives a nod to the past in a most incredible way. Her Vintage Vinyl collection is truly inspired. I also adore her "Seneca Uno" shot of a vintage camera.
 Vintage Vinyl |  Seneca Uno |
| Ann B. Fine Art Photography also has some wonderful images with a vintage feel. Her images of Paris are absolutely fantastic. They really bring you to Paris with all its magic and romance!
|  I Left My Heart in Paris |
Vintage Paris
I hope you have enjoyed this little tour down Vintage lane...here are some links to the artist's shops....or you can just click the pictures to go directly to their sites....
http://www.zazzle.com/idaloves
http://www.zazzle.com/vintageskies
http://www.zazzle.com/bellejournee
http://www.zazzle.com/mapology
http://www.zazzle.com/aftermyart
http://www.zazzle.com/artbycmcdonald
http://www.redbubble.com/people/anniephoto
So, you want to create art? You have talent and a sketchbook or a canvas. You bought your paints, and you are staring at a blank canvas! Sometimes, the most difficult part is getting started. This is something that does not happen to me anymore. If anything, I have too many ideas and not enough time to carry them out. I wanted to share with the art community how to find and cultivate ideas for illustrations, paintings, abstract designs, even words to accompany them.
Here is how I manage to have a never-ending well of creative ideas for design and illustration:
*Attitude- I have an attitude of an artist. I am constantly mindful of my surroundings and the beauty of the world. I do not have the best memory, so I take tons of pictures if I see something that tickles my creativity. If its beautiful, I start snapping. I also have a notebook with me all the time. I have it categorized into art,design and words. This way I do not have to translate the ideas later, or try to decipher a million sticky notes (I used to do that) I can also draw a little picture or diagram in there. I also keep track of cute sayings that people use, or little signs or Bible quotes that strike me.
*Sources- Children and animals are a source of constant inspiration. The way the look, talk, bark, stand and play. I also find inspiration in children's art. Children are naturally artistic and they make lovely, sweeping lines with their whole bodies. Invest in some sidewalk chalk for your kids an you will see what I mean. They stop being artistic when adults tell them "how" to do it!
*Internet- Pinterest!!! see my boards!!! I will post a link! Endless inspiration from all kinds of places and people. Watch out, you may get inspired to remodel your home, redo your garden, travel to faraway places and cook something!
*Nature - If I ever get really stuck, I go hiking, take a walk around the neighborhood, drive to the beach, or just look up at the sky. There are so many birds in my yard, flowers, bugs, and critters to give me some good ideas. A sketchbook is a handy way to document these ideas. I like to use a multi-media sketchbook so I can add watercolor to the sketches as I please.
*Where NOT to look for ideas - Other than the old masters or classic art, I never look at other people's art to get inspiration. That is not to say that I do not look at art. I look at a ton of art. I love to see what other people are doing, promoting my friends on Society6 and promoting them on facebook, pinterest and wherever I can! If you want your art to be original and lovable, try not to copy other people's style or subjects. Sometimes it is difficult especially if you love owls or skulls! The key is to find a way to make them unique, to show your own personality. This is what will make your art truly beautiful!
More next week, thanks for reading!!
Cathy
http://pinterest.com/aftermyart/
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