An Artist's Canvas by Stacey Zimmerman

An Artist's Good Stuff

2022-05-21T17:31:00.004-07:00

Once I step into my art studio I get engrossed in my surroundings. I start by tidying up a bit and I try to set aside a group of my favorite colors in a little circle. I lay my paintbrushes down next to me however there are many times I dip my fingers in the glorious paint. I have all my art lamps on at different angles in the room. Someday I dream of a stand alone studio shed with big open windows with infinite natural sunlight.

This is the good stuff: the layers of paints that have made my pallets like hills and mountains, the slight imperfections of the canvas and mason jars filled with colored water or unused paint brushes. My loyal dog is always close by, here she snuggles up on her favorite old couch.

Make it happen!

2022-03-04T15:43:00.007-08:00

Make it happen! If you work hard and try to visualize your dream/passion you may succeed in making them come true. There may be a long hallway or road full of distractions. Stay focused! You can have anything you want if you spark your fire!

If you exude confidence people will notice. You only need to prove you are genuine and true. Try surrounding yourself with positive people. Be kind and aware and most of all...listen!

I've been reading: "Badass Habits" by Jen Sincero....it is a very good read if you need a little lift or inspiration!

Preparing for a Gallery Exhibit

2022-02-02T15:25:00.003-08:00

I have been spending a few weeks in preparation to be featured for the month of February 2022 at United Zion's Retirement Art Gallery https://www.uzrc.org/news-events/art-gallery/

It does take lots of patience and attention to detail so that I can arrive with my car load of paintings organized and semi-professional. I make sure to keep the process as simple and seamless so that I am not distracting the residents or other employees.

Previously I've have been featured in United Zion's beautiful hallway of art in September 2019.

Steps for preparing your art display:

1. Group up your paintings so you can visually see how they look displayed together. Create a visual feast fo the senses.

2. Make a list of all the paintings to include title, dimensions and pricing.

3. Create professional title cards

4. Make sure all paintings have hardware installed for hanging. I find that wire works the best for the type of wire clips used at this gallery.

5. Verify time and date of installation with the appropriate contact. In this case, I was in contact with the director of marketing & development.

6. Take your time and install quietly and efficiently without disturbing anyone. Be kind respectful of the community.

7. Finally take some photos of your final display and share on social media! Be proud of your accomplishment and take advantage of the nice lighting and how nice your artwork looks. Take photos at different angles and perspectives.

8. If you have listed your paintings online for sale on a different site (like etsy)- you may want to think about deactivating the listings while your art is being featured elsewhere and may sell without you knowing at that moment.

https://lititzrecord-pa.newsmemory.com/

©Stacey Zimmerman Art

*unfortunately my first name was misspelled in the article.

How to get Inspired?

2021-12-04T04:45:00.003-08:00

Blank canvas, blank sheet of paper or even a blank computer screen? How do you handle it when your brain just won't deliver? Maybe take a walk? Go for a drive? Sometimes I do not know how my ideas come about. I'll get a glimpse of a color combination and I try to memorize it to use later. I may have to jot down a few words or snap a picture. My phone ends up being an art journal full of photos and little notes or thoughts. It might be the colors in the sky or a field of flowers or even just a blurred image of movement, swiftly passing by when I'm driving. I love it when I'm a passenger and we drive through beautiful PA farm lands. I'm always in awe over the expanse of space and land filled with yellows, greens, blues and even a red barn here and there.

I love how the land meets the sky! I grew up in flat FL, where all you see is the street you are on! Hard to see past the houses or cars or buildings unless you are on the coast. I will always live within a few hours of dipping my toes in the sand! Need to keep my space and freedom.

©Stacey Zimmerman Art

Painting a Commission

2021-12-04T04:40:00.001-08:00

"Florida Memories"

I found a niche! I enjoy painting backyards. I have done 3 commissions so far of beautiful residential backyards littered with trees, green grass, bright sun highlighting some water or flowers. The first painting is a backyard in FL I had to use a reference photo and I love how the sun changes the shades of green. Feel free to email me a snapshot of your favorite place. I'll give you a quote for a custom painting on different sized canvases to choose from. My email is : srzimmartist@comcast.net

This art becomes a special memory/keepsake.

The last 2 paintings are from pictures taken in Hilton Head, SC.

"The Villa"

"The Villa II"

©Stacey Zimmerman Art

Poetry from an artist- #9

2021-11-16T08:25:00.003-08:00

Ambitious Autumn

Leaves float and fly glistening with happiness

Colors so fantastic and admirable

Nature lures us outside needing less

The clear, crisp air is manageable

Fall is coming close to end

Next are colors that contrast

Then the windy chaos must send

Leaves and ambition that are vast

©Stacey Zimmerman Art

Words are Art

2021-11-12T10:55:00.004-08:00

Nowadays you see words on all kinds of home decor. Words are used on pillows, canvas and home accessories. Words can be powerful! They are of course informative but they also make us feel calm or maybe a little more organized. I don't know about you but my brain has felt like a jumbled mess of chaos at times. A utensil holder that says in black text "utensils" is somehow relaxing. A spoon rest that states "spoon" in clear letters is comforting. Even better I find words with such power like "live your life to its fullest", 'be inspired", "LOVE" and maybe a word as simple as "coffee" on a mug can be so satisfying.

We've lost the art of hand writing so the best we can do is show words on objects or display motivational quotes. Kids aren't even taught how to write in cursive much anymore. It's a lost art, the art of writing. Encourage yourself to keep daily lists on hand written sticky notes or cheerful note pads. Let's keep these words on display.

Healing Painting- Custom Order

2021-11-05T15:12:00.001-07:00

Sample:

Paintings will vary based on preferences!

Need some healing art? Order your custom creation just for you! These color combinations are therapeutic, eye-catching and thought provoking, an inspiring use of color on a 12" x 12" gallery wrapped canvas. Ready to Hang!

You will answer specific questions that I will contemplate, mind-map and do my artist thing. Then I will design one of a kind piece of art. Once you place the order I will email you the questions and your surprise creation will be ready in 3-5 days. Best yet, this is a very unique and affordable piece of art.

Ready to Hang
Gallery Wrapped canvas (sides are painted)
$56 includes shipping in U.S.

I will email you the questionnaire! Please allow 3-5 days for completion. I will update you on progress. Thank you for your purchase.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1. Pick up to 3 colors:
Light Blue
Gray Blue
Navy
Royal Blue
Yellow
White
Dark Purple
Lavender/Light purple
Black
Gray
Light Green
Grass Green
Pine Green
Teal (darker green blue)
Aqua (lighter green blue)
Red
Pink
Orange
Gold
Brown
Other: _________________

2. Pick 1 season:
Autumn
Spring
Summer
Winter

3. Pick up to 2 themes:
Beach/seascape
Mountains
Garden/Field/Meadow
Forest/woods
Pond/Lake/Creek
Desert
Mysterious/stormy
Spiritual/Religious

4. What grabs your attention the most (pick up to 2):
Flowers
Clouds/Sky
Birds/Butterflies/Fireflies
Trees
Buildings/architecture
Sun, moon, stars

5. Pick one element:
Water
Fire
Air
Earth

6. What have you been feeling lately (pick up to 3):
Lonely/sad
Happy
Up and down
Free and wild
Energetic and spirited
Motivated and inspired
Relaxed
Stressed
Curious
Content
Relieved
Blessed
Tired

7. What saying resonates with you?
"Seize the day"
“Change the world by being yourself:. -Amy Poehler
“Never regret anything that made you smile”. -Mark Twain
“Whatever you do, do it well”. -Walt Disney

8. Pick 1:
Movement
Stillness

9. Pick 1 style: (do a google search to see what style you prefer!)
Impressionism
Abstract
Expressionism

10. Pick your home’s design (pick up to 3):
Light and bright, big airy space
Dark, traditional, low ceilings
Clean lines, modern
Farm style/Cottage
Beach/nautical
Variety of colors; florals, pastels
Gray colors
Cozy & Welcoming
Simple, relaxed and serene
Other : ______________________________

11. Favorite tree (pick one):
Palm Trees
Birch (Aspen) Trees
Oak Trees
Pine Trees
Any
Other : _________

12. Favorite flowers: (pick up to 2):
Irises
Roses
Poppies
Pansies
Tulips
Sunflowers
Daisies
Other __________

I am an artist, mother and wife. I paint how I see colors through my eyes. I hope you enjoy my artwork as well and feel that my work is an investment. Thank you for looking!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1070431387/custom-character-painting-made-to-order?ref=shop_home_active_4

Creating Art- Autumn Aspens

2021-11-05T14:51:00.004-07:00

1. I set up the background with great vibrant colors for the sky, applying the paint quickly so that the wet paint would merge together.

2. Then I blocked out the horizon of bushes in the distance with sponges or a dry bristle paint brush.

3. I could make out the trees in my head and applied the long thick trunks in long strokes.

4. I used natural sea sponges to create layers of colors, letting each layer of color dry in between application

5. I kept stepping away to return and add details to the tree bark to create the black knots and marks on the bark.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1093348178/autumn-aspens-24-x-24-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_1

Nature's Caress

2021-11-04T04:53:00.006-07:00

It's funny how our mind's work so differently. When I'm working on a new painting I tend to step away and come back to take a look. I like to see how the colors look as I'm walking up to it in different light. It's good art when it looks great from a distance as well as when you get close up to investigate the strokes of paint. Good impressionism will look like blurs of paint up close and then when you step away the picture becomes whole.

This piece is finished now at this link:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120127701/natures-caress-22-x-28-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_6

"Nature's Caress" created on a sunny day with the breeze hitting the window and birds scattering with the leaves. I was inspired by the merging of colors as the season changes. Sometimes you will notice a blur of color as you are passing quickly by. I tried to capture this moment as your eyes are trying to adjust but you still want to remember the colors. The sky is light blue with a hint of cool white. The wind kicks up the leaves and they travel and combine with neighboring colors.

ENJOY!

Poetry from an artist- #8

2021-11-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Writing in the dim of light

as the air above mingles

Wondering what tomorrow brings

a feast to my weary head

Writing in the dim of light

brings peace to my mind

To calm myself at night

the moon awaits its resting place

A world dark but not quiet

full of wonders and delight.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an artist- #7

2021-10-24T05:47:00.003-07:00

Colors emerge from brushes

glistening with iridescence

Brilliance, vibrance, lustrous

A masterpiece is created

Does everyone see it?

The beauty within it.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an Artist- #6

2021-10-24T05:27:00.007-07:00

The night has fallen

wind has gone.

Dandelions are near

rain is soaking.

Kids are settled

as dreams compete

To make smiles appear

and make lives complete.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Thru My Eyes

2021-10-24T05:20:00.006-07:00

Thru my eyes

I see colors like no one else.

Splatters of paint tell a story

artwork is a book.

A personal creation

a true love of life.

Thru my eyes

I see colors like no one else.

A life of love

a life of many colors.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an Artist- #5

2021-10-24T05:13:00.004-07:00

A fire in my head

burning so wild and bright.

Ideas of inspiration and passions

come to full light.

Places to see and discover

visual arts in nature.

My eyes hunger for life

as my soul is on fire.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an Artist- #4

2021-10-24T05:10:00.003-07:00

Inspiration

A canvas is waiting

for a touch of magic.

Life, nature, love

awe inspiring.

Auras and spirits

mingle among us.

Watching and dancing

with dreams singing.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an Artist-#3

2021-10-24T05:07:00.002-07:00

Capturing the essence

of one tiny moment

Portraying it to one

is heaven's way

To inspire with hints

and atonement

Life if full of fun

and live full each day.

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an Artist- #2

2021-10-24T05:02:00.002-07:00

Delicate mist

Whispering salty air

Breezes caressing coasting

On midnight waves

Dark, deep night

Crickets sighing

Life's asleep in

Morning's light

-Stacey Zimmerman

Poetry from an Artist- #1

2021-10-24T04:59:00.001-07:00

Sleep uninviting, dreams awaiting

Water was welcoming, oils comforting

Winds are knocking, darkness is falling

Moon is lonely, pines are aching

All is asleep, until fire in morning.

-Stacey Zimmerman

(*while living in Cedarville State Forest in MD)

Freedom with Finger Painting

2021-06-26T10:13:00.002-07:00

Started with some background color!

Then I added some interest and more layers. It was great to see how it would come out. This painting was a delight to create! I put down my paintbrush for the majority of the painting and used my fingers. I mainly used the paint brush to create some stems.

COMPLETED in about 2 hours! I took my time, always inspired to create in first morning's light when all the birds are chattering and the house is quiet. Thanks for visiting!

Maintaining Positive Creativity

2021-06-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

How do I maintain positive creativity? Well, I have always tried to make the best of things and have faith everything will be OK. It just takes time.

I've been reading "The Art of Aliveness" by Flora Bowley and it has opened my eyes again. After this horrible Covid year with month after month of bad news and horrible events that kept happening to our close family or friends, I was beginning to lose my ability to "see" colors or come up with creative ideas. It was hard for me to focus and close out the ugly world. I even felt guilty for attempting to enjoy myself.

In this book I was reading a passage about a story of painting in layers and recognizing the good things in your painting versus seeing the bad things. I can relate because I used to "erase" areas or a whole painting with white gesso many years ago. Now, I do not try to erase....never! I just add dimension, interest and layers of color. I have found my best art has come out by accident, just by playing with colors or even finger painting.

Add those layers and try some unique colors! Don't worry that is doesn't come out like the picture in your head. It's art!

When I Paint

2020-04-12T17:10:00.002-07:00

When I paint I want the highlights to be vibrant like sunshine. Colors sparkle and life is wonderful. I paint with high quality metallic acrylic paint as much as possible so the light at certain times a day create subtle changes and highlights.
Daily life gets in the way of our eyes and mind enjoying the little things. Owning a piece of art in your home on days when it's raining
and cloudy you can enjoy the colors and each day it might look a little different or even you may notice new details. Light causes amazing colors.

Why do people buy art?

2017-11-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

"Inspire"

People need a feast for their eyes. They starve for inspiration, beauty, connection and distractions. We are distracted everyday by the bright lights and colors that our smart phones provide us. We are connected to the world through social media sites. However, it is those momentary distractions of visual art that give us those quiet, comfortable, warm and fuzzy feelings.

It is an awe inspiring moment when I see someone actually stop and walk backwards to take another look. They set their phones aside and use their eyes to search and connect with the colors. Brain neurons connect and they smile and take a deep breath. This is my hope, to sell a good “feeling”. The world needs more optimism, beauty and nature. Take a blank canvas and make something beautiful. Make something out of nothing.

"Dream"

By Stacey Zimmerman

Living on the Edge

2017-08-15T17:11:00.001-07:00

Are you one of those people that like to sleep on the edge of the bed? Do you stick your toes out to cool your body temperature?

I am definitely one of those people that love to be on the edge...literally. I must live near the coast. I grew up near the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf side of Florida. I've traveled and lived along the east coast of the U.S. and even lived 3 years near the west coast of Italy. I used to be able to see the Mediterranean Sea from my rooftop. So I guess you can say I live "on the edge". I enjoy dipping my toes in the sand or the salty waters.

Does this have some kind of deeper meaning? Maybe? I've contemplated this for a while and realized that maybe it has to do with my personality. I thrive having options open, and enjoy my freedom. Also I'm very creative minded and have an entrepreneur spirit. I am quiet minded and tend to enjoy my peace so I can think straight...get my thoughts in order. And then there is that I do take risks and try new things...dipping my toes into uncharted waters.

-Stacey Zimmerman
Mom, Wife, Artist, Photographer

5 Tips on How to Regain your TIme

2017-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

We all need time. Of course, the creative minded types can never have enough time. I thrive on time alone... not too much, but I need that non-sensory quiet, no technology time. I need to get my thoughts in order. Chaos disrupts creativity.

I've come to realize how to regain my time...at least mentally.

1. Take time for yourself- we all here this so this isn't new. But one tip I can relay to you is to get up earlier before anyone else in the household. Take that extra time to savor your coffee and line up your thoughts for the day. It really works!

2. Exercise 3 times a week. I love to run. Listening to my music uninterupted as well as going at my pace really calms me down. I finally feel more in control of me. Try yoga? Walking?

3. Get out in nature. You can do your exercise and get out in nature. Breathe deeply. Enjoy the scenary and fresh air. Your body and mind will thank you.

4. Write down your to-do list for the week on ONE piece of paper. Put open circles as your bullets and check them off as you complete. Its a great sense of accomplishment when you check those bullets off. Make sure you update your list before you go to bed so you can get the best night of sleep.

5. This leads me to SLEEP. Sleep is so important and a priority. You will function better. Have a routine before bed. Turn off that TV..no more Netflix binge watching. TV will always be there. Your creativity and mind will not. :)