~ Musings of an Artist

History of Independence Day

2014-07-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the efforts of many people, we are able to enjoy our freedom and independence and I have a little background story about the 4th of July. Read More...

Dry Flowers the Fast Way

2014-05-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Image via AmoreBride

I love having flowers year round and think that a beautiful arrangements just lifts the spirit. Today learn how to dry flowers the fast way using nothing more than a microwave and cat litter.

Help Raise Fund for the Veterans

2014-04-15T20:05:00.002-07:00

CK Mondavi , you know the people who bring us Mondavi wines have come up with a wonderful campaign to raise funds for disabled veterans. The company is donating a percentage of each wine bottle sold between May - August to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes (up to $50,000). I had never heard of The Intrepid Fallen Heroes and learned that the Fund (IFHF), is an organization that supports men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. - Read more...

Cat Portrait - Japanese Style

2014-03-27T15:21:00.002-07:00

Sometimes my idea for a painting differs greatly from that what my client wants and this was the case with the portrait of this cat. I ended up painting this cat twice, once with a very simple blue background that my client preferred and once with a very painterly background that I had envisioned for this piece.

Cute Finds for French Bulldog Owners

2014-02-17T09:33:00.002-08:00

Who doesn't love the face of a Frenchie ? Check out all the cute items I have discovered for Frenchie owners .... Read More

2014-02-15T13:09:00.004-08:00

...With the Delicacy of a Petal (via http://www.enzieshahmiri.com/blog)
Other ways of capturing the grace of a blossoming flower include the use of beautiful vegan soap. I just love the heart shaped floral soaps!Sculpted in such high detail they are almost too beautiful to use, don't you think? Read more...

Happy Valentines Day!

2014-02-14T09:45:00.001-08:00

Vampire Poster via Black Unicorn Shop

Eternal Love (via http://www.enzieshahmiri.com/blog)

"In a study done by Bianca Acevedo and Arthur Aron at Stony Brook University in New York the age-old question of eternal love was tackled. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to scan the brains of 10 women and seven men who…

2014-02-11T18:28:00.003-08:00

Image by Voogs Art

The Look of Love (via http://www.enzieshahmiri.com/blog)

February is considered one of the most romantic times of the year, so forgive me if my love meter just goes off the chart. I love anything red, pink - well you know all the amore colors - and right now there are just so many cute things to be found…

The Many Colors of Gipsy Dharma Boots

2014-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Boots have to be comfortable and fashionable and I love that the boots by Gipsy Dharma fulfill both these requirements. Read More

M is for Mauve

2013-10-11T09:29:00.003-07:00

Click here to visit Shops

Pet Portraits that have special meaning

2013-10-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Custom Pet Portrait of Border Collie
Enzie Shahmiri Portraits and Fine Art
This Custom Pet Portrait of a Border Collie is titled The Gardeners Companion and shows the dog in a landscape setting, surrounded by flowers and trees. This painting of a Border Collie named “Nacho” started out with photos that had several limbs missing. I usually ask my clients to submit any photo they might have to see what I can work with and combine different photos to get the items I need for the painting. I also like to probe around a bit and get a feel who the pet’s owner is and what hobbies they might have. Nacho’s owner for example loves to garden and that gave me the idea to create a fantasy garden setting . Anyone who know about dogs, know that they love to plant themselves right in between the flowers and that’s exactly where I chose to put Nacho.

With an idea in mind it was time to figure out what to put where. A quick sketch – more of a doodle actually helped with visualizing what I wanted to do. Once I blocked in the color, I send my client the “Mock Up” and told her what I was planning to do. With a green light to move forward, the actual painting started.

~ I needed to plant flower beds and trees ~

~ and had tons of fun with my brushes building up texture ~

~ then Nacho was allowed to dig in his paws and get comfortable ~

Then it was Nacho’s turn to get groomed. I worked on his fur and especially that handsome looking face. I noticed that in my reference photo his right eye was not clearly visible. That had to be changed so I made sure to add a lot of extra highlights to make his eyes be much more expressive. Love that little tongue, don’t you?! Lastly the background had to get worked on as well. As you can see it is kept very loose and atmospheric looking. This is done to keep the viewer’s attention in the foreground, right where Nacho is lounging in the dirt.

This painting took a while to complete, but I think it was well worth the effort. I can’t wait to hear what my client thinks of it and see photos of the painting when it is hung at their home. If you like to order a print of this painting click here and if you like me to paint your pet than visit this page.

How to be successful

2013-09-24T10:39:00.002-07:00

Life is What you Make It
Enzie Shahmiri Portraits and Fine Art
Recently I read a post by an artist friend who was very disappointed that a grouping of art work did not make the cut to be included in a show . I think we can all relate to the feeling of having ones work being rejected. It quickly transports one into that dark place of self-doubt and dashes ones hopes of ever being good enough to actually making it. But lets look at it from the view-point of the people who are successful. Do they feel like they deserve their success?

According to Pauline Clance, PHD a psychologist who came up with the term ” impostor phenomenon” in 1978 , studies have shown that highly successful people rather than being elated about success often feel like impostors. About two out of three high achievers confessed that they felt like phoenies, because they really did not know why they are successful at what they do. They went as far as attributing their success to luck or some mysterious fluke. Interesting, don’t you think? So does it matter to look for approval and recognition, when you start to feel like you have to out do yourself to continue to make it? Or are you better off being in a great state of mind that allows you to be creative and productive?

Keep a Brag Book

We often lose track of all the achievements we have accumulated. Write down any positive feedback you have received in the past. My brag book is actually on my blog. Every time one of my works gets selected for a show, wins something,is published or just received praise from a happy client, I write it down. Overtime this list has grown and it acts as a reminder of how many things I have already accomplished on my journey to being a successful artist.

Be a Mentor

You might not realize how good you are at something until others ask you for your guidance. This is the best sort of validation for one’s success. As you mentor others you will discover how much knowledge you have already gained that makes you good at what you do. Passing along this knowledge also instills a sense of pride that you are able to help others on their journeys.

Many Small Ways to Show Your Gratitude

2013-09-21T08:01:00.002-07:00

The Gratitude Meter

donut-and-treat-bags by Little Beane Boutique

Pay it Forward

I recently read a really interesting article in Oprah’s Magazine called the Gratitude Meter. It talked about some things that you can do to show your gratitude for all the blessings in your life. For example, at Heavenly’s Donuts in Amesbury, Massachusetts one customer paid for the entire order in the car behind her. This triggered a chain reaction, where everyone in that line decided to pay for the order of the car behind theirs. 54 cars followed this act of kindness and tabs up to $20 dollars were picked up by kind strangers. I heard of Wallmart customers paying for Christmas items that have been put on layaway , but never of paying for someone else’s food in line. Cool!

Patchwork-Sofa-Name-Design-Studio

Donate Furniture

When my hubby and I, both in our early twenties moved to the United States we had pretty much a couple of suitcases and nothing else. If I say our first apartment was sparsely furnished, I would say that would be an overstatement. We had a TV and a mattress and a few pots and pans and decided to wait with buying furniture until we knew for sure that immigration would grant us an extended stay. Little did we know that this waiting around would take years! One day, I ran into the apartment manager of our unit, a very nice German immigrant who was inquiring why we were not getting together with him and his wife. Very embarrassed, I had to tell him that we still had not bought any furniture. Well, guess what?! The following weekend there was a knock at our door and in came the apartment manager with a sofa, a dining room set , coffee table and chairs. I was floored – overnight the apartment was filled with donated furnishings. I will never forget this act of kindness and to this day often donate furnishings well before they have fallen apart to charities so that perhaps someone else can have an overnight miracle happen.

Donate Your Time

Did you know that 14% of adults in the United State are still illiterate? That’s 32 million people who can not read! Why not donate your time and help someone learn a new skill like reading? To combat the problem of adult illiteracy, the California State Library in 1984 initiated a Literacy Campaign that finances reading programs over the state. Contact your local library and see if you can help someone learn how to read.

Share your Produce

Vegetables-French-1907-dictionary-plate By Wonderlust Lounge

Many of us buy way too much produce or can even boast that we have vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Rather than watching fresh produce go to waste, make little goodie bags and pass them around the neighborhood. I am not talking about the soft bananas that no one wants to touch. Those are best turned into banana cake and handed out with a cup of hot coffee to the mail man, pool man or any other person who is providing a service and brighten their day. Believe me I have done it and was rewarded with huge smiles! I am thinking more about planning ahead to that moment when you realize you have way too much to possibly use up before everything turns bad. My neighbors for example have highly productive apple and pomegranate trees. I can’t count the number of times I heard a knock on the door just to see a brown bag filled with fresh fruit. It is so awesome when neighbors share and I am always filled with gratitude when I receive home grown, pesticide free goddies ! I am still waiting for my fruit trees to get with the program, so I can start sharing too!

Share your Talent/Hobbies

German-Shepherd-Portrait by Enzie Shahmiri

We are all good at something, it might be cooking, baking, gardening, knitting or even building things . Sharing your talents and hobbies is extremely gratifying. I am very grateful that I seem to have a handle on painting and that I can use my love for that activity to help various causes raise money. Don’t underestimate what you have to offer. I know of women who have turned their love for knitting to knitting for causes. They send socks to soldiers, supply newborns with little caps and knit blankets for disaster victims . If you love to built look up Habitat for Humanity, they can always use a hand fixing up homes for families in need of housing. If you love to cook, consider making a dish for an elderly, or sick neighbor. There really is no limit to show your gratitude for all you have through small acts of kindness to others.

I would love to hear stories that you have heard or better yet, about things you do to show your gratitude.

Gratitude-Meter

Gratitude-Meter Click to visit Stores

Musings From my Trip to Utah

2013-09-19T11:29:00.003-07:00

Nature Whispers Your Name

Enzie Shahmiri Portraits and Fine Art

Champagne-Beaded-1930s-Inspired-Wedding-dress by Retro Vintage Weddings

Last weekend I spend some time in Utah and drove around the areas surrounding Park City. Away from the California heat, the cool air was a refreshing change and allowed me to take a deep breath and inhale some cool mountain air. I had forgotten how much I love being out in rural areas, away from the usual city and suburb noises.

On-My-Mind-20×30-Metallic-Print by Gallivanting Girl

Looking across fields that stretched for miles into all directions my mind settled in with the rhythm of the wind as it flew across the plains. Nature had whispered my name and told me to settle down and take in all the splendor. I was in a very happy place, content and smiling – taking in all that surrounded me. Free from daily stress all that would cross my mind was the upcoming wedding of my daughter.

Horse-Photography-Carl-Christensen

I went on long nature walks and started to gather interesting objects. I wanted to use them in a nature inspired art project. The Sundance Resort where we were staying offers Pottery classes and I was intrigued to give it a try. Clay and found objects just beckon to be joined….

Feather-Print-by-Beneath-Northern-Skies

Well, the feather idea did not work, but I used a lot of interestingly colored rocks, which were turned at the potter’s wheel into a contemporary candle holder. The resort will ship the candle holder to my daughter once it’s fired and glazed. My daughter and her husband love the out doors and I thought combining some nature finds from the area where their wedding took place might be just the thing. I know I have promised to share wedding pictures and tomorrow I will start sharing them. Make sure to check back and see a very unusual, wonderful wedding.

Nature-Whispers-Your-Name – Click to Visit Shops

Stately Custom Painted Child Portraits

2013-09-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Young Prince – Portrait of a Boy

Enzie Shahmiri Portraits and Fine Art

The Young Prince – Portrait by ©EnzieShahmiri

Commission Information

The Young Prince is the title of my latest custom painted child portrait featuring a very handsome boy. I prefer to find titles for my child portraits and not give out the child’s name. Somehow this boy really reminded me of a young prince. My title choice might have stemmed from the unusual top he is wearing or perhaps his lovely blond hair, but I think the title fits the portrait of this boy really well. Besides, which mom does not think of her son as a young prince?! This piece has been in the works for a while amidst wedding and trip preparations and I finally had a chance to finish and post it.

Before and After Images ©Enzie Shahmiri Portraits and Fine Art

2013-09-04T16:54:00.003-07:00

Opium Dreams Exotic Art Work Naming

Enzie Shahmiri Portraits and Fine Art

Opium Dreams

Oil on Panel – 6×6 inches

Available in my Store

When I was painting this poppy flower I was listening to the Blog Talk Radio show Artists Helping Artists, specifically to an interview with Ken Auster – a California based artist. He was making a comment about his unusual art work titles and his advice about not naming your paintings the obvious. Like “Poppy Painting” for example is rather self explanatory. He suggested artist should think about what comes to mind when they look at their own work and relate it to past experiences. Now don’t start laughing and assuming things – ”Opium Dreams” my newly chosen exotic art work naming isn’t exactly based on first hand experience of me smoking away opium in some opium den, but rather what I remember of my life in Iran.

In Iran the poppy flower grows in fields and I remember as a teen being in awe when I would see a poppy field in full bloom. I have always loved the flower’s delicate petals and wonderful orange -red hues. I have also often seen people smoke opium and yes some of them were in a rather dazed state – to say the least. One of my funniest memories associated with the poppy flower and opium in particular was on a skiing trip. My ski instructor, a local handsome looking Iranian youth had a real bad tooth ache the day we met up for my lesson. As we were sitting on the chair lift going up the mountain, he started fumbling around in his pockets and retrieved something brown and gooey looking. He molded it around and proceeded to place it on his tooth. When I ask what it was, he told me it’s opium and that a little bit on the tooth does wonders for the pain.

According to Wikipedia “Cultivation of opium poppies for food, anaesthesia, and ritual purposes dates back to at least the Neolithic Age (new stone age). The Sumerian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Indian, Minoan, Greek, Roman, Persian and Arab Empires all made widespread use of opium, which was the most potent form of pain relief then available, allowing ancient surgeons to perform prolonged surgical procedures. Opium is mentioned in the most important medical texts of the ancient world, including the Ebers Papyrus and the writings of Dioscorides, Galen, and Avicenna. Widespread medical use of unprocessed opium continued through theAmerican Civil War before giving way to morphine and its successors, which could be injected at a precisely controlled dosage.”

I don’t remember anymore how his skiing skills were that day, but I am sure he was a happy camper well into the late afternoon when my lessons with him were finally over. So there you have it! My psychedelic background for my poppy painting led to an unusual title, an exotic art work naming and a little bit of reminiscing about the great fun I had in Iran! Now when someone ask me about why I chose this title I have an interesting story to retell, which I am sure will be more memorable than just “Poppy Painting”.

Perception: New Timelapse video by Michael Klein

2013-07-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

Beauty happens when ordinary things are transformed through the vision of the artist~
★Thank you for Visiting!★ ~ Return to Website ~ Return to Blog.Pin It..

Blog Giveaway - Beautiful Jewelry by Deb Lonergan

2013-06-08T10:51:00.002-07:00

It gives me great pleasure to share a wonderful blog giveaway of this lovely necklace by Jewelry Designer Deb Lonergan from Shop Pretties. Just follow these easy steps for a chance to win by clicking here .

Sparrows in a Stable - New Painting

2013-05-28T07:24:00.004-07:00

Click here to see the entire painting

Spring has to be the time when birds are the most active. I hear and see them everywhere and it's no wonder that my latest painting titled the "Little Visitors" was inspired by these feathered friends. I just posted the finished painting of two little sparrows in a stable on my website and invite you to have a peek.

Don't miss what's new ~

Follow my dailyBlog Posts
Receive my monthly Newsletter

Decorating a Bedoir in French Style

2013-03-07T09:53:00.003-08:00

Today's post is all about decorating a bedroom in a French style (more)

Under the Sea

2013-03-06T09:12:00.002-08:00

Available here

When it comes to decorating, I love the variety of items that can be searched through Etsy by theme.
I wanted to find some ocean inspired items and all these pretty things came up.

Tip on how to take it to the next level with your Etsy Shop

2013-03-01T11:58:00.001-08:00

I speak fluent German and Farsi and a little bit of get by French, which has prompted me to
look into translating my listings into other languages than English. Today I have a great Etsy Tip!

Why go through all that extra work you ask? Well, because (read more)

What's new in 2013 for Weddings

2013-02-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

Today's blog post is about Wedding Trends of 2013. Click to read more

African Delights

2013-02-26T09:07:00.001-08:00

Today's feature blog post is a Globe Trotting Experience to Africa

French Inspired

2013-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Art Print by Elijah Swick

Today's blog post is very French Inspired - click here to read more