Saturday, February 4, 2012

The World of Cross Stitching

Creativity comes in many ways. It may be singing, painting, dancing, writing and more. Some of you may say, “I have no talent”. I have said before that if we look closely at our lives, we all express our creativity in some manner. Cooking a delicious meal, planting a beautiful garden, knitting or sewing are some other ways. 

Here’s another way to paint without a brush…..using needle and thread.  I recently partnered with Gecko Rouge and started having my artwork made into cross stitch patterns and kits. Gecko Rouge prints the designs and then matches the threads very closely to the ones in the artwork. Many are enjoying seeing their creations on their walls and pillows, not to mention the therapeutic benefit that comes from the creative process.

I am proud to announce that Gecko Rouge has made it into one of the most popular magazines in cross-stitching “The World of Cross Stitching”. Out of their hundreds of patterns, my “Fantasy Fish” batik kit is part of the advertising.  Thank you Gecko Rouge for this opportunity and for showing the world one of my pieces. 

Magazine - Front and Back

My artwork on the bottom right-hand side of the page
 
Up close photo of the advertised piece.
How do you express yourself? Use the comments space below to share.


Clink HERE to view some of the items in the collection.
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/rosie-brown.html
http://artistamundo.com/rosiesart

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Lucky Deal!

The moment we have all been waiting for:
DENY Designs is Lucky Magazine's "Lucky Deal of The Day Today"!
ALL DENY Designs shower curtains are 50% off for the next 24 hours. Get em' while they're hot!
Go to denydesigns.com and enter "luckydaily1" (please note that the code is case sensitive) at checkout.

To view the entire collection, Click Here 
Go to denydesigns.com and enter "luckydaily1" (please note that the code is case sensitive) at checkout.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Farewell to Grovehouse Artists Gallery

Three years ago, I had a life-changing experience when I took a workshop with Debra Cortese, and a number of local artists, at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery in Coconut Grove. I did not know at the time that the workshop would give me the information I needed to get my art out of the closet and into the technical world. At the same time,  I also made some life-long friends. Some of the artists there had been part of the Grovehouse Artists co-op and were waiting to re-open at the new location in Mayfair. With their encouragement, I joined the group. We were all so excited and enthusiastic at this new beginning for the gallery. The gallery offered art in all mediums, as well as glass, wood, mosaics and sculptures. What a wonderful experience!


 Although I left the gallery over a year ago, it was still the place to visit on gallery walk night and catch up with old friends. It was also through my friendships there, that I have participated in other fun activities in the Grove, such as the monthly drum circle and the fabulous Mango Strut parade. 


 Sad to say, Grovehouse Artist Gallery will have its last opening reception on Saturday, February 3rd.  They will be closing their gallery space at the end of February and continuing on "without walls". What this means is that they will try and mount 3 to 4 exhibits a year in different venues. I wish these artists the best as they share their talents with the South Florida area.

Here's a video of the opening at Mayfair in September, 2009.  Click on the arrow to view. Enjoy!
video

Monday, January 16, 2012

Yes....Even on Metal!

I had a fellow artist ask me the other day if I still have art available on canvas or paper. He was speaking about the fact that my art has spread during 2011 to other functional pieces in and out of the home. It all starts on paper and canvas, but why should the life of that work end? Song writers, play writers, singers, actors and authors are able to have their work live on with additional publishing, royalties, radio play, etc. Visual artists receive this same compensation through art licensing. I believe that during these hard economic times someone would rather enjoy art in a functional manner, or made from different materials. Phone cases, IPad covers, cross-stitch patterns are also ways to have a beautiful piece of art on a functional piece.

Here is an abstract that already inspired a pillow:.


Beyond the Sea Pillow - http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/beynd-the-sea

I am happy to announce that I just signed an art licensing agreement with a company that does wall art in metal; my first for 2012. Here's a way of art evolving from paper or canvas to meet the needs of the public. and the possibilities of being hung in a different environment. Once all the details have been worked out and the art manufactured for sale, I will provide the details.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year 2012!

What better way to start this art blog in 2012 than by sharing my granddaughter Nola's art. She brought these to me when she visited during Christmas.  She was so happy to share her work with me and I am just as proud  and happy to share it with you. She is a true little artist and would paint all day, if allowed. How I wish I could be this loose with my strokes and use all of the colors in my palette. Thank you, Nola, for starting 2012 with a valuable lesson.



“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” 

Pablo Picasso





Saturday, December 17, 2011

Move Forward.........Look Back!

By now, your holiday shopping and your holiday home decorating should be about complete.  The menu should be in place and all that should be left to do is to be with the family, enjoying.

This is also a good time to look back at what has happened to you professionally and personally during 2011. If you are like me, you set some goals at the end of each year and try to achieve them. I have had many accomplishments that I would like to share with you, along with the blessings in my personal life.

The year 2011 started out this way:
In January, I participated in the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour. The unveiling became a huge celebration and the peacock, "Nassau Daddy", still stands proudly on the corner of Grand Avenue & Douglas Road in Coconut Grove. To see the making of this piece of public art, click here This peacock was sponsored by Pinnacle Housing and the Coconut Grove Collaborative.
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My family with "Nassau Daddy" in Coconut Grove
 Continuing with the art in public places, a six foot (plus) mama manatee, and her baby,  was delivered to my garage. This was part of the South Miami Manatee Festival. Click here to view “The Making of Willy the Manatee’. As of this writing, she is still standing on the corner of Sunset & 57th Avenue in South Miami.  This manatee was sponsored by Williamson Cadillac.
My Mom with "Willy the Manatee" in South Miami
 In June, my piece “Fresh Lobster” was part of the Miami Watercolor Society  Member’s Exhibit at the Wirtz Gallery in South Miami.
"Fresh Lobster" - watercolor
In July, I signed up with Deny Designs and started providing my art on their very beautiful and functional products. It feels great to see my creations in household items.
"Garden Shadows" Duvet by Deny Designs
In October, my painting “Dinner Key Marina” was part of the Miami Watercolor Society Signature Members and Award Winner’s Exhibit at the Hunter Gallery in Coconut Grove.
"Dinner Key Marina" - watercolor
In November, my painting “Wild Thing” was part of the Miami Watercolor Society Fall Exhibit at the Hunter Gallery in Coconut Grove. I am proud to say that this painting won Second Outstanding at that show.

"Wild Thing" - Watercolor
 In December, I signed an agreement with Gecko Rouge Classique Cross Stitch and had many of my paintings turned into cross stitch patterns.
"Queen of the Pond" - cross Stitch by Gecko Rouge
 What a year of many firsts in my art world. In my personal life, I was blessed with a second grandchild, Aaron. He and, his sister, Nola  light up my life.  I am also grateful that my son, daughter-in-law and baby Aaron survived a very bad car accident and have recovered. 



Hoping  that the year 2011 brought you many accomplishments and blessings. Happy holidays!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Introducing Cross-Stitch Art kits

Ever wanted to paint, but don’t know how? Well, now you can…......with your needle and threads.  I am so excited about signing on with Gecko Rouge Classique and having my art on their cross-stitch kits. They try to match the colors of the threads as close to the art as possible. You can frame it or make it into a gorgeous pillow. Lots of designs available.

Go ahead, get creative.  Express yourself.

Fantasy Fish Batik

 Queen of the Pond