Signs of Spring

Call me bird-brained...it must be Spring!

Michael Romanik
East Cleveland, OH
Cloisonné enamel on fine silver, fine and sterling silver

"Recent inspiration comes from nature: the vibrant plumage of a songbird, the delicate markings of a butterfly wing, the gentle curve of a small branch..."

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Sean Brown
Denver, CO
Natural feathers, ceramic, 22K gold, 14Kgf, semi-precious gemstones, handmade artist brush

"Stylized imagery, often inspired by African, Aztec and Egyptian as well as contemporary pop culture is the starting point. To this is added a liberal use of vibrant color, interesting shape as well as delightful pattern..."

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Jim Mullan
Pompano Beach, FL
Hand-carved wood, mixed metals, natural materials, found objects

"Objects that were once cast aside as useless are now the foundation for our assemblages. The birds give life to these once forgotten pieces of yesterday..."

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Kathryn Riechert
Savannah, GA
Sterling silver, peridot, enamel

"My inspirations come from everyday life, as I seek to transform the beauty I find into the permanence of metal and stone. The designs are often uplifting with positive messages in the hopes that they can make the world a little bit brighter..."

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Christina Goodman
Alameda, CA
Cast resin, 22k gold leaf, acrylic paint

"These small objects, paintings and wearable miniatures are hand painted using extremely fine brushes and a magnifier. The work is inspired by Renaissance painting and frames, trompe l'oeil, manuscript illumination, and all things miniature..."

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Quizzical Bees

Valerie Littlewood
Grafham, England
Valerie Littlewood's Pencil and Leaf is a wonder-filled journey through her world of bees and blooms. Valerie's blog/journal/sketchbook diary is a daily log of her discoveries in the natural world interpreted through her artistic vision. She chronicles in amazing detail flowers and foliage and most especially bees in all their colors and textures. You cannot help but share her joy and fascination as each silky wing and vibrant stripe comes to life on the page. She is an exquisitely skilled artist and keen observer, as well as a sensitive naturalist and delightful explorer of the apian way. >>continue>>

Curious Birds

Geninne D. Zlatkis
Queretaro, Mexico
Inspired by the glorious variety found in nature, Geninne continuously creates a whimsical cast of characters in a magnificent range of media. Her multi-hued birds, beasts and butterflies grace everything from watercolor prints to tiny books, brooches, pebbles and pillows. She delights in painting and sewing and teaching others the magic of her crafts. And her son young Daniel is a sparkling talent as well! >>continue>>

Red Knit Cap Girl in Wonderland

Naoko Stoop
Brooklyn, NY
Naoko is one of my favorite contemporary illustrators. Working in a variety of styles and media, she weaves threads of whimsy, nostalgia and dreams throughout her work. She is self-taught, but that is no obstacle to her talent...in fact it enhances the sweet naive quality of her pieces. Her Red Knit Cap Girl is especially charming, wandering and exploring in her peaceful little Wonderland.

"I’m trying to bring out the five-year old in people through my artwork. Because I believe that is the last moment before children start learning how complicated the world is, and that was when I once stopped drawing. It took me decades to come back to myself.
Now? Here I am drawing everyday!"

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