Inspired by…

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Hello, everyone! 

A couple of weeks ago, my friend and artist-extraordinaire, Christine Okken, honored me on her blog as an artist she is inspired by!  What a total thrill that is!  Christine is one fantastic artist and I've always admired her beautiful card-making skills! Not only is she a artist with mad coloring skills, she's also a photographer who takes amazing pictures, as well as being just a wonderful person who is dedicated to her family and her faith.  It's a true honor for me to call her friend.  Please be sure to stop by her blog, Christine's Creations, and see her fabulous work!

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Along with this honor, Christine  asked that I answer a few questions AND share some other artists who inspire ME!  So, here goes the questions!

1. What am I working on?

Usually at this time of year the answer is "as little as possible".  I thrive in the summer and try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends at the beach, the lake or the pool.  But in my craft room, I can escape from the heat or my day at work and just play!  Usually I'll only have 2 creations that I post on my blog: one  on Wednesday for the Color Throwdown and one on Friday for A Day For Daisies.  Either combined with one of those or as an extra post I'll be chatting up and creating with some exceptionally terrific multi-media supplies from eclectic Paperie.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I'm not sure about this.  I dabble in watercolor, Copic coloring, and multi-media creations (such as wall hangings or art journal pages).  Lately I've been sticking with CAS creations and trying to perfect that style, but I will occasionally end up with a super shabby, chic design.  Go figure!  Maybe the answer to this one is that I don't really have a particular genre.

3. Why do I create what I do?

I think the straightforward answer is to escape from the day to day life I live and to be able to develop this passion for art that I've discovered within myself.  I have always had a love of paper and creating with it and with color, but have only in the last 8 years discovered the passion.  I'd love to have more time to play!  But for now I'm happy playing when I can and keeping up with making enough cards to send to all my family and friends for their birthdays and special occasions.

4. How does your creative process work?

Sometimes it just doesn't.  If I've used up all my energy during the day, I have a hard time getting the creative juices going.  But usually after perusing some of my favorite blogs or pinterest, something will inspire me and send me straight to my desk to pull out some forgotten or maybe some brand new supplies and get started again.  Then there's no stopping me!

 

Now for the fun part of my post.  I get to share with you a couple of artists who have inspired me!

Kittie Caracciolo - KittieKraft

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What can you say about Kittie?  She's the Queen of Scenes!  You simply can not find a more amazing creator of die cut scenes.  Some of her creations are so intricate and so detailed that I can't even imagine how much love and time she puts into them.  And even before die cuts were invented, Kittie was creating amazing works of art with her watercolor brushes and paints.  She even designed scenery stamp sets, Kittie Kits, to enable others to create her beautiful scenes as well.

Not only is Kittie an accomplished artist, she's a amazing person.  One with so much love and kindness in her heart.  I was blessed to be able to spend some time at her home a few years ago and I really got to know her.  I have cherished her and her friendship ever since we worked together on the SCS Dirty Dozen design team and will forever continue to do so.  She's also a hoot, y'all!! 

Please be sure to visit her at her blog KittieKraft to see just how amazing an artist she is!

 

Michele Boyer - Paper Cuts

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Colorist/artist/designer extraordinaire.  This is Michele.  She has the most incredible eye for color and design.  Every detail of every creation is just perfection.

I have long admired and studied her work with Copic markers.  She can make even the most comical or simple image spring to life from a page and make you want to reach out and touch it!  Alas, my coloring leans more toward an abstract or what I call "chunky" coloring style.    When I grow up, I want to color like Michele!

I've also known Michele since my time on the Dirty Dozen.  There's a wonderful kinship throughout that site and the friends you find and develop there.  And Michele also has one of the best senses of humor that I know.  Quick witted and sometimes pretty snarky!  A girl after my own heart, for sure!

You simply MUST stop by and visit with Michele at Paper Cuts to see her incredible art work!

So I guess that's it!  Thanks so much to Christine for honoring me as someone who inspired her.  And I'm so happy to have been given the opportunity to share my admiration for 2 very incredibly talented ladies, Kittie and Michele!

Thanks for stopping by, y'all!

Comments

[Kittie]

Broni, What an honor. You have touched my heart and the feelings are mutual good friend. Thank you!!!!!!!

[ChristineCreations]

You ARE so inspiring Broni! I love hearing more about your creative process and how you put together your beautiful works of art! You are a gem and thanks for such kind words too. And, great inspiring nominations as well!

[Michele Boyer]

Broni, you are so sweet. Thank you! I truly wish we lived closer as I know we would be even greater friends. ♥

[kathy/NorthCarolina]

I loved reading more about you and your beautiful work. Your watercolor technique is one of my favorites, and I'm such a huge fan of your C&S cards! I also love Michele and Kitty's work, so I guess that's another thing we have in common. Lovely post, Broni!

[Julie - justwritedesigns]

Oh my! What a super talented bunch of Dirty Girl Alumn! Waving hi ~~~~~~ So good to see you all in one post!