My Kid Could Paint That!

I recently came across a documentary that I think is essential for any art lover to watch! It is entitled "My Kid Could Paint That" directed by Amir Bar-Lev. The story surrounds young artist Marla Olmstead who started painting at the age of 2 (now 9). The documentary follows her success as an international abstract painter. Her paintings become more and more coveted as the prices of her paintings soared into the tens of thousands of dollars range.

What is most interseting to me about the documentry is the fact that she literally came out of nowhere when as a "novelty" she was asked to show a couple of paintings in the local coffee shop-- and things took off from there. As her paintings become more and more in demand speculation started to surround her family (her father who dabbles in art is suspected of either assisting Marla with paintings or completely creating the paintings himself). It's facinating to watch as even the director of the documentary who was 100% confident in the autheniticty of the work, starts to wane in his faith as the documentary progresses.

I give this documentary a perfectly chic rating of 10.0 for the way it grabs you, tells a story, and really questions the authority of modern abstract art.

Graham Franciose

During my aforementioned sojourns to the impending doom of Z Gallerie I came across a painting I ADORED -- I kept my eye on this painting in the hopes of holding out long enough to strike an unbelievable bargain. To my dismay the painting sold well before it hit 40% off. However I researched the painting online and found the artist (to be disclosed on a later post). In my research I came across the fact that the artist is co-owner of an art gallery/ store down town Austin.I've found that researching artists often brings forth a rewarding trail for the avid blood hound. Since I loved this artist's work it's only natural that I would love most of the artists that artist loves. In other words it's a big family tree of aesthics inbreeding in the artistic gene pool. So with that being said-- through the artist I researched I found Graham Franciose's work. It's childlike and lovely with it's juxtaposition of sketch vs oil and acrylic.

Franciose states that his work evoles as he creates it -- he never does thumbnails-- this speaks to me because as an artist I'm very much the same way-- if I plan it out completely it turns out looking like junk becuase I rely more on my precieved final work (which incidently never matches initial expectation) rather than relying on emotion and working organically.

Anyway-- I hope you enjoy his work as much as I do! Chic Factor 9.6

Charlie Harper

One of my favorite artists is Charlie Harper. His work is fantastic but largely over-looked by the art community. He has a cult following in his home town of Cincinnati-- but has received recent acclaim by Todd Oldham who has worked to archive the work of Charlie Harper shortly before his death earlier this year. His work is largely simplistic and graphical. Chic factor or a perfect 10!

Monkey Powered

After a few days.. we're glad to be back! Today's feature is Monkey Powered. Playfully strong and quirky-- Monkey Powered prints utilize a series of textures and patterns to give these delectable prints extra pow! Witty without being overly dramatic-- retro without being cliche. Perfect for a child's room-- or for a child at heart's room :o) Chic Factor 8.8

Miss Braches

It's my pleasure to introduce our first fashion feature! Miss Braches, Inc---- I actually came across her work while looking for a custom dress to wear to one of my best friend's wedding. I fell in love with the Desi dress for not only it's shape but also the pattern. I contacted Diane and asked if it would be possible to get done in a week and a half-- she got it to me in a week! I LOVE everything about it-- The general style nods to retro fashion but with a more up beat feel to it! She has no problem making custom dresses-- even for the plus sized ladies out there! Simply beautiful! Chic factor 9.0!

Yumi Yumi

Yumi Yumi's work is some of my favorite pieces of all time! Her work incorporates the use of splashes of color to fill silhouettes of birds, plants and animals-- I'm such a huge fan of these sophisticated prints. You really have to look close to appreciate the beauty-- which are reminiscent of Asian scroll work! -- truly beauty in the form of liquidity. In some of her other work, she utilizes a more straight forward rendition with echoes to the retro feel. Chic factor 8.6.

Duda Daze!

I've been a long time follower of Duda Daze! I love her angelic mixed media pieces. Each work effortlessly incorporates relevant text with a wonderful image. Her images evoke a sense of peace and happiness. She sells a range of original works and prints-- that also include Aceo. Chic factor 8.8

Monster Gallery

Retro influenced prints are soooo much fun! I love everything about them-- which is why I absolutely LOVE Monster Gallery! -- I especially love old cameras or ray guns--old video games-- anything that's somewhat playful and iconic-- and definitely scratched up. Chic Factor 8.3!

Daydreamer photography

Our first photography feature is Day Dreamer-- while she does produce a variety of art in various media-- my favorite is her photography. The images are beautiful in their close nature and array of colors. I especially love the photos of the old rusted cars. -- Done in a larger size they can be the center point of your room! Chic Factor 8.7

Little Brown Pen

Cards you can print yourself? Get out! Little Brown Pen will sell the PDF file of the images/ templates for cards, calendars, and gift tags! This means you get to choose your paper and prints as many as you need-- when you need them! What a great idea! Her images are simplistic but always have an air of humor to them! The best part is --- they only cost $4 - $5 per file! Today's feature Little Brown Pen gets a chic factor of 8.5!

Whisker Graphics

Whisker Graphics utilizes silk screening and digital art to create the beautiful graphics on her cards. Her designs incorporate vintage items, animals and elegant designs with themes for any occasion imaginable or for every day use. You can even have your cards customized with you name or initials which comes complete with a matching themed envelope. Often very intricate in detail, the images are reminiscent of letter press. These would be perfect for customized wedding invitations! Chic Factor 8.9

Belle & Boo

What I love about Belle & Boo is the story-book like characters she creates! Her renditions of children are soft and beautiful and filled with warmth and love. Each print tells a story-- and the inclusion of soft white animals make the prints sweet and charming. These prints are perfect for a child's room or library. Belle & Boo also has branched out to put her sweet prince and princesses on buttons, mirrors, bags, magnets, cards and clothes! There's enough variety to make owning one of these precious illustrations possible for any budget! Chic factor 9.2

Lois Aronow

It's my pleasure to introduce our first hand thrown porcelain artist, Lois Aronow of Misslo. What is most striking about her work is the juxtaposition of the textures. Her work is striking beautiful yet functional! Perfect for display out in the open of the kitchen or in a glass cabinet. I imagine drinking hot chocolate out of her white mugs with platinum rim on a cold winter's day ( I think because the texture is reminiscent of a nicely toasted marshmallow) -- I'd feel like royalty! Chic factor 8.5

Jenn Ski-- today's artist!

I'd like to introduce one of my favorite etsy artists, Jenn Ski. What I love about her work is the playful throw back to retro style. Her shop offers a variety of paintings, cards and prints in a miriad of sizes. Aside from her stellar patterns she offers a series of A- Z prints (A is for Alligator). While the renditions are relatively simplistic in style they abound in humor and playfulness and are utterly irresistible! The A-Z prints be a nice shower gift-- but would be perfect for any child's room (they avoid the too cutesy for older kids factor). Chic factor 9.5!

Etsy shop : Branch Accessories

Today's featured Etsy.com artist is Branch Accessories who specializes in fused glass rings and necklaces. What I love most about this shop is the variety of colors on these oh so in chunky cocktail rings! What's even better is the price-- ranging from a mere $12 - 30-- WHAT A STEAL! All the rings are adjustable so you can switch them around on different fingers or hands-- perfect for borrowing your sister's treasure! Chic factor of 8.9!

Michele Maule from Etsy.com

I've been following Michele Maule's work for quite some time! What I love about it is it's retro subjects with a modern mixed media execution. She typically works with subjects such as beehives, Remington Typewriters, Polaroids and Cameras-- but an occasional bike or plant will appear. I was first struck by her renditions of Remington Typewriters with the keystrokes being visible. Her illustrations are normally light and airy-- but are particularly nice when the paint is transparent enough to reveal words from collaged paper lurking underneath. It's fun, it's playful and best of all they are all affordable originals! Chic factor 9.2 -- value and originality perfect 10!