Modernly Vintage Art by Roberta Schmidt

By now, you all know that I have a strong love for all things vintage, right? The photographs that I can look through for (literally) hours at antique stores, old postcards, aged lace, vintage buttons…I LOVE it all, and have for a very long time, even before discovering “mixed media” or “altered art”. So imagine my glee (can I use that word? I LOVE that word!) ok…my glee, when I found out that I could combine all these “old” things that I love to collect, to create a little story…after all, I am a storyteller too!

These are two little altered Bingo card collages, using a few of my favorite things. They are so much fun to create, especially when I add little bits of things to them, like lace, buttons, an unexpected blue butterfly in the corner, subtle handwriting, or a tidbit from a dictionary page. I am constantly snipping little words that I find, and Well-Tempered, seemed to fit her beautifully framed face…don’t you think???

Both of these vintage lovelies, are my newest additions to the little ArtcyLucy shop.

You will find a few more things that I have added lately, such as some new digital art pieces, and some miniature canvas art. I would be so honored if you took a look! I’ve been working hard to make it a nice little online boutique…complete with a variety of original and unique art. And I have to tell you this secret….I am LOVING having a little spot to share my art!

Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower. ~ Author unknown (but wise, nonetheless)

…so does hope. ~ Lady Bird Johnson

Is that why I plant sunflowers every year? For hope?

I love watching them grow from seeds…maybe it has to do with hope…hope for growth, hope for beauty. Once they are fully grown, and bloomed into beautiful and strong sunflowers…I love to take photographs of them…as you can see, they are a constant theme of my digital art!

I never tire of their beauty, and I never tire of playing around with these images, digitally layering them, and adding intense colors and textures,  to make these flowers just pop! The bright white mats help too…a crisp border to showcase the brilliant colors of flowers.

My little backyard sunflowers of the summer, are now just fragile remnants, swaying in the strong breezes of this stormy October day. But not long ago, they were standing tall, in full bloom, and shining brightly against the brilliant blue sky.

Even though I am a lover of Autumn breezes, and cool winter days…my favorite days of summer (when I am not in the A/C) is spending time photographing my flowers. I’ve had some wonderful feedback from others that have seen my sunflower digital art in person. And let me tell you…it feels SO good, to know that others “ooh and ahh” over the images that I have fallen in love with!

All these digital art prints are now available in my Etsy shop. Make sure to check out the “Digital Collage” section. Do you see a print you like, but wish it were in another color? My sister has purple in her home, so I altered the Night Flower (in Magenta), into a deeper purple to match her decor. So, if you see something you like, but would like it altered to fit your home, or a friend’s home, just email me at ArtcyLucy@aol.com …I LOVE to make people happy with my digital art!

Only six more months till I plant a new batch of sunflower seeds…soon flowers will be blooming once again.

GO!!!

Art Now for Autism is just about ready to launch their annual exhibit! I am so excited to be participating in this again. I am proud of the work that Claudine does, to support families that are dealing with autism on a daily basis. And I am proud of the artists who have stepped up to donate their art for this special cause.

Won’t you take a look at the exhibit? Only one more day of the preview, and the sale starts first thing on Monday. My original painting, Hope, will be for sale, and all proceeds go to the Art Now for Autism charity. It is a small way for me to help with a huge problem that so many families face.

I love the piece so much, that I have made prints of it, and will be offering them on my Etsy shop this week.

Another way to help with Art Now for Autism, is to buy one of their specialty items on their Cafe Press site. There you will see a few artists who have donated their designs for t-shirts, tote bags, journals, mouse pads…and yes, even doggie shirts! Here are a few of my designs for this year.

So, what are you waiting for? Meet me over at the exhibit! It’s sure to be fun!