Okay, so I didn’t get to be at the beach this long weekend, but my sister does (*jealous*) and I’m going to pretend for a little while… that’s where Art by Daina comes in! I think Daina says it best when she describes her artwork on her Etsy profile page:
My latest series of round-themed surf art paintings pull together all the subjects I’ve loved painting over the years- flowers, landscapes, figures, textures- combined with my connection to the ocean and nature. They resonate a kind of nostalgic vintage art-nouveau twist on the classic pin-up girls and retro cars set against lazy summer beach days.
The bright summer and casual feel of her paintings makes me long for a hot day with nothing but sand between my toes, a good book to read and a bag of salt & vinegar chips by my side (I know that’s weird, but the only time I ever eat salt & vinegar chips is at the beach! Maybe they taste better combined with the smell of sunscreen and the grit of sand?!) The surfer themes, along with her beach blossoms and the beautiful rolling waves make me wish I lived in her daydreams.
"Summer Love" - part of the round surf series
Daina hails from Halifax, NS, so it’s easy to understand why her inspiration comes so much from nature and the ocean. My memories of holidays in Nova Scotia nearly all include some aspect of the ocean and being at the mercy of the constantly changing weather. The golden light in her pieces is so warm and comforting, I’d love to decorate a room around these colour themes! Her shop has many original paintings available, as well as a few prints and a variety of art cards. For a smaller space, a collection of framed art cards could be a lovely grouping and make for a sweet themed powder room or entry way.
This is the piece that originally caught my eye, now available as an art card!
You can find plenty more of her pieces at ArtbyDaina, as well as on her blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Now I just need to learn to swim so that I can then learn to surf!!
Cheers to the beach!
~Sarah
P.S. Daina is part of a very talented family – her sister has a shop, as do her parents!
Jenn and I grew up with a handsome fellow in our house. Sure, our brothers were pretty cute (don’t tell them I said that!) but that handsome guy I’m referring to was Sunshine, our long-ish haired, sweet-faced, softest-kitty-ever.
When I saw the original artwork in Tara Anderson’s Gingercatpress shop, I couldn’t help but grin. She posts a new “Meow of the Day” original piece each day, and today’s reminded me of our Sunny.
Her daily artwork pieces are available for 7 days only, so if you see one you like, snap it up quickly! Tara’s shop is full of adorable little feline creatures – some stealing beans from the plate on the table, some looking super-proud to have caught that little felt mouse, others (like Red, below) looking for a little romance!
Gingercatpress also offers greeting cards and art prints or her original artwork, perfect little pieces for the cat lover in your life. I just love the look on Misty’s face!
Red has eyes only for Misty, but Misty's a little shy ;)
Benjamin is one cute little dude!
After time spent as a bookseller, Tara has returned to her fine art and illustrator roots. She takes inspiration from the many kitties that live on her 200-acre farm, house cats and barn cats alike. Having grown up with a regal-looking prince of a cat, who was born in a barn but who’s favourite spot was on our laps or in a patch of warm sunlight, I’m sure there’s plenty of personality on her farm to inspire many more paintings!
You can also find Tara online at her blog and on Twitter.
Enjoy,
~Sarah
Spotted on Cargoh‘s homepage last night was this LOVEly poster by Amy, a Vancouver based web and graphic designer. Taking inspiration from origami art, typography and that most-vital of human emotions, love, her work is bold and clean.
I really love the graphics in these small prints (8.5 x 11 or 8 x 10), and I think they’d be great in an office or studio space, or in your entryway to add a boost of colour and a little meditative reminder before you head out for the day!
You can also find Amy at her Etsy shop (Field Trip) and on her eclectic blog at Handmade Evolution, featuring everything indie and handmade! Sounds like Amy is our kind of woman :)
Cheers,
~Sarah
