Who was Henri Matisse? Isn't he sweet?

Henri Matisse is one of my favorite artists of all times.  Before I came onto Blogger I posted more on this great artist.  It's time I get into gear and start it up again.  Enjoy and note that some of his best works came after the age of sixty. 

-story from MetMuseum.org
The remarkable career of Henri Matisse, one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, whose stylistic innovations (along with those of Pablo Picasso) fundamentally altered the course of modern art and affected the art of several generations of younger painters, spanned almost six and a half decades. His vast oeuvre encompassed painting, drawing, sculpture, graphic arts (as diverse as etchings, linocuts, lithographs, and aquatints), paper cutouts, and book illustration. His varied subjects comprised landscape, still life, portraiture, domestic and studio interiors, and particularly focused on the female figure.  Story is continued click here

Lots of Fun Stuff Here!

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Hello Friends and welcome to

RED Friday 2009!

Red Friday is the artsy alternative to Black Friday where you can visit all of your favorite artists from this central location!

New Items will be posted December 4th...Free shipping too.


http://handmadehullabaloo.blogspot.com

EEEWWW what fun with a Nip

My last student created this fun mirror with vitreous tiles.  She started with a perfect boarder and then cut triangles for the center.  It is so cute--Pictures never really do justice with glass though.  We had so much fun and best of all I never tire of making new friends.  Proud of you girl!

Spring Thanksgiving

Well what did you do this weekend after the big Turkey Day?  Instead of shopping I chose to paint.  I have had this canvas now for about two or three years, and it has been begging me to dress it.  So you are the first to see almost.  It was so much fun to do.  I started with a pink paint (I think) and just continued with other favorite colors, then scraped a little, sprayed a little water and wiped, a dab of this and that, and even a drip or two of thick paint and this is what happened.  SO much fun!!  I still will do add to it, but for now...here it is.  I will be offering new classes in January using this same technique.  Be sure to watch for it.  Oh and come by Friday Dec. 4 for First Friday at 10 Central Ave. Studios....hope to see you then!
Spring Thanksgiving
Mixed Media
36"x24" canvas
copyright 2009 Laura K. Aiken

Yipee for Music!

I am so thrilled to have finally adopted a violen or fiddle..which is it?  Thanks to an artist friend of mine, I now kinda own this beautiful musical instrument.  I say kinda because once I finished dressing her with  glass and paint she will go back to her "owner" at Smiley's Acoustic Cafe in Greenville, SC.  "Fiddledee" I will call her (at least for now) was a part of a group of violens that were donated to artists to paint or "dress up" and then return to Smiley's.  Long story longer---I will give her back too. sniff sniff.  But she will shine in her new digs.  I cannot wait to see how she will look.  Stay tuned!!

5th Annual Art Show - FUN!

I will be offering some of my new mosaic fun stuff at the
5th Annual Art Show FishEye Studios
December 3, 2009 6:00-9:00
802 Augusta St.
Greenville, SC 
864-331-4711
( my pricing starting at $25)

Hope to see you there! Lots of food, festive and spirits.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something-

In the coming months you will be seeing more artwork done with mixed media from me. This portrait was created using a pulled art technique used from Mystele who's artwork is so unique and impressive, and Suzi Blu's online classes whom I can say the same for --(their information is invaluable.Totally two different artists but whom I have such a fondness for. Oh, I had better mention Julia Peters who never ceases to amaze me.

As a mosaic artist I love texture, so it seems that with everything I create has texture-as you see in this piece. You will see more of her maybe in the future because I will be adding more elements to her...or maybe not.

Have a great weekend!

Don't Forget!

124 artists in Greenville, SC are getting ready for the 2009 Open Studios! Try not to miss seeing you favorite artists in their own digs. INCLUDING me of course!

Visit us during GREENVILLE OPEN STUDIOS

Friday, November 6, 6pm - 8pm
Saturday, November 7, 10am - 6pm

Sunday, November 8, Noon - 6pm

10 Central Ave. Studios

Greenville, SC 29601

864.360.3811

What was your kick in the butt?

I am curious-is there a book that seemed to "change your life"? When I was around 25/26 - (eeewwww that's about 25 years ago or more...eeeeek!!)My cousin Debby came me this book to read. I had never been one to read inspiration books or say "churchie" books but, I thought I would try this. It did change my life and the way I thought about things. I needed that at this time in my life. Dr. Peale was an amazing person and I suppose one of the first of many postive speakers. You may know someone that could use this book. Do you have a reading that "changed your life"? I am interested in hearing from you!

Need Inspiration?

My brother grows beautiful orchids, so I just had to post this gorgeous one. I will post more of them from time to time. They just make be feel all springy even if it is fall.

Teal Mosaic Mirror

Do you remember this mirror? Waaaaayyy back a few weeks ago I start this teal mosaic mirror. I had to put it to the side because of several events, such as moving into the new studio building, First Friday, laziness, and too hot or too cold. I have now basically finished it and ...as usual it doesn't look anything like what it started to be-and I am glad! I just could not look at that pattern any longer. Now, I really like the way it turned out. I am going to add some metal lettering I think, but before I did I wanted to share. What do you think?
The materials are vitreous tiles. Approx. measurements are 12"w x 24"h w

sold

NEW WORKSHOP SCHEDULE --YAY!

This is my new "Easy Peasie Mosaic Workshop". I thought I would add something to the list that could be created rather quickly. I love these little birdhouses. Check my workshop blog for more info on workshops. Hope to see you soon!

Vatican Mosaics

I was reading my Mosaic Art Now! blog this morning and came across this wonderful post. I know you will enjoy this video. Thank you Nancie for posting this this wonderful video.

http://

READY for FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST FRIDAYS in Greenville, SC

Laura K. Aiken
10 Central Avenue Studios
Greenville, SC
864-360-3811



Come and visit all of us at 10 Central Avenue Studios. We will even have wine and cheese! Many beautiful new paintings by various artists and new mosaics to touch. We are all excited about our new "digs" so be sure and add us to your list of gallery walks.

Friday October 2, 6-9 pm
Saturday October 3rd, 10 am -3 pm

First Friday's Mission-To promote visual art awareness in our community and provide a venue for showcasing emerging and established artists in our area. To combine resources of gallery owners and artists to create beneficial exposure for both.Each first Friday of each month these 27 art galleries and venues will be open from 6:00-9:00 p.m. offering local,regional, and national talents. A wide range of media will be represented: oils , watercolors, acrylics, pottery, jewelry, glassworks, woodworks, photography, and mixed media. Step out and support our thriving arts community.

Ever been to Folly?

My beloved Folly Beach. Ahhhhhhhhhh!

"Pulled Art" inspired by Mystele

Guess I should confess-I have been trying my best to learn to draw stylized girls, (and guys). I have never been to good at sharing this part of me, but here goes. In my last post I showed you the beginnings of my goddess. This piece No. 1 was inspired by Mystele. Mystele is beginning her first online class Thursday and used a couple of drawings by blog readers. I was tickled to death to see mine on her blog. This piece was done in several steps and is created on brown bag paper. I will let you go visit Mystele to read for yourself on the "pulled art' technique. Have fun!

No.1

Laura K Aiken

copyrighted 2009

Mosaic and Design Studio

Laura K Aiken, Mosaic Studio, is a residential and commercial mosaic art and design studio serving the Greater Greenville, SC Area- Come see us!


This art piece is the start of a mixed media project that I am taking from Suzi Blu.

See how the "Big Dawgs" do it!

A mosaic friend of mine, Tom Snyder (and company-Designer Glass Mosaics) just finished a large mosaic mural for a waterfall in Charlotte, NC. I have been following Tom's progress since before the "birth". Luckly I live an hour and a half from where Tom's shop is and was able to actually see it in the "almost" finished stage. It was so exciting to see his work (and meet the others) not to mention, to spy for new material I hadn't seen before! Here is a link to Tom's site...and here is where you see how the "Big Dawgs" do it! Enjoy!
PS...Tom and the rest of your crew did a fantastic job!

New England Exhibition Video Tour

Thank you Bill and Margaret for a beautiful show! Which I could be there.
65 Mosaic Artist's from New England.
Mosaic Art Now Blogspot

Part 1



Part 2


Part 3

Studio Sweet Studio!

Well, finally after almost a year -we have moved into our new building. I will finally have a working studio in downtown Greenville. I am so excited! Not only is it me but five other artists have studios there. I am trying to get a new class schedule created, but until then I am taking students as they show interest. I enjoy giving private lessons and most of my classes are private. Anyway- come see our new home, but remember we are still in the moving in stages.