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Fall is here and I'm gearing up to be in three different art shows with the Carpinteria Art Center and the Buenaventura Art Association (two locations) in the next few months. Times are challenging, but also very exciting. Recently, I began spending time with acrylics and now have ventured into abstract arts. I've been painting mostly watercolors but decided that as crazy as 2020 has been, I should take this opportunity for a challenge. The abstracts are very freeing and now have turned some of them into designs for face mask.

As I began creating abstracts I was asked to recreate an original one that I had shared on social media. The picture in this blog shows the copy of the original I did. It's different and I'll add that no paintings are alike even if the artist tries their best to recreate it. You see, art captures emotion of the moment. And it's literally impossible recreate emotion of a moment that is now in the past. So, I titled this work opposition. Because ultimately I see "opposition" in this photo and isn't it representative of the times and moment we are all in in 2020.

Thanks for browsing my website. I've uploaded new designs so think of face masks and greeting cards as possible gift giving ideas as we move into the holiday season.

Best,
~Michelle

To say that the Coronavirus or COVID-19 has changed our world especially in the art arena the last three months would be an understatment. While I have been out and about on nature walks I have found much inspiration from the simple things as I always have, but now more than ever. One of my latest paintings is "Three Feathers". I picked these feathers up different times on my beach walks, something about them captures me and draws me in. They are light, airy feeling - very different than the current heaviness we feel in our world. Art keeps me balance and is an outlet for me to shift energy to creating something. Shapes, textures and colors in nature transport me to other worlds. I hope my inspiration to paint has lifted spirits of others and continues to in the future.

People often ask me how long I've been painting with watercolors for. My answer....my whole life, well almost. I started painting when I was six and for the last 35 years I've continued steadily practicing. I'd liken it to being an athlete. You must train and you must practice even when you don't want to. Nature, especially landscapes and flowers have long been what I've painted the most. Slowly I've added to my portfolio. I'm always amazed that the paintings I think will turn out I'm displeased with, and the ones that I think are just okay many absolutely love. This is the plight of art. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

When I think of what drives me to paint I must step back and evaluate what motivated me all these years. Truly, art has always been very special to me since my Grandma taught me as I grew up. While it's quite relaxing and and fulfilling seeing a piece of work come to life, the next level satisfaction is seeing the joy my work brings to others. I am thrilled when my art speaks to someone else's emotion. As if I've captured it in a jar - like a lightening bug!

Art is unique to each artist and the reasons artists do what they do varies. For me it's part of the fabric of who I am. Always there's a common thread weaving all these pieces together - it's the joy it brings to others

~ M

It's that time of year again when people get in the spirit of joy and giving....or at least they should be. I can think of no better time of year when individuals are focused on helping others, giving in community service, feeding the homeless. Why don't we do this year round? Causes me to take a look at my own giving and how I serve others. It occurs to me that sharing my art with the world is a way I provide inspiration and hopefully a smile to all of your faces.

Happy Holidays!
~M

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I'm guessing every artist gets a little on edge about trying to figure out what their next piece will be. I know I get this way often, and without inspiration I get uneasy and a little stressed- I'll be honest. So, I decided to take on a new perspective. Everyday we go out whether it's in our backyard, frontyard or somewhere out in the community - a park maybe a garden. Or if you are like me you head off to the water. In my case Oceanside Harbor. I was looking for a new angle, a new way to re-create a moment I felt so relaxed and so at ease in. And there it was.....my own backyard (the Harbor) calling me from the water's edge on an electric boat. And so I encourage you---take a step back and take in the view from a different spot.

~M

Have you heard of these popular shops or venues that are offering "paint with wine" "champagne and canvas"? It's a phenomenon that is growing at a rapid pace and it's officially called the "paint & sip" industry. Places like Pinos Palatte, Corks & Canvas, Paint Nite all capitalize on mixing social engagement with food, wine and art.

I've actually participated in a few myself, for fun. Being an artist its interesting to me to hear friends and colleagues get excited about painting with their friends while relaxing with a drink. What is attracting us as a society to this type of social engagement? The concept behind it is to follow the instructor (artist's) pre-completed painting. As guests arrive they each have their own painting station with canvas and usually acrylics. The instruction divides the painting into quadrants and will note to measure certain spots on the canvas and to mark for the subjects included in the art. Drink some wine, pick up that brush and go. You'll find that even people who don't think they have interest in trying to paint, or some that are but haven't got a chance to do it seem to get absorbed in this activity. Why?

I venture to say that this form of art is an acceptable way to tap into our humanity. Art at it's very core is liberating - expressing one's emotions and ideas in a creative way that requires no structure, just your mind, heart and soul free-flowing. Let's be honest how often in our busy harried lives do we do something so, natural?

When one creates art is allows others to see what's imprinted in the mind of the artist. After all, it shows the viewer of the art a certain perspective, a feeling, a moment. No two people can create the same art even as they paint the same scene- it's really a miracle and what it does, especially in these paint and sip classes is it gives people the freedom to be who they are and be accepted and appreciated in a setting that's pretty non-judgmental. Forget the art rules, no need to have been educated in art, just pick up that brush, take a sip and start creating.

Go, have fun!

~M

When was the last time you decided to create art that wasn't your typical scene or approach it from a completely different perspective? I've spent most of my years painting what I see, whether it was plein air, a still life in front of me, or the usual photo I took of something - only to go and paint it later. I've asked others what they'd like to see me paint, and I've done commissioned works. I would describe my style as realism so I tend to paint exactly as I see things.

Recently, I was inspired to paint from a very different beginning and in a very different way. I happened to come across this very fun looking bike/cruiser (picture attached) as part of set d�cor for a famous food and wine event. I couldn't stop looking at this bike. So, I took a photo of it and thought perhaps this would be good to paint. But there wasn't a scene that it was in, it literally was part of an exhibit that was serving French cheeses, pastries and the like. It took some quiet moments and a great chunk of time, I began to sketch the bike - even thinking I would maybe just leave the bike as the only focal point with a white, plain background. What was the fun in that? I couldn't bear the thought. I closed my eyes and imagined how beautiful this bike was - where would someone find this bike? I let my pencil fill in the blanks so to speak, I was deeply moved in the creative spaces of my mind and heart. I pictured a woman riding this bike and making an unexpected stop at this cute French bakery - on a street corner that was relatively empty with the exception of a lamppost on the corner and a tree far off in the distance. There was something mysterious about this bakery - it seemed this woman really did want a nice hot caf� au lait and a sweet pastry, but she stopped for something more. Was it to meet someone unexpected, or someone that was expecting her? No one quite knows.

It took me a while to decide what colors to blend together. The red awning and the yellow plaster building and blue door seemed to fit. What's unique about this work is that I literally took one subject (the bike) and developed something around it that would speak to the viewer. I had one viewer share with me that it looked exactly like a little caf� that her and her husband rode their bikes to when they stayed in the countryside outside of Paris. She was emotionally in that painting which to my surprise was amazing given that this place was made up in my mind! This is the ultimate desire of an artist - to speak emotionally to the viewer.

I've since painted a few other pieces that I've used just an object as the theme and again tapped into my creative psyche to fill in the blanks. I've deemed this series of paintings - Paris Romance Collection. I hope you get a chance to view them and share any feedback. Enjoy!

paris art for sale

eiffel tower art for sale

~M

This past weekend I was thrilled to attend the 31st Annual San Diego ArtWalk in the downtown neighborhood of Little Italy. Some sunshine, the sea and 15 blocks lined with 300 artists and their faire was not to be missed. This event is one of the largest in Southern California and draws fine artists from all mediums displaying and selling their works to the world.

What I found most interesting was the variety of work from artist of all mediums including: metal sculptures to vibrant watercolors, silkscreen printmaking to fine jewelry, colored marker drawings to hand-blown glass pieces, traditional oils to mixed mediums. I was truly in awe of the talent, dedication and life created by these artists.

As an artist, I'm always curious how other artists came to purse their creativity and artistry. I took the time to talk with a few select artists about their works. In talking to one lady, I found that her silkscreen printmaking took years and years of schooling to learn and build her business. How unique and how interesting her work was. They were very simple images placed on clean wine paper and neatly framed - images such as animals and objects like an airplane or train. When I asked her who purchased her art and who follows her she said, her style appeals to adults with children who love the whimsical and comic book like depictions. Sometime these adults buy her work to decorate their child's room with or sometime its actually for their own personal enjoyment on their office walls.

When I step outside of my own watercolor-focused art and experience an amazing event like this that brings together a true m�lange of artists, I can't help but to be infused with new inspiration and appreciation for the arts.

~M

The last year or so I've been asked by friends and family subjects to paint or given ideas by them for my next work. At first I was a little hesitant, but after careful consideration I thought why not paint what someone else has asked for? It started out with my friend who went to Hawaii and got to go snorkeling and fell in love with the sea turtles. She begged me to painted one and so I did. I really hadn't painted any animals prior to this and I'm grateful she asked me to do this because it was the start of the love I have for painting all kinds of animals now.

To do something outside of your familiar ways or comfort zone can be terrifying - especially as human begins we tend to always think the worst outcome will reveal its ugly head. What I enjoy most about painting animals is that I get to portray the emotions and feelings that I see in their body shapes, movement, and eyes within their surroundings. A friend complimented a recent work of mine saying I really "captured" what she thought was a "lively" depiction of a cat. It's very rewarding to hear compliments like this.

I continue to paint animals, but have to say I'm now asking for more out of the box ideas for subjects. I have a few suggestions so far and am mulling them over. We'll see what's next....

~M

I recently attended a painting class focused on copying the Masters works of art. George Seraut lived to the age of 31 in the mid 1800s in Paris and is most famous for his "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte". While this is one of my favorite paintings of all time, and I've seen it in all it's splendor at the Art Institute of Chicago, the subject matter of this class was "The Eiffel Tower". Seraut was known for his meticulous style of layering dot upon dots which today we would refer to as pixilation. I can only imagine how tedious of work this was and while my class was only three hours I grew tired of dotting.

You see I am a watercolorist by heart and I love the free and flowing form of water media. This was a true test of my "artistry" as I developed more patience and appreciation for different styles and mediums of paint. I was very pleased at the idea of not having to think of "what should I paint next...." or even what colors/tones I would used. It was all right in front of me.

The image for this blog is my final work and I have to say I'm pretty excited. It's so different than anything would create which makes me smile a little bigger. It's true what they say, that attempting to copy a master is really freeing and very educational. Go ahead, give it a whirl.

~M

It's past the middle of January and I'm still wishing others a "Happy New Year"! With the New Year just beginning it's a time that most (whether you're an artist or not) choose to plan out their resolutions or goals for the year. If you are an artist you may plot out trips of places to visit that you can paint. Or you may choose to plan out your artwork based on the seasons of the year.

Often artists can run out of fuel to get their creativity flowing. Is that even possible you ask? Why, yes it is. Some might say that they need inspiration to create a really good painting or other art piece. If that's the case, how does the inspiration translate into beautiful art - my answer: PASSION. IF something inspires you it will stir your creativity. Creativity is an engine of passion. And inspiration is the fuel.

What if nothing inspires you? Start with something out of the ordinary. If you are use to sketching people, or painting flowers - try a different subject. Ask a friend what they want you to paint or draw. Why not illustrate something as simple as a lettering? What about trying to create art from a different type of medium. Whatever gets you out of the arena of familiarity will get that passion stirred.

Go ahead try something new - experiment and see yourself be inspired.

~M

Matting & framing art adds value to your artwork. Particular to watercolors, matting is imperative in drawing attention to your subject matter and completing its visual effect to the viewer. Color scheme is very important when selecting matting. You'll want to decide whether you want single or double mat. Double matt provides more depth and dimension. Typically the inner mat is a complimenting color from the art. I suggest a color that you used in your painting as an accent to complete the picture. The second mat which goes on top typically is best if it is white or different shades of white. This gives the painting a clean slate and clear view for the viewer, essentially it will allow the painting to "pop".

Selecting a frame can really change the entire tone of the art. Do you want the art to extend to the frame so that it has the same look and feel of the painting or do you want a stark contrast? Again, select a color that is not dominant in your art. By selecting an accent color this will round out the whole feeling of your art.

While I've focused on matting and framing your watercolor art - this can be applied to any photo or any painting you are looking to display.

Happy matting, happy framing!

~M

The beauty of art is that everyone appreciates different work and you really can't tell someone that a work is good or bad. Sure, there are general rules and guidelines one can practice, however, really how an artist's work is appreciated is all in the "eye of the beholder".

I've included an image with this blog of one of my most recent paintings that has sold. The painting is called "Through a Window" and it's of a certain view I had sitting at a restaurant in Oceanside harbor staring out at the lighthouse. The purchaser liked the painting because he said it would remind him of the time that he lived in Oceanside, California. He is relocating out of state and decided to select my work as something he'll hang in his new house.

People like what they are attracted to, and what they are attracted to usually triggers good memories. What type of artwork are you attracted to? What does your favorite painting or photo remind you of? Remember often times the artist will paint what creates positive memories or trigger emotions for them personally.

Next time you are in a museum, gallery or coffee shop stop for a second, intentionally ask yourself why do I like or dislike this artist's work? Does it remind me of something? You'll find that in fact there is always an emotional connection and appreciating that artist's work some how connects you to them.

~M

Welcome to Originals by M Carlen

I recently have launched this site to share my art with as many as find it inspirational and all who find a personal connection to my work. I find it ironic that it's now FALL HARVEST season and as a result of about two years of hard work I'm able to now share my work in this forum.

Passion is what drives to me to paint and everywhere I look I see a potential painting. Sometimes the creative side can get stuck, but around every corner there is opportunity for something new.

The Fall season provides colorful seasons, unique produce, changing leaves and just a different feel in the air.

I hope you enjoy this harvest season.

~ M